Page 7 of Protected by the Fallen
I already know how it happened. Freddy’s mom told Freddy to get close to my best friend. Still, I humor her and ask, “How did it happen?”
“I actually have you to thank for that,” Annie perks up while I feel my mood plummet.
“How so?”
“You and Preston,” she tells me. “Remember how I told you Freddy reached out to ask me why you kept cancelling dates with Preston?”
I open my eyes. “A little.” Preston McKenna, my childhood crush, had the unfortunate timing of asking me out while I was in the middle of battling yancor demons and learning the truth about my biological parents. Freddy tasked himself with asking my best friend why I was ditching his best friend. Now, I wonder if he didn’t have other motives when asking Annie about me.
“Well, we would text about you guys. I’d always defend you, even though you were ghosting poor Preston.”
“I did not ghost him,” I object, even though I know she’s not wrong. I didn’t mean to treat Preston so poorly. Like I said, the timing was horrible. It took me too long to realize there was no way I would be able to have a normal relationship amidst all the chaos in my life. And Preston was hurt as a result.
“I’m not blaming you,” Annie says. “All I’m saying is Freddy and I started talking because of you two. One thing led to another… and he finally asked me out a few days ago.”
“And you… like him?”
“Yeah,” Annie breathes. “I think I like him a lot.”
I feel terrible. I can’t believe I didn’t know my best friend had been asked out on a date. And by Freddy of all people. I’d been a coward to avoid her calls. I’m a horrible friend.
“I’m happy for you, Annie.” I mean it. Annie has always caught guys’ attention. She’s too gorgeous not too, but my best friend rarely returns their interest. The fact she like Freddy is huge, and though I fear his motives, I want to support my friend. I can confide my worries to The Fallen, and they can investigate if there is anything wrong with Freddy. Until then, I will play the supportive role.
“Thanks, Ronnie. Freddy’s been so sweet,” she gushes. “We have our first date tonight. We’re going to the dine-in theatre.”
“That sounds fun.”
“Yeah, I can’t wait.”
I settle myself into the armchair beside the window, prepared to hear more about Annie and Freddy and their blossoming romance when Annie switches topics, “So, speaking of love interests, you never did tell me which of the hunks has caught your eye.”
“What?”
“At Freddy’s party,” she reminds me, “you told me you liked someone else. That’s why you were avoiding Preston.”
“Oh… right.”
I totally forgot that I’d almost revealed my feelings for The Fallen. I’d been annoyed seeing Tina Peters, Preston’s ex-girlfriend, and her posse of gorgeous followers practically throwing themselves at Adrian and Zeke. Annie, ever observant, had called me out on my unusual behavior. In a moment of weakness, I confessed I had feelings for someone other than Preston, and she immediately suspected one of the Dark Fallen. I can only imagine her shock if she learned the truth. Not only did I have feelings for both of the blonde angels, but I also had a thing for our ex-physics teacher and his brother.
I shake my head, feeling the blush as I think about admitting the truth to my best friend. There is no telling what her reaction would be.
“So, spill,” Annie commands. “Who is it?”
I debate my answer. I definitely can’t tell her it’s Mr. Cohen—Joseph. Me liking our old teacher is a social taboo, but any of the others would work. Annie saw each of them visit me while I worked at her family’s restaurant. But there is one that would be the easiest to convince her I liked.
“It’s Zeke.”
“Reaaally?” she draws out the word dramatically. “You still like him, even after he ditched you all those years ago.”
When I was fourteen, Zeke and I met by chance when my father dragged me to a self-defense class at a kickboxing studio. I ended up loving the sport and signed on for the beginner class. Zeke was my instructor, and my heart had no chance. I fell for the broody yet attentive man—who I later learned was actually an angel. Zeke had known I wasn’t human, but he suspected I was Nephilim. We grew close, but he skipped town when he thought spending time near me would draw the attention of dangerous beings. It turns out he was right to worry, but the creatures found me regardless.
I’d been devastated when Zeke left town, and Annie knew it. Hence, she is surprised I allowed myself to fall for him again. She doesn’t know my feelings are far beyond my control. The connection I feel to all The Fallen is strong, and I know from experience it is impossible to fight.
“Really,” I confirm.
“Wow. I guess I understand why you wanted to go on the trip so suddenly.”
My face heats. “Yeah.”
