Dark Exodus (The Order of Vampires 2)

“I think I can make him happy, too.”

“Has Silus been informed?” Abilene asked, her concern clear.

“Yes. We returned a few days ago. Yesterday, I had to sit on trial before the Elder’s Council. Oh, Mother, it was so frightening being in there with only males. I hope I never have to walk into that room again. But I did, and Eleazar told The Council what had happened. Silus became very agitated and made a scene, but The Elders chastised him. They asked me questions and I was so nervous I can barely recall answering them. Before I realized what was happening, The Council granted me the right to an annulment.”

“I would be frightened Silus might retaliate. Do be careful, Larissa,” Gracie said, all traces of humor gone.

“Oh, he tried to approach me after the trial, but Adriel Schrock—Do you know her, Mother? She’s a fascinating female. Anyway, she put Silus in his place, and I don’t think he’ll bother me again. He was quite humiliated.”

“I wish I could have witnessed that.” Her sister’s grin was almost maniacal.

“Once the paperwork is signed, Eleazar and I can be married, and I never have to deal with that rotten male again.”

Her mother’s lips trembled under the strain of her smile. “Well then, I suppose I had better begin sewing you a new dress. In this weather, I’ll never be able to grow celery in time—”

“Oh, no, Mother. I don’t wish for another wedding. I only want to say my vows to my husband with my family and God as our witnesses, and perhaps Adriel Schrock, since she’s one of Eleazar’s closest friends. He’s a very private male, and I do not wish to burden him with an overdone ceremony and celebration. I simply want to marry him so we can begin our life.”

Gracie, who had been quiet for some time, appeared troubled. Larissa took her hand. “Grace, what is it?”

Frowning, her sister first looked at their mother then her. “You’re the fourth. How is it possible that in my twenty-one years on this Earth, not a single member of The Order was called, and no one from the Hartzler line has been called since Uncle Isaiah’s disappearance until Adam and Cain, yet in the past four months, four of my kin have been?”

The unwelcome thought that their callings might somehow be linked to her uncle’s return troubled her and she shook the thought away, trusting that God had simply decided it was her time.

Larissa wanted to label the callings a miracle, but her mother would disagree, surely viewing their father’s fate as a curse. The three of them wondered in silence, unsure how so many callings could happen all at once. And Larissa suffered a bite of uncertainty, worried that the outbreak might be some sort of glitch and her happiness could get snatched away at any moment.

A shiver of apprehension skated up her spine and she suddenly wanted her mate. “I should call for Eleazar. It’s getting late.”

She sensed her mother’s exhaustion and worried when she last fed. It was tempting to offer her vein, but such an act was forbidden.

Gracie’s pout disappeared the moment Annalise arrived with a gust of bone-chilling wind slipping in behind her.

Her new sister-in-law glowed with life as she greeted Larissa with surprise and excitement.

“I thought Adam would’ve told you I was home,” Larissa said, encasing Anna’s swollen belly in loving hands. “I had hoped you could help me reach Cain.”

At Anna’s surprise, Larissa realized no one had delivered her request. “Did you speak to Adam?”

Larissa frowned. “The bishop did.” Why hadn’t her brother given Annalise her request?

Anna’s mouth twisted in apology. “He doesn’t want me contacting Cain until I deliver the baby.”

“Why? He must know that your heart is his.”

“It has nothing to do with loyalty. There are some new concerns about my shared link with Cain. The other day I had…an episode.”

Larissa scanned the room and sensed the universal concern. “What happened?”

“Cain was injured, and I somehow suffered his pain and injuries.”

“But you’re okay? And has anyone spoken to Cain?”

“Cain is fine,” Gracie said. “But it was quite traumatic for Annalise and the baby. It’s best that their link remains severed for now.”

Regretful that they lost their only connection to their brother while he was away from the farm, Larissa accepted that it was for the best. In her sister-in-law’s delicate condition, she wouldn’t want to take any risks. “Well, hopefully he returns soon.”

Her mind reached for Eleazar, only to be greeted by a vacant block. He must be with The Elders and guarding his thoughts.

She sat a while longer, making small talk with Anna and asking about her plans for their new home. But the longer she waited, the more restless she became to return to her mate. Again and again, she mentally reached for Eleazar only to find his thoughts blocked. They needed to come up with a more effective way of communicating.