Page 71 of The Immortal’s Mark

The brothers and their wives don’t have children, but what about the centuries before they met Eshe and Bella? Did Lome or Thane create life?

Did Des?

How have I never wondered this before?

Give yourself a break.

You’ve been a little busy learning that Immortals exist, being abducted, and developing powers because your long-lost mother is a witch, while your mortality is allegedly changing.

“No.” Des clears his throat, and the faintest pink hue colors his cheeks. “My brothers and I are the only Originals without offspring.

Relief loosens my shoulders. “Oh.”

Good.

“It’s a shame, really,” Des continues. “Thane and Lome would both make great fathers.”

But not him?

I swallow. “Bella told me it’s more difficult for Immortals to conceive than it is for humans and Immortals.”

He nods. “Yes.”

“Why is that?”

Why would the Creator bless the brothers with their Ones, only to prevent them from having families?

Des shrugs. “I suspect it is a natural limitation. The Creator may not wish for powerful Immortals to be created outside of his influence.”

I stiffen. “Except me.”

Des’s lips turn down. “Yes…except you.”

We look away from each other.

I stare at the French balcony doors, wishing they were open and that fresh air could help clear away some of this awkwardness.

“I am sorry.”

Slowly, I turn back to him. “For what?”

“Your pain. This upheaval in your life. The fact that your mother has come back into your life under these circumstances. Coming between you and your boyfriend.”

Warmth builds in my chest with each word that passes his strong lips.

Until the last one.

My jaw drops. “Excuse me?”

His face is annoyingly void of emotion. “Eshe has informed me that you and the mortal boy are no longer together. I…apologize for any role I played in that.”

I should just accept the apology and change the subject.

I should ignore the pang of frustration that stabs me in the chest.

But I can’t.

“I broke up with Kevin for many reasons,” I say, voice shaky. “It wasn’t just you.”