Vampire Mine - Kerrelyn Sparks [65]
“She believes she can earn forgiveness?” Father Andrew frowned. “In my experience, it doesn’t usually work that way. The Lord honors a truly penitent heart.”
Connor scoffed. “She is truly penitent, and look where it got her. Wounded and left bleeding in the dirt.”
The priest sighed. “I cannot presume to understand everything that is going on, but I do feel that we are witnessing divine providence. Perhaps the Lord has loaned her to us for the express purpose of defeating Casimir.”
“And then afterward, He intends to take her back?” Connor glanced toward the windows where she was standing next to Shanna.
“I believe so,” Father Andrew said. “Can I count on your assistance in getting her home?”
He continued to watch her. “I gave her my word I would do everything in my power to get her back.”
The priest was silent for a moment. “Perhaps your assistance will help prove your own worthiness.”
He snorted. “I am past redemption, Father. Even the demon knows my name and said I was on his list.”
“There’s a word for a man who believes what a demon tells him.” Father Andrew gave him a wry look. “He’s called a fool.”
Connor scoffed. “I’m a realist.”
“God is real.”
“So is the demon. I’ve seen him.”
Father Andrew sighed. “Does she understand how dangerous this mission could be?”
“Aye. We worked tonight on a way for her to defend herself. And we successfully teleported close to a place where she sensed death.”
“How did you know where to teleport?”
Connor shifted on the bench. “I had to . . . slip inside her mind for a few seconds.”
The priest sat back. “You were inside the mind of an angel?”
“For a few seconds.”
“That must have been incredible. What—what did you see, if you don’t mind my asking?”
He leaned forward, resting his forearms on his thighs. “It was . . . a beautiful, peaceful place full of love and compassion.”
“I bet it was.” Father Andrew sat silently for a moment. “I’ve never met a man whom the Father couldn’t forgive. If you confess—”
“Nay. I confess nothing.” Connor stood. “I’m a lost cause, Father. That’s why I’m the perfect choice to protect Marielle. I have nothing to lose.”
“And everything to gain,” the priest muttered, then rose to his feet. “Come. Let’s see if we can convince Roman to talk to Marielle.”
“So he can forgive her?” Connor asked dryly. Or forgive me?
Father Andrew walked toward the glass door to let himself into the cafeteria.
“Father, no!” Roman strode toward him. “It’s not safe.”
The priest gave him a bland look. “I talked to her last night without any problems.”
“You had several Vamps to protect you,” Roman argued.
“Then come in with me.” Father Andrew opened the door and walked inside.
“God’s blood,” Roman muttered, then glared at Connor. “Aren’t you going in?”
“After you.”
Roman’s eyes narrowed, then he glanced back at the children. “Stay here with Radinka. I’ll be right back.”
“I want to meet the angel,” Constantine said.
“Me, too!” Sofia skipped toward him.
“No!” Roman winced, then softened his tone. “I need you to stay here. You can watch her through the glass.”
“Come, my darlings.” Radinka gathered the children in her arms. “We’ll have a lovely view right here.”
Roman shot Connor an annoyed look as he entered the cafeteria.
Connor followed and saw that the priest was talking to Marielle, but keeping a safe distance.
Shanna grabbed Roman’s hand and led him toward Marielle. “You would think a former monk would be eager to meet an angel.”
Roman looked properly chastised as he stopped in front of Marielle. “It is an honor to meet you.”
Marielle inclined her head. “I am so very sorry for the pain and grief I caused. I will remember your children in my prayers each day.”
“Thank you.” Roman extended a hand.
She took it, then flinched and looked more closely at him. “I have encountered your soul before.”
“Yes.” Roman nodded. “I met you last night, though you were mostly unconscious.”
“No, it was . . .” She tilted her head, studying him. Then with a gasp, she released his hand and stepped back. “Good heavens!