The Fall (9 page)

Although all Nephilim had powers—for example, they were stronger and faster than mortals—they also possessed gifts that were unique to their fathers. The powers were unpredictable. They could evolve and reveal themselves differently, distinctive to each Nephilim. As the oldest of the Nephilim, Jake and Archer had a strong handle on their abilities, but even they didn’t know if more would come. Jake didn’t know who these Nephilim’s Grigori fathers were, so he was unable to tell what powers they would have.

Jake called forth his father’s gifts, making himself undetectable to both mortal and immortal senses, one of his most useful talents. He walked over to the three newcomers to see if they were friend or foe, or maybe find out some info on the war that was brewing. After fifteen minutes of spying, Jake had heard enough.
Shit.
Confronting them while surrounded by humans was hard enough, but seeing as he didn’t know what to expect from these guy, he needed reinforcements. He went outside, dropping his shields, and called Archer.

***

Archer finished his shower, a cold one at that, and walked into his bedroom. He usually slept nude, but opted for clothing. He didn’t want to scare Addison, so he decided to put on a pair of silk, black pyjama pants and a white tank top.

The kitchen was empty, and he could hear the sound of the television coming from the entertainment room. Upon entering, he saw Addison on her hands and knees, her head bent low near the dark suede couch, searching for something. Her round, curvy bottom was encased by her sweat pants, and Archer arranged himself discreetly before talking.

“What are you looking for?” he asked, his voice low. She jumped, hitting her head on the hard wooden couch leg.

“Ouch!” she yelped, grasping her head. “I dropped the remote. Got it.” She held it up for emphasis. “I picked a movie, hope that’s okay. Unless you had one in mind?”

“No, that’s cool. What did you pick?” he asked, flopping down on the two-seater couch.

“
Lord of the Rings
, my favourite,” she said with a smile.

“Which one?” he asked.

She grinned. “
Twin Towers
. It has the best war scenes and the least hobbit storyline. They kind of creep me out.” She came and took a seat next to him, keeping to the other side of the couch.

“How can you love
Lord of the Rings
and hate hobbits?” he asked, one eyebrow risen.

“Easy. Aragorn and Legolas are amazing eye candy,” she said, her grin getting wider. Archer felt a stab of jealousy.
Great
, he thought,
jealous of a skinny elf and a human that needs a shower and shave
.

“Fair enough,” he said shortly.

***

Addison tried to keep her eyes glued to the TV but kept sneaking glances at Archer. She suppressed a groan. His muscles were huge, cording with every slight movement he made. They locked eyes.
Shit
, she thought.
Busted
. The temperature in the room rose. Addison’s breathing became heavier.

Archer’s glance dropped to her neck then chest, watching her breasts move with each inhale. Addison realised that they had become so close she could easily touch his thigh.

He slowly licked his bottom lip. Addison reached out and traced the path with her thumb. Embarrassed by her actions, she went to move her hand away. Archer grabbed it, so fast she barely saw him move, and slid the same thumb into his mouth. He swirled his tongue around it before putting his lips to the bottom of the digit, sucking on it until it slid out of his mouth.

“You taste delicious,” he said, his voice so deep that it resonated through her. Addison decided she would never tire of hearing him say that. She had never been so turned on in her life.

“Kiss me,” she said, bold once again. She was too aroused to be coy.

Archer didn’t argue. He slid his hand around her neck and gently pulled her towards him. She met his lips halfway and pulled his bottom lip into her mouth. He groaned and reciprocated, slowly and sensually. He slipped his tongue into her mouth. She suckled on it, drawing it deeper before letting go. Addison thrust her tongue into his mouth, the kiss intensifying.

Addison lifted herself to her knees and swung her leg over his, straddling him. Archer let out a low growl and slid his hands to her waist, massaging it softly. She grabbed Archer’s hair in her hands, pulling his head back, giving her better access to his mouth. Their tongues duelled before she started kissing, sucking, and licking down his throat.
God
, she thought,
this man is too damn sexy
. His hands slid over her, down her hips, and around until he cupped her ass. He squeezed it, no longer gentle. Addison let out a moan and returned her mouth to his.

Archer flipped her onto her back against the couch, placing himself between her thighs. He dropped his head to her breast and suckled her nipple through her thin cami, making Addison groan and pull his head closer, using his hair to steer him. He was about to pull her top down when someone’s phone rang like a siren, an “MMMBop” ringtone echoing throughout the now still room. What a mood killer. 

***

Archer was furious about the interruption. With Addison’s hands still in his hair, and his mouth still against her supple breast, he spoke into her breast.

“Ah, are you gonna answer that?”

“Um, that is definitely not my ringtone,” she said sounding somewhat offended that he thought she’d have a Hansen ringtone. After giving Addison’s breast a soft bite that made her take a sharp intake of breath, he lifted his head and looked around.

Archer wanted to punch Jake then and there when he saw it was his own phone lighting up and vibrating on the table. He muttered a few expletives before gently lifting himself off of her and going to it.

“Jake, what the
F
… I mean hell, do you want?” he growled menacingly.

“Hey stud, sorry for interrupting, which I clearly was doing seeing as you’re out of breath, and I doubt you were going for a jog.” Jake chuckled before continuing, “We have a situation at the club, come now.” Jake hung up without waiting for Archer’s response.

Archer turned to Addison, who was smoothing her dishevelled hair, readjusting her bra and top back in place. No way was he going to leave her alone. He tried to call Chance, who didn’t answer his phone.
Shit
. There weren’t many people he would trust to protect Addison, only other Vertalur. So he called his only option, knowing he would probably regret it.

Levi’s chirpy voice filled the line.

“Hello big brother, long time no talk.”

“Levi, I need you and Jeremiah at mine now. I need a favour,” he said, his voice firm, skipping the pleasantries.

“Ah, we don’t hear from you for months and then you ask for favours without even a hello. How you wound me, Archius. But never fear, you will be graced with our presence shortly.” Levi yelled away from the phone, “Jeremiah! Get clothed and armed! Archer requests our many talents.” He then spoke to Archer, “See you soon, bro,” and hung up.

Addison sat on the couch with her legs tucked under her. Archer sat next to her and tucked a stray curl behind her ear.

“Addison, I have to go help Jake out. He thinks he might’ve found something. I’ve called some guys to watch over you while I’m gone.” He raised his hand when she opened her mouth to object. “I know, I am probably being paranoid, but I don’t feel comfortable leaving you here alone tonight. You have our phone numbers in case anything happens, and I’ll be as quick as I can.”

The doorbell rang.
They waste no time
, Archer thought. He gave Addison a quick kiss and went to the door, leaving her gaping at him open mouthed. It swung open before he got there, revealing Levi, holding a key with a chirpy smile on his face. He stepped inside, Jeremiah behind him. The twins were identical, both six foot six inches, with muscular bodies and straight black hair. Whilst Jeremiah’s hair was shoulder-length, Levi’s reached the small of his back in a long braid. The only other thing that differed between them were their eyes. Jeremiah’s were a brilliant violet, and Levi’s a raging amber.

Despite their similar appearance, they couldn’t possibly be more different. While Jeremiah was shy and reserved, Levi was … well, Levi was special.

“Why did you ring the doorbell if you have a key? Wait, how in the hell do you have a key?” Archer said before embracing each brother in turn.

“Ah, tricks of the trade shouldn’t be revealed,” Levi said with a grin. “However, I cannot say that it is not because Jake and I threw a party when you were away for the weekend. Now, to what do we owe this pleasurable summoning?”

Archer shook his head before answering. “Have you heard about the Nephilim called Malachi?” he asked them.

Levi nodded. “Yeah, not much, but we did hear …” Levi’s voice trailed off when he pointedly stared over Archer’s shoulder. Archer turned to see Addison approaching them slowly, taking small steps. She brushed hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear. Archer’s chest constricted.
She’s so beautiful,
he thought. It must have been all over his face, because Levi raised his eyebrows, a slow smile forming on his face.

“Hello, gorgeous.”

Archer shot Levi a sharp look before pulling Addison to him, wrapping his arms around her to hide her ample breasts that were only covered by the thin material. He heard Levi splutter and even saw Jeremiah’s mouth opened in shock.

“Addison, these are my brothers. Levi has the long, girly hair, and that is his twin, Jeremiah,” he said, nodding his head to each in turn. “Boys, this is Addison. I need to head out, and I want you both to watch her. Touch or disrespect her and you will each be a ball short afterwards. Malachi wants her, and we aren’t sure why.”

Archer turned Addison in his arms and gave her a quick kiss.

“I’ll be as fast as I can. Levi is an idiot, but he and Jeremiah are good guys. Call me if you need absolutely anything, okay?”

Addison’s brows were raised, but she smiled at his display of affection. She nodded in understanding. Archer shot a look filled with warning at his brothers before leaving to find Jake.

***

Addison watched Archer leave, tempted to demand he take her with him. She reluctantly turned to her babysitters.

“Jesus. Does your mother have a no-ugly-children policy, or something?” she demanded. Archer’s brothers were gorgeous. The one called Levi wore a cheeky grin whilst Jeremiah looked uncomfortable under the scrutiny.

“Me and Jay have a different mother to ol’ Archius and Jake, but thanks,” Levi said with a grin.

“Archius?” Addison asked curiously.

“Archer is his nickname,” Levi replied.
Huh
, Addison thought. Maybe she would be able to find some info on her sexy, temporary roommate.

“Pretty,” Addison said, before she asked, “Ah, wanna watch a movie?”

“Sure,” Levi replied, before walking into the entertainment room. Jeremiah followed when Addison did the same. “Any suggestions?”

“Nope, I’m fine with anything,” Addison said, taking a seat. She knew it sounded silly, but she generally hated choosing movies to watch when it wasn’t just her watching; too much pressure. She also knew that she would never be able to watch
Lord of the Rings
again without blushing.

She looked around and realised the roomy two-seater was the only place for them all to sit. This would be fun.

Levi put a DVD on and sat down next to her, not uncomfortable in the least. Jeremiah, on the other hand, looked as though he would rather be anywhere but here.

“She won’t bite, Jay,” Levi told his brother with an amused grin. Jeremiah blushed and sat on the other side of Addy, as far away as was possible.

“Oh, good choice,” Addison said when
Superman
began, “I love this movie. Classic.”

“What’s your opinion on
Superman Returns
?” Levi asked seriously.

“Ugh, horrid waste of money. Storyline was lame. Hundreds of possible plot ideas, and they choose one that ends with him leaving his son to be raised by the woman he loves and another man? Altruism only goes so far before it makes you a douchebag.”

“I do believe I just fell in love with you,” he said with an amused glint in his eyes. “I knew you’d have to be special.”

“Huh?” Addison asked, eyebrows drawn together. “What’re you talking about?”

“Ah, have you seen how Archer is acting?” he asked. “He’s besotted by you. I’ve never seen him so … pleasant. Whatever you’re doing, keep on keeping on. Especially if it keeps the stick out of his ass,” he added with a grin.

“Come on,” Addison said, “sure, he’s intense. But he’s so kind and gentlemanly.” Levi looked at her incredulously.

“Are we talking about the same guy? One time I shaved off his eyebrow, and he slugged me.” Levi raised his eyebrows at her. “I don’t mean a boy-scout punch. He cleaned my clock. I had thought it might loosen him up. Clearly I was mistaken, and spent a few hours seeing stars.”

Addison barked out a laugh. “You sound like my friend, Kitty. One time she snuck purple hair dye in my shampoo because she thought, and I quote, it would ‘brighten me up’,” Addison told him with a grim smile. Jeremiah let out a small laugh and blushed when Addison looked at him.

“You are very quiet,” she said to him. “Much unlike your brothers, from what I can tell. You must have your hands full with these three.”

Jeremiah smiled, revealing adorable dimples. “They talk so much that I don’t really need to,” he told her, his voice shockingly deep and lovely.

Addison laughed. “Yeah, I can imagine. Is it just you four, or do you have more brothers and sisters?” It was Levi who answered, Jeremiah seemingly having exhausted the use of his vocal cords for the day.

“We have no sisters, but quite a few brothers. Ah, half-brothers,” he said somewhat uncomfortably. Addison figured that their father must be a serious dick.

“Damn, you’re lucky. I’m an only child,” she said, before changing the subject. “So, what do you know about this Malachi dude?”