Page 7 of Halfblood Deceived

“Sending any woman as bait to be killed by one of those beasts is wrong, for God’s sake!” Isaiah exclaimed, cementing Aella’s opinion that he was by far the most reasonable person in that mansion.

“This is a war, and sacrifices must be made,” Father Israel countered. “And don’t say the lord’s name in vain, Isaiah.”

Aella chewed on her cheek not to scoff. What an irony it was, scolding Isaiah and not Eli.

There was a minute of charged silence.

“There is a trustworthy female who can enter vampire-warded places and might be capable of fulfilling this mission,” Father Israel said.

“And who might that be?” Micah asked.

“Your wife, Aella,” Father Israel answered.

Aella’s heart stopped beating for a moment.

What?

“What?” Micah echoed her silent question.

Eli let out a surprised bark of laughter. “Oh, this will be fun to watch.”

“No, because it won’t fucking happen,” Micah growled.

“Aella can repel vampire sorcery, so the wards in the nightclub the vampire royal frequents won’t be triggered by her presence,” Father Israel said succinctly. “She is smart and capable.”

“No,” Micah growled.

“This is a war, Micah,” Father Israel’s tone turned lower, and Aella could see in her head his most stern expression. “And we all have to do our part. I am sure the Order will be very disappointed to know you refuse to let your wife do her part.”

“This is wrong,” Isaiah said. “And what if Aella refuses?”

“She has no choice but to obey what Micah orders her to do,” Father Israel said. “And Micah will order her to help us. Won’t you, Micah?”

“And who guarantees it will work?” Micah countered. “Aella doesn’t know the first thing about seduction, believe me. And it’s not as if she’s beautiful enough to tempt a vampire.”

Something oily and cold twisted in Aella’s gut, her heart aching. She knew she wasn’t the most beautiful female around, but shouldn’t Micah think she was beautiful? Maybe it was vain of her, but sometimes she wished he did. Maybe if he did, he wouldn’t … punish her as often as he did.

Father Israel hummed. “Your wife has… features a male finds attractive, Micah.”

“Like a huge pair of tits and an ass that I’d love to—” Eli’s disgusting words turned into a choking sound.

Micah’s menacing growl reached Aella’s ears. “She is mine, you bastard. Watch your tongue.”

Part of Aella wanted to feel something other than cringing fear when Micah claimed her like that. But she didn’t. How could he be so possessive of her when he didn’t even like her? When he didn’t think of her as beautiful?

Vanity is a sin, she reminded herself.

But why was vanity a sin and not loving your wife wasn’t?

“Enough,” Father Israel commanded.

Micah growled some more and then there was the sound of coughing.

“This is wrong,” Isaiah repeated.

“Your opinion is noted,” Father Israel responded. “Micah, go to your wife and inform her of her duties. We’ll move forward with the operation as soon as possible. Now.”

A door opened with a slam and Aella ran upstairs.

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