The Siren's Call (Fantasy, Science Fiction, Romance) (FORCED TO SERVE) Read Online Free PDF

attention.
    “Like it or not, the demon’s life in Conor’s body makes him like our first child, Liam. The two of us remain his keepers. We must guide him to good behavior and good thoughts. Conor’s body is not used to being celibate and will cause Malachi a discomfort that will test his resolve in ways we do not wish to deal with along with all other responsibilities concerning him. We need to allow Malachi to develop relationships, so long as he exercises discretion. When we order him on this matter, we must be specific and clear.”
    “How do I command a being like him to indulge his physical urges, but not to harm the females in the process? What if he does not obey? What if he accidentally hurts a female because he cannot control himself? Even normal males fail in such matters,” Synar said, staring off and refusing to look at her.
    “You have never once failed to be good to me, Liam. Have you ever hurt a female during bonding?” she asked.
    “No. I have not. The closest I’ve come is when we—when you—you know of what I speak,” he said sharply, unwilling to discuss it again.
    “Barely—since you seem to be having trouble finding the words to describe our intimacy,” Ania replied. “I actually enjoyed myself that day.”
    “I did not like hurting you,” Synar said.
    “You did not hurt me, and I know you liked what we did. Don’t lie to me. Or yourself,” she ordered on a laugh. “Be ashamed of how much you liked it if you choose, though I think it is a poor reflection on our relationship to do so.”
    “I refuse to make you cry again,” Synar said fiercely. “Do not ask me.”
    “Fine. I didn’t really care for that part either, but it was a good emotional release for me. I can see in your face that you are shutting down, so let’s stop talking about us and go back to Malachi. Regardless of what you think, his character is changing. Perhaps your relationship with him would be improved if you did not judge him unworthy of his very existence all the time,” Ania said.
    “What do you suggest I do?” Synar asked snidely. “Turn him loose on the females in my crew and tell him to have a good time?”
    Ania closed her eyes and took a breath. “I do not understand why the Creators of All have cursed me to be mated to a male so inflexible and short-sighted, yet one who bends in the wind with his own doubts. TALK to Malachi and come to some agreement with him—male to male—I care not about the exact details. I’m sure he knows what he needs more than we do. He’s older than I am and far wiser when it comes to being realistic. You might learn something from him if you genuinely listen.”
    “You constantly defend him and refuse to acknowledge any truth of what I say about his abuse of power,” Synar argued.
    “I can only judge him from his conduct with me, which has been as wonderfully compassionate as I have ever been treated. So yes—I defend him. And I want this resolved so I can stop thinking about it. He needs to be allowed to connect to others if he is to be reformed,” Ania said.
    “I did not take on his reformation as a project,” Synar said testily.
    “Be grateful I have my temper properly restrained today, Liam. If we can’t decide together what’s best for Malachi and reach a reasonable accord, how can you possibly ask me to consider having real children with you?” Ania demanded. “Not that I’m thinking about children, but the example suffices as a support in this discussion. I can’t imagine spending all our time fighting about what is best for them on top of everything else.”
    Synar looked at the table and not at his willful, obstinate, unbendable mate who constantly accused him of the same character flaws. It was the first time Ania had mentioned children voluntarily, which meant she was giving it thought. He decided to focus on that positive turn in her thoughts for the moment.
    And whether he liked it or not, Ania had a point about their endless debates