“You were around eleven at the time, right?” Harrison asked, and Rick nodded. “You were starting to show signs of being a vampire, and he wanted to mold you into a vampire like him. Are you sure he’s your father?”
“I only have his word to go on,” Rick answered, and looked at Johnson, who was standing there shaking his head.
“Ron Booker was not a good vampire,” Johnson told him. “He was evil, and sadistic, and a liar.”
“I know,” Rick told them. “I found that out just as I reached maturity. That’s when I left him and moved to the town Karma grew up in. When the vampire I’m assuming is her father started hanging around, I took off. I couldn’t afford for him to contact the Senate or my father.”
“Ron Booker isn’t your father,” Johnson told him. “But I know who is.”
“What makes you think he isn’t my father?” Rick asked, and everyone looked at Johnson.
“Thirty-two years ago, the last time I was in this area, I was with a hooker named Kerri Ward,” he said and looked at Karma, who didn’t say anything. “We had sex and I fed from her, then I left. When Ron gave me her name and told me he wanted her dead, and wanted her son brought to him, I didn’t think anything about it, but now, seeing you, smelling you, I am nearly certain I am your father.”
“Well, this just got interesting,” Karma said and grinned at Johnson.
“Interesting isn’t what I’d call it,” Baxter said and looked between Rick and Johnson. “We can clear this up very easily.”
“Do DNA tests work on vampire?” Harrison asked.
“No, but we won’t need one,” Baxter answered. “All we will need is a little sample of their blood. If they share DNA, the Senate should be able to smell it.”
“Then let’s do it,” Rick said and looked at Johnson. “I’m tired of hiding from Ron Booker.”
“You wouldn’t have to hide from him anymore, anyway,” Johnson told him. “I killed him a month ago.”
“I’ve been hiding for over a decade now,” he said and looked at the group in front of him. “What will I do now that I don’t have to hide?”
“Come join us at the VEB,” Baxter said immediately. They were always looking for good agents, and if he shared Johnson’s blood, he would definitely make a good agent. “If you’re Johnson’s son, you will have a place with us. Plus, we are always looking for agents who are trustworthy, and reliable.”
“How do you know I wasn’t lying about everything?” Rick asked and Karma grinned.
“You weren’t,” she told him. “I know you weren’t.”
“How?” He asked.
“If you find that out, clue the rest of us in. We’ve been trying to find that same answer for months,” Baxter said, and Karma rolled her eyes at him.
“Come join us,” Karma said and looked over at Dylan. “Dylan and I will train you.”
“Don’t take my job,” Johnson said and chuckled. “Joining us would give us the chance to learn more about each other, and give you the chance to meet Maggie.”
“I’ll join you,” Rick told them. “Give me a few days.”
“We will be here for a while yet,” Karma told him and handed him one of her cards. “When you’re ready, just give me a call.”
“I will, and Karma, I was sorry to hear about your family,” he said.
“Thanks, Rick,” she said and looked at him for a second, before stepping back. “I hope to hear from you soon.”
“You can count on it,” he said and smiled.
“Let’s head out. We need to find a new lead on Caia and Crompton,” Baxter said and looked at Jensen, who had been silent through this exchange. “We will get her back.”
“Yes,” Jackson said, and Baxter knew he was just as wound up as Jensen was.
“See you soon, Rick,” Karma said and smiled at him again before she turned away.
As they walked back toward the vehicles, Baxter watched Johnson step toward the Halfling. Johnson had been through a lot these past few weeks, but things were starting to look up for him. He just hoped things between he and Gina would be like they are between Johnson and Maggie.
“What’s wrong?” Karma asked, stopping beside him.
“Gina wants me to change her,” he responded, knowing it was impossible to lie to her. “And I’m terrified. I’ve never changed anyone, but the thought of letting someone else do it nearly rips me apart.”
“You’re not going to hurt her,” Karma told him.
“Jackson nearly killed Delanie,” Baxter reminded her.
“Yes, but that situation and this one are completely different. Jackson didn’t know he was even drinking from her, but you will. You’ll have your eyes open and your mind focused while you change her,” Karma told him. “And, if you’re nervous, I’m sure Jensen, Harrison, or one of the Senate will be close if you asked them to be.”
“I know,” he responded and exhaled deeply. “I guess I’m just worried she’ll regret her decision after.”
“She won’t,” Neveah said from behind him. “She’s headstrong, and knows what she wants. If she’s asked to be changed, and you don’t do it, she will ask someone else to. She wants an eternity with you, and will do whatever it takes to get it.”
“Just be sure to talk to the Senate first. Let them know she’s consented, and have them talk to her. We don’t need you brought up on charges for violating a law when you didn’t,” Harrison reminded him.
“Yes,” Baxter said and smiled. “We’ve had enough of trials and criminal charges.”
“More than enough,” Johnson said when he walked up. “I wish I had known about Rick. I would have left Booker long before I did, and he’d have never had to live in fear.”
“Maybe, maybe not, but we can’t change the past,” Nevaeh said and looked at Analia. “Trust me, even the best of intentions can be sent spiraling in a different direction.”
“Yes,” Johnson said and looked at them.
“Let’s head to the compound and figure out our next move. We still have a lot to do, and we will not leave this area until we know for certain Caia isn’t here,” Baxter said and looked at Jensen. “We will get her back, and anyone, human or vampire, who stands in our way will suffer the consequences.”
Chapter Thirty-One
“Young Baxter, Karma tells us you wish to speak with us,” Eduardo said when Baxter and Gina entered the small meeting room at the compound.
“Yes,” Baxter said and smiled at Gina. “Gina has consented to allow me to change her.”
“It was my idea, actually,” Gina told them. She didn’t want any of them questioning her about it.
“Oh, how wonderful,” Constance said clapped her hands. “But why are you telling us about it?”
“The law,” Ramsey stated. “It is illegal for a vampire to change a human without their consent unless they are on the brink of death, as Nevaeh and young Delanie were.”
“But, Gina is willing, and very much consenting, to being changed,” Aleyn commented.
“Yes, but we didn’t want to take any chances, and, seeing as I’ve never changed anyone, I would like Ramsey to be close just in case,” Baxter told them. “I am also going to have Jensen and Harrison there. If something goes wrong, and she doesn’t survive, I will need one of them to eliminate me before I can cause any harm.”
“Karma would likely be the only one who is strong enough to do that,” Ramsey told him.
“It’s not going to come to that,” Gina said softly. “I’m strong, and will be better than ever after.”
“Yes,” Baxter said and kissed the top of her head.
“When is this going to happen?” Langley asked and looked at the others.
“Tonight,” Baxter answered, and Gina gasped softly. “If Gina is agreeable to it, that is.”
“More than,” Gina responded with a shy smile.
“Very good,” Eduardo said and grinned. “We will be around if you need us.”
“Thank you,” Baxter said and nodded to
them all before lifting Gina into his arms.
“I can walk, Nathan,” she said with a chuckle.
“Yes, but why would you when I want to carry you?”
“You’re impossible,” Gina said and chuckled again.
“I’m yours,” he countered and carried her out the door. “Forever yours.”
“Where are we going now?”
“To talk to Jensen and Harrison. I sent them a text asking them to meet us at your house. They should be there already.”
“You know Nevaeh, Karma, and Dylan will be there, too, right?”
“And probably Jackson, Delanie, and half the Huntresses, but that doesn’t matter. You’ve agreed to stay with me for eternity, and I don’t give a fuck who knows about it.”
“Will it hurt?” She asked as he carried her across the compound.
“I would lie and tell you no, but I won’t. Yes, it will hurt. It hurt like nothing else I ever felt.”
“It’ll be worth it,” she said and laid her head on his shoulder.
“Looks like they’re all here,” he said and nodded toward the porch when she raised her head off his shoulder.
“Oh boy,” Gina said when she looked over. Not only were half the Huntresses there, but so were half of the agents.
“We can ask them all to leave,” Baxter whispered to her.
“No. They’re family,” she responded, and smiled as they approached the porch. “Hello everyone.”
“Hey,” Karma responded and smiled at them. “What’s going on?”
“Like you don’t know,” Gina responded and chuckled.
“We’re just here for support,” Dylan said as he wrapped his arms around Karma from behind.
“We appreciate that,” Baxter said and sat Gina on her feet. “Now, we’re going inside. I need to do a few things before I start the process.”
“I’ll be around if you need me, boss,” Jensen said and walked to the end of the porch. He’d only changed two in his long existence, but both were successful.
“I’ll be here, too,” Harrison said with a smile.
“Thank you, both,” Baxter said before he picked Gina up again and carried her into the house. “If I need either of you, I will yell.”
When they both nodded, Baxter shut the door between him and Gina, and the rest of the compound.
“What do you need to do before we can start the process?”
“This,” he said and pulled her against him. When his lips met hers, she melted into his arms. He was everything she never knew she needed in her life, and she could not wait to be beside him forever.
“I love you,” she said when he broke the kiss.
“I love you, too,” he said and kissed her forehead. “Zora is with Malinda and the other children, right?”
“Yes, and Malinda is letting her stay with her until the change is complete,” Gina answered.
“I’m scared,” he told her as he led her to the bedroom. “I’m so scared. I have to nearly drain you then feed you my blood for the change to happen.”
“Nathan, I trust you. Totally, completely, with everything that I am, I trust you,” she told him. “I want you to be the one to change me, but if you’re afraid, then please ask one of the others. Jensen or Harrison would do it in a second if you asked.”
“No,” he told her then picked her up again. He carried her into the bedroom and laid her on the bed. He stretched out, and leaned over her to look into her eyes. “I will do it.”
“Okay,” she said and smiled at him.
“Are you ready?”
“Yes,” she breathed and turned her head slightly so the vein in her neck was visible.
“Okay,” he said and kissed her neck gently.
“Nathan,” she breathed as he trailed his lips up and down the vein in her neck.
When the smell of her arousal hit him, he struck and let her blood fill his mouth.
His hands trailed over her body as he drank. He allowed her blood to fill him, allowed her life to seep into his, as he monitored her heartrate and breathing.
When he felt her heart slow to just a few beats per minute, he released her vein, and bit into his own wrist. Pressing his bleeding wrist to her mouth, he let his blood drip into her mouth just as her heart stopped beating.
“Please let this work,” he pleaded. “I cannot lose you. I need you more than I need anything else in my life.”
When he felt the bite in his wrist close, he bit into the other one and pressed it to her open mouth.
He felt her swallow, just before her heart kicked back to life, and he knew she was going to make it. When her mouth closed around the wound on his wrist, and she started drinking deep, his fear lifted and was replaced by a joy like none he’d ever felt.
“I love you, Gina,” he whispered as his blood filled her.
When she released his wrist, he stretched out beside her and listened as her heart jumped a few times then leveled out. She would awake in a few days and be good as new.
He knew he needed to talk to the others, but he wanted just a couple of moments with her first.
Kissing her forehead, her closed eyes, her cheeks, then her lips, he took in every minute detail of her face before he sighed and raised off the bed.
He hated leaving her, even if were only for a moment, but he knew he needed to assure the others that she was okay.
“Everything okay?” Jensen asked as soon as Baxter opened the door.
“Everything is fine,” he answered. “The change has begun.”
“Her heart, how’s the beating?” Harrison asked, and Baxter could tell he was concerned.
“It’s leveled out, and beating strong,” Baxter answered. “She drank deeply before slipping into the changing sleep.”
“She should awaken in roughly three days, and will be a vampire,” Harrison told him. “She will need your help when she awakens.”
“She will have it for an eternity,” Baxter responded.
“Good answer,” Nevaeh said and grinned at him.
“Thank you all for hanging out here. I’m going back in and sitting with her until she wakes up,” Baxter said and took a step back. “I will keep everyone posted.”
“We can sit with her if you need to do anything,” Karma told him. “We all care about her. Don’t forget that.”
“I know, and thank you,” he said before disappearing into the house and shutting the door.
Once he was back in the bedroom, he stretched out beside Gina and pulled her into his arms. He wanted nothing more than to hold her and get a few hours of sleep.
Chapter Thirty-Two
“Nathan,” Gina said softly as her eyes fluttered open.
“I’m right here,” he responded softly in her ear. “How do you feel?”
“The same,” she said then closed her eyes again. “And different at the same time.”
“That’s normal,” he told her. “I left the light off so your eyes could adjust a little. It’ll take some getting used to, but I’ll be with you every step of the way.”
“I can hear people talking outside,” she told him and smiled a little. “They’re worried about me, why?”
“I have no idea,” he responded. “We didn’t expect you to wake up this soon. You’ve only been out for about thirty-six hours.”
“That’s not even two days. Nevaeh and Delanie were both out for three,” she said and shook her head. “It also didn’t hurt. It burned a little in the beginning, then I slipped into a really deep sleep, kinda like a drug induced sleep. Then I woke up, but didn’t wake up. I could hear everything going on around me, and could feel you touching me, but I couldn’t open my eyes or speak. I wasn’t frightened though, because I knew you were here with me. I’m not sure how long any of those things went on for, but I knew the moment each was over.”
“Strange,” he said then caressed her cheek. “But none of that matters now. You’re awake, and the change is complete.”
“And we can be together for eternity,” sh
e finished and smiled. “Have you ever made love to another vampire?”
“Yes,” he responded and pulled away slightly. “But that was a long time ago, and she wasn’t you.”
“What happened in the past doesn’t matter,” she said softly and turned to face him. “It’s the present and future that I want to focus on.”
“I agree,” he told her then touched her cheek again.
“You don’t have to worry about hurting me now,” she whispered then leaned forward and pressed her lips to his for a brief second before pulling back.
“How’s your knee?” He asked. It wasn’t completely healed when he started the change, but it should be better than ever now that the change was complete.
“Healed,” she responded then proved it by rolling over and pinning him to the bed. “Enough talk. I want you to fuck me like you’ve always wanted to, but been too afraid since I was human.”
“Your wish is my command,” he responded then rolled so he was covering her. “But I warn you, I will not be the gentle lover you’re used to.”
“I don’t want gentle, I want you.”
“Fuck,” he said softly then shifted off her. When he reached out and ripped the tank top she wore, she squirmed under him.
The intensity in his eyes should have frightened her, but it only increased her arousal.
“I’m going to make you mine in every possible way,” he growled out before bending to take her nipple in his mouth.
When his fangs pricked her tender flesh, she cried out and bucked under him.
Letting herself give into the fires he was igniting inside her, she dug her nails into his bare shoulders.
Releasing her breast, he trailed his lips down her stomach, dipping his tongue in her navel before moving to the waist band of her leggings.
He stopped for a second before he ripped her leggings away and let his eyes gaze upon her.
“Delicious,” he said before grinning and gently tugging on the hair covering her.
When she cried out from the slight pain that caused, he dripped his fingers into her folds, and stroked deep inside her.
“Nathan!” She cried out as she tensed around him. She’d never felt anything like this before, and she knew it had everything to do with the vampire she was with.
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