Page 159 of Prodigal Son

“So while I’m living my best Amish life learning how to milk the chickens and ride the cows, what will we live off of?”

He looked at her in alarm then realized she was joking and instantly relaxed. “The land sustains us. We aren’t dependent on technology and our lifestyle is a simple one, but our basic necessities will be met.”

She blew out a long breath. “You’re really asking me to be Amish? Like, the whole bonnet and apron thing?”

“I’m asking you to try.”

“What if I can’t do it?”

“Then we come up with another solution.”

“But the religious aspects… I’m no saint.”

“I prefer you a sinner.”

“Oh my God.” She looked at him. “Annalise was like me, wasn’t she? That’s why she never has a bonnet on and knows lyrics to Beatles songs. It’s why the baby’s middle name is Paul, after Paul McCartney.”

“Anna was mortal. She transitioned.” It was the first time he felt no envy in referencing her as Adam’s mate.

“So she wasn’t immortal but now she is? Completely?”

“Irrevocably.”

“Can you do that to me?”

“No. We can marry, but we will never be fully mated.”

“You don’t want that?”

“It’s not a matter of wanting. I don’t have the power to choose and, although you have immortal bloodlines, there is too much risk involved with a blood exchange. I won’t risk you that way.”

“You mean it could kill me?”

He considered Cybil. “It could change you in terrible ways. It’s not worth it.”

“What about when I’m old and dying, would it be worth it then?”

He didn’t want to think of a time when he might lose her. “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”

“I don’t understand, how come Annalise could transition and I can’t?”

There was no sense in protecting her from the truth and best that she found out from him. “Annalise was called. Only a called mate can fully transition. It’s a very specific blood exchange called a bonding only experienced by destined mates.”

“And Adam is Anna’s?” When he didn’t immediately answer, she frowned. “Cain?”

“She was called to both of us. It was some genetic abnormality caused by our twin gene. It’s why Annalise and I share pain.”

“You share…”

“Pain.” He swallowed tightly. “We never bonded, and she was in love with Adam long before I ever had the chance to persuade her otherwise.”

“Did you love her?”

“Not the way I love you. And that’s the truth of it, Destiny. She was chosen for me, but I chose you. As much as I am honor bound to protect and look after her, I would have abandoned my duties to have a life with you, if that was the only way it could be.”

He couldn’t explain the panic welling inside of him. With every word he feared his confession might scare her away.

“Annalise is like a sister to me. She loves my brother. I have no interest—” Her hand closed over his fist.

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