DARK GUARDIAN CRAVED (The Children Of The Gods Paranormal Romance Series Book 12)

by I. T. Lucas

  This time, when Annani had boarded her plane, it had been all over and Kian had called her to turn around.

  “Can I ask you something, Bridget?”

  “Sure.” She sat in a chair across from Eva and him.

  “Michael’s easy transition can be explained by his youth, as can Eva’s. She was even younger than Michael when she met the immortal male who induced her transition. But Nathalie was older than Syssi and still transitioned just as easily as the other two.”

  Bridget lifted her hands and shrugged. “I wish I could tell you why. But I don’t know. I guess each person is different and it’s not as age dependent as we thought, or not completely. Nathalie is still young. Syssi and Andrew are brother and sister and their genetic makeup is similar, which might explain why both had a hard time.”

  For a moment he contemplated the possibility that it had been Kalugal’s potent immortal genetics that had made Eva’s transition easy. His mother was no doubt an immortal that Navuh had kept since the very beginning. Very close to the source. But then Syssi and Andrew had been turned by Kian who was even closer, and Michael was turned by Yamanu who was very old but not that old.

  “What if both mother and father are immortals? Will their Dormant child’s transition go easier?”

  Bridget nodded. “It would make sense. I can ask Annani. She should remember that.”

  “What about that child’s child? Will she or he be considered closer to the source?”

  “I have no idea.”

  “What if a child is born to an immortal female, who wasn’t turned at a young age? Will that child have as much difficulty transitioning as an adult as a Dormant who’s the product of generations of other Dormants?”

  Bridget frowned. “What’s going through your head, Bhathian? Where are you leading with these questions?”

  He wasn’t sure himself. There was a thread of thought he was trying to get a grasp on but it eluded him, and talking it out seemed to help.

  “Eva’s immortal was Navuh’s son.”

  An audible gasp sounded, and Bridget’s intelligent eyes peeled wide. “What? How?”

  Bhathian had been sure news about the discovery had traveled throughout the keep. The only ones who’d known about it were Eva and him, Robert, Amanda and Dalhu, Kian and Syssi. That was quite a few. How was it possible none of them had told anyone? Usually, gossip spread through the keep like wildfire.

  “I’m surprised you don’t know. Apparently some people are not as gossipy as others.”

  Bridget grimaced. “It’s possible everyone knows but me. For some reason, gossip skips over my clinic while it spreads everywhere else. Please tell me how the heck that could’ve happened.”

  “I’ve done some digging, and apparently one of Navuh’s sons gave his father the slip during WWII. He and his platoon were presumed dead, when in reality they deserted and are probably hiding somewhere in the U.S. Robert described him to a forensic artist who drew his portrait. Eva recognized him.”

  Bridget put her elbows on her knees and leaned forward. “That’s fascinating information on many levels, but not really relevant to what we are discussing. As a close descendant of the gods, Kalugal's venom was more potent which could explain Eva’s easy transition. But Nathalie was turned by Andrew. We have no reason to think he is one too.”

  Andrew stretched his head. “No offense, doctor, but I’m not sure you’re right. While I was battling with my sexual urges during Nathalie’s last trimester, I talked with a few of the guys, and it seemed to me that those who are further away from the source have more control. Some are nearly at the level of average human males.”

  Bridget didn’t look happy about Andrew challenging her opinion. “You were also a newly transitioned male. It’s like going through puberty again.”

  Andrew’s chest deflated and he sat down next to the doctor. “Yeah, you’re right. That could explain it too.”

  Bridget waved her hand in a circular motion. “Please continue, Bhathian.”

  “What I’m trying to say is that maybe these Doomers managed to accidentally turn more Dormants. And we might have done so unknowingly as well. Maybe Eva’s case is not as isolated as we all thought, and there are more immortal females out there who have no idea what happened to them and are running and hiding just as Eva did. Those women could have Dormant children who transition better as adults.”

  As the wheels in Bridget’s brain processed the information, her eyes began to glow. “If we research Michael and Eva’s family trees, we may find an immortal female ancestor.”

  Chapter 51: Eva

  “How are you feeling, sweetheart?” Eva tucked an errant lock of hair behind Nathalie’s ear.

  “Physically, I can barely drag myself to the bathroom. Mentally, I can walk on water. Thank you for praying for me. Apparently your prayer was heard.”

  Eva smiled and leaned to kiss Nathalie’s forehead. “I have a feeling it had more to do with you, my amazing and strong daughter, than any praying I’ve done.”

  Nathalie beamed at the compliment. “I’m grateful for how unbelievably easy it went.” She pushed more of her long hair behind her ears. “Can you do me a favor and braid my hair? It’s all over the place.”

  A wave of nostalgia washed over Eva. It had been one of her favorite things to do when Nathalie was little. Once in the morning and again at night.

  “I would love to. One braid or two?”

  “Two. With Bridget insisting on keeping me in bed, it will be more comfortable.” Nathalie leaned closer and whispered, “I think it’s payback for me snatching Andrew from her. Did I tell you that they had a thing?” Nathalie parted her hair into two sections.

  “Before he met you, I hope.”

  “He broke up with her for me.”

  “Ouch,” Eva said, finger combing one side. “Do you have a brush I can use?”

  “Andrew forgot to bring it.”

  Eva parted one side into three sections. “I’ll remind him to bring it.” Andrew had gone to check on his daughter, and Bridget had taken a break to catch a nap, leaving her phone number with Eva in case she was needed back. “Isn’t it awkward for you to be treated by Andrew’s ex?”

  “A little. But she is awesome. I wouldn’t trade her for any other doctor. My only problem is my jealousy. It comes in waves, out of the blue. I know it’s stupid, and I know Andrew loves me, and still that jealous monster inside my head keeps popping up.”

  Eva finished one braid and got up to search for rubber bands. “Insecurities will do that to you. They have a way of creeping up unexpectedly.”

  Nathalie snorted. “You don’t have any insecurities.”

  Eva lifted a brow. “Oh, really?” She found what she was looking for in one of the drawers and returned to Nathalie’s side. “You said yourself that I’m afraid of taking things with Bhathian to the next step.” She secured the braid and moved to Nathalie’s other side.

  “That’s not the same as having insecurities. You’re the most composed woman I know, other than Amanda, that is. And Annani. But then one is a goddess, and the other is her daughter, so of course they are confident.”

  “But the root of it is the same. Fear is keeping me stuck in one place instead of going forward.” Eva finished the second braid and leaned back to look at her work. “You look cute.”

  Nathalie pouted. “The look I’m going for is sexy, not cute.”

  “Did someone say cute and sexy in the same sentence?” Andrew walked in with a paper bag in hand. “They must’ve been talking about my wife.” He crossed the room, and as if his mother-in-law wasn’t there watching planted a kiss on Nathalie’s lips. “I brought the hairbrush, but I see you managed without. You look adorable.”

  “And sexy?”

  “Incredibly.”

  Eva’s heart warmed at the easygoing banter between Andrew and Nathalie. On the scale of innate happiness, they were perfectly matched. Both were upbeat, happy people.

  She got up and collected her purse. �
�I’ll better leave you alone.” She leaned and kissed Nathalie’s cheek.”

  “You don’t have to go, Mom. We are just joking around.” There wasn’t much conviction in Nathalie’s tone. She wanted to be alone with her husband.

  “I do. I still have tons of things I need to take care of today, and I’m running out of steam. I only had one hour of sleep last night.”

  Nathalie caught her hand. “I love you, Mom.”

  God. How long had it been since she’d heard these words? Too long. She turned back and embraced her daughter. “I love you more than anything in the world, my Nathalie.” Eva kissed her again then bolted out of the room to hide the tears she could no longer stop from spilling.

  In the corridor, she leaned against the wall, pulled a handkerchief from her purse, and dubbed at her watery eyes. Damn, she wasn’t an emotional woman. What was wrong with her?

  Heaving a shuddering sigh, she returned the handkerchief to its place and pulled out her phone. “I’m ready to go. Can you take me home?”

  “Are you still at the clinic?”

  “I just stepped out. I’ll wait for you by the car.”

  “I’ll meet you there.”

  She should’ve taken a taxi or an Uber instead of bothering Bhathian. He had work to do that she was interrupting. But it had been a knee-jerk reflex to call him.

  I’m starting to behave like a wife.

  Depending on a man for things she could’ve easily taken care of herself was a bad sign. It was a slippery slope. Today it was a ride home, tomorrow it would be something more consequential, until one day she couldn’t imagine living without him.

  Not a good place to be in.

  Pressing the elevator button, she pulled out her phone again. “Bhathian, you don’t need to take me. I’m going to use an Uber.”

  “I’m already in the car. Stop talking nonsense.” He disconnected, not giving her a chance to argue.

  Ugh, stubborn man.

  As she got to the car Eva was puffing and huffing, not because she’d run, but because her ire had risen to a boiling point. She pulled the passenger door open and glared at Bhathian. “Don’t you ever shut me up like that.”

  He frowned, both thick brows creating a villainous triangle shape. “What the hell are you talking about?”

  “Don’t play dumb, Bhathian. You disconnected the call before I could argue with you about this.” She waved a hand at his SUV.

  If ever a man looked lost for words it was Bhathian at that moment. She almost felt sorry for the guy. Almost.

  “I’m sorry. Are you really mad about that? I didn’t think it was such a big deal. I want to take you home. I don’t want you to take a fucking Uber. Is that such a horrible crime that you’re ready to tear me a new ass for it?” His own temper seemed to be gaining momentum, and Eva realized they were both overreacting.

  Big time.

  Eva climbed up to the passenger seat and closed the door. “No, it’s not. I blame lack of sleep and stress.”

  “Apology accepted.”

  She turned her head and pinned him with a stare she knew was deadly. “Are you kidding me? That wasn’t an apology. That was me acting mature and diffusing the situation.”

  Bhathian shook his head. “I’ll better shut up before I dig a deeper hole for myself.” He turned on the engine and eased out of the parking spot.

  The silence continued throughout the rest of the ride, turning the air inside the cabin stifling. Eva opened the window and let the cool morning air brush over her face. It had been a stupid fight over nothing, and she’d started it.

  It was on her to make it better.

  Did she want to, though?

  She and Bhathian had reached an impasse, or rather a crossroads. It was time to choose whether she wanted to move forward or part ways. They were both too old for playing the boyfriend-girlfriend game, especially since they had a grown daughter and a granddaughter.

  In all honesty, letting go of Bhathian was like self-inflicting a wound for no good reason. There was no upside to it, just downside. The two of them fit well together. The only thing keeping her stuck in neutral was fear.

  The fear of failure.

  Eva’s relationship record wasn’t good. She’d tried her best with Fernando, but her best hadn’t been good enough. What reason had she to believe it would be better this time?

  Both she and Bhathian weren't easy people. How would they make it work?

  But there was no other choice. If she didn’t want to let him go, she needed to take a chance.

  Bhathian parked the car next to her rented house and got out to open the door for her, but she beat him to it. He frowned like he always did when she didn’t wait for him, but smartly he said nothing.

  “Would you like to come in?” she asked.

  “Are you going to yell at me?”

  She chuckled. “I’m done. But we need to talk.”

  Chapter 52: Bhathian

  We need to talk.

  Was that it? Was Eva ending things with him because of one little spat over nothing?

  She could try, but he wasn’t going to let her. Whatever storm was raging in her head, he would calm it down. And if nothing else worked, he would take her to bed. That always seemed to put her in a better mood.

  “Where is everyone?” Bhathian looked around the living room where Eva’s crew usually hung out in front of the dumb tube.

  “It’s morning.” She headed toward the kitchen. “They are working. Nick is installing listening devices in an office downtown, while Sharon is researching the firm’s background. Tessa is in the office.” Eva opened the fridge and started pulling things out. Two kinds of bread, several kinds of cheeses, a package of cold cuts, mayo and mustard.

  Bhathian poured two tall cups of water from the dispenser and put them on the table, then brought over paper plates, plastic forks and knives, and napkins.

  “I’m going to tell Tessa we are here. I’ll be back in a moment.” Eva ducked into the small corridor leading to the office.

  Bhathian started making a sandwich, first spreading mayo and mustard on the bread slices then adding layers of cold cuts. Cheese wasn’t his thing.

  Eva came back and sat on the other side of the small kitchen table.

  “Can you tell me already what it’s all about? I hope it’s not over the ride home.”

  “It’s not.”

  She pushed the left side of her hair behind her ear, then started playing with the curling ends. It wasn’t like her. Eva had no nervous ticks. She was starting to worry him.

  “I think you should move in with me.”

  Boom!

  As usual, the woman never did what he’d expected her to. Instead of kicking him out for good, she was inviting him to move in?

  It got him suspicious. “Where is this coming from? A few days ago you sent me home because you felt crowded. What’s changed?”

  She shrugged. “I had an interesting talk with Tessa and another one with Nathalie. It was interesting to hear their perspectives on relationships, and they got me thinking.”

  He arched a brow. Since when was Eva taking advice from anyone, let alone her assistant and her daughter, people she considered her charges?

  “We are stuck in neutral. Not your doing, mine. We can either go forward or backward. Forward means taking the next step in our relationship, backward means parting ways.”

  He’d be lying if he were to say that her words didn’t scare the crap out if him.

  “I realized that I care too much for you to let you go, and that my life without you would be much worse than with you. Which left only one direction to choose—forward.”

  It wasn’t a declaration of undying love, or even a heartfelt invitation, but was an invitation nonetheless. Bhathian had promised himself a long time ago that he would take whatever Eva could offer.

  He nodded. “Okay.”

  A sad smile curled Eva’s lips. “I watched Andrew and Nathalie today, how easygoing and lighthearted they are with ea
ch other, and I truly wished I could be like them. But I can’t help who I am. I’m the glass-half-empty kind of person while they’re the glass-half-full kind of people. Do you think you can live with that? I don’t want to be anyone’s downer.”

  Bhathian got up and walked over to Eva, lifted her up from her chair, then sat back down with her cradled in his arms. “Do I look like the glass-half-full kind of guy to you? I’m not. I’m like you. Or worse. If you can live with my cloudy disposition, then we are all good. Because to me, you’re my shining light. Waking up next to you in the morning brings a smile to my face, and coming home to you is the highlight of my day. You lift me up. You can never bring me down.”

  Eva let out a sigh and put her head on his chest. “You’re my rock, and it scares the shit out of me. I don’t want to become dependent on you, but I already am. I expect you to come when I call you, and I expect you to be there when I need you.”

  Bhathian kissed the top of her head. “Then I must be dependent on you too. Because I expect the same. That’s what having a life partner means. Someone who’ll always have your back.”

  “I’m not a naive girl, Bhathian. Nothing is for life. Nothing lasts forever.”

  “This does. Mates are not the same as husband and wife, it is so much more. The bond we forge is unbreakable.”

  Eva looked up at him with a pair of glowing amber eyes. “Promise?”

  He put his hand over his heart. “I’ll do better than that. I’ll pledge that I’ll always be there for you. Like in your human marriage. I vow to love you and honor you, in sickness and in health—although we don’t get sick, so that doesn’t apply—in good times and in bad, for richer for poorer, until death do us part—which again doesn’t apply since we are immortal.”

  Eva chuckled. “Do immortals have their special marriage vows?”

  Bhathian kissed her forehead. “I have no idea. The two marriage ceremonies I’ve witnessed Annani perform were so different from each other that I think she makes it up on the spot.”