“Be mindful of the sun. Purchase a pair of sunspecs when you reach the town, and keep your body covered. Keep a journal of your dreams. It will help you find her. You’ll find privacy and refuge in hotels. Do not depend on the charity of others. You cannot risk harming innocent humans should the bloodlust take hold.”
Bloodlust could overtake all conscious thoughts until sanity frayed and madness reigned. It risked exposure and endangered the human species, which was why the call must be heeded with haste. Adam vowed he would not leave the trail of carnage his great uncle had left in his unanswered wake.
This calling, this so-called gift, it could just as easily be a death sentence if he failed. The Order’s laws were simple, no exposure. But when one failed to find their mate, the bloodlust eventually exposed them as a monster to the world.
Ezekiel placed a thick envelope on the table and slid it toward Adam. “There’s ten thousand dollars there. More than you’ll need. Use it sparingly, nonetheless. If you find yourself in danger or fear your baser instincts are turning you feeish, send a message to this address.”
He glided a slip of paper with a PO Box address across the overworked wooden table.
“What’s at this address?” Adam asked.
“Nothing.” His grandfather lowered his voice. “No one knows this address exists except for us. If it comes to... I’ll do my best not to lose another family member. If you sense your humanity slipping, go to ground. Send a message to that address and I’ll find you. I’ll sedate you and we will then continue your search. It’s imperative you keep a journal. Should your mind suffer, it will be our only compass. There might come a point when even your family seems like your enemy, but she will be your only salvation, Adam. I have faith that God will lead you to her.”
With nothing left but goodbye, he visited his parents’ bedroom and stood over his mother as she slept peacefully. The floor behind him creaked as his father approached.
“I debated waking her,” Adam whispered. “It seems cruel to wake her only to sadden her by leaving. Will she forgive me for not saying goodbye?”
“She’ll always forgive you. You’re her son.” Jonas lovingly pulled the covers to her shoulders. His gaze never wavered from her face. “Your mother’s strong, Adam. I know you feel her pain, but she will heal. This won’t break her.” Stepping back from the bed, he finally looked at him. “Is the call as strong as they say?”
“It’s strengthening. I knew it would be intense, but this is far different from anything I expected. I can see how it could easily redefine a man’s principles and make him do the unthinkable, which is why I’m going to find her and complete the blood bond as soon as possible.”
His father’s gaze returned to his mother’s sleeping form. “I tell myself I love her as fiercely as any divine compulsion.”
“Forgive me. It was not my intention to imply your love for Mother was any less than anyone else’s.”
“They pity us. They don’t realize we know a love so pure the affection they feel for their predetermined mates could never compare. Love takes away choice as much as destiny. It’s the strongest force I’ve ever known, and I love her because it’s the easiest thing I’ve ever done. I don’t know how to stop loving her, so I never will—regardless of what God has to say about it.”
“Then I envy you, Father.”
“Careful, Adam. Envy invites the devil into our world. Do not let another’s glory lessen yours. You’ll find a love that’s right for you. Follow the signs and forget about everyone else for now.”
His father was right, love was very different from a calling. He wasn’t sure he’d ever experience both in one lifetime—even in an eternal life. “Promise her I’ll be back soon.”
He traveled in the shadows of night, the dark sky painting a perfect backdrop to the black hills and cresting knolls. Ribbons of pink stretched from the horizon as dawn approached. The farm was far behind him, a forgotten point as his animal instinct took the lead, guiding him to where he needed to go, delivering him to his mate.
Pausing several miles out, he clung to the branches of an aged pine and tipped back his head, breathing the dewy morning air deep into his lungs. Too much distance still separated them, but he sensed himself getting closer. Soon she would be his.
Chapter Six
“Late, late, late,” Annalise muttered as she rushed through the parking lot at Med Tech where her car had been baking in the sun for the last seven hours. Jogging through the aisles of parked cars, she rummaged through her backpack for her keys.
She shoved the jagged metal into the slot of her ninety-two Chevy Impala, carefully avoiding the metal door with her fingers. Hastily diving into the internal sauna, she did her best not to touch any bare flesh to the heated upholstery.