Page 2 of Fear the Fall

“She’ll survive,” I say, knowing I need to leave immediately. Something in the air is off.

The sirens blaring in the background indicate that more humans are on their way. It won’t be long before quite the scene rains down on me. Glancing around, I’m relieved to see the cleanup process is complete. When the humans get here, they’ll find nothing more than an injured woman and a man caring for her. My work is done.

“Wait,” he says, reaching out and grabbing my elbow.

A slow burn starts deep in my belly, building all the way up my chest. I close my eyes and attempt to shake off the sensations. Wrong, yet so right.

Emotions like this are impossible for a virtue angel to feel, yet the heat from his touch still burns my skin. Something forbidden. Something that calls to my soul and threatens to rip away my very existence.

“What you saw,” I start, and then stop, knowing that what I’m about to say will go against every law of my kind. But when I look back up to his handsome face, I know I have to warn him. “You’re in grave danger.”

His answering grin confuses me, and I narrow my eyes. He can’t be making light of this. Does he not realize that by law, I should kill him on the spot? Does he not know that there is still a real chance that once I leave, another of my brothers could sweep in and do the job I’m somehow incapable—for the first time in my existence—of doing?

“Angel,” he says softly. The very words caress my skin. If I were standing, they would surely buckle my traitorously weak knees. He leans over, trailing one finger down my cheek and over the curve of my exposed neck. I shudder under his touch, my eyes closing of their own volition.

“You’re in danger,” I repeat, stressing the words, needing him to understand the seriousness of this moment.

He shakes his head. “I am the danger.”

Something about the way he says it sends goose bumps racing up and down my spine in equal parts intrigue and trepidation. I rush to explain, knowing my time is running out.

“You can never repeat what you’ve seen here. I won’t compel you to forget, but you must never speak a word of this.” I stand and turn to go, but he’s right behind me, grabbing my elbow once more.

“Why?” he questions, eyes mere slits as he watches me, waiting for my answer. But I don’t know what he’s asking.

“Why won’t you compel me?” he says, solving my unanswered question.

It’s such a loaded question. Why indeed? I’ve been pondering the same thing this entire time, but it all comes down to one very peculiar thing.

“I can’t,” I admit, lowering my head.

Something inside me won’t allow it. It’s not divine intervention. No, this decision is all my own.

“What’s your name?”

I sigh. “I can’t tell you that.”

Giving a human my name is one of the greatest crimes against Heaven. Our names are sacred, given to us by our creator. I took an oath to protect it at all costs, because my name can be used as a weapon against me. Those who speak it can call on me at any moment, and in the hands of a human, that’s dangerous.

“What’s your name?” he repeats, looking deep into my eyes, burning his features into my memory. Prominent square jaw, sloped nose that gives way to full lips and a slight hollow in his chin. Penetrating green eyes that I’ll never forget.

“Victoria,” it slips from my lips, unbidden.

He nods, smiling. “Until we meet again, Victoria.”

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