Though she nodded, instead of blurting out the news, she went closer, putting her mouth against his ear so she could whisper. “This place is a setup. It’s never been used as a working lab.”
He froze. With her Vampiric hearing, she could detect the immediate increase in his heart rate. “You’re positive?”
“Yes. I’m not sure if Gus and his crew know, but probably not. Otherwise why would they have brought me in?”
Turning slightly so that he faced her, he jerked his head in a nod. “That puts all of this in an entirely new light.”
“It does,” she agreed. “The question is, do we tell them?”
“Not yet.” He checked his watch. “I think we’ve been in here long enough. We’d better go back. I want to see how this shakes out.”
She nodded. They exited the clean area, moving slowly through the cluttered and filthy barn.
“At least now I understand why there aren’t any notes,” she mused. “Imagine how Sheldon must have panicked when he found out they were bringing in another biologist.”
His grim smile told her he’d already thought of that.
“For now, we’ll just play along like we know nothing,” he said. “If these guys don’t actually have the virus, if they never had it to begin with, that is an entirely different ball game.”
“But it still leaves the question of where the virus came from to begin with.”
“Exactly,” he agreed. “Let me ask you. Is it possible that a previously unknown virus strain could appear naturally?”
“Emerging disease is usually a yet-unrecognized infection, or a previous one that expanded with a significant change in pathogenicity,” she said. “Many so-called new strains originate in the animal kingdom.” Noting the way Rick’s eyes had glazed over, she shrugged. “But the CDC is well versed in all this. If they have reason to believe this thing was artificially created, then I have to think they’re right. It’s what they do. They have the brainpower and the resources to make these kinds of calls.”
“That makes sense.”
“Which begs the question. What’s these guys’ angle?” she asked.
“Or who is actually behind them pulling the strings?” Rick added. “Either this goes deeper than we originally thought, or this group is being played.”
“And I’m thinking that’s an answer you’re never going to find out,” Landers said, stepping from behind a stack of moldy bales of hay. He had a pistol pointed directly at Rick.
“I should have known it was you,” Rick responded, his tone even, though his body had gone tense. “I’m guessing the others have no idea.”
“Of course not.” Motioning with the gun, Landers apparently wanted them to move forward. “They all think we’re going to get rich. They have no idea.”
Neither Carmen nor Rick moved. She exchanged a quick glance with Rick because she was thinking of simply using her Vampire ability to move and snatching the weapon out of the puny human man’s hands.
But Rick gave a miniscule shake of his head, letting her know that for now, she should see what Landers intended.
“You’re going to shoot us and pretend we were escaping, aren’t you?” Rick asked. “Kind of like what happened to Sheldon.”
“Smart guy,” Landers sneered. “But I have bigger plans for you.”
“Oh, really?” Carmen kept her voice cool. “What would those be?”
“I need you to create a virus,” he said. “You’ve got the lab and the know-how. I can get you anything else you need.”
Her mouth fell open before she quickly snapped it shut. “Do you have any idea what you’re asking? That’s insane.”
“Is it?” Landers waved the pistol from her to Rick. “I’m going to give you one week. If you don’t have something by then, your husband is going to die.”
“One week?” Not bothering to contain her disdain, she had to keep her lips locked tight to hide her aching fangs. If this fool had any idea how badly she wanted to snatch him up, clamp her fangs to his neck and drain him of every drop of his blood, he’d throw down the gun and run away. Naturally, he didn’t and he wouldn’t, not until he died.
“Carmen.” Rick’s quiet warning brought her back to rationality. “Maybe you should at least try to do what he’s asking.”
“Try? Try?” She rounded on him. “What he wants is impossible.”
“Not for you,” he prodded, gently reminding her that they needed to stall. At least for now. “Can’t you give it a shot?”
Landers snorted. “Listen to the man. He’s begging for his life.”
Except he wasn’t. Unless Landers had a silver bullet in his gun, he couldn’t kill Rick. And since she had already died a long time ago, nothing short of a stake through her heart would do her in now.
Landers knew none of this. And if Rick wanted her to play along, then that’s what she’d do.
“I guess I can try,” she said, pretending to be deeply in thought. “I’ll need Rick to assist me. I’ll make a list of what I need and get it to you. Most important, I’ll need a working computer and access to the internet.”
“No can do.” Landers didn’t even blink. “I can’t take the chance of you alerting the authorities. You’ll have to figure everything out on your own, without the internet.”
Clenching her jaw, she nodded. Apparently, Landers had no clue that what he asked was simply impossible. She had no idea how to even begin to create a new virus. It would have to come from a genetic mutation of an already existing one. She’d need access to research papers among other things.
Again, the clueless human thought she could work miracles.
“Oh, sure.” She flashed a humorless smile, hoping her eyes hadn’t turned red. “No problem. I’ll get right to work. And don’t worry about supplies. I’ll have no problem creating a completely new virus out of thin air.”
Either her irony was lost on Landers, or he was playing along for his own reasons. She’d bet on the former.
Landers nodded. “Perfect. I heard you were the best.”
“True, I am.” She dipped her chin with false modesty. “Since you expect results so quickly, I guess Rick and I had better get to work immediately.”
“One slight change in plans,” Landers announced, his voice pleasant. “I’m afraid Rick will be staying with me until you have what I want. Insurance, you understand.”
“No.” Both she and Rick spoke at the same time.
“That’s not going to happen,” she said. “No Rick, no virus. That’s nonnegotiable.”
Landers waved his pistol. “Neither of you are in any position to negotiate,” he said.
“That’s it, I’ve had it.” Carmen shot a quick glance at Rick, though at this point she didn’t particularly care if he agreed or not. To her surprise, he gave a tiny nod, as if telling her to go for it.
Perfect. Grinning, she turned her attention toward Landers, who’d started to laugh at her frustration. When he saw her eyes, he choked.
“U-um,” he stammered.
She moved. Before he could tighten his finger on the trigger, before he knew what hit him, she took him down. The weapon went flying—without discharging—and she left retrieval of that to Rick. She sunk her fangs in Landers’s neck, drinking deeply.
At the first coppery taste of human blood, energy flowed into her. She hadn’t realized, not until that very instant, how starved she’d become. Used to subsisting mostly on a diet of frozen blood, having her meal come fresh and warm was a gourmet treat.
As Landers went limp in her embrace, she looked up and saw Rick watching with a kind of revolted fascination.
“Is he dead?” he asked, his detached tone at odds with the look in his eyes.
“Not yet.” She looked away, hurt stabbing her heart, oddly enough. She’d long ago come to terms with what kind of being she was and refused to make apologies. She imagined Rick would be ten times more savage if she were to watch him as wolf, taking down a kill.
“Maybe you should leav
e him alive,” Rick suggested. “Won’t he turn into a Vampire if you kill him?”
Considering, she swallowed. He was right. The last thing she wanted to do was to create another Vamp. Doing such a thing came with heavy repercussions. This was never to be undertaken lightly. Which made her wonder. Had she become so crazed by the taste of fresh blood that she hadn’t thought things through?
“What will happen to him if you stop right now?” Rick pressed. “If you let him live, how much will he remember?”
“Nothing.” She glanced down at the still-swooning man in her arms. A single drop of bright red blood glistened on one of the puncture holes in his neck. The sight made her fangs ache, but she ruthlessly shut down that craving.
“For humans,” she continued, “this process is perceived as sexual. I’m not sure how he’ll remember it, exactly—I’ve never stuck around long after drinking from a person. Most likely he’ll believe it to have been a particularly sensual dream.”
Though he merely nodded, her words sparked a glint of something in Rick’s gaze. He hid it quickly, turning to survey the junky barn. “We need to come up with a quick plan,” he said. “I’m not sure, but I’m gathering from what Landers said that none of the others were in on this scheme. But then again, we don’t know for sure.”
After gently easing Landers to the floor, she stood. “I know what I want to do. We need to get out of here and go after Ted. Once we catch up with him, we’ll know if these Sons of Darkness ever even had a virus.”
“I agree,” Rick said immediately. “If not, we’ve got to find out who’s using this group as a cover-up. And where the virus is.”
“Exactly. I wonder how close the CDC is to figuring out an antidote.”
He took her arm. “That’s some more information I’ll find out once we’re clear of here. How do you propose we escape?”
Laughing felt good, so she did. “That’s simple. You change into your wolf self and run. See if you can keep up with a Vampire at full speed.”
After a moment, he laughed, too. “I doubt I can, but it’ll be close. My wolf side will appreciate the opportunity to try.”
“Perfect.” The fresh blood had energized her, making her feel as if she could do anything. “If you change now, go ahead and strip first. I’ll carry your clothes for you so you’ll have something to put on when you change back.”
He eyed her and then nodded. “Good thinking. At first I thought you just wanted to see me naked.”
“That, too.” She saw no point in lying. “Another time, I’d definitely take advantage of that. But we need to hurry. There’s no telling how long it’ll be before someone decides to come looking for us.”
Without hesitation, he removed his shirt, then kicked off his shoes. As he undid his belt and prepared to take off his jeans, she couldn’t look away. Despite the circumstances, and maybe because of the fresh blood flowing in her veins, the simple act of him getting undressed aroused her.
The luck of bad timing. In a few seconds, he stood before her in all his magnificent male nakedness. He scooped up his clothes and shoes, bundled them together and handed them to her. She couldn’t help but notice that his body was also aroused. And large. Very large.
“I’ve never seen a Shifter change form before,” she said, her husky voice betraying her.
“Then you’re about to.” Dropping to all fours, he winked at her and then initiated the change.
Firefly lights surrounded him, twinkling as brightly as miniature stars. Fascinated, she watched as his bones began to lengthen and change shape. His human features blurred, elongating, and fur started to rapidly take over his previously smooth skin.
The multitude of lights swirled, hiding him momentarily. When they abruptly vanished, a massive and dangerous-looking wolf stood in Rick’s place.
Nonplussed, she stared. Then, gathering her composure, she headed toward the door. “Are you ready?” she asked.
Wolf-Rick made a rumbling sound, a cross between a growl and a bark. For whatever reason, that lupine voice filled her with a fierce joy.
She opened the barn door and stepped out into the warm sunshine. After sidling past her, Rick took off, streaking away in the direction of the woods. She inhaled, glanced once at the house and took off at full Vampire speed.
Chapter 11
Held tightly in Jake’s arms, Maddie felt a sense of contentment steal over her as she marveled at how powerful their lovemaking had been. She felt...changed. This had been more than just a simple slaking of physical need. It was like their souls had connected. They’d fit together as if their bodies had been made for each other. Even now, after all that, Jake didn’t seem to be in any hurry to let her go.
He was unique, that’s for sure. One of a kind. Hers.
Mate. Unbidden, the word flashed into her consciousness. She instantly rejected the thought. She’d never been prone to romantic fantasies or notions and she had no intention of starting now.
Sheesh. Give her a taste of some mind-blowing sex and she went all mushy. Luckily, Jake had no idea.
Turning her head to look at him, she caught him studying her, his brown gaze as warm as melted chocolate. “What?” she asked, curious.
“You’re amazing, you know that?” His grin took her breath away and made her stomach flutter.
“So are you.” She used a brisk tone to cover up how he made her feel. Too fast, too soon. Scooting out of his arms, she grabbed a T-shirt and pulled it on. “I don’t know about you, but I’m starving. How about we get dressed and go grab something to eat?”
“Sure.” He yawned, not sounding particularly enthused. “I guess I could eat.”
She almost offered to go get them something and bring it back, but that felt wrong. Too...girlfriend-like. No, they needed to get moving so she could feel normal again.
“Great.” Jumping up, she headed toward the bathroom. “Let me get cleaned up and then you can have a turn.”
The hot shower brought back rationality and eased the tightness in her chest. After drying her hair, she applied a light touch of makeup, got dressed and opened the bathroom door.
Sauntering past her fully naked, Jake seemed completely aware of his effect on her. He grinned as she caught her breath. She could breathe again once she heard the shower turn on.
This. Had. To. Stop. She’d vowed never to let any man turn her into goop, and it wouldn’t be starting now with him. Surely she could enjoy fabulous sex and a friendly relationship without becoming that girl. Right?
When he emerged, his short hair still damp and his shirt unbuttoned, the stab of longing she felt was so strong she had to look away. “Are you ready?” she asked, her tone too bright.
“Sure. We’ll take my car.”
While he drove, Jake kept glancing sideways at her, one corner of his mouth quirking in a half smile.
“What?” she asked again, battling the urge to smile back.
He shrugged. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but I really like you.”
Secretly pleased, she nodded. “Ditto.”
“But,” he continued, “just because we made our relationship physical doesn’t mean I’m going to abandon the chance to get inside that club of yours.”
“Seriously?” She groaned. “Well, I’ve said all I can say. Don’t blame me if you end up getting fleeced.”
They pulled into the parking lot of her favorite Mexican restaurant. After he parked, he turned in his seat to face her. “Wouldn’t it just be a lot easier if you could take me inside yourself?”
She shook her head. Not wanting to ruin a perfectly good evening, she opened the car door and got out. Maybe in his line of work, he’d learned if he kept pressing, he’d get results. Not this time.
As she reached for the door to go inside, someone opened it for her. Not Jake, as he’d just now gotten out of the car. But another man, and one she recognized. The Pack Protector who’d been parking outside Jake’s house. The same one who’d confronted her inside Broken Chains.
&nbs
p; “You.” She glared at him. “My brother said he was going to tell you to back off.”
“Really?” His smug look infuriated her. “Well, he hasn’t yet. I see you’re still slumming around with the human.”
Right about then, Jake noticed something was going on at the entrance and came hurrying up. He glanced blankly from Maddie to the other man, clearly not recognizing him.
“Is something wrong?” he asked, directing his question to Maddie.
“Nope. This man thought I was someone he knew. That turns out to be wrong.” She gave a hard smile at the Protector. “Now if you’ll excuse me,” she said pointedly.
Immediately, he stepped out of the way, having no choice. She knew enough about how Pack Protectors operated to understand he wouldn’t start something here, in a popular restaurant filled with tourists.
But why hadn’t Colton called him off? Knowing her brother, he’d simply gotten busy and the thought had slipped his mind. She’d text him and remind him.
“Are you okay?” Jake eyed her. “Whatever you and that guy were discussing looked pretty heated.”
“Did it?”
“Yes. You can tell me all about it once we’re seated.”
Of course mild deflection didn’t work on him. She figured once his journalistic instincts were roused, he’d pursue it until he had his answer.
Part of her—the private investigative side—admired this. It was sexy, even. However, the Shape-shifter side found it not only annoying, but dangerous. No matter how much she liked Jake, she had to protect her people.
The hostess led them to a booth. As Maddie slid into the seat, she sighed, bracing herself for an onslaught of questions.
“Hey.” Jake reached across the table and took her hand. “Are you sure that guy wasn’t your ex?”
“My ex?” Reminding herself that she’d promised not to lie, she shook her head. “No. He’s someone who knows my brother.”
“I take it your brother is a bit overprotective?”
A server delivered a basket of chips and two small bowls of salsa. Right after that, the waitress appeared to take their drink order.
Finding the Texas Wolf Page 13