Fallen Melody: Fallen: Book 1

by Layna Snow

  As Cay came around the side of the building, after what felt like hours, the sight that met him was unforgettable.

  Melody held a gun pointed at Tim and she actually pulled the trigger.

  Caleb had never heard a gunshot in real life before.

  He had thought that it would be a popping noise, but he was wrong. It was more like a small explosion. A burst of noise so intense that, for a moment, he couldn’t hear his own breathing.

  Cay saw Tim’s body jerk once. And then Melody dropped backwards, her head actually bouncing against the blacktop.

  SHIT!

  He started running again. His fear very real.

  He knew that head-wounds were difficult. He knew what could happen if they weren’t treated.

  Fortunately, men ran onto the scene, all dressed in black with pouches, weapons, and various other things strapped to their bodies. Cay saw one with a med kit come to a stop beside Mel. Others dropped beside Tim, checking his vitals.

  “He’s dead.” One of the men said, his voice pitched low.

  Finally, Caleb approached, shoving his way past the people in his way.

  That was his girlfriend dying there!

  He deserved to be there to comfort her, to help her.

  Please God, let her live! He prayed, for the first real time in his life.

  He swore that he would go to church more. He wouldn’t swear as fucking much. He’d do anything to make this right!

  Her body looked so small on the ground. So lifeless laying, splayed out.

  Her hair was so red, but in the dim light he could see it darkening.

  Blood.

  Caleb knelt down, touching the only part of him that he could reach without disturbing the medic.

  Her cold hand.

  “How is she?” Seth asked, having found his voice first. The medic looked up at them, a small smiling on face.

  “She’s not bleeding much and her heart is beating. Everything else she can heal.” The man said.

  So the medic knew that she was an Angel.

  He knew about her abilities.

  He knew that she’d be fine.

  She wasn’t dying.

  Cay felt his energy just leave his body. All the tension. All the fear.

  Everything disappeared as if it was never there. As if it wasn’t needed. And Caleb felt the weakest that he’d ever been.

  Thank God for her hard head! He would never criticize her stubbornness again! She was a miracle. And there was nothing like the feeling that flooded through him. He would remember this forever.

  Her face was pale, but perfect. Still and unfazed by pain and terror.

  Her lips lifted in a tiny smile.

  What was she thinking about? He hoped that she was dreaming of him. Or Seth. He didn’t care. She deserved some happiness. Hell, she deserved all the happiness in the world.

  He just couldn’t take his eyes off of her. It was like his chest was warming, his heart expanding to unimaginable proportions. How it even fit in his chest, he had no idea.

  “Kitten, wake up.” He asked, pleaded. He needed to see her lovely blue eyes, their depths like the warmest, clearest ocean. He needed to make sure that she was really alright.

  He needed her to be perfectly fine.

  The medic moved away, backing up to allow Seth to kneel on the other side of Melody.

  Seth didn’t even hesitate. He just reached down and lifted her upper body and dragged it close to his chest.

  Cay looked up to see tears in his friend’s eyes. When was the last time that he had seen Seth cry? When was the last time he had seen any big emotion in his eyes? Seth hadn’t even been upset when Lucy left him.

  Because Lucy didn’t mean as much as Melody did. Lucy wasn’t as important.

  Mel was their heart, their soul and their reason for being. She brought them close together. She taught Caleb to value himself, helped Seth laugh again. She took two broken men, who were once two broken boys, and made them into something better, something whole.

  Cay smiled as he watched Seth run his hands along her face, his head bowed to touch his forehead to hers. He was sure that Seth was trying to hide his tears. He probably also couldn’t help but touch her.

  Caleb didn’t care about his own tears. He didn’t have anything to hide. He didn’t mind if the men running around them—doing God knows what—saw his happiness. Crying wasn’t a weakness. How could this emotion ever be anything except wonderful.

  The people around them should be jealous, because he had found one of the greatest gifts in the world.

  He didn’t care if the people of the town rejected them. He didn’t care if they had to leave their home and clinic behind.

  Cay scooted closer, touching Melody’s sweet, warm, lovely face.

  He didn’t care if they had nothing at all, as long as he had her. And Seth.

  “Open your eyes, Kitten. We need you to open those pretty eyes.” He cajoled, hoping that she would hear his voice and obey him. He needed her to know that they were there. That they would take care of her from now on.

  “Melody! Wake up!” Seth said, turning his voice into a command. It still held a hint of softness.

  Apparently it worked through. Mel’s forehead crinkled down into a frown, and then she groaned a little. He was sure that she was in pain. He hated that she hurt. Hated that she felt pain at all. But at least she was alive.

  “That’s good. Open your eyes and look at us. I know you can do it, Kitten.” He said, running his good hand along her cheek. It was soft, the skin so smooth that he wanted to run his lips across it. But he couldn’t. Not right now. Not until she was fine and they were home.

  Mel tilted her head a little, her frown still in place. But she did open her eyes a little, only to promptly shut them.

  Men and women with lights were entering and exiting the motel. They all had the same expression, a seriousness that told Cay that they were professionals. Obviously Axel knew some dangerous people.

  Were all these people Fallen?

  He also noticed that there were spotlights set up, which made it brighter than it would have been normally. Why did they need so many lights? And why were people tearing apart Tim’s motel room? Surely the fact that he was dead was good enough.

  “Oh, good, she’s awake.” Axel said, walking up behind them.

  He needed to get her home, if it wasn’t still a crime-scene. Shit! He had forgotten about that.

  Melody’s eyes were open again, just a crack but combined with her soft smile, he felt his heart melt.

  Cay’s breath left his body in a rush. “Thank God! I love you so much, Mel. I was so worried!” he was humbled by the look of pure love in her eyes.

  Thank fuck, she felt the same!

  “It’s all over now,” Seth said, moving the hair from her forehead so he could kiss it. “You are the love of my life.” Cay could hear Seth’s voice crack, could see the emotions that Seth no longer kept hidden, emotions that mirrored his own.

  “Sir, umm.. his email password was easy to crack. We just got in now.” An African-Canadian woman said, as she approached.

  Cay turned to hear what was happening, his hand reaching to grip Mel’s.

  He didn’t want to let her go, never again.

  “What did you find?” Axel asked, turning to face the new arrival.

  Cay could hear Seth whispering words of love to Melody, and he smiled.

  “Just as I thought. The letterhead is from The Zeus Institute for Curative Medicine. They are a part of the Alliance for Humanity. He wasn’t accepted in yet. This was a test.” Axel said, his voice hard.

  “Yes, sir. I.. We think that he was supposed to bring her to the Compound as a final test. If he brought an Angel, they would have allowed him entrance. At least that was what I thought. I could be… sorry, sir. There were implied threats in the emails as well. They didn’t trust him. I..umm don’t think they believed that he had found one.” The woman explained, before ruffling some papers. “I think you’d
have to take the tests too… What do you advise?”

  Axel turned to look at the motel. “The owner is dead?” he asked, and was answered by a nod. “Take Timothy inside and-“ Just then a deafening explosion lit up the night.

  It stopped his heart.

  Burned his eyes.

  Were they still in danger? Was someone coming for Mel?

  Cay looked to the small motel, but it was on fire.

  Was everyone safe? He didn’t want to leave Mel, but he couldn’t just sit by.

  Everyone was running, yelling. Something about a girl named Samantha. She was the only one hurt.

  Axel spun around to look back at them. “You need to get in the van. I will take you to the clinic.” He said, more like commanded.

  Fuck, couldn’t he go one moment without ordering someone around?

  But, Caleb had learned his lesson. He wasn’t going to argue with Axel again. He knew what the man was capable of now.

  And he owed him.

  He was finally happy for once in his life. He felt like he had a place, like he belonged. He loved Melody more than anything, certainly more than himself. He also loved Seth—in a totally different way! It was about time that they got on with their lives.

  Cay smiled as Seth picked up the woman they loved. Seth could hold her for now, but when they got back to the practice, Cay was going to get a turn.

  “When I thought I was dying, the only thing that made me sad was that I wouldn’t get to spend my life with you both,” Mel said, her voice rough. From screaming? Cay hated that idea.

  “Shh, my love. Please don’t talk.” But she just smiled happily up at him.

  “No, I need to say this. It is important.” She said. “I love you both so much. But I need something from you. If I’m going to have your baby, we need to get married. I will not let my child grow up without a father,” she insisted.

  Axel sighed and shook his head, but no one questioned him.

  Cay felt like laughing. He loved her so much! “We are going to marry you anyways. I need you to be in my life! Oh, and I call lawful husband!” he said, raising his hand. Seth just followed him and laughed.

  “That’s fine, as long as I get to spend every night in bed with her. I never really knew what love was. I have never felt the fear, agony, and adoration that I feel for you, Mel. You have my heart forever. I love you so much!” Seth answered, and Cay could hear him give her a long kiss. Caleb smiled. He would get his turn. He would always get a turn with her.

  Because they were a family.

  “Come on Seth, keep up! We have to bring our little future-wife home and make her scream in pleasure. It will be the only screaming she will ever do again!” He vowed, and hoped he could keep his promise.

  Now, everything is fucking perfect! Cay thought, as they climbed into the van. He had thought things were great before, but nothing could compare to this.

  Nothing would ever fucking compare to this!

  Epilogue

  Melody walked into the hospital room, a huge smile on her face. She was the happiest person in the world. Everything was going so well!

  It had taken a week for the house to be put back together, and during that time they had stayed at a hotel in Barrie.

  They wanted to take a vacation to celebrate being alive. It was a magical time, which she looked back on with fond memories, even if they echoed the harsh reality of what happened to their friends. The boys never let her out of bed. They pampered her, even after her leg fixed itself. And then they showered her with pleasure until her body was sore. It was a good sore, though, one that reminded her of the ecstasy she received.

  Now that a month had passed, she was finally settling down into normal life.

  Ian’s funeral was the most difficult part. There was a horrifying moment where Ian’s mom wailed. They wanted to show respect, but they were the reason that mother had to bury her only son. Melody wanted to reassure her that death was not a bad thing, but she knew how scary it could be. Life was important, and it needed to be lived while you had it.

  It turned out that Melody wasn’t pregnant. It was a shame, but now they could get married before she became pregnant. That way, there would be no mistake that her baby belonged to one of her husbands. She had seen too many shows to take that for granted! Women found out their baby belonged to men that they denied that they had relations with! That would not happen to Melody’s baby!

  But Seth wanted to have a proper wedding, at least one that was proper for them. He wanted a ceremony that their friends could attend. But that wasn’t possible at the moment.

  “How are you feeling?” Mel asked, sitting down beside the Sophia. “Aren’t you getting out soon?”

  Sophie smiled and nodded, her hand furiously writing.

  I’m good. Thank you. How are you feeling? Are you pregnant yet? Mel laughed. Sophie had started asking after she had mentioned the possibility.

  “No, I’m not. But Caleb said that practice makes perfect. I don’t know what that means, but it seems nice.”

  Soph smiled, her mouth open in a silent laugh.

  Mel liked to spend time with Sophie. She liked talking, and hanging out. Although, she felt horrible for the situation she had put Sophie in. Sophie would have been safe if she hadn’t befriended Mel. But now that was over. Well, basically over.

  After Tim was shot and they were on their way to the clinic that night, Caleb had asked about what would happen to Emily. It was then that Mel remembered hearing Em apologize to Nate. But Axel just shook his head and said that if it was her who helped Tim, then she had learned her lesson.

  And Melody knew that he was right.

  You had to forgive. But they still didn’t spend much time with Em. In fact, Emily had gone to visit her brother, and Nate had gone back to Barrie. They weren’t talking, it seemed. And Melody felt bad for her. Everyone deserved the love that she felt.

  Seth was picking them up and then taking Sophie home. Brooklyn was supposed to come, but she had other plans.

  Actually, Brooklyn kept avoiding Sophie. Mel assumed that it was because of how upset she was about everything. It had to be difficult to have your sister almost die, especially since Soph and her twin almost died once before.

  The people of the town were all very upset. They ran news articles in their paper about how the town was no longer safe.

  The boys had been worried that people would reject them. But that wasn’t the case at all. People kept coming over and bringing them food. They were very nice and understanding. They had questions, and the guys tried to answer as best they could.

  The best explanation that Mel heard was when Seth told Carlie Angus, the mechanic, that life was too short to give up something you love just because it is taboo.

  He said that he trusted Caleb with his life, and he wanted to always have a family. He didn’t want his children to grow up without love and support. He didn’t want Melody to ever be without a husband that cared for her. They wanted to share a life with her, with each other.

  It was really beautiful. It seemed that everyone thought so too, because no one caused problems for them.

  “Seth should be here soon,” she reminded Soph. “How is your twin? Annie? Do you want to see her before you leave town?” It would be nice! And Mel would like to meet her!

  Sophie sighed noiselessly, but looked dejected. She’s worse. My mom says that she’s dying. Could you save her somehow? Is that possible?

  Melody shook her head. She wished that she was a healer, but she never had those powers. Instead, she had judged souls in Heaven. “I’m sorry, I don’t know of anyone who could help.” She wasn’t friends with other Angels. Maybe Axel? But he was a Warrior.

  Sophie nodded sadly, and it broke Melody’s heart.

  They should leave, but instead of getting up, Sophie bowed back over her paper. I have a question for you, then. A favour.

  Melody frowned. What could she possibly want? And why did she look so worried. Melody would do anything for her. “
Okay, just let me know what it is.”

  I heard Tim call you an Angel. You said that you’ve seen a Hellgate? Were you serious?

  Why was she asking about this? Was she curious about Angels? Melody just hoped that she didn’t tell anyone. But she really couldn’t lie to the girl.

  “Yes. Why?” Surely she couldn’t want to go to hell.

  If you could give me instructions on how to get there, I’d be very happy. I need to see if someone there will help me. You said Angels went there? Is that how you know of it?

  Mel smiled and nodded. “Yes. I wanted to fight. But I didn’t know how. I went to the Hellgate in Carls something. It’s in the southern part The United States of America. Or was it Mexico? There was something about Mexico in the name. Oh well, you don’t need to know. I’m warning you. Do not go to Hell. You cannot know what is down there, and what comes up. There are horrible creatures that survive just to eat Human flesh. I need you to promise not to enter the Gate.”

  When Sophie nodded, Melody felt relieved. At least one person would be safe. The Angels couldn’t be there all the time to protect it. She would hate if Sophie was hurt because of her.

  Just then, Cay came in and smiled. “Come on guys. Let’s blow this popsicle stand. I hate hospitals. They creep me out. And Seth’s waiting in the car.”

  Sophie stood and nodded, putting her paper in her bag. Melody was sure that she was really looking forward to going home. She had been in the hospital for over a month. The bullet had gotten stuck, lodging against a rib. They had trouble retrieving it, but luckily, they didn’t have to cut open her ribcage. Seth had mentioned that there was a possibility. It sounded horrible!

  Cay took Melody’s hand, pulling her into his side and leading them out of the hospital. “I love you,” he whispered, causing Melody to tear up.

  How could life get any more perfect?

  She was so happy that she Fell. She would have always been missing something otherwise. She never would feel this cherished, this loved. And she never would have been loved in return!

  She had Fallen from Heaven, but fell into the arms of her men.

  Now nothing would get in the way of their happiness.