Calling for a Miracle [The Order of Vampyres 2] (Siren Publishing Classic) (45 page)

“I don’t know why we can feel each other’s passion. I thought it was like that for all mates. I do know that I have no power over him. Whatever happened that one time was a fluke. I am not that strong nor do I possess such gifts.”

“We shall see,” she said, letting the topic drop for a bit, or so Larissa hoped. “Why don’t you tell me how you like living here?”

“I haven’t really been outside of this room. The bishop has been busy since we arrived. I do not wish to get in his way. I am grateful for his protection and intend not to let my presence interfere in his responsibilities.”

Adriel pursed her lips. “I believe Eleazar would be upset to hear you describing yourself as some burden. He would not resent your interference.”

Larissa was beginning to think this female did not know the bishop very well after all. “I am not the type of female who is comfortable intruding on my husband.”

“Pardon me, Larissa, but could that be because your husband is a self-serving bastard? I do believe it is a good thing Eleazar is preoccupied at the moment. You have insulted his character several times since I arrived.”

Larissa’s eyes grew wide. “I mean no insult. I only mean that I do not wish to be a burden. My presence here complicates things for Eleazar. I know he will keep me safe and I am grateful. I only want to be what he needs in order to show my gratitude. His kindness is something I will gladly accept, but it is not required so long as he keeps his word and protects me from Silus.”

She frowned, her forehead pulling tight against her taut red braids. “What has happened that has you thinking this way? You are in no danger. Eleazar will handle your business with Silus. What are you afraid of? It is impossible for him to turn you out. Is that what you fear?”

Larissa lowered her eyes. She could not admit to this strong-willed woman that she was indeed fearful that Eleazar would lose interest in her or grow weary of her demands if she pressed too hard. She could not face Silus again, especially after what she overheard in the hall the day before. She needed to proceed cautiously and not make any waves. She would never be permitted to leave again. The bishop’s place was here. If he threw her out, she would have nowhere to go that Silus would not be able to find her.

The sudden contact of the other woman’s hand upon hers had Larissa looking up. In a soft voice Adriel said, “Do not fear, child. Eleazar loves you above any other already. He loves you, not some biddable image of you. I can tell by your thoughts that you love him as well. Give it time. He will not let you down and you will eventually understand that Eleazar is not someone who gives his love or his word easily, nor does he break his word. He has given you both and that is something you can depend on and trust for all of
eawichkeit
. Give him the gift of you. That is what he wants. Who he wants. You.”

“You are very kind.”

“No, I am not. I am honest though. Believe me. Silus is nothing you need to worry about. He will never harm you again.”

A while later Adriel left and Larissa gladly changed into a fresh dress. She was just sitting down to slip into her shoes when the door opened. She looked up as Eleazar stepped in the room and shut the door. They simply stared at each other for a moment.

“I see Adriel brought you the items I asked her to find.”

“Yes, thank you, Bishop.”

He looked away from her and Larissa sensed something was wrong. Ignoring the shoes she stood and walked toward him. “What is it?”

“The council requests your presence in the hall. I have tried to persuade them to leave you be, but due to my involvement in this case, I must pass my authority to Abraham Gerig. I cannot act as more than a member of The Order while you are giving testimony. I will however be there with you and I promise I will let no other harm you.”

Larissa felt her bones begin to shake. They were taking away his authority. She was suddenly not so sure the council would decide in her favor. What if they gave her back to Silus? What if her husband got a hold of her and made her pay for abandoning him? He said he would beat her! He said he would show her her place and make her repent.

Eleazar’s hands gripped her shoulders firmly. “Larissa, look at me.” She looked up at him and realized he could sense her fear. He frowned and vowed, “He will not touch you. I need you to trust me. I will never let anything happen to you. Ever. I am sorry you must go through this, but once it is done it is done forever. You are my mate. Mine. No other will ever have you.”

She shut her eyes and nodded, trying to regain her composure. Eleazar gently ran the back of his finger down her cheek. She opened her eyes as he whispered, “Put your shoes on. They are waiting for us.”

“Now? We must do this now?”

“Better now than later, my love. Come. Let us be done with this.”

Chapter 30

Eleazar held Larissa’s arm as they walked down the corridor toward Council Hall in silence. He could feel her fear. She was terrified. He tried not to let it bother him that she had yet to find the trust in him to protect her. Although he was bound as the bishop to set an example and he could not break The Order’s laws, he would be sure never to jeopardize her safety.

He imagined Silus was just now on his way, most likely just digesting the news that his wife had been returned to the farm. He could hear the tromping of rapid horse steps thundering from the east. Eleazar had no doubt that was Mr. Hostetler coming anxiously to collect his wife. He took pleasure in knowing the male was about to be severely disappointed.

As they approached the last corridor, Eleazar paused and looked at Larissa. “Be calm, my love. This shall all be over soon and we can begin moving on with our lives in peace.” He kissed her lips softly. She had been worrying them and they appeared slightly bruised. “Come.”

As they approached the doors to Council Hall, Adriel looked up from her sewing. She was sitting on her bench, prepared to hear the trial. She smiled at Larissa then continued on her work.

The room silenced as Eleazar guided Larissa down the center aisle. He could feel her heart beating recklessly. He lovingly squeezed her hand and led her to the first bench. Leaning close, he whispered, “I am right here. If you are afraid, just look to me or your grandfathers. Do not forget they each hold a position as an elder. Your brother, Adam, is also here.”

“Where is my father?”

Eleazar pressed his lips together. She needed no other stress at the moment. “He could not make this meeting. He is attending business elsewhere.”

She nodded and lowered her gaze to her lap. He released her hand and watched as she folded them demurely upon her lap. There was suddenly a ruckus coming from behind the doors. He heard Silus’s voice and then the doors of the hall flew wide open as he stormed in.

The man marched up the aisle and Abraham knocked the gavel against the table calling for order. Voices settled as Silus made it to the front. His eyes locked on his wife’s form and he reached to grab her arm roughly.

Eleazar growled and was between them in less than a heartbeat. “You will not touch her.”

The man frowned. “Bishop, I appreciate your help, but she is my wife and now that she has been returned to me I can handle this disgrace on my own. Please step aside.”

“Brother Silus, please take a seat,” Abraham called from the bench.

Silus looked to the bench then back to Eleazar. “What is going on here? I was informed of no meeting. Whatever my wife has done to draw such attention I assure you she will atone for. I do not wish for her to make more of a spectacle of my family name than she already has.”

Larissa remained still with her hands folded and her lashes lowered. Eleazar could see her shoulders begin to tremble. He stepped closer to her and lovingly caressed the side of her face. Silus scowled at the display and snapped, “Larissa, get up.” When Larissa did not move or even look at her husband, he snapped, “I said get up!” As he went to grab for her again, a growl snapped from the bishop’s chest louder than thunder claps from the heavens in a heat storm. Wisely, the other man stepped back.

He looked to the council and demanded to know what was going on. Abraham, now irritated, suggested, “If you will please take a seat I would be more than happy to inform you.”

Reluctantly Silus took a seat on the other side of the aisle and stared daggers at the bishop. Eleazar was not intimidated in the least. Once he was certain the other man would not move again, he took his place beside Larissa.

“It has come to the council’s attention,” Abraham began, “that Sister Larissa has been called to her mate.”

Silus shot up from his seat. “She is lying!”

“Sit. Down. I will not remind you again that you have been ordered here by your elders and you will follow the laws of this council or be forced to leave.” Silus reluctantly sat and Abraham continued. “As I was saying, it has come to our attention that Sister Larissa has been called to her mate and as a married female, certain items must be addressed, specifically, her marriage to you. I take it from your reaction to this news that you are planning on protesting your wife’s confession, Brother Silus.”

“This is ludicrous. She is no more being called
than I am. She is only trying to shrug her responsibilities again. If she is so certain of this calling,” he sneered, “then where is her mate? She has been missing for almost four months. Surely she would have been able to find him by now.”

Eleazar slowly stood to his full height and looked down at the other male. “I am her mate and as such I advise you to choose your words carefully when speaking of my mate.”

“You?” As if the idea where completely unfathomable to Silus, he shook his head. “But you are the bishop. God would not curse you with such a bothersome, inept—” He began to gasp for air. His hands went to his throat and he frantically clawed at his flesh, unable to release whatever was strangling him.

“Bishop King, please refrain from harming Brother Silus.”

Eleazar released his hold on the other male and Silus began to gasp and cough as he caught his breath. He looked to the bishop with bloodshot eyes then to the council. He wheezed, “This is a conspiracy. She is a witch who has caught our bishop under her spell. How am I to plead my case, knowing I will come to great harm under the edict of a man so enthralled? A man who has the final say in all matters.”

“Bishop King is merely a member of The Order on this day. He has surrendered his authority in order to hear his mate’s testimony and act as her counsel.”

“Testimony? Surely you cannot intend to allow her to speak on Order business. She will lie to all of you and find herself in a cell for her sins.”

“I and the rest of the elders shall be the judge of her truthfulness.” Abraham looked to Larissa and, in a less severe voice, said, “My child, do you think you might be able to come up here and answer a few questions?”

Larissa slowly looked up and nodded. Eleazar helped her stand then walked her to the seat beside the council. As he walked back he smiled at Silus, who was having an extremely difficult struggle with his composure. As he returned to his seat, Abraham continued, “Sister Larissa, would you mind telling us how you came to realize you were being called to Bishop King?”

Without looking up from her lap she quietly answered. “Bishop King told me so. I had been struggling with changes in my diet and sleep patterns, but I simply assumed it was my nerves.”

“Why would you assume it was your nerves?”