Page 99 of Destined for Dreams
“I had no idea you weren’t fallen.”
“I sensed you nearby when you were in Purgatory,” he said, staring off into the distance. “Even in my deep slumber, your pain and suffering called out to me. As my son, and my flesh and blood, it tormented me to be aware of what was being done to you and unable to stop it.”
Bartol was startled by the revelation, but he didn’t want to talk about what he’d endured in that place—not even with his father. He wasn’t ready for that. But did the powerful archangel know what kind of life he’d led and some of the less than angelic things he’d done? “Did they tell you why I was there?”
“Yes, but it is not my place to judge—not after my own transgressions.”
They hardly compared to Bartol’s. Meeting Raguel now, it bothered him deeply that his sire had been left alone and cold in such a horrible place for so long even if he had slept through most of it. “If I’d known you were there…”
“You could have done nothing. We all have prices to pay for our crimes…” His gaze ran to the burn scars on Bartol once more. “Some steeper than others.”
“True.” He could not believe he was having this conversation with his father.
Raguel was quiet for a moment. “How did your mother pass? They told me very little about her, though I preferred to find out from you anyhow.”
“A fever swept the village,” Bartol said, looking away. “I was six years old at the time and did not have the power to help her back then.”
He wasn’t much of a healer now, but he might have been able to do something to prevent his mother from dying. Unfortunately, nephilim didn’t develop their powers until adulthood, and even then it was a slow process that allowed them time to adjust as they matured.
“She is in Heaven now if that is any consolation.” Raguel worked his jaw. “But for me, it is as if I saw her less than a week ago. It is still difficult to comprehend how much time has passed.”
“Will you be allowed to visit her?” Bartol asked.
The archangel shook his head. “No. That is my penance, but at least I am able to see you again, which is more than I dared ever hope.”
“You and I both.”
“Is it true that you’ve mated?” Raguel asked, curiosity in his golden gaze.
“Yes.”
The archangel studied him. “You are finding your relationship complicated, I see.”
“She is not the kind of woman I expected, but I wouldn’t trade her for the world.” Of that much, Bartol was certain.
“You’ll find happiness with her, but give it time to develop and flourish,” the archangel said, countless years of wisdom in his tone.
It was more than a little awkward speaking with his father about his love life. “Remiel told me you could help me gain better control while fighting the demon.”
“I will do what I can, but we are short on time.” Raguel worked his jaw. “I spent years training my legion to conquer the berserker rage that comes with a kill. Once the demon essence touches you, it is easy to let it take over.”
“How do I stop that from happening?”
“There is a technique to it we can practice today, but it will only be a start. Your mate will have to be the one to pull you out of it the rest of the way with the bond you’ve forged,” he said.
“I don’t want my mate anywhere close to here,” Bartol growled.
Raguel gave him a look of understanding. “I do not blame you, but the first demon you killed was weak compared to the one we will face. Even with the two of us working together, you are going to be overwhelmed by the essence. The rage and bloodlust will take over, which will leave us two choices—kill you or let your mate bring your sanity back. I prefer the latter.”
Bartol stood, fists clenched. “Remiel lied when he said you could help.”
“I would make you as great at killing demons as myself if I had more time, son.” His father rose and put a gentle hand on Bartol’s shoulder. “But the last thing I want is to put you down when I’ve only just reunited with you.”
“Can you guarantee my mate will not be harmed?” he asked.
Raguel nodded. “We will not allow anything to happen to her—arrangements have already been made.”
“I still don’t like it,” Bartol growled.
