I wasn’t ready to leave his side, although I did want to show Sam my ring. “I would like to see where Dr. Vieira is on the antidote.” That wasn’t a lie. I’d helped Dr. Vieira and Dr. Case with the testing of varying solutions on rats, and I was curious if they’d found the right mixture that would shield us for a longer period of time against the effects of the sedative bullets that Edmund used as his weapon of choice on us vampires.
However, I would have given anything to snuggle up to Webb like I had last night when the world was quiet, serene, and calming. No, he hadn’t budged on his decision to wait before making love to me, and I hadn’t pushed. I had to respect his wishes, and I knew that when we were finally married, he would not deny my requests any longer.
Webb smiled at me as though he knew what I was thinking. Maybe he did. He had been drinking from me, and when he did, he could always read my thoughts. But that was only when my blood was coursing through his system. Surely, he couldn’t now.
“Can you read my mind?” I asked as he opened the double doors to the lab.
He cocked an eyebrow, but before he could respond, glass shattered. We both ran in, ready to fight.
“It’s okay,” Dr. Vieira said from somewhere in the room.
Then human blood scented the air. My fangs shot out as did Webb’s. We both ran past the lab benches, desks, and computers until we found Dr. Vieira and Dr. Case picking up pieces of a broken beaker.
“My fault.” Dr. Vieira’s gold-rimmed glasses sat low on his nose. “Leroy, clean yourself up.”
Dr. Case’s warm brown eyes swam with fear. I couldn’t blame him since he had three vampires surrounding him.
Webb grasped my arm, almost pulling me back. But I was used to the smell of human blood. Dr. Case had cut himself a couple of times while I’d helped out in the lab.
He jumped up then over to the sink where he ran water over his finger.
I darted over and retrieved the first aid kit from the cabinet above him while Webb helped Dr. Vieira.
“You’re afraid,” I said to Dr. Case. “How many times do we have to tell you we won’t attack?”
“Every time,” he said.
I helped him with the Band-Aid.
Once his cut was covered and the smell of human fear subsided, Dr. Case sauntered back to his spot on the bench in front of the microscope.
“Have you been able to tweak the antidote so that it works on us longer and reacts quicker?” I asked, following him.
Dr. Case looked into the microscope. “Not yet. But we’re close.”
Webb dipped his head into the fridge then emerged with three bottles of blood. I took one as a precaution, even though I wouldn’t sink my fangs into Dr. Case. The blood coated my throat as I climbed onto a stool across from Dr. Case.
Webb sidled up to me, while Dr. Vieira washed his hands.
“What can I do for you, Webb?” Dr. Vieira asked as he walked over to stand beside Dr. Case.
“I wanted to chat with you in private if you have a minute,” Webb said.
Dr. Case pulled away from the microscope, raking a hand through his hair. “Webb, before you left on your mission to Alaska, you made me a deal. I would decode the thumb drive you confiscated from your raid on Edmund’s mansion, and in exchange, you would tell me who killed my sister, Ella. I know you’ve been gone for three months, but it’s time we settle that deal. As a human, I can’t be working around vampires.”
I couldn’t blame the doctor for feeling that way. Webb drank his blood as he considered Dr. Case. “Why haven’t you left? Honestly, Commander Mason could’ve approved your request. After all, it’s my understanding that you held up your end of the bargain.”
“I approached the commander, and he wouldn’t tell me who killed Ella. He said that was a deal that you and I made. And he wasn’t getting involved. But he would let me leave on my own accord.”
“Why did you decide to stay?” I asked. Up until now I’d never questioned Dr. Case’s time there, and honestly, I’d forgotten all about the deal he made with Webb.
Dr. Case kept his gaze on Webb. “It’s time you hold up your end and tell me who killed my sister.”
Webb set down his empty bottle. “What will you do when I tell you?”
“Kill the bastard whether human or vampire.”
Webb harrumphed. “You don’t stand a chance if the person is a vampire.”
Dr. Case swallowed hard, the sound reverberating in my ears. “As one of few humans who know vampires exist, I know how to kill your kind.”
Webb’s nostrils flared. “That may be, but with the fear oozing off you, you would be dead in a minute if you tried to kill a vampire.”
Dr. Case straightened. “Why won’t anyone tell me who killed my sister?”
Webb slammed a hand down on the bench. I flinched, Dr. Vieira jumped, and the blood drained from Dr. Case’s face. In fact, his scent smelled of horrid fear.
“Let’s recap your actions.” Webb’s voice sounded deadly. “First, you jump on the bandwagon with Patrick Mason and Edmund Rain to conspire to kill Jo and Sam when they were human. Then you help kidnap Sam, again when he was human. Oh, and you closed Jo in a coffin and left her to die. I could call the human police and see if they’ll bring you up on charges for attempted murder.”
“All that happened several months ago. You couldn’t prove it. Besides, the police wouldn’t believe you,” he said very softly but firmly.
Webb’s fangs shot out. “Don’t test me, Case. And let’s not forget Dr. Vieira and Commander Mason saved your life. If it had been up to me, and our vampire laws weren’t so strict, I might’ve let you die for all the laws you broke.”
Dr. Case glanced at Dr. Vieira. “Why didn’t you let me die?”
Dr. Vieira wiped his glasses on his lab coat. “Leroy, we don’t kill humans or leave them to die.”
Dr. Case dropped his gaze to his lap. A second ticked by before he looked at me. “I’m sorry, Jo. I was so caught up in my sister’s death that I didn’t even consider your life.”
I couldn’t recall if Dr. Case had ever apologized to me for what he’d done. Nevertheless, we all made mistakes. “Thank you. But what would really show me your remorse is to help us do everything we can to stop Edmund.”
“If you want to leave, there’s the door.” Webb’s tone softened. “I’ll let the guards at the gate know that you’re welcome to walk out as a free man. I won’t hold you on any charges for what you’ve done. And let’s not forget you are just as responsible for all those humans who Edmund killed while you were helping Patrick concoct a vampire serum.”
Dr. Case scratched his brown head of hair. “So I can walk out and not look back?”
Webb gave him a nod.
“Will you tell me who killed my sister as you escort me off base?”
“Not a chance,” Webb said, sure and strong. “What’s your decision?”
“When will you tell me?” Dr. Case asked.
Webb pressed his strong hands into the top of the lab bench. “When you’re ready. But if you walk out of here, then you’ll never get your answer.”
The lab went eerily silent as Dr. Case’s heart raced up the chart. I wanted to slide my hand over to him and read his mind so I could understand why he was trying to fight Webb every step of the way. We had saved his life. He wasn’t in any danger from Edmund while he lived on base. Granted, revenge was a powerful emotion. Regardless, I’d gotten to know him more over the last several months, and I didn’t want to see anything bad happen to him.
“Leroy,” Dr. Vieira said. “You have nothing to go back to unless you want to work for Edmund again. And I don’t think you want to help kill innocent humans. You’re a good doctor. Put your talent to helping people, not killing them.”
Dr. Case let out a loud sigh.
“If you do decide to leave, we can’t protect you or help you anymore,” Webb said.
Dr. Case hopped off the stool, went over to the sink, and poured himself a glass of water.<
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“Dr. Case,” I said. “We need you. Please stay. You can help us stop Edmund once and for all.”
He eyed me over his glass of water. “I do owe you for what I did to you, Jo.” Then he pointed at Webb. “We’re not finished. I’ll stay, but you will tell me what I want to know.”
Webb growled, but I caught his hand. Image after image of me in that coffin flickered through his head. Suddenly, it became clear to me that Webb wanted Dr. Case to pay for trying to kill me.
Webb snagged his hand back. “Dr. Vieira, a minute.”
I sighed, thankful that the tension in the room had snapped.
Dr. Vieira unbuttoned his lab coat. “Sure. I need a break. Let’s walk down to the mess hall. Leroy, keep trying different strains. I’ll be back in thirty minutes, then you can take a break.”
The three of us walked out.
“Why won’t you tell him who killed his sister?” I asked Webb.
“He doesn’t need to know right now.”
I wanted to know. But who killed Ella Case wasn’t important to our mission, and we had a lot to discuss before we took down Edmund.
5
Webb
The mess hall was quiet with only the chefs preparing the food for the lunch crowd that would start arriving about an hour from now. I sat down at a table near the window, while Jo snagged a chef’s attention and ordered a food item. Dr. Vieira poured himself coffee at the drink bar.
I stared out at the courtyard, watching the wind blow the leaves around, much like the conversation with Dr. Case swirling in my head. He could’ve walked out if he’d wanted, and I would have let him only to have him tailed. He’d heard and seen too much for me to risk any more lives, especially if he teamed up with Edmund again. Then our missions would be compromised.
Dr. Vieira returned with a steaming mug of coffee. “You need to ease up on Leroy. He’s been a big help to me while you were away. And I would like to keep him around for a while longer.”
“I’m only letting him stay because he knows too much. We can’t afford for him to fall into the hands of Edmund.”
Dr. Vieira sipped his coffee. “Do you really know who killed Ella?”
I checked on Jo. She was now showing the tall skinny vamp with the chef’s hat her ring. “Enough about Ella.”
“Webb, think about how you would feel if you didn’t know who killed someone you loved. Jo, for example.”
“Are you trying to piss me off?” I asked as low as I could. I respected Dr. Vieira, but my patience had been running thin ever since Steven was taken into custody. Maybe filling in for him was a blessing in disguise. I’d always wanted to climb the military ladder, but I was quickly finding out that politics and all the other bullshit that came along with commanding not only my team, but all other military personnel, was exhausting. I definitely had more respect for Steven now.
Dr. Vieira leaned in. “I’m trying to knock some sense into you. We all know that Dr. Case did things he probably regrets and that are against the law, but he’s helping us.”
I trusted no one. “How do you know he isn’t the mole we’ve been looking for?”
“I don’t,” Dr. Vieira said. “But I’ve had my eye on him, and he’s been a hard worker.”
I cracked my knuckles. “Then make sure he stays a hard worker and nothing else.”
Dr. Vieira sat back, slumping his shoulders. “What is it that you wanted to consult with me about?”
“I’m sorry for biting off your head,” I said. “We’re all under a lot of stress.”
“You’re a fine leader, Webb. Sometimes I think you’re better at the job than Steven. He’s more of a hothead than you. But do your job and let me do mine. I promise if I get wind of Leroy doing anything suspicious, I’ll let you know.”
Nodding, I sighed. “Onto the reason I wanted to chat. Jo’s blood packs some serious punch. I’m slowly finding that the more I drink from her, the stronger I get and the more I can read her mind. At first, the effects only lasted when my fangs were in her, but not anymore. What’s going on? I’ve taken blood from her father before in emergency situations, and I’ve never felt drunk or had any added powers, and we all know Steven has mind-reading capabilities.”
Dr. Vieira took a swig of coffee. “We’ve known that Jo and Sam aren’t the average vampires. Frankly, I’m not surprised. Their DNA is unique, and the twins will be able to do things that their father and anyone in their lineage could never do. But it is fascinating that you’re acquiring some of her powers.”
Jo bounced up, light and happy. “Are you talking about me?”
Man, I would love to see that blinding smile on her all the time.
“In fact, we are,” I said. “Remember earlier when you asked if I could read your mind? Well, it seems I can.”
She slid into the seat next to me. “For real? Do you know what I’m thinking now?” She covered her hand over mine.
None of her thoughts seeped into me. All I got were her beautiful eyes, ball-squeezing smile, and a mouth I wanted to kiss. “I can’t now.”
She sighed as though she was relieved.
“Mm,” Dr. Vieira said. “So you could earlier but not now. Again, I’m not surprised. Just keep me posted if the effects last longer next time.”
Jo twirled her engagement ring, staring off into space.
I leaned in. “What’s going on?”
She stopped playing with her diamond. “I’ve been struggling with how Edmund is able to read minds. You just answered that question. He’s got to be drinking…” She shook her head. “Nah. He doesn’t have an ounce of my blood. So that couldn’t be why.”
“He did have your dad’s blood,” I said. “But if I didn’t get any added powers from drinking your father’s blood, then Edmund couldn’t, either. Right, Doc? Or maybe Edmund has tried Sam’s blood. Patrick does have a supply of his.”
“But Sam can’t read minds,” Jo said.
Dr. Vieira placed two fingers on his mouth. “But you two do have the same DNA makeup. Maybe Sam’s mind-reading skills haven’t matured yet. I’ve told you that women vampires mature faster than their male counterparts. I wouldn’t worry too much about this.”
“I disagree,” Jo said. “If Edmund can read minds and he does capture one of us, or if we decide that I should take him up on his offer for me to work for him, then he’ll know all our plans. We should be making a large supply of Ms. Costner’s magical mind-blocking potion instead of the antidote.”
“We need both,” I said. “I’ll contact Alia and ask her to whip up a batch. Doc, keep plugging away on the antidote.”
With his coffee cup in hand, Dr. Vieira pushed to his feet.
“Wait. Where’s Matthew?” Jo asked. “I thought he would still be here.”
“I drove him home last night,” Dr. Vieira said. “He’s doing fine. No need to worry about him. Oh, and Webb, when I returned from taking Matthew home, Mr. Jackson was at the front gate. He wants to get a message to Ben. Apparently, Ben’s grandmother passed away recently. Mr. Jackson would like his son to attend the funeral.”
Jo sighed heavily. “Ben was close to his grandmother.”
I pulled out my phone. “Thanks, Dr. Vieira. I’ll handle Ben.” First, I had to meet with the team. I texted Tripp to gather the troops and meet me in the war room.
“If you want, I’ll find Ben,” Jo said.
“Actually, let’s meet with Tripp, then we can address Ben’s issue.”
Within two minutes, Jo and I were walking into the war room. Well, she bounced, happy, smiling, and glowing. I ambled in behind her, hoping she could stay in that state of mind forever. I would do everything in my power to make sure our future was filled with happiness.
Tripp was sitting on the edge of the oblong table at the bottom of the theater-style room, talking to Sam, Kraft, Olivia, and Kodiak, who were seated in the front row.
“Lieutenant,” Tripp said, popping to attention.
The others did as well. I wasn’t used to
them standing at attention every time I walked into a room. But the act came with the role.
“At ease,” I said.
Jo glided over to Sam and gave him a hug before she showed him her ring.
Sam’s green gaze flitted to me then back to the ring. “Wow, London. You’ve got expensive taste.”
I would give the world to Jo, no matter the cost.
“So you made your engagement official, finally,” Tripp said with a laugh in his voice.
He’d been on me to get the ring. Then again, I’d only proposed to her a month ago. Still, he’d been right. And if I were following all the gentleman protocols like my father had taught me, I would have gotten down on one knee that night on my deck when I had proposed.
I grinned at him.
Olivia, Kraft, and Kodiak came over to shake my hand and hug Jo.
“Okay, let’s get started.” I didn’t want to overshadow the engagement. Hopefully, we would have ample time to celebrate. Right now, time was of the essence. Hollings would need our plan on how to take down Edmund.
After everyone was settled in the front row, I sat on the edge of the table, with the heel of my hands pressed into the wooden tabletop, figuring out where to start.
Tripp leaned forward on his elbows, his sandy-blond hair falling out of the leather strap that secured his ponytail. “Let’s start with how your meeting went with Hollings.”
My best friend knew me well. “Hollings wants us to send someone inside Edmund’s operation to gather evidence so we can bring Edmund in. The council is getting nervous. The human government is asking more and more questions, especially with dead bodies surfacing all over the state.”
“You mean the CIA,” Tripp said.
I reared back. “Did the commander tell you?” The commander had said that Tripp had been talking with Jonah but nothing else.
“No. An Agent Thomas showed up on base this morning. He was probing about the bodies found at the building on the Indian reservation.”
My brain ran amok upon hearing his statement as I wondered if Agent Thomas was one of the men working for Edmund. For now, I pushed forward. I would revisit Agent Thomas later. “The larger issue is…” I swept my gaze over my team.
On the Edge of Infinity (A Vampire SEAL Novel Book 5) Page 4