Page 23 of Destined for Eternity
He lifted his head and pain filled his eyes. “There’s something dark inside of me. I don’t want to risk you or the baby.”
It said something that he recognized it and wanted to protect her from it. Tormod wasn’t gone, but he was a long way from putting the Haagenti incident behind him. She only hoped he could find balance and maybe a little peace. It hadn’t been his fault.
“You should let Emily see you. She misses you.”
Melena stepped up beside Cori. “It’s true. Maybe Em could help.”
“No. I don’t want her seeing me like this.”
Melena’s expression softened. “That doesn’t matter to her. I think being around friends and people who care about you could help.”
“I don’t want anyone’s help!” he growled and flashed away.
Micah rubbed his face. “Today was an improvement, believe it or not.”
“I’m sure,” Cori said. “He just needs time.”
“We don’t have much left.”
No, they didn’t. “But he still helped.”
“He was getting restless.” Micah gazed around at the nerou who were now chatting with each other since the lesson finished. “We haven’t allowed Tormod outside the compound much.”
Melena nodded. “Keep getting him out. It will help.”
“We will break for the day,” Raguel announced, already looking worn after the short training exercise. “You’ll have a bigger exercise tomorrow. Be prepared.”
Bartol made his way over to them and stopped close to Cori. Only two feet separated them and yet he seemed so far away. “I’m going to check on Tormod.”
“Will you be back for dinner?” she asked. Sometimes, it seemed like he would use any excuse to stay away from her unless there was a danger of some sort.
He lifted a brow. “What are you cooking?”
“Fried chicken and mashed potatoes. I’ll make brownies too if you make it.”
His golden eyes lit up. “I’ll do my best to be there then.”
Melena cleared her throat. “I don’t suppose…”
“You, Lucas, and Emily are welcome to come as well if you want. There will be plenty.” Cori was used to people inviting themselves over for dinner and always made extra just in case.
Micah gave her a hurt look. “What about me?”
“You and your daughter can come as well, but leave Kerbasi,” she said sternly. If they all left their home for dinner, chances were greater the guardian would catch on and look for them at her place. She didn’t need that fool disrupting a perfectly good meal.
“He’s on duty this evening at the compound. You won’t have to worry about him,” Micah promised.
Cori pulled out her cell phone to check the time. It was almost four in the afternoon, which was later than expected. They must have been doing the meditation exercises even longer than she realized. “Okay, come by at seven.”
“Let’s get you home then.” Melena tucked her arm into Cori’s.
They’d ridden together to the compound since they both worked in Fairbanks, with the sensor having a job at the Department of Homeland Security office. There was no sense in them taking separate vehicles, especially since Cori hated driving at this stage of her pregnancy anyway.
“Take care of my mate,” Bartol said, giving Melena a stern look.
“You know I will.”
They began walking toward the parking area. Cori glanced over at Melena, who walked with far more grace than her. “Is it me or does something feel off?”
