To Fall (The To Fall Trilogy Book 1) (14 page)

18

Xander

There was a nervous energy in the house, a new challenge in front of us. The Wrights were enrolling in college. Sweet angel light.

With a contact at the school, our registration was set and we had Abby’s schedule. Chances the demon at the party was Cresil were slim. Regardless, Abby needed protection.

Well-kept desert landscaping complimented the school grounds and the brown brick buildings contrasted to the stucco homes surrounding it. Arriving early, we spanned out, searching for any demon activity. When we didn’t find any, we located Abby’s classes and the quickest route to them.

Near my SUV, I spotted a familiar face. “Greg, it’s good to see you!”

“Alexander? No way! You go here, man? I’m such an idiot! It didn’t occur to me you would be coming here. Awesome!” He had me in another bear hug. If I weren’t an angel, the kid would have crushed me.

“Yeah, sorry. I guess it slipped my mind.”

“No worries! Glad you’re here.” Greg’s face brightened. “Are you going out for football? Tryouts are today.”

“No, sorry, again.”

His face fell. “Ah, too bad. We could use new blood. Well, if you change your mind, it would be great if you joined us.”

“Thanks, I’ll think about it.”

Greg picked up his bag. “If you need anything, let me know. New school and all that.”

“I will. I’ll see ya around.”

With a nod, he was off to class.

I was the first to arrive in chemistry, and moved my backpack three times, not knowing where Abby would want to sit. After a few minutes, she breezed in and my breath caught. Her long, dark hair was straight, framing her face. The blue dress brightened her brown eyes, her skin soft and dewy with a lovely tan, and her cheeks flushed. Wedge sandals made her legs look long and sexy as the skirt swayed over toned thighs.

Making my way over to her, I hoped she couldn’t tell how nervous I was or that I was staring at her legs.

Things did not go as I had planned and my stomach bottomed out.

Abby was short with me, her bag landed on a chair at the front of the class, and the hurt in her eyes was unmistakable. Students filled the room and my mind whirled with an explanation as to why I never told her I would be here. Abby said she would speak to me after class, so I had ninety minutes to come up with something. Anything.

Sitting next to me was the spa-girl from Tyler’s party. Although I couldn’t forget certain images of her, I wanted to believe the liquor made her morals slip. I made eye contact first, but she spoke before I had a chance to.

“Hi there, hot stuff. We finally meet. I’m Danielle.” Her hand went to my bicep and she licked her lips. Oh boy.

“Hello, Danielle, my name is Alexander Wright.” Offering my hand, manicured fingers slipped into mine and she held it for an awkward moment.

The professor, who looked as though he would rather stick his finger in a pencil sharpener than teach this class, announced how we would be partnering for assignments and our lab.

Damn it.

Danielle leaned over and my eye caught all the flesh her low top exposed. “Looks like we’re going to be partners all semester. We both lucked out.”

The professor mumbled something about textbooks. Students around us rifled through their bags, books creaked, and laptops opened.

Danielle peeked in her messenger bag. “Oh no. I don’t have my book. I must have left it in my car. Do you mind sharing, Alexander?” Danielle beat her makeup-laden eyes.

I moved the book for her to see better. “No, please do.”

A hand wrapped behind my chair, resting on my back. Soft, warm skin pressed against my arm and I looked down to see it was her cleavage. Glancing around, no other students were sharing books and no one had their partner’s breasts adhered to them. Fruity perfume drifted up and my eyes met hers. The satisfied look on her face forced me to glance down, and there, inside her bag, was her textbook. I didn’t like that she outright lied to me to take advantage of the situation.

I sat rigid, not knowing how to rebuff her without hurting her feelings. Nothing that came to mind was polite. Certainly, a girl who dressed like this and threw herself at men had little self-worth. I didn’t want to do more damage.

Peering up, Abby’s head snapped away, but not before that look of hurt flashed at me again. Much too late, I realized how this must look to her with a half-dressed Danielle draped over me. Class ended and Abby left without a glance back. Yep. I was an ass.

During my morning, I noticed females surrounded me. Anytime I looked up, there were smiles and giggles. There were many introductions and touching. A lot of touching. Did humans actually touch this much? I would have to ask my siblings later.

I was excited for lunchtime. I would see Abby and hoped she would accept an invitation to eat with my family. Just as I sat, Danielle popped over, and if possible, her top was even lower.

Danielle wound hair around her finger at her bust, and my eyes stayed on hers. “Well, hey there again, hot stuff.”

I greeted her and introduced Danielle to my siblings.

Danielle looked like she would rather lick the lunchroom floor than talk to my sisters, but she grinned at Caleb before focusing on me. “Did you understand the lesson today? I could use some help. I’m so lost when it comes to chemistry.”

I could hear Calista and Hannah in my head, wanting to grab a jacket and cover her up. I wanted to cover her up. I was embarrassed for the girl.

A laugh poorly disguised as a cough came from Caleb’s direction as Danielle traced her exposed bra. Did this tactic work for her?

Abby would never dress like this, or throw herself at someone like this.

“Sure, Danielle. I’ll meet you in the lab early tomorrow.”

A hand snaked around my arm and her chest pushed against my shoulder.
Again with the touching
. “I really could use more time. After school today, my apartment?”

Oh, hell no. “I’m sorry. Tomorrow before class is the best I can do.”

“Are you sure?” she purred.

Her fingers raked my chest, and that was when, at the worst possible moment, I saw Abby. Her teeth clamped her bottom lip and eyes shined with tears. Abby walked out into the heat without eating.

Caleb bolted up. “I got her.”

I almost yelled across the Union that I wanted to go when Danielle looked to see why I had been ignoring her for the last two seconds. She grabbed my face and I snapped my chin away from her fingers.

Danielle played it off by hooking a finger in my collar. “Ugh, there are some real losers here. You get it, I know.”

My sisters tensed. Who
was
this girl?

My voice was tight, near growl. “Sorry, Danielle, I don’t know.”

“You’ll figure it out,” she muttered, “There’s one in chemistry.” Popping up, she said, “Anyways, I’ll see you early for
tutoring
.” Nails scraped up my arm, shoulders, and back as she pranced away with a wink.

I let out a deep breath. “What the hell was that?”

“Trouble, with large breasts,” Hannah said and we nodded.

Our attention diverted to a kid in a bowtie, eating what must have been three pounds of mashed potatoes covered in ketchup. That was an impressive feat for such a scrawny guy. Caleb texted me and told me he thought Abby had been crying, but she was safe and he would watch her.

She was crying
? The ache in my chest grew.

Walking into my last class, I spotted Greg and Jake. I was glad Jake was in this class. Maybe we could work with him to build a stronger mind against the demon. Once demons found someone they liked, they would revisit.

“Well, hello again, Wright!” Greg beamed. “Meet my buddy and teammate, Jake Turner.”

“Jake, Alexander Wright.” I shook his hand.

Jake’s eyes widened. “Oh! Pool guy! Holy crap, you saved Abby! Man, you’re a legend!”

The door opened and I thought it would be Abby. Disappointed, I watched a boy step in and let the door slam in front of a mousy girl that was right behind him.

My attention returned to the guys. “Well, I don’t know about legend, but yes, I suppose I did save Abby.”

Jake pounded Greg on the chest. “Believe me, anyone who gets pummeled by this guy is a goner! It’s a miracle Abby’s alive!”

Mrs. Bradley introduced herself and asked us to pick a station.

Abby wasn’t here yet and a million reasons why raced in my head. I chose a kitchen between two empty spots increasing the possibility of Abby working near me. The door whipped open and Abby stood pale and sweaty, carrying a backpack that weighed as much as she did. It was a long walk from her last class, especially in this heat.

Abby wouldn’t look at me when partners were assigned. I should apologize for today, but words were lost around her and I couldn’t think clearly. All I could do was stand and clench my fists to stop myself from throwing my arms around her.

To say Abby was terrible with a knife would be an understatement. It was a matter of time before she hurt herself. I realized this was my chance. Stepping against her, I breathed in a soft jasmine scent laced with a hint of spice, sweet just like her. Resting my arms against hers, I guided her hands. Abby’s heart rate spiked and her chest moved with faster breaths. This was her response when I touched her. I could be wrong, but I had to think she was at least physically attracted to me. I could read her thoughts, but that would violate her privacy.

With a thin excuse of saving her from scalding water, I slipped my hands over her slim shoulders and pulled her away. Her heart raced again, but she frowned. I didn’t know how not to upset her. Acting human was much harder than I had thought it would be. I didn’t understand them nearly enough.

Mrs. Bradley asked us to test our food before serving. Abby sucked the spaghetti strand between her lips and I stared, transfixed. When she tried the sauce, her eyes closed for the briefest of moments. This was what she would look like if I kissed her, and every cell in my body was screaming at me to repeat that look right now. I needed to get a grip before I made a bigger ass out of myself.

We tasted each other’s dishes. Abby grabbed the bowl from our neighbor and didn’t take the time to twirl the strands around her fork. With her first chew, she spat it out in the trash.

“Is it that bad?” Jake asked.

Abby coughed out, “That’s not basil!”

“I’m sorry!” Greg knocked over spices on his station until he found one. His face was panic-stricken and pale. “Oh, that would explain it. I’m sorry, Abby. You’re not allergic to dill are you?”

“No, but I am strongly opposed to being the first one to taste test from now on. Why do you hate me, Greg?”

His eyes went wide. “I don’t hate you!”

She gripped his shirt to gain leverage, not even close to reaching his shoulders. “Then stop trying to kill me!”

“It’s not intentional, I swear!”

Abby broke out into her cute, girly giggle and stood on her tiptoes to hug him. Greg looked relieved she was kidding. He melted to her, anyone would.

After class, I waited for Abby, hoping this would be my chance to explain myself. But she did something that made me question everything.

How could Gabriel not sense it? How did I know something an Archangel didn’t?

Abby had a pure soul.

19

Abby

A shade tree gave me a little reprieve from the sun while I waited for Margaret. Mel spotted me and shot over. Tyler drifted behind her, looking to the parking lot bustle with a face of pure boredom. Apparently, I was not in the circle of those worthy of Tyler Gibson’s attention.

She pushed her sunglasses up. “Hey, I sent you a gazillion texts! Are you okay? You skipped out on lunch.”

I didn’t want to talk to Mel in front of Tyler, and I certainly didn’t want to tell her why I was such a loser and would never have a boyfriend. “Oh, I haven’t checked my phone since lunch. Yeah, I’m good. Do you mind if I call you later, though?” I glanced at Tyler.

She nodded, understanding. After a hug, she went to her car with Tyler’s fingers hooked through her belt loop.

I took advantage of the few minutes before Margaret came and rearranged my backpack. Focused on book organization, I didn’t notice whom the four shadows belonged to until I heard my name spoken by the husky voice. My head arched back to Xander first, then the rest of them. “Abby, I would like you to meet my sisters.” Say what?

I could see the two girls much better now that I didn’t have Danielle’s thong in the way. He pointed to the leggy blonde first. She looked familiar, but I couldn’t place her.

“This is Calista, she’s a junior.” This girl could put supermodels to shame. Her golden locks flowed around her waist with a curl in the end. Round blue eyes as bright as sapphires looked to me like an old friend with a warm smile.

“Abby, it’s wonderful to meet you.” Even her voice was lovely, the kind used for an audio book.

Xander waved to the girl with a blunt red bob. “And this is Hannah. She’s a freshman.” Hannah was as beautiful as Calista, but in a much different way. Hannah’s features were sharper, edgier where Calista was soft—the sister that wouldn’t hesitate to put her brothers in their place.

Hannah rocked on her heels, almost giddy. “It’s great to meet you, Abby.”

“And you met my brother, Caleb. He’s a senior.”

“Abby.” Caleb flashed me a thousand-watt smile.

Good Heavens, who were these people? What struck me as odd, other than they were each one year apart, they didn’t look related by blood. They had similarities: all runway tall with incredible bodies, gorgeous faces, and their mannerisms were the same, but their features were different. If Xander had never told me they were siblings, I would never had thought it. Was Xander adopted, too? I was dumbstruck. Xander and his whole family were going to my school?

“Do you have any more brothers or sisters?”

They blinked as though I had asked them a trick question.

Calista’s face smoothed and the smile returned. “No, it’s just the four of us.”

Margaret’s red Elantra pulled up and honked—a bit unnecessary—I did see her. From the car, the heat of her scowl could blast through the one hundred and fifteen degrees outside. What was that look for?

I zipped up my bag. “Sorry, please excuse me. My ride is here. It was nice meeting you.” Three of the Fabulous Four nodded.

“I’ll walk you to the car,” Xander offered.

I examined the ten feet I would have to walk alone and remembered my left mind made me a moron. “Okay.”

Xander opened the door and closed it once I had the seatbelt clicked in, then walked to the driver’s side window.

A dark finger hovered over the window button.

“Margaret,” I chided her.

With a huff, her finger depressed and the window lowered.

“Hello, Ms. Wilson. My name is Alexander Wright.” He held his hand out for her to shake.

Margaret looked at his hand like the Ebola virus laced it and kept hers on the steering wheel. I sat shocked at her rudeness. She’d never acted this way before. “I know who you are,” she snapped. “I have to pick up Abby’s sisters and we’re late.”

Xander nodded and his face fell. “Of course.” Standing, he backed away from the vehicle.

I mouthed,
I’m sorry
to him and the window zoomed back up.

His eyes were so hurt, and when we pulled away, his head hung low.

I couldn’t figure out Margaret; Xander did nothing wrong, and she met him ten seconds ago. Another thing I couldn’t figure out—how did he know her last name? Yet another question on the ever-growing Alexander Wright list.

Once home, I went to my room and completed my research for chemistry lab tomorrow, and found it hard to focus. I decided to call Mel, then Beth. Neither picked up, it went straight to voicemail, and I didn’t bother to leave messages. It was for the best. I had to get over Xander. Nothing good could come from obsessing over him. I decided I was overdue for yoga—an exercise I could tolerate.

During my dolphin pose, Mom passed the doorway with a grumble about achy feet. “Hey, Mom. How was work?”

She leaned against the doorjamb. “It was fine. I forget how energetic five-year-olds can be. And I had one pee his pants within the first hour.” She shrugged. “I’m ready for a long soak in the tub.”

Mom left to find Mr. Bubbles and I went downstairs.

Margaret busied herself at the stove. I picked up a sweet potato and attempted to chop it for her, but she grimaced and took the knife away. “You make new friends today, Abby?”

I set the table—one of the two food related chores I was allowed. “Uh, I don’t know if
friends
is the right term. They’re Xander’s siblings.”

“I didn’t realize Alexander went to your school,” she said, driving the knife through the potato.

“Yeah, I didn’t either. I found out today.” My phone buzzed. Mel. “Hey, stranger.”

Her voice came out in a rush. “Abby, are you okay? I’m sorry I didn’t pick up earlier. I was with Tyler.”

“I’m fine.” Lie.

Her tongue clicked. “Are you so fine that you don’t want to go to Starbucks tomorrow morning? My treat for acting like a jerk today.”

I smiled into the phone. I thought
jerk
was harsh, but she was buying. “Okay, sounds good. I’ll let Margaret know. See you guys in the morning.”

Margaret nodded, message received.

At dinner, the twins didn’t let Mom or Margaret speak. I swore I had ear-lash from those two. I cleared the table and did the dishes while Margaret made sure the girls had a shower. Afterward, I joined everyone on the couch for evening television. I was exhausted from the day and went to bed before the twins.

Sleep didn’t come and my thoughts went to Xander. This was torture. I didn’t want to have feelings for him and I didn’t want to want him, but it was impossible not to when I’d been in love with him since forever. I kept imagining how our first kiss would be, his warm arms wrapped around me, and looking into those hazel eyes. What having a boyfriend would be like. Hearing those three words from him.

I buried my head under my pillow until sleep came. I dreamed of Xander again. We were at school and he asked to be my chemistry lab partner. He forgot his book so he had to scoot close and share with me. Ugh, my subconscious needed a Mark Richard-sized kick.

My morning shower didn’t help wake me. I was too tired to bother with the hairdryer so I braided my hair instead. After applying makeup and gloss, I slipped on a dark navy shirtdress and flat sandals. Mel picked me up early with Beth in the front seat attempting to change the radio to a country station, but Mel slapped her hand away.

Settled at our table, Mel took a deep swig of her hot coffee. “Are you going to the party on Saturday night?”

I blinked at her and swallowed a gulp of my strawberry smoothie. “What party? This is the first I’m hearing of it.” It was happening. I was becoming the social outcast of college.

“Oh, it’s at Jake’s house.” Mel relaxed in her seat. “I know you’re invited ’cause he was talking about you. Maybe he didn’t get around to asking you yet.”

“Huh. Our last class was together. What did he say?”

She set down her paper cup. “I think he likes you! He said you were cute and he felt bad you had, and I quote,
that heart
thing
.” Mel lowered her voice to mimic Jake.

I said, “I guess I’ll go if you do.”

Beth’s crescent paused outside her mouth. “Stay inside, no pools for you, and if you see Mark, kick him between the legs for me and woman-kind.”

“Deal,” Mel and I promised.

Stepping up to my locker, my phone pinged with a text from Jake.

Party at my place Sat night?

Well, I didn’t feel like such an outcast anymore. And it did improve my mood to know he thought I was cute. I was still undecided on Jake, we didn’t seem to have much in common, but going to his party wouldn’t hurt anything. I figured next time I saw him, I would tell him.

I didn’t spot any of the Wrights yet, and I wasn’t sure what I would say to Xander today. I was hoping I could keep my cool around him. There was no need to make a fool out of myself. I had my pride, albeit wounded and rocking in the corner.

I would have to keep faking until one day I fell out of love with him, which would be in eighty years…at least.

The walk to the chemistry lab had me sufficiently sweaty. I opened the door and saw Danielle and Xander huddled at their station. With a flash to the clock, I checked the time again. It was early. Danielle never came to class early; I guess she needed the proper motivation. It looked like he was tutoring her. Great. First partner, then tutor, and soon to be boyfriend.

I did my best to ignore them and the gorgeous smile Xander threw at me. Sitting down, I busied myself until Beth came in. Within a second, she read the situation and grimaced.

I was convinced there was something anatomically wrong with my tongue that prevented me from rolling R’s in Spanish class. It was possible I spit on the guy next to me, but we both pretended not to notice. Jake wasn’t kidding. Ten minutes into class, Professor Reddish made a girl cry, but he yelled at her in Spanish, so no one knew how not to offend him again.

By the time lunch came around, nerves gripped me, and I was determined not to repeat yesterday. Grabbing my lunch, I headed to our table. Mel, Tyler, Jake, and Beth were there. I scanned the room and spotted Xander, Calista, Hannah, and Caleb at a table engrossed in conversation. Sitting by Jake, I turned my back to the Wright clan, but I now had the scenic view of Mel on top of Tyler. Keeping my eyes down, I realized I should have brought earplugs.

Jake scooted over to make room for me. “Hi, Abby.” He looked to me wide-eyed.

“Hi, I saw your text. I’ll be there.”

He smiled and relaxed. Was he nervous I would say no earlier? “Sweet.”

The conversation diverted to football, and how the coach was a total jerk for not starting a kid named Nick. Beth and Mel rehashed a reality show, rich housewives or something. I tuned it out and picked at my lunch.

Engrossed in making tiny balls out of my sandwich bread, I didn’t hear anyone come up beside me. A warm hand touched my arm, followed by a cloudy scent and my heart leapt. “Hello, Abby.”

My mouth opened, but before words formed, Jake’s chair screeched and he stood. His attitude changed from relaxed to aggressive like a switch. “Hey, man. Thanks for saving our Abby at the pool party.” His words were meant to exclude Xander, like he wasn’t a part of the “our.”

A different hand landed on my shoulder and it felt as though I were in the middle of a claim war. Someone would get the branding iron out next and erect a barbed wire fence. I squirmed as the cold from Jake’s fingers seeped through my dress. Between the two, I much preferred Xander’s touch.

Xander’s jaw clenched and his eyes fixed on Jake, both boys still touching me. “It was nothing,” Xander ground out. His gaze fell on my shoulder, on Jake’s hand.

Mel’s hands landed with loud thumps on the table. “Alexander, are you going to Jake’s party Saturday night? It’s down the street from Tyler’s. We’re all going.” Mel waved to the table.

Beth wagged her brows at me and Xander saw her. Subtle.

Jake flashed Mel a look that said,
I wasn’t going to invite him.

Xander answered her but looked to me. “Yes, I would like to come, thank you. I’ll leave you to your lunch.” His warm hand dropped, leaving me with creepy, cold Jake.