Determinant, a YA Paranormal Romance (Book 3 of The Guardians of Vesturon)

by A. M. Hargrove

  “Yes, that is the only way to stop this. It will take months, however, for the vaccine to be produced in any measurable quantity. So in the meantime, the disease will continue to spread.”

  My stomach churned with the thoughts of all the suffering that would ensue.

  “I’ve discussed this at length with our scientists and the only way around this would be for us to create the vaccine and slip it into their lab.”

  “Go on,” I said, intrigued.

  “I have already ordered them to start work on it using virus samples Julian took from the human female. He had enough to use in cloning for mass production,” Rayn explained.

  I nodded my head saying, “Yes, he did mention something to that effect but was not forthcoming with the details.”

  “The scientists are convinced they can have a vaccine produced shortly by using our technology,” Rayn announced. He looked at me pointedly.

  I cocked my head as his thoughts merged with mine.

  “You think to use the human to get the vaccine back to the Centers for Disease Control!” I exclaimed.

  “Exactly.”

  “How?” I wanted to know.

  “Julian said she was a college intern there. Surely she knows someone that could help.”

  “Rayn, I will not allow her to be put in danger.” The thought of the lovely human facing harm made my heart constrict in fear.

  Rayn gave me a mind-penetrating glare. It was difficult to hide my feelings regarding the female.

  “You are involved with her?” he whispered with widened eyes.

  I shook my head, my expression anxious. “No, but there is something there,” I admitted.

  “You have…feelings for her?”

  I was sure I did but was dubious about hers. “Yes,” I said as I dropped my gaze to my feet. “This is not the first time I have seen this female,” I admitted.

  “Explain,” he demanded. My brother had that commanding demeanor so like my father.

  “Several months ago...well it was the night after your official unification ceremony...I came back to Earth and went out on patrol. I saw her car swerving down the highway and I intervened to save her from crashing into the guardrail. Since that night, she has ever been a constant presence in my mind.”

  “Why have you not said something about this?”

  “I thought it was past. I expunged her memory and thought I would never see her again. Admittedly, I have been caught up in thoughts of her but I knew it was useless to be thus as it would be forbidden.”

  “Rykerian, I understand that more than anyone I can assure you.”

  “Yes, brother, I know you can, given your past with your mate. I never thought to see her again, much less like this and to have her in such close proximity. It has been...let’s just say these past days have been exceedingly difficult.”

  Rayn nodded and said, “I can imagine. So what are your plans where she is concerned?”

  “I have none. Currently, she is not fond of me at all. She is an angry human, but I cannot discern why. Rayn, I must tell you this. She is telepathic. I am sure she can see my aura as well,” I muttered.

  “And you know this, how?”

  I struggled for the words to come.

  “Rykerian, I do not understand your reticence with me.”

  “It is not that. I simply do not know what to say.” I shook my head and rubbed the back of my neck. “She saw my aura when I found her in the forest. At first I thought it was her illness. But then she said I resembled the setting sun with my glow and she thought it was the light on the other side. Rayn, it was my aura she described.” For some strange reason, I had been afraid to tell this to anyone.

  “Hmm, interesting. Have you told Julian?”

  “No. With everything else going on, I had pushed it to the back of my mind.”

  Rayn’s eyes showed doubt at that statement, though he did not voice his thoughts on this.

  “You understand the importance of investigating this further?” he questioned.

  “Of course.”

  “Good. I must go back to Vesturon and inform Father of the situation here. I will tell our virologists to create the vaccine as well.”

  I nodded as he dematerialized.

  Chapter 4

  Another week passed and the situation on Earth was worsening. The pandemic was in full bloom with humans falling ill on every corner of the planet. The experts at the CDC and the World Health Organization were meeting and conferencing daily. We had Guardians that had infiltrated both organizations so we were keeping abreast of all developments.

  We made frequent trips to the city of Atlanta in order the stay current on the latest activity. The city had quickly morphed into something resembling a war zone. Buildings had been torched and turned into rubble. Cars had been abandoned on highways and thoroughfares. Bodies were strewn everywhere and left to rot. The ones who were able had left the city but the ones who remained behind had boarded up their windows for protection from the gangs that had taken over.

  Law and order had ceased to exist as the disease had wiped out so many of their ranks. Chaos ruled. And gangs...dangerous and bent on power, they vied with each other for control. They were hell bent on keeping their food and water supplies adequate and would stop at nothing to achieve this goal. The law-abiding citizens of Atlanta lived in fear of not only contracting the disease, but of becoming the victim of gang violence. Humanity had been replaced with fear and the will to survive...and each day it worsened.

  My heart ached to see the suffering taking place in front of my eyes. Worse than that, there wasn’t a bloody thing I could do about it. Our numbers were too few and our covenant forbade us to interfere and take over. We would have to wait for another solution to present itself. Hopefully, the plan of creating a replacement vaccine would prove to be the savior we were hoping for.

  After returning home from one of these depressing trips, I made my way upstairs to check on January. I had been told she had made vast improvements and was now moving about. When I received no answer from my knock, I went in search of her. I checked all areas of the house and then the back terrace but could not locate her.

  I asked everyone and it seemed she hadn’t been seen for some time. My heart lurched with fear as I thought about where she might be. I knew she wanted to get back to college in Cullhowee, but she didn’t have the means to do so.

  I allowed my sensitive sense of smell to pick up her scent. It took me straight out the front door and down the winding driveway. I followed it for about a half of a mile where it veered off into the forest. That was when I kicked in my Power of Speed. Her scent, a combination of citrus and crisp linen, was a stark contrast to the pine and earthy scented forest. It was like a heady perfume to me: a luscious mix of the sweetness of juicy oranges, the tartness of scented lemons and the crispness of tangy grapefruit. I raced along until I spotted her in the distance.

  My heart nearly tore out of my chest at the sight of her. She staggered along, walking and then running, her swaying movements an indication of her lack of strength. It was plain to see that she was too weak to carry on a steady run, but she would not allow herself to stop and rest. She resembled a wounded animal, running blindly, desperately trying to flee its predator...and I was that predator. That she thought of me in that regard was what ripped through me, nearly bringing me to my knees.

  I must have gasped for she spun around, her eyes darting about, to discover the source of the sound. Our eyes briefly made contact and I felt the fear gushing out of her. She turned back and began to erratically move her way forward. Branches tore at her face and clothing, but she was oblivious to them. She forced herself to continue on until she stumbled over something—a root or rock perhaps. I slowly made my way toward her to lessen the terror I felt emanating from her. She struggled to rise, but lost the battle. It still didn’t stop her. That need for survival urged her on as she clawed at the earth and scrambled on her hands and knees in a desperate effort to escape me.
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  When I reached her side, I could hear her harsh breathing and her heart pounding from her effort. I placed my hand on her shoulder, trying to calm her.

  A scream tore through her and she tried to crawl away from me. “Don’t touch me! I just want to go home! I have to help my brother and sister!” she yelled in anguish.

  I did not succumb to her wishes, but picked her up and began carrying her back to the house. She feebly kicked and pushed me, but in her weakened state, it had only the barest effect on me.

  In a ragged voice she croaked, “Why won’t you leave me alone or let me go home?”

  Gruffly I replied, “You have no home to go to anymore. Can you not listen? This disease you nearly died from has scourged the planet. People are dying by the thousands every day. Life as you knew it no longer exists! We will help your brother and sister when we can but right now there is not much we can do for them or anybody else!” I was angry with myself for speaking so harshly to her. I was angry at whoever was responsible for this pandemic; and I was angry with her because she insisted on doing something so foolish.

  Then remorse filled me as I watched the expressions flit across her—shock, denial, horror, self-pity, and sorrow. She hung limply in my arms, refusing to give me any quarter.

  Fine, I thought. Have it your way.

  Knowing my next actions would be construed as childish, I did it anyway. I used my Power of Speed to carry her home, all the while knowing she would hate me even more for it. I wasn’t one to do this type of thing...my brothers, yes, but not me. I did not care at the time, but I knew I would pay for it later.

  I did not stop until I reached her room, where I dumped her on the bed. Her eyes were still widened and I blurted out, “For the love of the Deity, will you cease staring at me like that? You should realize by now I have no intentions of harming you. In fact, it is quite the opposite. If I wanted to hurt you, I would have left you to die in the bloody forest!”

  “I wished you had,” she spat.

  Her comment stupefied me. Why would anyone want to die? I would puzzle over that for days. Not having anything else to say, I turned and left.

  *****

  The human patient was improving, with Zanna’s constant fussing over her and feeding her all sorts of delectables. She still held me in great disdain, and I honestly could not blame her. My contact with her was minimal, as it seemed to cause her such distress.

  Late one afternoon, Zanna had set January up on the back terrace. She was resting on one of the couches, with a blanket around her legs, sipping on what appeared to be a cup of tea. I observed her as she sat there. No one should have the right to look so lovely! What had happened to this female to make her so soured on life?

  I vacillated joining her. My stomach clenched in anxiety as I thought about her rejection. I wanted so badly for us to have a simple conversation. She had occupied my thoughts continually but I felt the twinges of fear inch their way along my spine. What if she doesn’t want me there?

  Before I could lose my nerve, I joined her. Gazing over the splendor of the mountains, I quietly said, “It is magnificent, is it not?”

  “It is,” she murmured lifelessly.

  “Are you comfortable?”

  “Yes. Zanna’s spoiled me. She’s perfect. I’ve never...er, never mind.”

  “What?”

  “Nothing. She’s just great is all.”

  I nodded. Not wanting to spoil the mood, I gazed into her eyes, and smiled. Please…please just one smile.

  The corners of her mouth began to curve, but then stopped.

  “Why did you bring me here?” Her question startled me for she had not been very willing to converse with me.

  “To save you of course. There was no other option since you were contagious. You would have died had I not.” I was satisfied with that answer and so proud of it. I should have had a clue that things would turn disagreeable.

  “What made you think I wanted to be saved?” she asked, her mood becoming mercurial. The pleasantness had disappeared and the darkness had returned.

  “I…because…well, why wouldn’t you?” I turned the tables.

  “Not everyone has a rosy life, Mr. Happy-go-lucky! You walk around without a care in the world, acting like everyone feels the same. Well, newsflash! They don’t. I didn’t want to be saved. I’ve had it with this miserable life of mine and just when I think I’ve finally…finally gotten to the point where it’s over, YOU show up all happy and glowing like you’re some sort of guardian angel, swooping down to save me. You, with your stunning looks and…well I’d bet you’ve never faced a day of adversity in your life. That’s the ONLY thing I’ve ever known. Constantly worried about how I’m going to pay my rent or tuition. Do you know what it’s like not to be able to buy a bag of potato chips because you couldn’t afford it? Why couldn’t you have just left me alone?” She looked up at me and tears were streaking her cheeks. My heart split in two, ripped open by the pain in her words.

  I extended my arm toward her but she flinched. I let it fall. My mouth was bone dry with my voice bound by some unknown force. I shook my head and all I wanted to do was comfort this poor creature.

  I heard her whisper, “You can’t comfort me. No one can. My life isn’t even worth comforting. When will I be able to leave here?” She bowed her head and stared at her twisting fingers.

  “January, please, let me help you,” I beseeched. My heart felt like it was being crushed.

  “You. Can’t. Help! You could have helped if you had left me in the stupid forest!” she yelled.

  “I could not leave you in the forest. I am a Guardian. It goes against everything in my blood…everything I stand for.” My voice matched hers in pitch.

  “You don’t understand!”

  “Then tell me. I cannot help you if you do not tell me!” My voice was charged with emotion.

  She shook her head and dropped it into her hands.

  Please talk to me January. Tell me what pains your heart and mind so. I only want to help you. Please…

  “Just leave me alone. Please.”

  My heart was splintering. This ghost of a female was quickly becoming my undoing. I turned and strode from the terrace.

  Chapter 5

  I was standing in the den, preparing to go down to the Command Center when Maddie appeared, surprising me with her unexpected visit.

  “Why didn’t you tell me?” she accused.

  “I do not know what…” before I could finish, she continued verbally accosting me.

  “January. Why didn’t you tell me it was January?” she demanded.

  I flashed her a bewildered look. “I don’t understand.”

  “January. Upstairs. Sick!” she exclaimed.

  I continued shaking my head, baffled.

  “Rykerian, January was my roommate in college! Why didn’t you tell me?” she persisted.

  “I was unaware there was a connection between the two of you.” My surprise at her revelation could not have been more apparent.

  “I must see her!”

  “No, you cannot.”

  Maddie shot me an incredulous look. “Excuse me!”

  “You cannot see her. She is of a fragile mind. I am in charge here and I will not allow it.”

  “If you don’t get your bloody arse out of my way, I’ll move it for you!”

  “Arse?”

  “Yes! I didn’t want to call you an ass, but I will!”

  “Um, I think you just did Maddie.”

  Maddie had always been impetuous and used to getting her way, but she had never acted like this toward me. In fact, her heart had always softened with regard to me because at one time I had fancied myself in love with her. I had been terribly mistaken, of course, but since then, she had always treated me with great care. To hear her threats now left me quite speechless.

  “I am not kidding Rykerian!”

  “But you must listen Maddie. Her mind is very fragile right now.”

  “Rykerian, you clearly
are not listening. I am not asking permission. I am telling you. Now, out of my way.”

  “I will not allow…” but before I could utter another word, she extended her hand and I found myself plastered to the ceiling. Maddie’s Power of Telekinesis was incredibly impressive. I was currently imprisoned by it.

  “Maddie!” I yelled. “Put me down, immediately!”

  As she turned away, I saw Rayn appearing. “Maddie, release him this instant.”

  She looked at Rayn and it was evident there was mental sparring occurring between them. Suddenly, I found myself lying in a heap on the floor. I leaped up, intending to intercept her before she could go upstairs when I heard, and then felt, “I Command you to be still!”

  The pain was immediate and excruciating. Every cell in my body screamed in agony. I was in Command’s clutches and incapable of movement of any kind—my muscles rebelling but in complete and total lockdown. It had been some time since I had been under anyone’s Power of Command and Rayn’s ability was quite significant. I fought to draw air into my lungs. I knew it was futile to fight against this, but every fiber of my being bellowed at me to do exactly that. It was getting me nowhere, except into deeper pain.

  I heard rather than saw my father. “Rayn, what are you doing? Release him now!” he commanded.

  I heard the words in my mind, Release, and immediately fell to my knees, sucking in as much air as I could. I was still incapable of moving, as I crouched there, recovering. The Power of Command was a talent known only to Vesturions and not everyone had the capability to perform it. My ability with it was only moderate at best.

  “What is going on here? I demand an explanation!” my father shouted, his voice reverberating.

  “I was protecting my mate, Father!” Rayn exclaimed.

  “Against what?”

  “Rykerian,” Rayn answered sheepishly.

  I was still on the floor, regaining control of my body bit by bit. I flexed my hands and arms, testing them to see if they were functional. Finally I rose to my feet, unsteadily.

  “Well?” my father asked me.