We’d been horribly wrong.
“So, what now?” I channel my fear into frustration. That isn’t hard to do. Nothing is more frustrating than feeling like you aren’t in control of your own fate, and I’ve felt that way ever since I turned eighteen. “Are you going to report me to the Light Council?”
Not only should my birth have been impossible, but it was also forbidden. My parents are both Light and Dark Fallen, and the two groups of ex-heavenly beings do not mingle, for lack of a more accurate phrase.
Lukas blinks and appears genuinely taken aback. “Turn you in? Why on Earth would I ever do that?”
I freeze.
He doesn’t know.
Somehow, Lukas has not put together I am a mixed Fallen. If he had, I don’t doubt he would have said as much. His ignorance is a small mercy, and one I hope continues in my favor.
Careful to not give away the truth, I ask, “Then what do you want?”
Lukas stares at me. Hard. I force myself to maintain his gaze as I wait for his answer. The angel wouldn’t have gone through all this trouble of isolating me and stopping time unless he had a good reason. Right?
The seconds tick away in my mind even though the clock on my phone remains locked in time. Then, Lukas explains, “Originally, I wanted to recruit you to join a cause which is in the interests of Nephilim and Fallen alike. But now, I need your help.”
I replay the words, unable to guess what cause would concern me, but it is his last statement which stands out and commands my attention. “You need my help. For what?” Despite how many times I’ve asked for information, Lukas has masterfully succeeded in giving me tidbits without truly revealing anything of substance. Now, though, I can sense his avoidance is going to end. Anticipation builds as I wait for him to speak.
Lukas breaks eye contact. He studies his hands, focused on his fingernails. “As I’ve previously said, your ability to heal is coveted. I would like to enlist your services whenever I have need.”
Services? I pinch my lips together, then ask, “You mean, when you’re injured?” Can angels even be injured? I’ve yet to see evidence of that. Adrian and the other angels had stood amidst the flames of the warehouse and none of them have even the slightest hint of a burn.
“Me, or any of my allies.” Lukas lowers his hand, and piercing green eyes meet mine. “You would be called upon anytime one of us needs to be healed.”
“Can’t all Fallen heal injuries?” I think of my bodyguards healing my dad’s bruises after the attack at the warehouse.
“Yes, but not everyone can bring someone back from the dead.” His eyes trail over me, as if searching for the miraculous power within me. “When it comes to my allies, I would prefer to have an angel who can bring them back if their injuries prove to be too much.”
I’m totally against the idea of being at anyone’s beck and call. My life is chaotic as it is. The last thing I need is to throw another wrench into it. Besides, I don’t even know how to use my healing abilities. I tell Lukas as much.
He isn’t deterred. “You will learn to yield your powers. I will teach you.”
“You? How do you know how to use my powers?”
“I had a friend with the Resurrection gift,” he reveals with a bored wave of his hand.
Resurrection? An apt name for the power.
Before I can ask about this mysterious friend, he continues, “So what do you say?”
What do I say? I say no. There is no motivation for me to make this deal with Lukas, and he hasn’t even implied he intends to provide incentive. Not only that, but there is no way in hell my four bodyguards will be okay with the arrangement. Even if I wanted to agree, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Fallen decided to lock me inside my house to keep me from meeting the angel responsible for my parents’ abduction.
No. There is no way I can agree to Lukas’ request.
So, aiming to sound as polite as possible, I answer, “Sorry. I can’t.”
If Lukas is surprised by my answer, he doesn’t show it. His expression remains neutral. “Can’t, or won’t?”
“Um… a little of both.”
“Hmm.” He frowns. “Pity.”
“I’m sorry,” I say again. Seeing an opportunity to end our impromptu conversation, I stand from the table, determined to find one of my four bodyguards and escape this situation.
But Lukas’ next words glue my feet to the floor. “Tell me, Veronica, don’t you want to know who your parents are?”
Seven
My pulse spikes. At first, I’m not sure I heard him correctly. If Lukas knows my Fallen parents’ identities, we wouldn’t be here talking about my healing powers. Lukas would be reporting my tainted existence to the Light Council.
Or that’s what I’d been led to believe.
Had my protectors deceived me when they told me I’d be in danger if the councils found out about me?
I need more information before I decide how to respond to Lukas’ shocking question. I try to play it cool. “Excuse me?”
“Come now, Veronica. You didn’t think I would’ve come to you with nothing to offer?”
That’s exactly what’d I thought. “You know who my parents are?”
“Not yet.” He exudes complete confidence, “but I am certain I can ascertain their names if you help me.”
I try not to show my relief. My initial assumption about what Lukas knew had been right. My secret is safe. But not for long if he decides to search for my parents.
“Thanks, but I think I’ll pass.”
Lukas blinks. Hints of disbelief flicker in his gaze. “You don’t wish to know who your parents are?”
“Why should I? They left me.” Besides, I already have a set of amazing and supportive parents. What good would learning who my Fallen parents are do? Maybe, and this is a big maybe, they will be able to help me understand my emerging angelic powers, but I don’t think the information would make meeting the angels who’d abandoned me worth it.
His disbelief grows. “You truly do not wish to know?”
“Nope,” I reply honestly. Nor do I want him, or any other Fallen for that matter, digging into the mystery. My safety is dependent on the truth of my half-blood status remaining a secret.
“Hmm.” Lukas rubs his chin thoughtfully. “Interesting.”
Not really. I bite my cheek, holding in the comment.
“Regardless,” he tells me. “You will help me. Right now, as a matter of fact.”
“What?... Now?” I don’t even balk at the fact Lukas is going to make me help him. Part of me had suspected there was no telling him no, but I had to give it a shot. An angel who goes out of his way to abduct my parents to get me to meet him doesn’t seem like someone who took rejection lying down.
“Yes.” Lukas stands, straightening his suit jacket. “Now.”
He lifts a hand and snaps his fingers. The patio drops out of sight as I am transported away from The Pier. My stomach rolls. I feel like I’m on a zero-gravity rollercoaster at a theme park. None of the Fallen have used their powers to transport me from one location to another, preferring to fly with me in their arms. I hope that continues to be the case. I’m not fond of vomiting.
Green grass appears below. I collide with the earth and land on my hands and knees, reeling from the disorienting experience.
To my right, I hear Lukas’ calm voice, “Ferrying takes some getting used to.”
Ferrying? Is that what he calls it?
I don’t respond. I’d probably vomit if I tried. Breathing through the nausea, I keep my focus on the steady ground beneath me. But my forceful escort isn’t so patient.
“Come.” Lukas holds out a hand in front of my face. “We have work to do.”
Seeing as I am trapped with Lukas until he either decides to take me back or one of my Fallen bodyguards finds me, I allow him to help me up. My palm touches his skin, and I can’t help but notice I do not feel the familiar tingling I feel when I touch one of my Fallen protectors. In fact, touchi
ng Lukas is uncomfortable. It almost feels like my hand is covered in grime. Once I’m on my feet, I pull my hand away.
“Thanks.”
Lukas gives me a curious glance, his eyes traveling to the hand I pulled back. He shakes his head and turns to walk away. I move to follow him, but I stop as I take in the immense stone house positioned in front of me.
The dark grey stone rises four stories. Elegant carvings and statues make up its façade, and ivy crawls up the walls, giving the home a storybook appearance. I’ve only ever seen such magnificent structures in movies or pictures. I didn’t think such buildings existed inside of the United States. My thought gives me pause. What if I’m not in the U.S.?
I spin around, taking in the immense lawn I landed on. Perfectly manicured shrubs and trees fill my vision, but there are no indicators of what country, or even what continent, I am in.
Lukas looks back, realizing I’m not following him. “This way, Veronica. Someone needs your assistance.”
I don’t budge. “Where am I?”
“My home.”
“And where is your home?”
He doesn’t hesitate. “Germany. Outside of Hamburg.”
Germany? I traveled thousands of miles in less than one minute?
Fear starts to creep in. No one knows where I am, nor are they likely to find me in a timely manner when they realize I’m missing. I really am at Lukas’ mercy, and experience tells me that is not a good place to be.
“W-why are we here?”
“I’ve told you.” His gaze narrows: the only hint of frustration he gives. “I am in need of your healing services for a friend.”
I cross my arms, both for protection and comfort. “Who is it?”
“Come this way, and you shall find out.” Without waiting to see if I follow, Lukas resumes his journey to the front door of his immense home.
I weigh my options. The only way I see returning home is if Lukas takes me back. And he’s unlikely to do that soon if I don’t do what he asks. I don’t like it, but I don’t have a choice. Just as Lukas intended.
I sigh and give in. I break into a light jog to catch up to Lukas. He’s already opening his front door by the time I reach him.
The inside of the house is even more breathtaking. Gilded chandeliers and sconces fill the room, illuminating the black and white marble covering the floor and the priceless paintings lining the walls.
This time, Lukas does pause to allow me time to take in the splendor. “Stunning, isn’t it?”
“Very,” I whisper, unable to conceal my awe. Though, I do try to lessen its impact by commenting, “I guess this means you’re rich, right?”
Lukas chuckles. “My dear, those Fallen really have kept you in the dark.”
His words pull my attention away from the lovely room. “What do you mean?”
He gestures to our immaculate surroundings. “Almost all Fallen are wealthy. We’ve spent millennia on this Earth, accumulating vast sums of money as the years have gone by.”
Almost all?
“What about the ones who aren’t wealthy?”
“That is typically by choice,” he tells me.
Why would anyone choose not to have money? I voice the question.
“I, honestly, cannot fathom the reason behind such an unusual decision,” he says. “You would have to ask the Fallen in question. You can start with Adrian and Ezekiel.”
My eyes widen. “Adrian?”
“And his twin.”
Zeke stands for Ezekiel? And he and Adrian choose not to be rich?
Lukas watches me digest the information. “I’ve observed your interactions with the Fallen, and I don’t understand why they seem so determined to leave you in ignorance. If you trusted me with your angelic education and powers, I would never be so secretive.”
I don’t even have the ability to register the fact he said he’s observed me with my four Fallen bodyguards. “Are you saying you want to train me?”
“If I did, I would not coddle you.”
I look away and focus on a landscape painting hanging along the wall beside the staircase, on the left side of the entryway. I don’t doubt for a second that Lukas only has his best interests in mind, but I can’t deny the offer is tempting. Joseph, Gabe, Adrian and Zeke have tried to help me develop my powers since day one, but they’ve also kept secrets about the depth of my abilities and other important facts about the angelic world I’ve been thrown into.
Do I believe the two sets of brothers want me to master all of my angelic abilities? For self-protection, I think they do. But I have doubts that the Fallen want me to master and demonstrate all of my abilities.
It’s hard to say why, but I think the brothers have a misguided sense of how to keep me safe. The more my powers manifest, the more likely my power can be detected by other Fallen. And until we come up with a plan to conceal the truth regarding my birth parents, I know they don’t want me mingling with other Fallen. Even then, I suspect they still might want to keep me isolated. All in the name of protecting me. And the fact they think I am their soulmate definitely doesn’t help motivate them to relax a little bit.
Suddenly, I wonder if the Fallen wanted to keep me from Lukas for more reasons than just because he abducted my parents.
Sure, Lukas wanted something from me. But at least he’s being honest. I don’t have to guess why I am here, in his home, halfway across the world. Lukas had been up front, and I appreciate that.
But rather than make any rush decisions which could have unforeseen consequences, I say, “I’ll think about it. Now, who did you bring me here to help?”
Lukas’ gaze lingers on me. I can feel its pressure against my cheek. But when I turn back to look at him, he tips his head toward the staircase. “This way.”
We climb one flight of stairs before moving to another. Each one features an ivory hand rail, carved with flowers and vines twisting up the rail as we ascend. I’m so caught up in admiring its elegance, I almost trip on the top stair step. Quick as lightening, Lukas reaches out and steadies me, immediately releasing me once I have my balance.
“Thanks.” I’m embarrassed by my clumsiness.
“You’re welcome.” We pass by several oil portraits, hanging in dark oak frames, before we arrive outside of a tall set of double doors.
Lukas surprises me when he knocks on the dark oak. Isn’t this his house?
A faint male voice calls, “Come in.”
The room is dark. Heavy maroon curtains block out all natural light. A thick Persian carpet blankets the floor, centered underneath a large king-sized bed. Settled in the center of the bed is a man. Or, rather, an angel.
“How are you feeling Charles?”
Lukas’ assistant wheezes, “Fine.” Though, his appearance says otherwise. Dark purple circles shadow his eyes, and his cheeks are gaunt. Pale skin stretches over his bones. His hair is full of tangles and the room is smells like sickness and lemon-scented disinfectant. Charles looks like he’s been sick for several weeks. The male’s white wings come into view.
“Oh my god,” I breathe, shocked and horrified at what I see. Charles’ feathers are bent at odd angles. Several jagged sections and protrusions indicate broken bone.
“God has nothing to do with this,” Lukas murmurs.
Charles looks at me, then at Lukas. “I told you,” he pauses for a ragged breath, “I told you I didn’t want you to bring her.” I’m taken aback by Charles’ words. The first, and last, time I saw him, he’d been nothing but subservient to Lukas. Hearing he made demands of Lukas is a surprise.
“I am not about to let you perish for my foolish decision,” Lukas replies.
“That is… not your choice to make.”
“Well, you can seek justice once you are healed.” Lukas gestures for me to approach the bed. “As I’ve said, Veronica, I require your services. Please heal my stubborn colleague of his ailments, and I will be in your debt.”
My throat tightens. I step forward. My thighs barely tou
ch the edge of the bed. Charles looks at me with a mix of frustration and exhaustion.
“How did this happen?” I ask, still in disbelief that a Fallen could sustain such drastic injuries. In my mind, the heavenly beings were immortal—indestructible. I consider my angelic protectors and the lengths they are willing to go to ensure my safety. The truth laid out before me is sobering, and I finally understand why my protectors are so diligent in their mission to keep me from danger.
Charles closes his eyes. “The yancor attack.”
I gasp. “A demon did this to you?”
“Not just a demon,” Lukas interjects. “Several demons.”
I look between the two angels. I see Lukas’ guilt and regret, as well as Charles resignation. “What do you want me to do?”
“Nothing,” Charles whispers.
“Heal him.” Lukas says at the same time.
My eyes trail over Charles’ injuries. I’m guessing his injuries are far beyond the abilities of a typical angel.
I shake my head. “I-I don’t know how to heal this.”
“You brought your mother back from the dead.” Lukas’ voice is hard. “You can figure out how to mend wings.”
Fear and unease coil in my chest. Lukas’ desperation makes him dangerous, and I know nothing good will happen if I fail to accomplish the task he’s set out before me. But that is not to say I don’t want to help Charles.
I face the injured angel. He’d been harmed while trying to fight off the demons who’d wanted to take me. If not for him and Lukas, the demons may have reached me before my four bodyguards had the chance to intervene. I lick my lips, determined to at least attempt to repay Charles for his sacrifice.
“I can try, but I can’t promise it will work.”
Lukas snorts, and Charles groans.
“This is nonsense.” He opens his eyes to stare at Lukas. “Don’t be a fool. Let me pass over.”
In two steps, Lukas is standing over the bed. He stares down at Charles with unrelenting determination. Reaching out, he clasps the injured angel’s hand in his own.
“Not yet,” he whispers, bringing the hand to his lips and placing a firm kiss on the knuckles. “It’s not your time.”
Hunted by the Fallen: A Fallen Angel Reverse Harem Novel (The Fallen Harem Book 2) Page 5