Page 45 of Protected by the Fallen
“I’m fine,” I mumble against his formal shirt. He’s lost the tuxedo jacket. “What’s happening?”
Zeke releases me. “Fighters are gathered in the banquet hall. We’ve secured the wards, but that won’t keep The Darkness from breaking in forever.”
“We need to ward Veronica in the library.”
“I thought the library was already warded.”
“We will make it stronger.” Adrian and Zeke say at the same time. The bookshelves blur as we rush through the library. Adrian shoves aside the podium blocking the entrance to the Ancient section. We snake through the aisles to the back of the area. Jude is there, chanting a ward over Vera. Her face is pale, and her hands are shaking. She doesn’t move to me, not wanting to disrupt Jude’s ward, but she offers a weak wave.
“What about other Nephilim?” I ask, worried for the dozens of people attending the party. We’re the only ones here. If this is such a safe spot, we should bring the others here, too.
“They will either fight or find their own location to hide,” Zeke answers. He touches my shoulder, and I feel warmth similar to Adrian’s flow over me. Adrian touches my other arm, adding to his brother’s effort. The protection around me grows, the invisible walls thickening. When they drop their hands, I know they’ve constructed the strongest ward they can manage. A bead of sweat runs down Zeke’s temple, and Adrian puts his hands on his hips and leans forward, trying to catch his breath.
A new dose of fear makes me ask, “Will you be able to fight?” Did my soulmates just drain themselves of power?
“Yes. We just need a moment for our reserves to replenish.” Zeke sits on the table behind him. He’s exhausted.
I gnaw the inside of my cheek. “What about the Light Fallen?”
“They will fight.” Adrian knows I’m asking about Gabe and Joseph. He stares deep into my eyes. “Everyone will be fine.”
I nod and swallow back my fear. “You should go. They may need your help.”
“We aren’t leaving you undefended, Angel.”
Jude steps forward. “I can stay. Veronica is right. You two are the best shot we have to minimize casualties.”
“No,” Zeke and Adrian, again, speak at the same time.
“I’ll stay,” Zeke says. “Adrian, you know how to reach me if you need.”
Adrian nods. Then, without warning, he kisses me full on the mouth. In front of everyone. My hands curl into his chest. All too soon, the kiss ends, and he’s gone. Jude, too, departs. Only Vera, Zeke, and I remain.
I wrap my arms around myself. Dread returns, digging deep into my gut, twisting painfully. “Something feels wrong,” I whisper.
“What?” Zeke is in front of me, looking over me for any sign of injury. Other than my tender leg, where the stone collided with my skin, I am physically perfect. “Are you hurt?”
“No. That’s not what I mean.” I stare out through an empty spot on the shelf, looking at the center aisle of the library.
“What is it?” He pitches his voice low, leaning closer.
“I don’t know. It’s like… a bad vibe. I don’t know how to explain it.”
“Do you have the gift of Sight?” Vera asks. She draws closer.
I look at Zeke for an explanation.
“No,” Zeke answers, but he doesn’t look convinced. “Ron’s strongest gift is healing.”
“Oh.” Vera deflates, falling into the nearest leather chair. She chews on her thumbnail and stares off into the distance. If she’s anything like me, she’s worrying about Jude.
Zeke continues to watch me, his concern evident. “Describe what you’re feeling.”
How do I put this into words?
“Afraid. Worried.” I sigh. “Like I know something bad is going to happen.”
“When did the feeling start?” I’m glad Zeke is taking me seriously. I’m not sure I would if I were in his shoes.
