Page 149 of Immortal Bastard

“Good. Then it’s settled.”

“Delilah.”

Running out of negotiation tactics, she flounced her arms and whined, “I don’t wanna go! It’s going to be boring and in a different language.”

He crossed the room, capturing her arms at her side and pressing a kiss to her head. “It’s only a few hours. I’ve already missed one service. I can’t miss another.”

She narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “Missed one service in…”

“Three centuries,” he mumbled.

“Ha! I think you’re entitled to miss a few. Don’t you guys accumulate vacation days?”

“Worship is important. You’ll enjoy it. The other females will be there and after service, we have a large meal.”

The thought of seeing her friends did make the idea more enticing. “Like a party?”

“Sure.”

“Fine. I’ll go, but only to support you. Your faith is not mine.”

He cupped her ass possessively, drawing her front to his. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” she grumbled. “What does one wear to worship around here?”

They’d been careful with each other lately. Concessions were negotiated and appreciated. He took more care with his words and often showed his appreciation in small displays of affection or praise, which she liked.

Since coming to terms with feeding, she stopped fighting her impulses so hard, choosing instead to reflect and ask questions as they occurred.

Rummaging through the selection of dresses, she frowned at the options. “How come Destiny can wear red?”

“That color’s not sanctioned. The Council will speak to Cain about it.”

She lowered the deep blue dress she held out and looked at him. “Because of you?”

“I’ll inform them, yes. I have a response—”

“Christian, you can’t.”

“I’m an elder. It’s my duty.”

“I don’t care. They’re our friends. If you tell on them, they won’t invite us over anymore.”

That would kill two birds with one stone, he thought and she scoffed.

“They’re not birds, they’re friendships. And you’re not killing them! I need friends, Christian.”

“You have me.”

“You’re different. Look,” she sighed. “You might be an introvert, but I like having a social life. I need this. Please don’t make things weird.”

“I don’t see why your friendships should be affected by my adherence to The Order’s laws. The females understand what’s expected of them.”

“Destiny’s different.”

“That is clear. But it does not excuse her from our laws. When an immortal chooses to live here, they in turn accept the rules and responsibilities that exist within such a society. It’s a small cost for the protection we receive in return. Straying from the rules puts everyone at risk of exposure. Conformity allows us to hide in plain sight. Trust me, pintura, you do not want to go back to a time when our kind had to lurk in the shadows and sleep far away from civilization. Here we are at least alive and living.”

She pouted. “I don’t want her to be mad at me.”

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