Page 112 of Vampire's Choice
The winged male was an unknown quantity, but Ruth had brought him here, and she had good judgment. Still, Mal wasn’t going to abandon a father’s automatic suspicion. Taking Merc with him to work the sanctuary was a way to gather evidence, for or against.
Throughout the tour, he’d been attentive, followed Mal’s direction, and asked intelligent questions. Until he’d tried to pick Mal’s brain about Ruth. But in fairness, Mal had poked him a couple times himself, to assess his temperament.
In Merc’s question now, Mal heard an uncertainty he recognized. A male trying to figure out what a woman needed. Even if Ruth hadn’t given him the heads up on it, Mal could tell that was still new territory for Merc.
While he wasn't going to make exploring that ground easier, he would be honest. Because the honest answer wasn't going to map things out any better for the male.
"That he cares about her wellbeing more than his own. That he sees her, sees who she is. And, if it is the best thing for her, even if it destroys him to do it, he will walk away from her."
Merc’s jaw went tight, caught between annoyance and a deeper internal struggle. Mal had to hide an unexpected smile at the answer that reaction provided him. Even before Merc spoke and confirmed it.
"You think that's what would be best for her?"
"That's not for me to answer. That's for you and her. And truthfully, Merc? I have no concerns about Ruth choosing a male who's wrong for her. When it comes to her will and self-respect, she's as well armed as her mother and I could possibly wish.”
After they finished up in the rehab area, Mal indicated they should head back to the house. This time Merc took the offer to ride in back, standing and holding onto the bar. He stretched his wings straight out behind him, as if he enjoyed the feel of the wind passing over them that way. Mal checked them out in the side mirror. They were impressive, no arguing that, but he wasn’t going to be caught staring.
The discussion between Elisa and Ruth had astounded him. Broken his heart and restored it. He’d never thought his daughter worried about him being disappointed in her. He and Elisa had given her as much responsibility on the island as she could handle, and pushed her out of her comfort zone whenever it made sense to do so. He didn’t have to push much. Most times, he had to stop himself from reining her back.
Disappointed? Her even having the thought had been a gut punch, making him wonder if he’d done or missed something over the years that had instilled that worry.
No. It comes from her own heart. Her great love for you, her desire to make sure she lives up to your expectations, even as she meets her own for herself.
It was second nature to share concerns about their children, mind-to-mind. Elisa’s staunch reply eased his tension.
Mal didn’t shield his children from challenges; there was certainly no room for it in the vampire world, but it was idiotic for any species to do it. A parent’s job was to prepare their offspring to stand on their own two feet in the world, not shield them from it. A parent who did that was the actual child. A selfish child, protecting a favorite toy.
It didn’t mean he grieved any less for the pain his children had to endure to get through those challenges. But because Elisa shared that burden with him, it kept them from interfering, taking choices and opportunities away that they shouldn’t. Which had certainly been a danger, given the challenges they’d faced when the children were much younger.
She’s falling in love, Elisa noted. What do you think of him?
He’s feeling the same. Far less familiar territory for him, though. And he’s damn scary.
That’s not a bad thing for her. Not if his desire is to protect her.
Mal shot another glance at the spread wings, the male’s braced legs, the way his attention moved around them, taking in everything.
Perhaps not. But I’m not sure how well he’ll protect her heart.
When they reached the house, Merc had to fold his wings tight around his shoulders to get through the front door, but it was a practiced, almost unconscious move. Elisa and Ruth sat in the kitchen, comfortably chatting in the way of women.
Elisa’s blue eyes brightened as she rose and came to Mal. She was brushing back a chestnut brown lock of hair that had escaped from her barrette. It tried and failed daily to hold the entirety of her mane, which Mal didn’t mind at all.
He put his arms around her, held her close. I heard your words, atsilusgi. How is it you make me love you more every day?
I’ve been with you for eighty years. I’ve never made you do a single thing you didn’t want to do.
He smiled at the tart reply, held her closer. What Kohana said about Ruth being irresistible? I think he said it about you first.
She pushed at him, giving him her soft smile, then his practical maid was back, leveling an intent gaze on Merc. Elisa had everything laid out for the staff meal. Normally, she’d have it cooking by now, but the delay was quickly explained.
“Merc,” she said. “I’m glad you’re back. I need help with the pastry dough for these Scotch pies. Your fingers are just the right size for pinching the sides. Mal,” her gaze turned innocently toward him. “You and Ruth should go see the east field. Those purple wildflowers are in full bloom and you know Ruth loves those. She can show you later,” Elisa told Merc.
Ruth had a droll expression on her face. Tell me again who’s boss on this island, Da?
Mal shot her a look, but since Elisa was still in reach, he tucked the lock back into the barrette, his thumb passing over the cushion of her lips. While he gave her buttock a reproving squeeze, he knew her intent, and agreed with it.
A good servant anticipates her Master’s needs and desires, he told his grinning daughter.