Page 51 of Immortal Bastard (The Order of Vampires)

A tear slipped past her lashes, and this time when he pulled her close to comfort her, she allowed it. Despite him being the cause of her heartache, he also seemed the greatest comfort. For reasons she couldn’t comprehend, hugging Christian felt better than hugging anyone else—and that royally pissed her off.

“You’re allowed to be angry with me, little one. I’m angry with myself.”

There was no easy solution, no escaping her new reality. No going back to the way things were.

She was some mutated genetic thing that she didn’t understand. And she was going to have to drink blood. Her stomach lurched and she sobbed into his shoulder, using his shirt as a rag for her snot and tears. He at least owed her that much.

“I’ll make this right, Delilah. Somehow, I will make this bearable for you.”

She sniffled and nodded but could think of no solution after everything he’d explained. He stole from her. He stole everything. Nothing could reverse his crime, especially because while he may regret the consequences, he didn’t regret his actual actions.

He kissed the top of her head. “I think we—” His words cut off abruptly and he tensed.

She looked up at him. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s my—” A thunderous pounding rattled the front door. “—mother.”

She jolted upright. “Your mother’s here?”

The banging rattled the walls, and he scrambled to his feet, helping her off the floor. “Yes. I’m sorry. I need to let her in before she breaks our house.”

“What should I do?”

She’d never seen him so frantic. “There are clean shifts in the drawer. Please, wait here until I have a chance to speak to her.”

It was strange how easy it was to obey him. He was there and then he wasn’t. She was completely alone. Her gaze went to the dresser, then the window, then the door.

CHAPTER 8

Christian yanked open the front door, and his mother burst in like a fast-moving storm cloud. She flung off her bonnet and tossed it on the table in the hall.

“Four days? Four days you’ve had your mate here, and you didn’t tell me? I had to find out from Eleazar! What kind of son doesn’t tell his mother he’s been called?”

“Mother, I—”

“All of you males are the same, thinking only of yourself. Did it ever occur to you that I might want to meet this woman who will be joining our family for eternity? That I might have some parting words for you before you complete the bond?”

He flushed, mindful of the floor creaking overhead. “You do realize my age.”

“You’re still my son.” She pointed a sharp finger toward the second floor. “And that female will be my daughter. We’re to be a family, and I will not have you denying my seat as matriarch. I find it incredibly selfish that you would hide her away all for yourself!”

“Are you finished?”

“I don’t even know her name! You never even mentioned you were dreaming! When did you become so deceptive?”

“Mother—”

“I raised you better than that. Families are supposed to—”

“Hi.”

His mother stilled and turned toward the stairs. Delilah stood at the top wearing a chemise and his baggy black shirt tied at the waist.

“Oh.” His mother smiled. “I’m Adriel, Christian’s mother.”

“I’m Delilah.”

She was a vision, a rebellious heathen, and he wanted to take her right there on the stairs. Pin her down as she tussled wildly beneath him, only calming when he slid into her. He would be the only male to tame her.

His body hardened and his mouth curved upward at the sight of the dark, insubordinate waves falling around her face and shoulders.

“Christian, control yourself,” his mother scolded then softened her voice. “Delilah, won’t you come down and sit with me while I visit?”

She glanced at him and hesitated. Her face was clean, unlike his own, and despite her attire, there seemed a demure air about her he hadn’t noticed before.

He gave her a slight nod and she took a slow step forward. “Sorry about the way I’m dressed—”

“Nonsense, you’re at home. You should be able to wear whatever makes you comfortable.”

Delilah smiled. It was perhaps the most beautiful smile in the entire world. Her relief was evident, and Christian appreciated his mother’s ability to put her at ease.

When Delilah reached the lowest step, his mother took her hands and smiled. “Well, look at you.” She glanced back at Christian. “Lovely.” Then she frowned. “Why are you such a mess?”

If he had known she planned to visit he would have had a chance to clean himself up. “We had a mishap.”

His mother’s eyes narrowed on the dried blood marking his face. She looked back at his mate and studied her for injuries, but found none. She grinned. “You’re a fighter. Good. The males around here need to be challenged.”

They entered the den and sat. Typically, the female of the house would bring refreshments, but that would all come in time. Reluctant to leave his mother alone with his mate, he made no such offer.