Page 3 of Destined for Dreams
“For one, Zoe won’t talk to anyone unless they bring her daughter with them. Lucas cannot leave Alaska to do that, as you know, and I doubt he’d let his sensor mate travel so far without him. For two, you were the one she wanted to come. She thinks you are the least likely to attack her and maybe even listen to what she says.”
One thing Bartol had cultivated over the years before going to Purgatory—aside from a reputation for seducing women—was his ability to control his temper. When others exploded with fury, he remained calm. Very little could force him into a fight. He’d studied various religions and practices that promoted peace in order to keep himself under control. It was one of the reasons he’d chosen to become reclusive since leaving Purgatory—and to avoid Kerbasi. He feared what would happen if he let the pain of his scars and mental torture overcome him, especially if it caused him to lose patience with the guardian and truly let loose. The repercussions wouldn’t be worth the revenge.
He could not do what Caius asked, not if he didn’t want to risk his sanity.
“Lucas isn’t that protective of his mate,” Bartol said, forcing himself to calmly put his paint brush on the table. “You have heard he and Melena invaded Hell earlier this year to rescue a fallen angel, haven’t you?”
Caius lifted his brows. “That really happened? I didn’t believe it when I heard it.”
“The fallen angel in question remains at their home, recovering from her ordeal. I assure you that it did happen. Go to Lucas and Melena and tell them your story.” Bartol turned away and gripped his work table. “They are willing and able to fight demons, but I am no use to you.”
“You were once one of the bravest men I knew, willing to face any danger.” Caius reached out, grasping Bartol’s shoulder.
“Don’t touch me!” he shouted, spinning around.
His eyes had to be blazing with golden fury. Bartol couldn’t handle anyone’s touch these days without it bringing back the wretched memories from his time in Purgatory when he’d been violated in too many ways. It was one more reason he had to avoid people for fear of losing his temper with them. He was still having difficulties keeping himself in check if someone came too close, and he wasn’t prepared. Would he ever get past that?
The shocked nephilim stepped back. “My apologies. I will leave, but I hope you will reconsider. It would be good if the two of us could work together again—on something of greater importance than anything we’ve faced before.”
“I can’t,” Bartol said through gritted teeth.
A resigned expression came over Caius’ face. With a bright burst of light, he flashed away, disappearing from the workshop. Bartol idly wondered where his old friend might go next, but he told himself he didn’t care. It wasn’t his problem. No, he needed to focus on the work before him and rebuild what was left of his life.
