Death of Darkness

by Dianne Duvall

  “No, she didn’t.”

  Seth shook his head. “Don’t protect her. I’ll read it in her thoughts. Your blood is on her hands and she was leaning over you when I came in.”

  “I’m not lying to protect her. It’s true. She didn’t hurt me. I…” Her features twisted into a grimace. “When I realized who she was, I sort of… threw myself in front of her to keep whoever was outside from shooting her.”

  Seth stared at her. “You what?” he nearly bellowed.

  “I was just trying to take her down to the floor and hold her there until you got here,” she said hastily, “and accidentally got shot in the process.”

  Leah couldn’t have held Tessa down. The fact that she had even managed to tackle her was astonishing. She must’ve really caught Tessa off guard.

  “Don’t ever do that shit again,” he ordered.

  Leah gave his cheek a little pat. “Help me up.”

  He would’ve pushed her to give her word, but could feel her trembling and knew what a shock this had been. The last thing she needed was for him to bitch at her for risking her life when he was the one who had put it in danger in the first place.

  Rising, he drew her up with him.

  Leah glanced around the room, took in the vampires—whose bodies were rapidly shriveling up—then eyed him with disbelief. “Vampires? Seriously? What the hell, Seth?”

  Now he winced. “I… might have left out a few things when I told you about my enemy.”

  “Ya think?” She peered down at the decaying figures. “Why are they shriveling up like that?”

  “They’re infected with a virus.”

  “Viruses don’t do that.”

  “This one does. It’s a very rare symbiotic virus that behaves like no other on the planet.”

  “Sounds like something some dumb ass created in a lab,” she said irritably.

  “I honestly don’t know its origins. But the virus can’t live without its host. So the virus is… consuming them, for lack of a better explanation, in an attempt to continue living.”

  Her expression turned uneasy. “Is this virus contagious?”

  “It’s not airborne, if that’s what worries you. It’s blood-borne.”

  “Of course. Because they’re vampires.” Turning away, she stepped over two corpses. “Un-befreaking-lievable,” she muttered as she grabbed the watch he had given her off the bedside table. The charging cord attached to it fell to the floor as she held it up to her mouth. “Call Seth, damn it!” she shouted at the thing.

  Nothing happened.

  Seth scowled as he moved closer. “It isn’t working?”

  “No.” She sounded as pissed as he felt. “At least, I don’t think it is. Did you get a call from me and just couldn’t get here sooner?”

  “No.” The call he had received had come from Chris’s special-ops team across the street, not from Leah.

  “Then it doesn’t work,” she grumbled. “I told it to call you at least half a dozen times.”

  Seth took the watch and turned it over. “What the hell? I’m going to kick Reordon’s ass for this.”

  A throat cleared.

  He looked toward the doorway.

  A woman garbed all in black and sporting a vest, helmet, and numerous firearms, leaned in. “Sorry. I couldn’t help but overhear, sir.” She motioned to the watch. “She has to be wearing it for it to work.”

  Seth shifted his frown to Leah. “Why aren’t you wearing it? I thought I told you to wear it at all times.”

  “I had to charge it,” she replied. When she fastened it to her wrist, the screen lit up. Leah tapped it four times, entering a passcode. “Call Seth.”

  The emergency phone in Seth’s pocket rang.

  She sighed. “Figures.”

  The network soldier spoke once more. “I’ll order a second watch from Mr. Reordon when I make my report and have it delivered later today. That way she can wear one while the other is charging and will never be without it again.”

  “Thank you…” He raised his brows.

  “Cynthia McCoy.”

  “Thank you, Cynthia. I would appreciate that.”

  Skillet’s “Monster” broke the silence. Seth dug his phone out of his pocket and answered it. “What?”

  “I’ll have a new watch ready for her when you get here,” Chris said without preamble.

  Seth frowned. How had he known…?

  Anger began to bubble up inside him once more as he glanced up at the ceiling. “Did you install surveillance cameras in Leah’s bedroom?” he nearly roared.

  Leah’s mouth fell open. “What?”

  “No,” Chris replied calmly. “I got the call that Leah was being attacked the same time you did and have been monitoring things via network soldiers’ helmet cams.”

  Seth glanced at Cynthia. “There’s a camera in your helmet?”

  Nodding, she touched a small dark circle on the front of it.

  “Oh.” He returned his attention to Leah, who looked furious, appalled, and dismayed. “There are no cameras in here.”

  “There damn well had better not be,” she retorted, “or I’m going to kick somebody’s ass.”

  If Seth weren’t so angry, he would’ve smiled.

  “What are you going to do with Tessa?” Chris asked.

  Seth studied the unconscious woman. When he had captured Bastien, he had basically incarcerated him in Seth’s castle in England with David, Darnell, and Ami for company.

  Ami had been new to their world at the time and recovering from months of torture. Seth had thought the isolation would benefit both her and Bastien. And too, he’d thought Ami’s presence would make Bastien feel less like a prisoner, less threatened.

  He thought it unwise, however, to allow Tessa near Ami while Tessa still thought him the enemy.

  “I know you want her to be comfortable while you help her understand that you’re the good guy,” Chris said, “but I don’t think she should stay at David’s.”

  “Nor do I,” Seth admitted. Tessa had attacked Leah with two dozen vampires. As much as he would like to, he just couldn’t trust her around his family.

  “As soon as you told me Gershom had transformed a dozen of the kidnapped gifted ones, I took the liberty of expanding and turning a few of the holding rooms here at network headquarters into studio apartments. Why don’t you bring her here? She’ll be comfortable, well taken care of, heavily guarded, and the alarm will alert us immediately if Gershom teleports in to steal her away.”

  Not a bad idea, but… “I think the missile silo would be better.” It was more isolated and had fewer employees who might get caught in the crossfire if violence erupted.

  “I disagree. She has preternaturally sharp hearing. If we confine her to one of the studio apartments on sublevel five, she’ll be able to hear everything that happens in the building and will grow to doubt whatever bullshit Gershom has been feeding her much faster. No one who listens to the many conversations that take place here on a daily basis can deny that we’re the good guys, Seth.”

  “It would put network employees at risk.”

  “That’s my call to make, not yours.”

  After a moment, Seth nodded. “So be it. Tell Melanie we’re on our way. And send a cleanup crew here.”

  “The crew is already en route.”

  Of course it was. Pocketing his phone, Seth met Leah’s gaze. “Can you call Brittney and have her open the shop for you in the morning?”

  Her mouth fell open. “I can’t open my store today. Look at this place! It’s shot all to hell and there’s blood every-freaking-where!”

  “The damage—including the back door and broken windows—will be repaired and the blood cleaned up within a couple of hours.”

  She closed her mouth and looked around the room, doubt written clearly upon her pallid features. “Really?”

  “Yes.”

  “Will it be safe? I mean, I don’t want to put Mandy or Brittney in danger.”

  “Mandy is th
e one who is always here during storytime?”

  “Yes. She works mornings most days.”

  He shook his head. “Gershom isn’t interested in them. He’s only interested in you.”

  “Gershom is the asshat who wants to make you suffer?”

  Choked laughter erupted from several of the network soldiers in the hallway.

  Seth smiled wryly. “Yes.”

  “You don’t think he’ll go after my employees?”

  “No.”

  “Okay then. I’ll have Mandy open for me and call Tiana in to help her. Brittney has classes in the morning.”

  “Grab your phone.”

  As Leah turned back to the bedside table, Seth moved to stand over Tessa.

  She looked so young and innocent. Crouching on his haunches, he slipped one arm under her shoulders and one beneath her knees. When he rose with her in his arms, her head rolled and settled against his chest. One arm dangled loosely over his.

  “Is she okay?” Leah asked softly.

  He nodded. “I put her to sleep.”

  “You can do that? With just a touch?”

  “A touch and a command, yes. Although it’s more of a compulsion than a command.”

  She tilted her head to one side. “Would you be offended if I asked you to do that to me the next time my insomnia kicks in?”

  Surprise flitted through him. “You would trust me to?”

  “Yes.”

  “As you will.”

  She smiled. “I love the way you talk.”

  Seth, too, found a smile. “Come closer and wrap your arm around me.”

  It meant a lot that she complied without asking the whys of it.

  He turned to the doorway and found it empty. “Cynthia?”

  She poked her head in. “Yes, sir?”

  “We’re leaving.”

  “Yes, sir. Don’t worry. We have everything under control here.”

  “Thank you.” In the next instant, he teleported to the infirmary at network headquarters.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Bastien and Melanie were waiting for them when Seth, Leah, and Tessa arrived in the infirmary.

  Leah swore and weaved a bit on her feet as bright light surrounded them.

  Eyes widening, Bastien leapt forward to steady her. “Whoa. You okay?”

  Frowning, Seth studied her.

  “I’m fine,” she said, but one of her hands fisted in the back of Seth’s coat as she reached out with the other and gripped Bastien’s arm. “Just a little light-headed.” She mustered a smile. “Sorry about that.”

  Seth didn’t know if she was apologizing for being light-headed or for having to hang on to Bastien. Because she wasn’t releasing him. He shot Melanie a concerned look.

  Melanie offered Leah a bright smile and moved forward. “Hi. I’m Dr. Melanie Lipton. This is my husband, Sebastien Newcombe.”

  “Leah Somerson. Nice to meet you.”

  Melanie looked up at her husband. “Bastien, honey, why don’t you help Seth while I find a place for Leah to lie down and give her a quick exam?”

  “I’m fine,” Leah protested. “Seth healed me.”

  “Seth can heal wounds,” Melanie responded gently, “but he can’t replace the blood you’ve lost. I can tell by your pallor, your rapid breathing, and the moisture on your skin that you’ve lost quite a bit. Let’s get an IV going so you’ll feel better.”

  Leah glanced around. “Is this a hospital?”

  Seth spoke before Melanie could. “It’s the infirmary at my business, Leah. Dr. Lipton and the other medical professionals here provide both nonemergency and emergency healthcare to my employees and their families.”

  “Oh.” Leah nodded at Melanie. “Okay. Thank you.”

  Melanie smiled at Bastien as she took his place in supporting Leah. “I’ve got her.”

  Nodding, Bastien pressed a kiss to his wife’s forehead. “I’ll help Seth get Tessa settled.”

  “Would you draw some blood for me while you’re at it?” Melanie asked. “The kit’s over there.”

  Nodding, he grabbed a tray with a needle, some tubes, and other paraphernalia on it, then preceded Seth through the doorway.

  Out in the hallway, Seth looked toward the elevators. A dozen men bearing automatic weapons clustered around a desk, facing him. More guards were spaced in twos on both sides of most of the doors the hallway boasted. At least half a dozen of the doors—those on the opposite side that were closed—led to luxury apartments. The vampires who inhabited them all battled on some level the insanity the virus brewed, residing at network headquarters full-time while Melanie and the other doctors tried to help them. None but Cliff was allowed to venture outside the building. And Cliff only did so under the supervision of Bastien or Aidan.

  Since Seth saw no sign of the vamps, he assumed Chris had ordered them to their apartments as soon as he learned Seth would be bringing Leah to the network.

  A ding broke the silence.

  The elevator doors parted.

  Chris Reordon exited and strode toward them. “How’s Leah?”

  Seth appreciated Chris’s coming down to check on her personally. “She could use a blood transfusion.”

  He nodded. “I already sent Dr. Lipton Leah’s blood type.” His gaze lowered to the unconscious woman Seth held. “How’s Tessa?”

  “Your special-ops team shot her once, but she’s already healing.” No condemnation colored Seth’s voice. If Chris’s team hadn’t shot Tessa, she might have killed Leah. “I put her to sleep so she wouldn’t fight us while we get her settled.”

  “Good.” Chris continued past Seth and led him to an unmanned door. Facing the electronic keypad beside it, he swiped a card, then typed in a security code. A thunk sounded. Gripping the handle, Chris swung the door—as thick and heavy as that on a bank vault—open and stepped inside.

  Seth entered behind him and looked around.

  The last time he had seen this room, it had been a small, barren holding cell decorated with only a table near the door, a cot against the opposite wall, and heavy titanium chains that ended in manacles. Chris had since expanded it, nearly tripling it in size, and converted it into a very nice studio apartment complete with wood floors, a queen-sized bed, a plush love seat, a small bathroom, and a kitchenette that included a bar with two stools.

  “Will this do?” Chris asked.

  “Quite well,” Seth told him. It hadn’t even occurred to him to ask Chris to prepare something nice like this for the missing immortals. “Thank you.” The man really did seem to think of everything.

  Chris shrugged. “I figured making them feel like criminals in a jail cell wouldn’t aid you in swaying them to your side.” Crossing to the bed, he drew back the covers.

  Seth lowered Tessa to the soft mattress.

  Bastien set his supplies on the bedside table. “How much longer will she sleep?”

  “As long as I want her to,” Seth answered.

  Bastien didn’t bother to don protective gloves. Immortals were immune to every illness save the virus that infected them. Vampires were, too. He did, however, swab the bend of Tessa’s arm when the time came to insert the needle, presumably to ensure the sample wasn’t contaminated in any way. “Once Melanie has seen to Leah, she can bathe the blood from Tessa and put her in some clean clothes.” His lips turned up slightly as he released the rubber tourniquet on Tessa’s arm. “I assume you don’t want me to do it.”

  “You assume correctly,” Seth confirmed with a smile. “I’ll have her sleep another three or four hours.” As soon as Bastien moved out of the way, Seth leaned forward and touched Tessa’s forehead, extending the sleep compulsion.

  Chris spoke. “If you’re good here, I’m going to head back up to my office so I can monitor the cleanup.”

  “Go ahead,” Seth told him.

  Chris headed out the door. “Let me know if you need anything.” His boots echoed in the hallway as he returned to the elevators.

  Seth eyed Bastien. “Y
ou’re wearing your coat. Did you just return from hunting?” The fabric bore no bloodstains as far as he could tell.

  Bastien shook his head. “I’m waiting for Sean. He and I are taking Cliff hunting tonight.” He tidied his tray, which now bore three tubes of blood. “Reordon said Tessa and a couple dozen vampires attacked Leah. Was it random or did Gershom target her?”

  “Gershom targeted her.”

  The immortal black sheep frowned. “Why? Is she a network employee? Or maybe a gifted one he hoped to add to his collection?”

  “Neither.” Seth hesitated. “She’s a friend of mine.”

  Bastien sent him a sharp look.

  “And of Ami’s,” he added, hoping it would stave off further questions.

  It didn’t.

  “Is she the friend?” Bastien asked, curiosity entering his brown eyes. “The one who came calling at David’s place?”

  Seth almost groaned. “Yes.” He couldn’t help the irritation that entered his voice. “Is everyone talking about it?”

  Bastien’s lips twitched. “Only the immortals stationed here in North Carolina.”

  “All of them?”

  “Yes.”

  Seth did groan then. “It would’ve been nice if those who were present when she arrived had kept that information to themselves.”

  Bastien laughed. “They tried to. But there are a lot of telepaths here. And you know how nosy they can be. They were bound to find it in somebody’s thoughts… and did.” He picked up the tray.

  “We’re just friends,” Seth said softly so his voice wouldn’t carry to Leah and the human guards as he followed Bastien to the open door.

  The younger immortal stopped and lowered his voice as well. “Melanie and I started out as friends, too. For what it’s worth, I hope whatever you have with her will deepen into love, Seth. It’s time you found some happiness of your own.”

  “Such would put her in danger.”

  “And friendship hasn’t?” Bastien clapped him on the back. “There’s never a good time for one of our ilk. That doesn’t mean it isn’t time. I fought my feelings for Melanie for as long as I could. You know how much the rest of the Immortal Guardians hated my ass. I worried that would spill over onto her or, at the very least, that being with me would end her career. Hell, it nearly ended her life. But… look how things turned out.”