Page 38 of Protected by the Fallen
Sarah watches their subservience approvingly, then returns her attention to the three of us. “Come. Representatives from the Light Council are here, and I want you to speak with them about the battle.” Gliding away, she doesn’t wait for a response. She expects us to follow.
Adrian mutters under his breath but offers me an arm. Zeke, having already had the honor of escorting me, allows his brother the privilege.
Again, the crowd parts for Sarah. I notice two Fallen flank her. I hadn’t noticed them before, but they act like bodyguards. Does the leader of the council warrant such protection? Can a Fallen’s life really be in danger?
Immediately, I think of The Darkness. I’ve learned, first-hand, how the growing negative energy can fatally wound earthly angels. Suddenly, I am on alert. I can’t explain it, but a feeling of dread gathers in my gut. I tell myself I’m being ridiculous. I blame past trauma for my paranoia.
We walk through the tables. Adrian dips his head, acknowledging some of those we pass. The side of my face tingles. I look to my right, and I am caught up in a dark, unnerving stare. Master Nate sits at a table, surrounded by six boisterous Fallen and Nephilim, but he takes no part in their amusement.
The last time we ran into each other, Master Nate was suspicious of me. I’d tried to play it cool, but I hadn’t been able to shake the notion that Master Nate had figured out I’m not who I’m pretending to be. I’d left that situation worried, to say the least.
Right now, his stare is so much worse. I begin to tremble. Master Nate’s expression is void of suspicion and curiosity. In their place are anger and frustration. HeknowsI’m not who I say I am. What’s worse? Based on his furious glare, I’m pretty sure he’s one of the Fallen who would see me dead for daring to even be born.
I force my eyes away, but my fears don’t disappear with the absence of Master Nate’s accusatory glare.
Adrian feels my fingers tremble. “Are you alright, Angel?”
“I’m fine.” I put on a brave smile, but the effort falls flat when my lips wobble.
His eyes narrow. “I know you’re lying.”
“Not here.” I shake my head. “Please. I’ll tell you later.”
A slender form steps in our way. I blink, recognizing the woman. “Mrs. Hutchins.”
I’m shocked to see my classmate’s mom at the banquet. Then again, I shouldn’t be. No doubt, the council awarded her an invitation in light of her loyalty. She hadn’t hesitated to bring me to the embassy, knowing the council would use me to get Adrian and Zeke to do their bidding.
“Veronica,” she smiles, and I regret to notice it seems genuine. “I’m glad to see you looking so well.”
“Oh. Uh… thank you.” What in the world am I supposed to say to that?”
Over her shoulder, I see Sarah stop walking. She doesn’t interrupt, but she looks at us impatiently. That’s when I see another familiar face, standing behind Mrs. Hutchins.
I clutch tight onto Adrian’s arm, afraid I am going to faint. “Freddy?”
Seventeen
Freddy Hutchins,the guy dating Annie, and the best friend of Preston McKenna, looks at me with an expression mixed with discomfort and apology. Like the other guys in the room, he wears a tuxedo. Unlike mybashertenshis bowtie is black. His hair is slicked back. I’d expect nothing less from Mrs. Hutchins. She’s always cared about appearances. There is no way she’d allow her son to show up at the even looking anything less than immaculate.
I continue to stare, and I realize I’ve never noticed how good-looking Freddy is. I can understand why Annie likes him.
Then, I remember his angelic bloodline, and I want to kick myself. Running into Freddy would be inevitable if he ever came around the embassy. Which, considering how ambitious his mother is, is probably often. I should’ve seen this coming.
“Adrian,” his mother calls out, reaching the end of her patience. “Perhaps you can escort Claudia to meet our guests. Young Frederick can walk with Veronica.”
Adrian looks like that is the last thing he wants to do. He knows who Freddy is, and he remembers what Mrs. Hutchins did. She’s the reason he’s become the council’s lapdog. I grip his arm, shaking my head, begging with my eyes for him to not cause a scene. Already, we’ve attracted the attention of those around us. I beg him to not make the situation any worse.
He grinds his jaw for a second then barks, “Very well.” I lower my arm and watch as he offers his elbow to Mrs. Hutchins. She takes it hesitantly, no doubt aware of all the reasons Adrian has to dislike her.
Freddy and I remain staring at one another, neither sure of what to say or do.
Zeke saves us when he walks by and says to Freddy, “Take her arm.”
Freddy obeys as Zeke continues to follow his mother and brother, giving me a reassuring smile before he looks away.
Gulping, I place my hand in the crook of Freddy’s elbow, making sure to not let more than my hand touch him. This is incredibly awkward. I can only imagine what Freddy is thinking.
Freddy moves and we trail after those in front of us. I am surprised when we walk to the other end of the banquet hall and exit into a back corridor. A stone stairway appears on our right, and we follow Sarah, her bodyguards, Mrs. Hutchins, and my soulmates up their twisting steps.
