Page 61 of Immortal Bastard

“You’re letting fear influence your thinking, Adriel. Perhaps you should pray.”

While the steadiness of prayer could center her at times, it would not help her son. These initial moments between mates were crucial and delicate. “He needs guidance.”

“Do you also plan to hold his prick whenever they copulate? Really, Adriel, Christian’s three centuries old.”

Centuries could not dull the shock of what Cerberus had done to her. She shivered at the memory of her mate’s palm striking her down, his heavy fists hammering into her, and the ruthless crush of his manhood tearing into tender, virginal places.

“Only a male could find humor in such things.” She turned and sniffed. “There’s a fire in that girl. I sensed it. Christian might have banked the flames of her impetuous nature, but she’s a far cry from the domesticity he was expecting.”

“They all are.”

“Your situation’s different. You’re the bishop, and your mate was born immortal.”

“That does not excuse me from shock. My wife and I share a four-and-a-half-century age gap. I performed her baptism. Believe me, she was not what I expected.”

“But you were pleased. What if Christian isn’t happy with God’s choice?”

“When the dreams started, I refused to accept her as the other half of my soul. I assumed there had to be some sort of mistake. But I was the mistaken one. Larissa’s my perfect match and the other half of my soul. She challenges me in ways I need to be challenged, and I do the same for her.”

She studied him for a long moment, noting all the ways he’d mellowed since mating with the young female. “You’re less irritable since bonding.”

He raised a brow, not commenting on the obvious reasons why that might be, but he also said, “Larissa has convinced me that I am not needed everywhere at once.”

She chuckled. “But however will you maintain your omnipotent authority, Eleazar?”

“Very amusing, Adriel. In truth, it’s been…peaceful. When I shut the world out, my evenings belong to my family alone. They deserve my full attention, and I’m finding I truly enjoy spending my evenings alone with my daughter and mate. The Order is large and some nights the intrusive noise can be endless. Now that I’ve gotten into the habit of turning down my sensory in the evenings, I’m able to focus on what matters most—my family. We’re…happy.”

“Then I’m happy for you. As a mother, you have to understand why I want the same for my son.”

“Have faith. Christian and Delilah will realize the perfection of their bond in time.”

It was a nice fantasy he painted, one of flawless divination, but if that were always true, how did he explain the cruelty she experienced at the hands of her called mate?

Moving to the window, she stared off in the direction of her family’s land. “I want them to be happy.”

“Happiness is an American notion that has nothing to do with survival and procreation.”

She glared at him over her shoulder. “Shut up.”

He chuckled. “Adriel, they will find their way. Give them time and a little grace.”

She thought of her son’s gentle side. It had been a long time since he showed any sort of susceptibility. Like his father, Christian despised appearing weak. “Love is vulnerable. It weakens us and leaves us open to pain and injury.”

Her mind went to her mate. The cruel bastard had meant to punish her for reasons she still didn’t understand, conditions far beyond her control. He never loved her, but he believed he owned her and he resented the meager care she required.

“Christian’s stronger than you realize, Adriel. He might be the youngest elder on The Council, but he’s patient and wise beyond his years. Give them space to work through their trials. Have faith that you raised an honorable male. I say this to you, not because you’re my friend, but because Christian is also one of my most trusted confidants. I would not assign such a label to someone I didn’t trust to act honorably in all things.”

Her eyes closed. Eleazar was right. Her son was a male of honor and morality. He would not cross that line.

So much past trauma had come to the surface since discovering Dane was Christian’s half-brother. Adriel struggled to take comfort in the illusions that once made her feel safe. And her worry for her own safety was infecting her thinking. “Has there been any word from your informants overseas?”

“Nothing yet.”

She wrung her hands in her apron. “He’s not there. I can feel it in my bones. I sense his closeness.”

“He’s had centuries to consider his actions. Perhaps he’s learned his lesson.”

She shivered, recalling the way her mate screamed when they tore off his limbs. Those horrific howls had haunted her for a hundred years. It had been a long time since the memories stopped, but since learning of Dane’s heritage, she’d been on edge.

---