Page 158 of Immortal Bastard

Delilah.

Her head snapped forward, and she flushed, realizing everyone was waiting for her to quiet her thoughts. She lowered her gaze, repentantly, and the bishop continued with the sermon.

For the next hour she improved her self-control but left much to be desired in terms of silence. He would have to teach her ways to more effectively guard her thoughts before the next service.

After three grueling hours of standing, kneeling, and sitting in mostly silence, the service finally concluded. He usually didn’t find service so tedious, but experiencing it from Delilah’s point of view altered his perspective.

He crossed the room to rejoin her as she stood and rubbed her backside. Several of the other females grinned and greeted one another.

The moment he came to her side, she gripped his sleeve and whispered, “You guys do this every week?”

He chuckled. “No, only every other.”

She blew out a breath and twisted her spine. “It must be nice up there on the chairs.”

She was being dramatic. Immortals might experience slight bouts of discomfort, but rarely did their bodies ache the way she implied. He put his hand on her lower back and steered her toward the doors. “Come, let us break our fast and join the others outside.”

Several tables and chairs dappled the lawn as females carried covered dishes. He was proud to introduce Delilah to the others and eager for her to meet the elders, but she had other plans.

“Oh, there’s Destiny and Cain. Can we sit with them?”

Reluctant to join them, he hesitated. “The elders typically…” His words drifted off when he sensed her disappointment. “Of course.” He led her to the table with her friends.

The females welcomed her with warm smiles while the males looked surprised to see him approach. Fortunately, the eldest Hartzler sister was mated to the bishop, so Eleazar joined them as well.

“I see your mate’s adjusting,” the bishop commented, noting how the females chatted easily.

It made sense she would feel a stronger connection to those who were from the outside world like her. “She’s adapting.”

Eleazar nodded. “She appears much improved from the last time I saw her.” He observed the females, his focus directed mostly to Delilah. “She has much to learn about discipline and self-control. We don’t want her running off.”

It was a level of censure he wasn’t used to from his friend. “Your concern’s unwarranted. I have everything under control.”

“Do you? My mate told me she asked for—”

“I know what she asked,” Christian snapped. “I was there. I’m managing the situation.”

“Very well.”

The bishop moved to sit closer to his wife, and Delilah turned, frowning when her gaze caught Christian’s. She scooted closer, slightly leaning in to whisper, “Are you okay?”

“Perfectly fine.”

“Sister Adriel, join us,” Sister Larissa pointed to an open space on the bench across from the bishop.

His mother glanced at him and hesitated. “I wouldn’t want to intrude.”

He rolled his eyes. “Mother, do sit down. You’re a terrible martyr.”

She lifted her chin, sniffed, and lowered herself into the seat across from Eleazar. Dane followed, sitting beside her and causing a slight ripple in the energy around the table. Sister Grace shifted to the end of the bench.

“Oh, there’s the girl who sat next to me at service,” Delilah said as she waved. “Do you guys know Maggie?” Delilah called the female over. “Maggie, do you want to sit with us?”

Dane’s head snapped up and Sister Grace scowled. “I’d love to. Is there room?”

“I’ll move.” Sister Grace stood, taking her plate with her.

“Gracie,” Dane called, but the female ignored him, as she quickly walked toward the house. “Excuse me,” he said, leaving the table and plate to follow Sister Grace.

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