She calmly regarded him with unblinking eyes. After a moment, he released her and turned away with shoulders slumped. He ran his fingers through his h...ir, muttering unintelligible words before he too sighed. He turned to meet her unwavering gaze."So be it. Sabratha, I give you my solemn vow to protect your heir and her mate beyond all others, this I swear to you upon the love I hold forever in my heart for you." He lowered his shining orbs, "Love, do not do what I fear you plan to do. Please,. The Contessa was the first to see any details through the veil of bodies singing Hosannas to the blasphemous depravity taking place. This was like no Sunday worship that I had ever seen, the dancing more closely resembled an African tribal dance. Her gasp of astonishment grabbed Bernhardt and my attention and we instantly stepped in front to defend her. "Holy fuck!" Bernhardt ejected. The Contessa giggled and put her hand in front of her mouth. I shook my head and tried not to grin.. ”Is your watch fast? you’re a week early.” He grinned.Bella had seen my truck pull up and come out. She took one look at my face and spoke.“Jonathon, take Simon into the Den. I’m going to take the kids over to Mary’s I’ll be back in half an hour.”Jonathon looked between us and complied, leading me into the den and handing me a glass with an amber fluid.“Do you want to talk now or wait for Bella?” he asked.“I’m not sure that some of the things I need to talk about…”“Look,” he said “Neither Bella. But I was also powerless. I couldn't fight this man. I should have. I should have had the strength of character to fight this nasty filthy abuser...but this was also so unexpected and I didn't know how to deal with it. This was not a scenario or circumstances I'd ever thought about of considered. It simply wasn't in my point of reference.I felt dirty. I felt disgusted and humiliated. My psyche was destroyed, broken down and submissive in its deep humiliation. Something in my mind was telling me.