Page 19 of Destined for Eternity
Cori hugged herself. “Keep in mind that some of us haven’t lived that long yet to compare.”
“I understand this isn’t…” He started pacing the room. “This isn’t easy. Think of it this way, though. You’ll be thirty-two years old later this year, and how much have you seen and done already in your life? Our child will have all that and more before they must work for the angels.”
Bartol was clearly struggling with the decision as well. He didn’t want his child’s fate determined like this any more than Cori did, but he had to act as the voice of reason between them. She understood that. She just didn’t have to like it or go along with it.
“I have considered all of that,” she said, crossing her arms. He’d been gone for a couple of hours, and she’d spent much of it thinking of all the ramifications of Jeriel’s deal. “But there’s something you’re forgetting.”
“What?”
Cori took a deep breath. “Our child will be fifty when they start as an enforcer, and they’ll barely have built up their strength or powers. They’ll have to face supernaturals that will be hundreds or even thousands of years old. What if they’re killed in a fight, or captured and tortured? We’ve seen how terrible some of the sups out there can be.”
Bartol moved closer and grasped her arms, staring deeply into her eyes. “I will do my best to train our son or daughter to fight during the time we have, and with your spirit, we’ll surely produce a child who will strike fear into their enemies’ hearts. Not only that, there is a good chance they will be immortal. Death is one thing we won’t have to worry about.”
“Are you sure?” Cori’s lips trembled. She’d lost one child already, and all she could think about was what if she lost this one as well. “I can’t go through that again.”
“I know,” he said, eyes softening.
“We have to protect this baby no matter what.”
“I agree.” He squeezed her arms. “Which is the reason we must take this offer. We can’t fight a legion of archangels even with all of our allies put together. I’d prefer our child have us than nothing at all. Have you seen the loneliness in the nerou’s eyes whose parents are long dead and they have no one to come see them on visitor’s day?”
She hadn’t, but she could imagine. “That’s so sad.”
“They are the offspring of parents who fought back and look where it got them.”
Bartol had a point, but it didn’t make her feel much better. “So we have to give in to Jeriel’s demands, no bartering? Maybe ask for fifty years instead of one hundred?”
“I doubt he’ll bend on that, but we can try. I’m also going to ask for something else.”
Cori frowned. “What?”
“Assistance from my father.” Bartol let go of her. “If I’m going to kill demons again, I need his help to improve my tracking skills.”
“You think they’ll agree to release him again?” Cori asked, hope flaring. She’d liked Raguel and would love to see him again, especially now with the baby coming.
Bartol nodded. “Ariel believes they will since they need me to be at my best and that will only happen with my father’s assistance.”
It wasn’t much, but the thought of an archangel coming who would be on their side made Cori feel better. Their baby would have two of its grandparents present for its birth. How many other nerou could say that? None, probably. She still didn’t like the idea of her child being forced into a job not of its choosing, but perhaps in the next five decades they could work something else out. She had time to figure a way out of it.
“Do you…” Cori cleared her throat. “Do you think you could spend the night here?”
Bartol stiffened, but then his gaze softened. “I would sleep by your side if that is your wish.”
“What about more than that?” Months had passed since the last time they were intimate, and she was dying to be that close to him again.
“No.” He gave her a stern look. “You know I won’t risk hurting the baby. You’re both vulnerable now and I’m too strong.”
It was rather frustrating, but she’d tried all her best seduction tricks already with no luck. As soon as her belly started to get big, Bartol had become guarded and distant. He’d give her the occasional hug or caress, but that was it. He was always worried he’d hurt her somehow.
“I’ll take what I can get,” she said, sighing.
He stared at her. “Someday, it will be more.”
“Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”
He didn’t say anything to that.
