“Fine, but my mother was a mortal. The human influence is why Hydraians can’t reproduce, or that’s always been my understanding, anyway.”
“Perhaps.” Gabriel shrugged. “I imagine your father’s genes overrode much of your mother’s, which is the reason you were able to procreate with Caro. Further, according to the seers, you are ideal mates for one another.”
“Meaning they anticipated this and wanted it to happen,” Caro added, uncertain of how to feel about that.
“Yes.” Gabriel folded his arms. “I’m guessing the council didn’t inform you because they didn’t want to tempt fate.”
“They don’t know you’re here,” she realized.
“No. I discovered all of this on my own after learning of your assignment. Your summons only expedited my research. What appears to be the issue?” His gaze dropped to her still-flat stomach. “Aside from the obvious, I mean.”
“Osiris’s seer prophesied his pending demise at the hands of his son,” Caro replied. “We wanted your help in learning more about what she foresaw, which you’ve already discovered.”
Sethios’s thumb traced a pattern against her hip as he held her seemingly closer. “I’d still like to know exactly what Skye told my father, as well as his plans for tracking me down.”
“Interesting,” Gabriel said, his hands falling to his sides. “See, I suggest we give you to Osiris as a distraction while Caro brings the child to term in the sanctuary of other Seraphim.”
Caro froze as the tension in the room thickened. She didn’t need emotive abilities to tell how Sethios felt about that suggestion.
“You are more than welcome to try,” he murmured darkly. “But first, tell me why you think Caro would want to be surrounded by beings who sent her here under false pretenses? They essentially lied to impregnate her with a child she may or may not have wanted.”
“It was a logical assessment” was Gabriel’s reply. But even she could hear the uncertainty in his response.
“Hmm, logic. Yes. Let’s discuss logic. What rational part of you believes I will allow my child to be raised by anyone other than me and the mother?”
“I didn’t say you would agree,” Gabriel pointed out.
“Excellent. Then you’ll understand why this isn’t happening.”
Gabriel arched a single blond brow. “You seem to be under the impression you have a choice in the matter.”
“Enough,” Caro rasped, unable to stand another minute of this bickering. Her insides were rioting, and she desperately craved a nap. “I can’t do this right now.”
Sethios tightened his hold on her. He’d held her this entire time without so much as a complaint. And that she hadn’t demanded he release her was even more confusing. If she didn’t know better, she’d suspect that she rather enjoyed being in his arms.
“What can I do, Caro?” He spoke low and close to her ear. “Do you want anything to eat? Drink? Do you want to lie down?”
She relaxed into his shoulder again with a sigh. “No food. I just want to rest. Then we can discuss what to do.”
“All right, angel.” He turned toward the hallway. “Stay, Gabriel.”
Her son let out an uncharacteristic snort that caused her to frown.
“Don’t make any decisions without me, Gabriel,” she said, adding a stern note to her voice. “And don’t fight Sethios.” The words surprised her, mostly because she meant them.
“I appreciate your support, but I can handle him on my own, angel,” Sethios murmured as he continued toward the bedrooms.
“I’ll behave if he does,” Gabriel called after them.
That would have to be good enough for now.
She rested against Sethios again and closed her eyes. His woodsy scent soothed her senses, calming her stomach. Odd.
“Your bed,” she whispered. “Lay me there.” Where she would be surrounded by him. That’s what she needed.
He paused. “Are you sure?”
“Mm-hmm.” She yawned as exhaustion rolled over her. “Just for a few hours.”
