Page 131 of Prodigal Son

“I know no such thing. If his father is who the journal claims, he would be genetically linked to one of the cruelest immortals I’ve had the misfortune of meeting in my very long existence.”

Cain shook his head and quietly said, “He’s been through enough. Don’t do this to him. If we scare him, he’ll leave, and then he’ll truly have no one.”

“I only intend to take a blood sample. If he cooperates, there’s nothing to fear.”

Sighing, Cain left the house, returning to Dane and David in the yard. “They only want a blood sample. Quick and painless.”

“Then what?”

“Then…I don’t know. But opposing the bishop will only make things worse.”

Dane jerked his arm but couldn’t break free of David’s grip. “I want to talk to Larissa.”

“She can’t help you, Dane. This is council business. The females aren’t a part of such things, and she’ll never oppose her mate for this. Just submit and it will be over quickly.”

“This is bullshit.”

“If you want, I’ll go with you.”

Furious, he tightly nodded.

Cane followed them to a room in the safe house he hadn’t known existed. Cain wasn’t fully convinced this Cerberus male was Dane’s father. While he did have some psychic abilities, he showed no other signs of immortality. And if Cerberus was also Cybil’s father, why had she not transitioned? He didn’t understand half-breeds as they were incredibly rare and not openly accepted among their kind.

The door opened, and the bishop stepped in with a mortal male wearing a white lab coat. “Sit,” he commanded, and the man dropped into a chair like a well-trained collie.

“Uh, is he all right?” Dane asked, eyes concerned.

“This is Dr. Hunter. He is going to help us run some tests.” Cain wondered why their healer had not been brought in for this.

There was a light scratch at the door, and the bishop opened it, letting Adriel and her son, Elder Christian Schrock, inside the examination room. The doctor remained in a catatonic trance while Dane fidgeted.

Adriel cleared her throat. “Dane, this is my son, Christian. He is an elder on The Council.” She uncharacteristically wrung her hands. “Christian, this is Dane Foster, your possible half-brother.”

Christian nodded, greeting Dane with an unwelcoming stare that took his measure in one unimpressed swipe.

Empty vials sat in a case on a metal tray with two packaged syringes and a long rubber strap. These were not tools Cain was used to seeing on the farm.

Christian took a seat and rolled up his sleeve. Apparently, he understood what would happen there today.

“Dr. Hunter is going to take a sample of your blood,” the bishop explained. “Dr. Hunter, please take a sample from both men.”

Dane rolled up his sleeve as the doctor opened the syringes and wrapped the strap around Christian’s arm. Cain inspected both males, searching for similar features. Unlike Adriel’s copper hair, Christian’s hair was dark, like Dane’s. They were both tall and made similar expressions when irritated. Christian had always been a moody bastard, mostly because he was a bastard and others had tormented him about such things in the past.

The Elder’s gaze slid to his and he shot Cain a look of pure disapproval. Cain quickly reinforced the guard he had on his thoughts. Damn elders were always sliding in and out of younger immortals’ minds.

The test was over in a matter of minutes and then they waited in uncomfortable silence for the results. Christian appeared unaffected and bothered by the inconvenience this added to his day. Adriel watched her son with anxious eyes. Dane seemed pretty sure this was all a waste of time. Cain didn’t know what to expect but found it interesting that modern medicine had the power to determine a genetic link.

“We have a match,” Dr. Hunter announced, and they all turned expecting more of an explanation, but the doctor had been compelled only to reveal the results.

“That settles it then,” the bishop said, his eyes watching Adriel. “Dane has our blood. He’s one of us.”

“He’s a half breed,” Christian corrected.

“H-how is this possible?” Dane asked, rolling down his sleeve.

Eleazar wore his shock with quiet tension behind a mask of composure. “You and Christian share a specific DNA. Cerberus is your sire.”

“Then what the hell is wrong with my sister?”

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