Page 74 of Claimed by the Fallen

I hold my rebuttal back. My decision to not say anything hadn’t been matter of trusting the angels. My only concern was not endangering my parents’lives.

Still, I say, “You’re right. I’m sorry. When Charles called and threatened to kill my parents if anyone arrived with me, I believedhim.”

“Whoa, wait a second.” Zeke steps forward and leans over to look into my eyes. “Did you just say, ‘Charles’?” Am I imagining it, or is there is a tinge of fear in hisgaze?

I manage to dip my chin. “Y-yeah. He works for Lukas. They’re bothangels.”

If I’d thought awkward silence had settled before, I was sorely mistaken. The weight of the mysterious kidnappers’ names hangs heavy in theroom.

“Lukas?” Adrian hisses like the name is poison on his tongue. “The Light Council’scrony?”

I see Gabe hold up his hands. “I have no knowledge ofthis.”

“Neither do I,” Mr. Cohensays.

Zeke scowls. “Forgive me, but I’m pretty certain both of you are on The Council.” The underlying accusation isobvious.

“We had nothing to do with this,” Mr. Cohen sounds deadly calm. That can only mean my levelheaded ex-teacher is near his breakingpoint.

“Any why should we believe you?” Adriangrowls.

“Because we would never risk Veronica,” Gabe snaps back. “Use your head. You knowthis.”

His clipped words seem to do the trick. The angels stoparguing.

Quietly, I ask, “Gabe, will you help me sit up?” I’m tired of not being able to see more than what’s directly aboveme.

He doesn’t hesitate. Strong arms slip under my torso and move me into a sitting position. Zeke slides a pillow behind my back just before Gabe leans me against the sturdyheadboard.

From my new position, I can see all four angels. Adrian looks angry. Mr. Cohen is tense. Zeke is concerned but trying to appear distant. And Gabe is attentive and thoughtful. I hang my head, overwhelmed by guilt when thinking of the trouble I’ve caused. My stubbornness has deflated, and I apologize, “I am sorry. Really… Iam.”

Gabe tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “We know, Veronica. Don’t worry about us. You should rest. We will be here when you wakeup.”

I lift my head, quickly. “Y-you aren’t leaving?” My eyes find Zeke, remembering his desire to leave Valley Lake the moment the yancor demons were taken care of. My heart thumps in my chest, and I don’t know which answer I most want to hear. I want my life to return to normal—or as normal as it can now that I’m an angel—but I dread thinking of losing the four Fallen from my life. I hold my breath, anxiously waiting for ananswer.

It is Mr. Cohen who ends the anticipation. “You think we are going to leave? Knowing Lukas is interested in you?” He scoffs. “Not achance.”

I’m relieved and confused. “I don’t understand. Who isLukas?”

I’m looking at my teacher, but it is Zeke who answers. “Let’s just say he is a high-ranking member of The Light Council.” Zeke crosses his arms and leans against the wall by the door. “And he isn’t one to be trusted. We will need to stick around and make sure he keeps his distance. At least, until we figure out what he wants fromyou.”

“Agreed.” Adrian dips his head, supporting his brother’s plan. Then, he looks at me. Desire, frustration and admiration swirl in his eyes. I’m not sure which emotion dominates, but all three of them make my heart race and my stomachclench.

Maintaining eye contact, and ignoring the blush I feel rising in my cheeks, I whisper, “So… you aren’t leaving me then?” My heart thumps against my chest, waiting for hisanswer.

Slowly, a familiar smirk lifts the corner of Adrian’s mouth. “No.” His eyes are full of heat, and they make my body feel like putty. “You’re stuck with us, Angel. For better or worse, we will be at yourside.”