Page 8 of Protected by the Fallen
“Personally, I would’ve gone for Adrian. That guy is sex on a stick.”
I bark a laugh. “How would you know that?” Both Annie and I have zero experience in the sex department.
“Movies,” she answers with a chuckle. “He’s smoking.”
“He’s very good looking,” I agree.
“He’s gorgeous,” Annie replies. “But so is Zeke. So I can’t say I blame you. As long as Zeke doesn’t run out without a word again, I’m happy for you.”
I want to defend Zeke and tell Annie he would never leave me, but I remember how he’d been willing to leave Valley Lake once the yancor demons were dealt with before Lukas entered the picture and my existence began to be known by more than just the four Fallen.
I clear the emotion from my throat and say, “Thanks.”
A loud knock reaches my ears. I gasp. Annie hears.
“Ronnie? What is it?”
My heart is pounding. It’s too soon for the guys to be back, and they wouldn’t knock anyway. Someone unexpected is here, and I’m all alone.
“Ronnie?”
“I’m here,” I speak quietly, slowly rising from the chair. “I’ve got to go. I’ll talk to you later. Enjoy your date.”
“What? Why—”
I end the call. To make sure my phone doesn’t buzz or ring, I switch the device to nighttime mode.
I’m debating whether or not to bunker down in the study or go see who is here, when I hear the telling sound of the door opening. Straining my ears, calling on my angelic hearing, I make out the faint sound of footsteps.
I have company.
Four
Don’t panic.
I know the Fallen have protected the flat. If someone is able to get inside, they must be a friend.
But why would they knock so loudly? The sound definitely wasn’t friendly, nor did it inspire me to welcome anyone.
No, the knock sounded aggravated, maybe even a little angry. But would a bad guy knock? I don’t even know anymore. My mind is a jumbled mess, and fear threatens to make me an easy target. I force myself to get a grip and focus until Angel Fire illuminates my hands. I grind my teeth, willing every ounce of power into the flames. Despite the effort, my power is little more than a burning ember. It will have to do. I can hear the newcomer’s footsteps, and I wonder why the person isn’t trying to be quieter.
Careful to walk on my toes, I inch toward the door. It’s still ajar, and I position myself behind it. I can see through the small separation between it and the doorframe, but I’m hidden from anyone walking from the main foyer. I take care not to breathe too heavily. If my unannounced visitor is Fallen, he or she will easily be able to pick up ragged breaths.
I am counting to twenty Mississippi, sure to keep my Angel Fire blazing, when I hear, “Veronica?”
I almost gasp. It can’t be…
“Veronica?” The newcomer repeats, and the voice is so blessedly familiar that I feel my heart squeeze in equal parts longing and relief.
I step out from my hiding place and call out, “Over here.”
I can now make out two sets of footsteps drawing near. I suck in air, praying I haven’t been masterfully tricked in some way.
I exhale as Gabe rounds the corner. His brother, Joseph, is right behind him. I break into a wide smile. “You’re here!”
Before I know what’s happening, Gabe closes the distance and lifts me off the ground. His arms are steady and strong… and tight.
“Can’t… breathe.”
