Right now, his stare is so much worse. I begin to tremble. Master Nate’s expression is void of suspicion and curiosity. In their place are anger and frustration. He knows I’m not who I say I am. What’s worse? Based on his furious glare, I’m pretty sure he’s one of the Fallen who would see me dead for daring to even be born.
I force my eyes away, but my fears don’t disappear with the absence of Master Nate’s accusatory glare.
Adrian feels my fingers tremble. “Are you alright, Angel?”
“I’m fine.” I put on a brave smile, but the effort falls flat when my lips wobble.
His eyes narrow. “I know you’re lying.”
“Not here.” I shake my head. “Please. I’ll tell you later.”
A slender form steps in our way. I blink, recognizing the woman. “Mrs. Hutchins.”
I’m shocked to see my classmate’s mom at the banquet. Then again, I shouldn’t be. No doubt, the council awarded her an invitation in light of her loyalty. She hadn’t hesitated to bring me to the embassy, knowing the council would use me to get Adrian and Zeke to do their bidding.
“Veronica,” she smiles, and I regret to notice it seems genuine. “I’m glad to see you looking so well.”
“Oh. Uh… thank you.” What in the world am I supposed to say to that?”
Over her shoulder, I see Sarah stop walking. She doesn’t interrupt, but she looks at us impatiently. That’s when I see another familiar face, standing behind Mrs. Hutchins.
I clutch tight onto Adrian’s arm, afraid I am going to faint. “Freddy?”
Seventeen
Freddy Hutchins, the guy dating Annie, and the best friend of Preston McKenna, looks at me with an expression mixed with discomfort and apology. Like the other guys in the room, he wears a tuxedo. Unlike my bashertens his bowtie is black. His hair is slicked back. I’d expect nothing less from Mrs. Hutchins. She’s always cared about appearances. There is no way she’d allow her son to show up at the even looking anything less than immaculate.
I continue to stare, and I realize I’ve never noticed how good-looking Freddy is. I can understand why Annie likes him.
Then, I remember his angelic bloodline, and I want to kick myself. Running into Freddy would be inevitable if he ever came around the embassy. Which, considering how ambitious his mother is, is probably often. I should’ve seen this coming.
“Adrian,” his mother calls out, reaching the end of her patience. “Perhaps you can escort Claudia to meet our guests. Young Frederick can walk with Veronica.”
Adrian looks like that is the last thing he wants to do. He knows who Freddy is, and he remembers what Mrs. Hutchins did. She’s the reason he’s become the council’s lapdog. I grip his arm, shaking my head, begging with my eyes for him to not cause a scene. Already, we’ve attracted the attention of those around us. I beg him to not make the situation any worse.
He grinds his jaw for a second then barks, “Very well.” I lower my arm and watch as he offers his elbow to Mrs. Hutchins. She takes it hesitantly, no doubt aware of all the reasons Adrian has to dislike her.
Freddy and I remain staring at one another, neither sure of what to say or do.
Zeke saves us when he walks by and says to Freddy, “Take her arm.”
Freddy obeys as Zeke continues to follow his mother and brother, giving me a reassuring smile before he looks away.
Gulping, I place my hand in the crook of Freddy’s elbow, making sure to not let more than my hand touch him. This is incredibly awkward. I can only imagine what Freddy is thinking.
Freddy moves and we trail after those in front of us. I am surprised when we walk to the other end of the banquet hall and exit into a back corridor. A stone stairway appears on our right, and we follow Sarah, her bodyguards, Mrs. Hutchins, and my soulmates up their twisting steps.
The silence between us is the epitome of uncomfortable. I can’t bear it. So, I break the ice in the bluntest way possible. “How long have you known?”
Freddy stumbles, but manages to correct the blunder before tumbling down the stairsteps. “Known what?”
I give him a knowing look. “That I’m not human.”
“Oh. Since my mom told me,” he says. “How long have you known about… me?”
“Since your mom kidnapped me from your party and turned me in to the council.” I don’t bother trying to keep my voice down. Other than the bodyguards, I know everyone in the stairwell is aware of the story. I bet Sarah’s bodyguards are also privy to the information.
Freddy winces. “Right. Sorry about that.”
“Why are you apologizing? You didn’t do anything.”
“True,” Freddy keeps his eyes in front of us and lowers his voice. “But still… that was a pretty crappy thing for my mom to do.”
I’m shocked. Could Freddy actually not be a bad guy here?
“Yes,” I agree. “It was.”
Freddy finally spares me a glance. He eyes me up and down, then says, “I can’t believe I never picked up on it. I mean… I can’t believe I never sensed you are like me in high school. Now, I can totally tell you aren’t human.”
That’s because I had a ward masking all of my powers.
I shrug. “My powers didn’t show up until my birthday. It’s not surprising you couldn’t sense me.” I hope Freddy buys the lie. I can’t explain that until yancor demons attacked me and Adrian and Zeke swooped in to save the day, I hadn’t known what I am either.
Lucky for me, it seems this isn’t the first time Freddy’s heard the explanation. “That’s what my mom says,” he admits. “Still… it’s crazy. Who knew there was another Nephilim in Valley Lake?” His head swings side to side in disbelief. I say nothing. I’m just happy he hasn’t called me on my lie.
“So…” I clear my throat and lick my lips. “You and Annie…”
I’m pleased when I see his cheeks turn red.
“Uh… yeah. She told you?”
“She’s my best friend,” I remind him, “of course she told me.”
He falls silent, the color on his face deepening.
A thought hits me. “Please don’t tell Annie. About me, I mean. I plan to tell her about everything eventually, but things are… complicated right now.”
Freddy jerks back. “I would never say a word,” he swears. He runs his hand down his face. “If I’m being honest, I was going to ask you the same thing.”
“Annie doesn’t know your Nephilim?”
“No.”
I hesitate, then ask, “Have you thought about telling her?”
“No way,” he blurts. Then, he looks like he reconsiders. “I mean, I like Annie, but things aren’t serious enough for me to tell her about… that.”
“I totally understand,” I say, and I mean it. Sharing something like the truth of Fallen angels and the Nephilim race is no small matter. I respect Freddy’s honesty. “If I ever decide to tell her about me, I will leave you out of it.”
“Thank you,” he exhales.
I nod, then turn my head forward. We’ve reached the third landing, and now we are walking to an open parlor. Through the entryway, I see no less than eight Light Fallen standing in a circle. Immediately, I recognize Gabe and Joseph. I’d lost sight of them while speaking with the Adrian’s and Zeke’s friends. I pull my attention away from my two soulmates and look at the rest of the room’s occupants. These Light Fallen are not the same I’d seen around Gabe and Joseph in the banquet hall. The others appeared uneasy, while these Fallen emanate quiet confidence. Each of them is finely dressed, and each of them watches our entrance with estimating eyes.
I move an inch closer to Freddy. He glances at me, and his eyes reveal he feels just as uncomfortable.
Ahead of us, Sarah breaks away from her bodyguards and approaches a man with stark-black hair, positioned slighting in front of the Light Fallen behind him. “Maximus,” she holds out her hand.
“Sarah.” The Light Fallen takes it and raises it to his lips. I deduce he is the leader.
&n
bsp; “Thank you for coming,” Sarah says. Her hand returns to her side. “After the events, we know you may be hesitant to stray from the safety of your embassy and safehouses.”
“It is the least we can do to show our appreciation for the Dark Fallen’s help defeating The Darkness,” Maximus returns. Though he says the words evenly, his features alight with genuine gratitude.
“We must all work together and continue to fight The Darkness,” Sarah says, lowering her head, “but your thanks is greatly appreciated.”
Freddy and I stop walking when we are three feet from Adrian and Zeke. Mrs. Hutchins, Sarah, and her guards are in the front. I observe my soulmates and see their backs are stiff. Adrian’s hands open and close into fists. I wonder what angers him.
Careful to keep my attention off my two Light soulmates, I survey the room from a closer position. I know Gabe and Joseph stand to the right of the group. Three males of varying heights are beside them. The black in their hair seems to suck in the candlelight around them. They watch our group with caution, but I see no malice in their eyes. They don’t hate Dark Fallen, but they certainly don’t trust them unconditionally.
Next, two females border the edge of the group, standing closer to Maximus than the others. Unlike the guys, their hair is dark brown. Also, unlike the guys, their attention is locked on their leader. They look fierce, ready to protect Maximus from any threat. Their hard expressions don’t paint them as allies. Maybe Adrian sees the same thing. Perhaps their ready-to-fight demeanor puts him on edge. I make a note to stay away from those two.
“Shall we get down to business so we may rejoin the festivities?” Sarah asks, gesturing to a wooden table with twelve chairs. I hadn’t noticed the furniture. Now that I look, I see this room reminds me of conference rooms at my dad’s hospital, only fancier. Parchment, quill and ink are placed on the long table, one set for every four chairs. The rest of the room is bare, aside from an expensive rug and an additional couch tucked against the wall opposite of the table.
None of the Light Fallen move. I sense, more than see, attention shift to me and Freddy. I keep my eyes on Adrian’s back.
“You’ve brought Nephilim,” Maximus states, though, the words hold a hint of question.
“Loyal Nephilim, I assure you,” Sarah says with a wave of her hand. “I would not allow just anyone to accompany me to this meeting.”
“Who are they?” One of the females asks. I don’t look to see which one.
“None of your concern,” I’m surprised to realize Zeke is the one who answered. He’s normally the polite one.
The room falls silent, and stifling tension begins to accumulate in the air.
“Please, forgive my son,” Sarah says, “His protective instincts are kicking in. You see, one of the Nephilim is his bashert.” Is it just me, or does she sound gleeful? Did Sarah want to reveal my existence to Light Fallen? Certainly not. She knows who I am, or rather what I am. Nothing good can come of introducing me to Light Fallen. What is she thinking?
In front of me, both Adrian and Zeke grow rigid. I detect their frustration with their mother. I gather revealing my identity was not part of the plan.
“A bashert?” Maximus’ eyes widen. “Congratulations, Ezekiel.”
“You must also extend your congratulations to Adrian,” Sarah adds with a prideful tone. “The young Nephilim is also his bashert.” Now I know Sarah planned this. The only question is why?
The Light Fallen gasp and mutter remarks. I don’t bother to try and hear what they’re saying.
Freddy leans close. “You?” he whispers.
I look at him. He’s actually surprised. His mother hadn’t told him that’s why she abducted me from their house.
Knowing whatever I say will be overheard, I remain silent, but I reveal the truth in the slightest dip of my chin.
He releases a breath and mouths the word, “Wow.”
Yeah… wow.
“Will any of your colleagues be joining us?”
“No,” Sarah states. “As I said, I wouldn’t bring just anyone to this meeting.” She is the first to approach the table. She sits at one of the ends, positioning herself with authority.
Adrian turns around and glares at Freddy. With an audible gulp, Freddy releases my arm and steps away. Adrian takes my hand and leads me to the table. Now that Sarah’s outed me as their bashert, there is no point in keeping his distance.
Zeke sits to his mother’s right. Adrian deposits me in the next chair and claims the following seat for himself. Mrs. Hutchins and Freddy sit across the table.
The Light Fallen take their seats. From the corner of my eye, I see Maximus take the spot at the other end of the table. Joseph and Gabe sit on either side of him. The rest fill in.
Sarah waits for everyone to look her direction before she begins, “Thank you all for agreeing to meet with me. I didn’t wish to interrupt your celebration, but I feel this matter is too important to not take advantage of the opportunity of us being together.”
“As you said in your letter,” Maximus says. “Pray, tell us why you’ve orchestrated this lavish event. Is it truly just so you could facilitate this meeting?”
“In part,” Sarah admits.
I’m not sure what to make of this situation. Sarah planned the party just to meet with the Light Fallen. Couldn’t she make an appointment with them on any day?
“Why go through the trouble?” Joseph voices my own question. I don’t look his direction.
Sarah sighs dramatically. “Because I am afraid the Dark Council can no longer be trusted.”
No one moves. Well, except for me and Freddy. We both physically balk at Sarah’s words. But none of the Fallen or Mrs. Hutchins so much bat an eye.
“What makes you say that?” Maximus asks, leaning forward and resting his chin in his hands. Wise, intelligent eyes assess the leader of the Dark Council, searching for even the slightest hint of deceit.
“Because I believe one of the members is working with The Darkness.”
Eighteen
A traitor in the Dark embassy? Can’t say I’m surprised. I mean… they’re called Dark Fallen for crying out loud. The title doesn’t exactly scream “good guys”.
The table is quiet. Light Fallen look among themselves, silently communicating about what they’ve just been told.
“What makes you say such things, Mother?” Adrian breaks the silence.
“The fact The Darkness targeted the Light Council.”
“That proves nothing,” one of the brunettes, the one with the kinder face, says. “The Darkness was bound to attack one of the councils eventually. We just so happened to be first.”
“It’s more than that,” Sarah sighs, as if the truth of the situation pains her. “My colleagues did not want to send aid to during the battle.”
“Again,” Maximus repeats the Light female’s words, “That proves nothing.”
“Think about it, Maximus,” Sarah sigh, as if the truth of the situation and leans forward, resting her elbows on the table. “Every Fallen knows the threat The Darkness poses. Why would my fellow council members vote against helping your council even knowing if the Light Fallen are defeated, surely The Darkness will come after us next?”
Sarah doesn’t give him the chance to respond. “The answer is they wouldn’t,” she says with confidence, “not unless there was something in it for them. I believe some of my fellow council members are conspiring with The Darkness. I believe they plan to overthrow the Light Council. Then, they will set their sights on me.”
The whole idea seems far-fetched, but even I have to admit, Sarah sounds convincing. A peek at Zeke and Adrian reveals they, too, struggle with the decision of whether or not to believe their mother’s claim.
“You do not think highly of your fellow Dark Fallen,” Joseph speaks again. I get the notion he is second-in-command at this meeting. “Even if council members conspire with The Darkness, you continue to hold ultimate authority, as demonstrated by you sending your soldiers
to assist us.” I’d forgotten I was supposed to avoid looking at Joseph. Feeling my gaze, he makes eye contact. Thankfully, he is better at controlling his expression. It remains neutral and aloof. Zeke shifts, drawing my attention safely away.
“Until my rivals succeed in their venture, then I will be replaced.”
“Surely your sons won’t let that happen,” Maximus gestures to Adrian and Zeke. “And your other brethren, for that matter. A few power-hungry council members will not be able to convince everyone to rise up against you. Not unless there is just cause.” The accusation hangs in the air like a loaded gun. I don’t know who Maximus intends to shoot, himself or Sarah. From where I sit, it can go either way.
“If they are seduced and supported by The Darkness, there is no knowing what my brethren will be capable of.”
That’s the million-dollar question.
“Why tell us this?” the same female who spoke earlier asks. “What do you want from the Light Council?”
I straighten, eager to hear Sarah’s answer. My guess is she’s planning a coup of her own, and she needs the Light Fallen’s help to succeed.
“We propose an alliance,” Mrs. Hutchins speaks, acting as Sarah’s dutiful assistant. “If Lady Sarah can find and provide evidence of the Dark Council’s treachery, the Light Council will support her commandeering the council and excommunicating the traitorous members from our ranks.”
I struggle to comprehend what half of her words mean. Commandeering the council? As in, taking over by herself? Why not simply elect other loyal Fallen to the positions? And excommunicating? Is that like banishment? How do you banish a Fallen angel?
Maximus taps his chin, contemplating his options. “Joseph,” he addresses my soulmate, “What do you make of this offer?”
Careful not to meet his eye, I look Joseph’s direction. I see his jaw clench. His hands grip the arms of the chair. A glance at Gabe confirms he’s just as tense, as are the other Light Fallen I glimpse. Maximus is the only one who appears calm.
“I think, as long as the evidence can be confirmed as true and that it is acquired honestly, it is in the Light Councils interest to make sure The Darkness cannot get a stronghold among Dark Fallen. It is already a formidable force. We must work to contain its influence until it can be annihilated.”
Protected by the Fallen: A Fallen Angel Reverse Harem Novel (The Fallen Harem Book 3) Page 12