“So it would seem.”
“They said he would have recognized you immediately from your scent, but you didn’t know it was him?”
“I have never met the male.”
“Do you think he’ll come to the farm?”
Christian sighed. “I would hope that he not, but the likelihood does not seem to be in our favor.”
“He’s a real dickhead, huh?”
“Yes, I believe one could call him that.”
She smirked behind his back. Usually he corrected her coarse language. The fact that he didn’t when referring to his father spoke volumes. “Your laws…will your mom have to go with him if he wants her?”
He took a long time to answer. When he did, his voice was quiet. “Our laws state that the business between mated or married couples is no concern of outsiders. However, the bishop and I are in agreement, no one shall hurt those we love.”
“You’re pretty close with the bishop.”
There was a hint of sadness in his voice. “I am close to no one, pintura. I have waited close to three hundred years for you, hoping you would be my solace, my company.”
His words enveloped her in a sense of belonging that was new to her. “I don’t have many friends either. I mean, I have acquaintances, but I’ve always been sort of a loner too. Maybe I was waiting for you and didn’t even know it.”
He reached over his shoulder, catching her massaging fingers and stilling her hands. He squeezed affectionately. “I hope to be everything you need, Delilah. I may not be the easiest male to deal with at times, but if there is one thing I am certain of in this life, it is that I am intended to be your other half. I wish to make you whole, as you have already begun to fill the emptiness I’ve always abided.”
She eased off the bed and turned to face him. Her fingers went to the back of her apron and worked to undo the pins. Stupid prairie garb. When she had the material loose, she let it fall to the floor leaving her in only her chemise.
“Let me take care of you, Christian. Take what you need.”
His eyes dilated in the dim room, taking on a slight feline shape. “What are you offering, pintura?”
“I sense your hunger. Feed from me.”
His chest lifted as he breathed in a deep breath. Lifting his hand, he reached for her and pulled her gently to his lap. Every time he’d bit her it was in the throes of wild sex. She was a little scared it would hurt without the erotic mojo pumping, but she wanted to do this for him.
He settled her on his lap as his fingers went to her hair. Pins pulled from her braids, making soft pinging sounds as they landed on the floor. Once he had her hair loose, he ran his long fingers through the strands. Every gentle tug sent a shiver down her spine.
Fanning her hair to one side and pressing it behind her shoulder he leaned close and kissed the tattoo of a vampire bite. He breathed her in as though memorizing her scent, savoring it. His breath caressed her skin just below her ear as chills skated up her arms.
“You are such a gift,” he whispered, his words tickling her skin.
Lips dragged over her pulse, teasing and causing it to leap. His strong fingers curved around her hip through the thin fabric of her gown and her body tightened. He did not bite her, only seduced her flesh with soft traces of soft lips.
His hand coasted to her abdomen and his fingers flattened there like a star. “One day my seed will grow here and we shall have many babes that are both the best parts of you and me.”
She hadn’t really thought about children, but the idea of having some with Christian awakened a desire in her she never allowed herself to acknowledge. Her hand covered his as she tipped her head to the side. “Christian…”
“Delilah…”
His tongue warmed her neck and then there was a sharp but delightful pinch as he sunk his teeth in. As his lips sealed to her flesh and he pulled from her vein, her womb tightened. She rocked and moaned slowly, keeping rhythm with every suckle.
His hand cupped her breast and massaged softly. Feeding was erotic no matter if they were having sex or not. Her sex contracted and her heart beat rapidly.
When he licked the bite closed, she turned and caught her mouth to his, tasting her blood on his tongue. She eased him back and straddled him. Her fingers lifted the chemise off her body and tossed it to the floor.
Christian drew in a breath as his hands caught her hips. Leaning down, she slowly undid his shirt and spread it wide. Her mouth closed over one pierced nipple and then the other and he hissed, his fingers tightening on her skin.
“I love that you did this for me,” she said, flicking his barbell with her tongue.
“I’d do anything for you. You are my mate.”
Lifting, she opened the fly of his pants and pulled out his erection. Her fingers wrapped around his flesh and pulled. “Maybe someday I could pierce you here.”
He grunted and she laughed. “I believe I’ll leave that part as God intended,” he said.
“God intended it here,” she said, rubbing his soft skin over her dewy folds.
His hips lifted and he moaned. “Put me inside of you, Delilah.”
She lowered herself and he filled her. It was the first time they made love slowly. It was beautiful, full of heartfelt promises and tender caresses. He never took his gaze off of her.
Her hands spread wide on over his muscled chest as she took him. Never before had she felt so at ease to be herself around a man. Never had she known such a security that, no matter what, he would desire her. There was something very special about having a predestined mate.
What she had learned about Cybil and the others, that if a human was turned by someone that was not their intended mate, they would go mad, proved that he was truly hers. She’d always been a bit off, but she was far from mad. After spending so much time with his people, she realized that, had the shoe been on the other foot, she would have done the same. He was her mate and there would have been no stopping her from claiming him.
He flipped her to her back, his muscles tensing with every measured thrust. “I’ll never let you go, Delilah.”
She met his gaze, her palm cupping his strong, shadowed jaw. “I don’t want to leave.”
He stilled for a split second, his eyes meeting hers and then he kissed her. It was the best kiss of her life, holding more meaning and intension than any promise. It was a vow of eternity in its own right.
Hours later, they lay in the small bed of the Safe House. Their hands had never left the other’s body. Christian’s face rested on her pillow, close to hers as they whispered and watched each other in the darkness.
“You do things to me, Christian,” she confessed quietly.
His mouth curved wickedly. “I intend to do many things to you, pintura.”
She laughed. “Naughty Amish man.” Then she sobered and took his hand, placing it on her chest. “You do things to me here.”
“You do the same to me, my love.”
The words teased at her mind, wanting to come out, but she was afraid to set them free. What if he changed his mind and got tired of her?
“I hear your thoughts, Delilah,” he whispered softly. “My mind will never change. You are the other half of my soul. Nothing can ever change that. I know what you feel. I’ve heard it since the moment you first thought it. Love is an action, an emotion, not a word.”
She sucked in a breath. It never occurred to her that she’d already told him she loved him without speaking the words. You’re so nosy.
He chuckled. Only where you are concerned. You fascinate me.
She smiled at him in the dark. I love you, Christian Schrock.
I know. I love you too, Delilah.
* * * *
Christian awoke with a sense of danger.
Delilah.
He climbed out of bed and sifted his legs through his pants. His finger pressed to his mate’s lips as her eyes fluttered open, warning her to keep silent.
What’s happening? Her startled question filled his
mind.
Do you sense it?
Her eyes scanned the room. Evil.
Yes. Stay here and stay silent. No matter what, do not leave this room.
What is it?
I believe my sire has arrived.
He kissed her mouth and went to the door, his fingers slowly turning the knob. He sent a call to the bishop. Eleazar, do you feel it?
The bishop’s voice filled his mind. Yes. Tell your mate to stay put. I am dressing now.
Christian quietly crept into the hall and padded toward the steps in bare feet. A flash of motion caught his eye and he breathed in the malevolent scent of his father. Where was his mother?
He took the stairs carefully, eyes peeled for any sign of movement. I know you are here. He sent the thought outward, not wanting to make a direct connection with the other male’s mind. If he pushed into his thoughts, chances were the male would find his way back into Christian’s.
There was a gravelly chuckle and he turned. There, by the entrance to the den, was his father. He did not look like the rest of them. This male was clothed in a modern day English suit. His skin was marked like his mates. A tattoo coiled up his neck and around his dark eyes.
Christian noted in that brief moment that he resembled his father more than his mother. He steeled his expression and faced the male. “You are not welcome here.”
The male smiled, his fingers grazing the simple candle on the mantle. “Interesting set up you have here. Amish,” he laughed. “I would have never thought of that.”
“We do not wish for conflict. Please go.”
His father’s eyes cut to his, full of malice. “I am looking for a few things. One, the girl that belongs to me. I believe she is your mother, no?”
“She belongs to no one.”
The man chuckled and pushed the candle aside. “Fool. Had I raised you, perhaps you would be smarter. She is mine. And I will claim what is mine as I always get what I want. Two, I believe there is a male here, dark hair and black eyes. Eleazar, I believe his name is. I want to see him.”
“There is no one here for you to see. You must leave now.” Christian did not chance cautioning the bishop to stay put. It was too much of a risk that Cerberus might hear the warning. He hoped Eleazar was within hearing distance and had the sense to remain hidden.
“Perhaps if you will not aid me in my request I’ll find Ms. Starling and have a word with her.” He sniffed the air, drawing a long breath into his lungs. “Mmmm, she smells freshly fucked.”
Christian growled, his vision changing as his eyes flashed and turned feral. “You do not go near her.”
“Oh, I’ve already been near her. As a matter of fact, I found her before you, boy.”
“I am not a boy.”
“Then be a man and step aside. I want my mate and I am not leaving until I have her. I also do not intend to leave until I square up some loose ends with the black haired male.”
“Cerberus,” Eleazar said, stepping into the room.
His father bared his fangs and smiled viciously. “Ah…the traitor I was hoping to find.”
“You will leave this place and never come back,” the bishop said calmly.
“I will leave when you are six feet underground and I have my mate. Where is Girl?”
“She is not here,” Eleazar lied convincingly.
“I can smell her. Do not insult me with your lies.”
“She will not go to you. I suggest you return from the place you came.”
Cerberus lifted his face a scented the air. “You have much of my property in this house,” he said, blinking curiously as though her were trying to place the puzzle of what he scented. “What else are you hiding?”
“There is nothing here that belongs to you. Leave.”
The shutters slapped shut and the pocket doors of the den rolled and slammed, trapping them in. Every extinguished candle leapt to life, tall flames licking ten inches from the wick. His sire’s gaze snapped to the bishop’s.
“You will die tonight,” Cerberus hissed. “Not the death of an immortal, but the death of man. You will know the agony I have known as your body slowly begins to decompose leaving you too weak to be anything more than fodder for the insects that eat at your flesh. Make no mistake, I’m older, stronger, and a vengeful son of a bitch to my enemies.”
Christian gave the bishop much credit for the way he did not flinch at the threat. “I will not fight you,” Eleazar said. “But I will protect the ones I love. Leave here. You do not love her and she is of no threat to you.”
“All right,” Cerberus said. “I’ll leave here under one condition. You trade me all the females in the house and you may keep Girl.”
A growl ripped from Eleazar’s chest. “No. You will leave as empty handed as you came and never come back.”
Cerberus was silent for a moment and then tipped his head back and laughed. Suddenly, his glare returned to the bishop and his arm swept outward. Eleazar’s body took to the air, crashing into the plaster wall and sending him sliding to the floor with a pained grunt. “You hold no power over me,” Cerberus taunted. “I am twelve hundred years old. No one presumes to tell me what I will and will not do.”
He twisted his hand and the bishop roared in agony. Christian stepped forward. “Stop.”
His father stilled and turned to him. “What a pity your life has been, living here on a farm. You are an immortal for Christ’s sake. Look at yourself! No male from my loins should live in such plainness. I find you a great disappointment.”
“Your opinions carry no weight here,” Christian said as the bishop held his stomach and staggered to his feet, steadying himself on the wall. “Get out.”
Cerberus chuckled. “No.”
Pain lanced through Christian’s head and he roared, gripping his temples and dropping to his knees. The door crashed open and there was a sharp click followed by an explosion.
The agony squeezing his skull ceased, leaving a throbbing ache in his head. He glanced up and saw his mother in her shift, hair down like wild flames around her shoulders and a smoking rifle in her hands.
“Adriel, no!” the bishop hissed, but his mother did not acknowledge his warning.
She stepped into the room and cocked the rifle again, sending another explosive shot into the air. The bullet sunk into his father’s chest and he grunted, his eyes mad with rage.
“Get out,” she hissed through long fangs.
Cerberus seethed. “Girl…”
She cocked the weapon again and stepped forward. “My name is Adriel Schrock. I am the eldest of my lineage and belong to no man. I have not been a girl for a very long time and I am not the weakling you claimed. Hurt my son again I swear upon all that is holy that I will see to your death myself, you vile impression of man.”
His eyes narrowed and his palm rose. The rifle went off a third time and he grunted, taking a step back as the bullet punctured his flesh. Blood bloomed, soaking his clothing and spattering against the plaster walls.
“Bitch!” he hissed and she shot again, sending him stumbling into the mantle. He roared and threw out his claws.
His mother screamed as her body propelled into the air and crashed through the window like a sack of bones.
“No!” Christian roared and attacked. His skin tore under the sharp swipe of claws. Fangs bit at him and he became an immortal possessed.
Eleazar sunk his fangs into Cerberus’s throat, tearing flesh from tendons and Christian knew this night would leave the bishop with murder on his soul.
Cerberus was incredibly strong, throwing them off and gaining upper ground even with several bullet holes gaping in his chest. A blow crashed into Christian’s face driving his body into the hall. And then came the mortal cry of his friend the bishop.
Weak, Christian pushed up on his palms only to falter. Pressure knifed into his spine and he collapsed. Panting, he gazed at Cerberus, who was dragging the bishop’s limp body along the ground.
“No,” Christian wheezed.
/> Cerberus sent a jolt of paralyzing weight onto him and sneered. “Do not make me kill my son as well. Stay there.”
It was of no use. His father was of too many years and possessed an evilness Christian could not contend. He collapsed to the ground and watched, helplessly as his sire dragged Eleazar from the house.
* * * *
Delilah sensed his pain. It cut through her like a searing blade and once it set in she could no longer ignore it. Nearly pulling the door from its hinges she shot down the hall like a bat out of hell, crashing to her knees at his side.
A cry ripped from her throat when she saw what a bloody mess he was. “Oh my God, Christian!” Her hand trembled as she brushed the hair from his eyes.
“Delilah,” he wheezed.
“He did this to you?” The pain was tangible, her need to heal him already taking hold of her fingers as she pulled the negative energy from his body.
He weakly caught her wrist. “Do not.”
“Christian, you’re hurt. Let me help you,” she cried.
His fingers tightened. “My mother. Find my mother.”
“But…”
“Please, pintura. She is in danger. I will be here when you return.”
She didn’t want to leave him, but his eyes pleaded with her. Reluctantly, she sat back. “Okay, Christian. I’ll be back.” She pressed her lips to his temple and prayed he’d be okay.
Rushing out the door, her senses scanned the area and she quickly found Adriel lying unconscious amongst shards of shattered glass. She went to the woman and brushed her fiery hair from her face. Spatters of blood showed like tar on her pale flesh. She pressed her palm to the woman’s forehead. “Adriel.”
Her red lashes fluttered and she tensed. Her eyes opened and she hissed.
“It’s me, Delilah. I’m here to help you.” She pulled the pain from her, taking it into herself until it seeped away leaving lethargy in its wake.
Adriel sighed as she helped her sit up. “Where is Cer?”
Delilah looked into the dark night. The horizon showed shades of violet as evening faded into day. “I don’t know. Christian’s hurt. I need to get back to him.”