Page 35 of Protected by the Fallen
I smile but tear my gaze away. I’m not naïve, I know we are going to attract attention no matter what, but we don’t have to make it worse by staring at each other like love-struck fools. Zeke’s thumb rubs against my bare back, silently apologizing. I relax a little, soothed by the sweet gesture.
“Have you greeted the guests?” A different male Fallen with strawberry blond hair asks Zeke. All of the angels’ eyes travel over to the front of the room. I notice the other five Light Fallen, standing near where Gabe and Joseph are speaking with others. I see three guys and two females. They aren’t as relaxed as the Dark Fallen wandering around the room. None aside from Gabe and Joseph bother to interact with anyone. Their rigid bodies and alert eyes reveal their discomfort being at the Dark embassy.
“Not yet,” Zeke answers. “But I’m sure my mother will rectify that shortly.”
The group laughs, and I observe those around me. I get the vibe these are some of Zeke’s friends. The strawberry blond has kind eyes, and a strong, lean physique. A different guy with hair down to his shoulders stands next to Jude and Vera. He is smiling, but the scars marring his knuckles paint him as a fighter. A leggy redhead in a fabulous short, green gown leans against his arms, marking them as a couple. Her hair is twisted in a fishtail braid, and I envy how effortless her beauty is. A lovely brunette stands beside Vera. Her dress is a deep red, and her neckline dips in a tight V to her belly button. Strips of fabric barely cover her breasts. Long, wavy hair helps conceal some of her exposed skin.
On anyone else, I’d call the dress over-the-top, but she rocks it. She screams sexy and confident. I continue to admire the beautiful bracelets stacked on her wrists, when she catches me looking at her, and a not-so-friendly smile pulls at her lips.
“Ezekiel, darling,” the brunette purrs my soulmate’s name, and the sound puts me on edge. “Who is this creature you’ve yet to introduce?” Calculating, she eyes me up and down. I resist the urge to fidget. This one is giving off all of the bad vibes, and I refuse to show any sign she’s affecting me.
“My apologies,” Zeke gazes down at me with an expression I can only describe as proud. “I’m sure you’ve all heard the rumors, but in case you didn’t, Adrian and I have found ourbashert.”
“Congratulations.”
“That’s marvelous.”
“It’s about time.”
The group choruses their responses, and I smile politely, glad Zeke’s friends seem supportive. Well, not the brunette. But I’m not surprised. I know jealousy when I see it, and the brunette is practically green with it.
“Veronica,” Zeke continues, gesturing to the strawberry blonde. “This is George. He, Adrian and I traveled Europe together during the Renaissance,” he drops the information as if it’s nothing, then motions toward the affectionate couple, “Oren and Cecilia.” The brunette’s scowl morphs into a stunning smile when Zeke’s attention moves to her, “and this is Roxy.”
Roxy. Of course she has a unique and sexy name to go along with her looks.
“And you already know Vera and Jude. Everyone, meet Veronica.”
Everyone, including Roxy, returns the greeting.
“It’s nice to meet all of you,” I reply genuinely.
George steps forward holds out a hand, “It’s great to finally meet a soul capable of snatching this one up. We weren’t sure it’d ever happen.”
Beside me, Zeke rolls his eyes. I take George’s hand and shake it with a chuckle.
“That’s what I said,” Jude tells George. He grins between me and Zeke. “Only someone with a lot of power could match up with you and Adrian.”
I stiffen, but my reaction goes unnoticed when Oren adds, “And patience. Creator knows Zeke and Adrian are probably the most annoying Fallen alive.”
Again, the whole group laughs. It’s nice to get a glimpse into Zeke’s life. I know almost nothing about his life before me, and I’m sure there’s a lot to uncover.
I glance at Zeke. “You travelled Europe during the Renaissance?”
“Yes,” his hand rubs my back again. “It was fun.”
“Fun?” Being at the epicenter of the pinnacle of human knowledge and insight was just fun?
“Oh, isn’t he unbearable, Veronica?” Cecilia speaks up. She shakes her head in mock annoyance. “All of the Fallen are so nonchalant about their exploits. I swear, sometimes I believe immortality is lost on them. They don’t appreciate all of the magnificent things they’ve seen and done.” From her speech, I gather Cecilia is a Nephilim.
“That’s not true, my love,” Oren wraps an arm around her, pulling her even closer. “I’ll never forget meeting you, and that was the most magnificent day of my life.” He kisses her temple adoringly, and I swoon a little bit.
“Not all Fallen have such short memories,” Roxy says. “I, for one, remember the Renaissance well. Zeke, do you remember the time we went to a ball thrown by thegrandiin Florence? Ah, I’ll never be able to forget that night. We danced and drank until I was dead on my feet.”
So, Roxy is an angel. And she is not-so-subtly throwing the fact she and Zeke have a history in my face. Lucky for me, I’m used to mean and manipulative girls. I dealt with them throughout high school, and I bet my old rival Tina could give Roxy a run for her money.
“I do remember,” Zeke says, “but I must agree with Oren. The best day of my life was when I first set eyes on Veronica.” With his fingers, he gently moves my chin towards him, then kisses me with a tenderness I’m not sure I will ever be able to comprehend.
“Ugh,” George pretends to gag. “Are the couples going to be lovey-dovey all night? If so, I’ll go find another group to speak with.”
