Free The Bride of the Immortal by Auriane Bell Page A

perked up his eyebrows without comment. After removing the ribbon that held his wet hair together at the nape he rubbed down the dark red strands. The result of his work strongly reminded Mairin of a stray cat that stepped out of a rain puddle. Slightly annoyed about her irrelevant thoughts she tried to focus.
    “But why are they after us? I belong to the immortal, shouldn’t they support us instead?”
    Her question was met with a snort.
    “They ought to but obviously they’ve decided not to. And since the both of us belong to him we are the closest targets they could find.”
    It still didn’t make sense to her to oppose the immortal but she knew that Father Adrijan wouldn’t lose another word on the topic. Father Adrijan... There was yet one question she wanted to ask him, even though it took her a lot of effort to summon the courage to finally bring it up.
    “Are you really… a priest?”
    Her companion didn’t answer right away and when he finally opened his mouth the device in her hand started to vibrate. The sudden unexpected movement of the item made her jump and the gadget was sent flying towards Adrijan, who stylishly caught it with his healthy arm. “Thank you,” he whispered with a big grin on his face.
     

 
    He had expected Walther to call him again but it was the immortal speaking when he answered the phone call.
    “Sorry it took so long, I was... occupied.”
    Adrijan could tell by the sound of his voice what he meant by saying that but he was in no mood to discuss it. Luckily the immortal didn’t wait for a reply.
    “How’s your wound?”
    “Thanks, I’ll live. Are your agents on their way? I’m at the border with the girl.”
    “Oh, right... the girl.” He sounded absent-minded. “My people are at your cottage now, old Miss Such-and-such is alright, feeding cookies to everyone and telling them not to ruin the floor but I’m afraid your servant is dead. He was discovered strangled in his chamber. Tsk tsk... I’m quite surprised you didn’t notice.”
    Adrijan swallowed hard. That explained why he hadn’t found him when he had saddled Nebel in the stables.
    “Listen, Walther will join us here soon and-“
    “Walther? Walther Stil? I hope you’re joking.”
    “He’s the one. What’s wrong?”
    “He seems to be one of their leaders. I thought you knew.”
    The information made him raise his hand to his forehead in sheer disbelief. Of course he regretted the rash gesture as soon as he felt the sharp pain in his arm. If what the immortal was saying was true, then they were in more danger than he had expected.
    Why would Walther play with them? Hadn’t he helped them to escape? They had to get away fast.
    “From your sudden loss for words I suppose you didn’t know after all. Did you give him your exact location?”
    “I sent him our coordinates over the navigation system before we entered the forest. We continued walking north-east for about ten to fifteen minutes after that. Hold on, I’ll transfer our position to your navi right away.” Adrijan’s fingers quickly slid over the display. “Did you receive the data?” After a short silence the immortal finally answered again.
    “Aye. You’re lucky. If I might suggest that you hurry here-“ Adrijan’s phone played the signal for an incoming location. “- and enter the place you find there. It’s a small... hideout of mine. There isn’t much. Just a big bed, a Jacuzzi, some food and-“
    “Would you please get to the point?” Adrijan was getting impatient.
    “Oh, but I was. When you interrupted me I was about to tell you that a motorcycle is there as well and a narrow road leading to my humble home. Do you have your key-card on you?” Adrijan answered in the affirmative.
    “I’ll update the security data so you can enter the place. But remember, it’s not a safe house so I strongly recommend that you act fast. Oh, and don’t worry about your noble mount. I’ll send someone to pick up Nebel.”
    “Thanks.