Page 57 of Beasts

“Oh!” I exclaim, “Is a Fallen like an angel?”

“Pretty much.”

“I mean what’s so weird about that? Vampires and werewolves can exist, but angels can’t?” Most of the guys look around at each other, wondering who the next person is to speak I would assume. “Okay, what aren’t you guys telling me?”

“The fact that you have some of those abilities already despite not knowing about it, is something they’re all thinking about right now.” Oliver speaks, leaning in the threshold of the door. I turn to face him more directly. “The fact is, none of us have been able to use our abilities on you, especially not ones that have anything to do with manipulating the mind.” Well, at least that explains that. “But there’s a lot of other things they’re afraid of.”

“Afraid?” I question, looking around the room. “Of me?” It’s almost laughable.

“Technically, we’re basically your servants.” Valentine speaks.

“Demons have no choice but to do what angels command.” Adds Echo.

Hunter additionally mentions; “That includes us witches and warlocks, too.”

I can’t believe they’re afraid of me. “But I’ve never told you guys to do anything.”

“Angels aren’t all good, Amelia.” Oliver says. “Sometimes they use demons as pawns in a larger game. Fallen are simply angels that no longer want to play. They come bound to a human body, rather than a celestial one, but they keep most of their powers.”

“Again, my birth mother was obviously a Fallen but I’m not one just because I was born, am I?”

“Not exactly.” Nolan finally talks, “You aren’t a Fallen because you were never an angel, but if you wanted to, we’d be at your bidding.”

“That’s the most…absurd thing I’ve ever heard.” Everyone has eyes on me. I don’t want them to be afraid of me. They’re demons! “I’m never going to command you guys to do anything, of course apologies if I ever do it by accident. I’ll always ask you, politely. I don’t expect anyone to be afraid of me. If there’s other things about Fallen that you haven’t told me yet that you’re afraid of, then fine, don’t tell me. But if you’re that uncomfortable, I get it, I’ll pack my stuff and go but I don’t want any of you to feel-”

“Don’t.” Hugh interrupts me, checking the faces around the room. “No one wants you to leave, although speak up if any of you feel different.” He does pause, but no one says anything, in fact, Hendrik just puts a hand on my shoulder and smiles reassuringly. “We’re happy to tell you anything you want to know. It’s just that we've all been under the thumb of a Fallen before. It’s not a great experience.”

“How bad did it get?” He doesn’t answer me, and the room goes dead.

“Some of us were asked to kill and weren’t given a choice.” Oliver breaks the silence. I look over at Nolan, he mentioned people had killed before but I thought he told me everything. He looks up at me knowingly,

“I know I told you before that some of us have killed, but I rather specifically only told you about the accidental occasions.” I look around the room…who was made to kill? Hugh won’t look me in the eye, and I know how strong he is. Kane seems completely zoned out, reflecting on something so I suppose him as well. Nolan’s fists are tightly clenched so I can only assume him too. I look over my shoulder back at Oliver who is looking right at me. Without a word he solemnly nods. These guys are pulling my heart strings in so many different directions I don’t even know where to turn. Hendrik’s face catches my eye, and I can see that he’s fighting back tears. I place a hand on his knee, and he turns to look at me.

“It’s like I told you,” He whispers, “, they really don’t like certain species being friends.” They…made Hendrik kill the wolf shifter because they loved each other? I could puke. My chest is shaking, and I can’t seem to control it. Maybe I really am going to puke – I need air. I push myself off the couch and run towards the kitchen. I hear my name being called after by several voices, but the house just feels too small to stay in. Pushing open the back door I run into the backyard. The sun has set but the sky is still tinted with it’s bright pink and orange flair.

“Amelia?” Nolan and Oliver both question as they come outside, followed by everyone from the household. I see that Kane is staying back toward the door, I suppose fearing his own actions getting too close to the pool.

“Look, I’m sorry. It’s not you guys. I just needed some air.”

“We understand if you don’t like us for what we did-” Hendrik starts but I have to cut him off immediately.

“Don’t like you guys? Are you fucking with me right now? I love all of you and the fact that someone made you guys hurt people against your will is disgusting! I think I’m gonna be sick.” I try and breathe as some of the guys come towards me. Even Oliver isn’t afraid to touch me to help me calm down.

“If you’re going to be sick, can you at least avoid the flowers.” Echo comments, which just receives a glare from myself and others.

“Mr. Pierce is going to find another Fallen soon.” Seth says, drawing everyone’s attention. “We have about three weeks, from my estimate.” Does that mean they’ll be forced to do things again? Is Mr. Pierce the one that is pulling the strings?

“Not if we’re already claimed.” Byron mutters, but loud enough to get everyone’s attention.

“He’s right.” Reyes adds, “We’re only free now cause the last Fallen died in an accident. But we can’t be claimed by two Fallen. It just doesn’t work that way.”

“Yeah, and if I had to be claimed,” Hunter sighs, rubbing his earlobe around an earring he must have got recently, “, I rather be claimed by someone who would feel guilty asking us to kill for them.” I don’t really understand what they’re talking about. What’s claiming?

“You can’t just ask Amelia to do something she doesn’t understand.” Oliver rebuts.

“Then we explain it to her.”

“You’re forcing her to take on a lot of responsibility.” Nolan adds, standing on Oliver’s side. It’s the first time I’ve seen them agree on something.

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