Blood & Roses: Warriors of the Krieger

by Theresa Hissong

  Dr. Mason bowed, fist over heart, “Lady Charity, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Once I curtsied, he stood upright and got right to business. “Follow me to the I.C.U., we will start with the two worse cases first.”

  Kai pushed open the glass door exiting the lab and turned right for the elevator. We all piled in and made our way to the sixth floor. Dr. Mason carried a box with about twenty vials of the potion against his chest. I noticed how he held on to them like rare china and for that I was glad. To me, the value of the liquid in those tiny breakable tubes was unimaginable.

  Kai swiped her card allowing us access into the nurse’s station of the unit. There were rooms on every wall. Sliding glass doors opened into each patient’s room. Curtains were drawn on the more serious patients, allowing them as much privacy as could be allowed in that situation. The powder blue tiles on the floor and the white walls made the area almost too bright. The smell of cleaning chemicals burned my sensitive nose.

  Dr. Mason sat the box of vials next to the tray of patient charts. He flipped through the stack and came up with what I assumed was the most critical patient’s file.

  Lydia and I waited patiently while the doctor and Kai examined the patient. He was a young looking vampire, maybe twenty when he was turned. He reminded me of Adam the second time I had seen him. Little patches of fur adorned the tops of his shoulders and on one side of his neck. His eyes had started taking on that glow of the Lycanthropes. The skin on his face was sunk in, probably from not being able to feed off of human flesh. The thought gave me goose bumps.

  Lydia and I were told to stay outside the room while the potion was administered. I noticed the name tag on the wall, next to his room, said his name was Greg Hickman. The patient watched them prepare; his stare was centered on Kai as she checked the bands around his wrist and ankles, testing their strength. Obviously he had to be restrained while being treated.

  Dr. Mason raised the head of the bed with a remote and spoke a few quiet words to the patient before beginning. Once he nodded, Kai removed the cork top on the vial. She leaned over and poured the potion into the patient’s mouth.

  At first, he seemed to gag from the taste of the liquid. We all waited patiently looking for some sign the medicine might be working, but there was nothing. Kai patted the patient’s shoulder and made her way out to see us.

  The automatic door slide open quietly and Kai slipped out looking sad. “I’m not sure how long it will take before the potion will take effect. Mother says it could take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. All we can do now is to wait.”

  “We can watch this one while you and Dr. Mason administer the potion to the other patient,” I offered.

  “That would be fine, but do not go in there. Stay behind the glass window and watch him. If there is a problem, one of you come and find us,” Kai demanded.

  I watched Dr. Mason and Kai enter the room three doors down. Lydia watched the patient through the window; her brows pushed down in thought. I noticed she had a faraway look to her and I assumed her thoughts were on something else.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked.

  “Just thinking about Ashby,” she shrugged. “He’s so quiet, but mysterious. I just don’t understand him.”

  “I do understand. Remember me telling you about how cryptic Dragus was in the beginning?” I chuckled. Lydia nodded and smiled. “It’s just the warrior in them. Give him time, he’ll come around.”

  “I don’t know. He hasn’t asked me out or anything. Maybe I’m reading too much into it.”

  “Have you talked to him?” I asked.

  “No,” she shivered. “I don’t know if I’m ready to set myself up for failure.”

  “Failure? Why would you think that?”

  “He’s polite and very sweet, but I don’t think he likes me all that much. Maybe I should just give up the whole idea of being with him.” She turned away from me and walked down the corridor with her held hung low. I didn’t go after her, she was having a moment and I knew better than to hound her over the issue.

  Lydia and I had been waiting an hour when the potion started working on the first patient. The screams emanating from his hospital room were ear splitting. Nurses and doctors ran with inhuman speed to be at his bedside. Of course, Kai was the last to enter the room. Lydia and I remained outside the glass window and watched the flurry of commotion in the room.

  The patient, Greg Hickman, jolted upright in the bed; as much as possible with the restraints. His chest would swell when he would gasp for air. Greg’s unnatural growls of pain raised the hair on the back of my neck. It reminded me of the pain I felt during my connection to Adam. The nurses spoke smoothing words to him; trying to calm his panic.

  Dr. Mason worked feverously to sedate his patient. He used the same size syringe I had seen at my stay here a few weeks ago, but this one had more medicine in the dispenser. Within seconds of the injection of Morphine, Greg’s eyes closed and his breathing became almost nonexistence, which was normal.

  Lydia and I held hands as we watched the nurse’s work over his resting body, tucking in the covers and fluffing his pillows while he slept. Dr. Mason and two other physicians stood in the corner deep in a conversation I could not hear. Kai looked relieved and that gave me hope.

  “I think it may have worked,” I whispered to Lydia.

  “Let’s talk to Kai before we get too excited.”

  Kai eventually exited the room and met us in the hallway. “He’s stable right now. We won’t know if the potion worked until he wakes tomorrow evening. Greg’s body will hopefully heal during his daytime resting period. Y’all should go home and come back tomorrow evening. If this works, we’ll start treatment on the others.”

  Lydia and I gave the sleeping hybrid one last glance before having Brilliam take us back to the estate. When we entered the room, Dragus and Ashby were standing by the couch. They looked very unhappy. Ashby’s face was crimped in anger and Dragus sighed.

  “Charity,” he growled. “You should have called me.” Although Dragus was furious with me, he still snuggled in my arms.

  “I was not about to get you away from your duty tonight, Dragus. The last thing you need to do is worry about me. We were perfectly safe.” His fist clenched tighter behind my back and I noticed a tick working in his jaw.

  Ashby was staring holes through Lydia and I suppressed a chuckle. The tension radiating from him was intense. How could she think that he didn’t care for her? Lydia looked at me then back at him, “What!”

  “Are you ready, Lydia? Sunrise will be soon,” he growled. I bet she was going to get an ass chewing just as bad as the one I was expecting.

  Lydia nodded and turned to me for a hug. “I’ll call you the first chance I can,” she whispered.

  I watched Lydia and Ashby leave and with a heavy sigh I turned to Dragus. “Don’t you dare start with me,” I accused.

  “I was worried,” he growled. “You cannot go off on your own anymore. You are now in a position that the hunters may want to do away with you. It is very important that you let me know where you’re going and take a guard, or three, with you when you go somewhere.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize it would be a problem to go to the hospital, as long as Brilliam with us.” That was true; I never thought I would be a target for hunters until he told me. The threat from the Lycanthropes was always on my mind. I guess my new role also came with new dangers.

  I understand the whole new life I’m accepting as a Lady. Granted, I don’t plan on changing my life too much in the future. I will still run my club and still do whatever is needed at the mansion. With Lydia to help me, I don’t think it will be a problem to hold down both jobs with any problems. Can I do it? God, I hope so. But will Dragus be willing to lay off on the doting and worrying for me to do my own thing? That conversation will have to wait.

  A crooked smile plastered across his face and laughed, “You know, I could have you arrested for breaking curfew.” Ah, so he w
as going to be like that.

  The way his lip crooked at the corners made my belly quiver and it sparked my frisky side. I held my hands out in front, wrists together and smiled, “Go ahead, I’ll resist.”

  Dragus growled and pulled me close. He placed a hand on the back of my head, pressing me to his chest. “How did the potion work on the victim?” he asked with a strained voice. It was obvious that he was trying his hardest not to yell at me for traveling away from the estate. I felt his wordless sigh against his chest.

  “He eventually had to be sedated. Lydia and I are going back tomorrow to see if it worked. Then if we have positive results,” I paused to take a deep breath. “I’m going to find Adam.” It was hard, but I stood my ground. I stepped back risking a look into Dragus’ eyes and winced, they were red and he was mad. I took an involuntary step back. Here comes the lecture in three…two…

  “This is where I draw the line! You will not go into those woods alone!” His voice thundered through the mansion. I’d even be surprised if Lady Michelle and Lady Elise hadn’t heard it. I waited for him to calm down and then I waited some more. Once the blood drained from his eyes I continued with my argument.

  It was extremely hard but I managed to keep my voice calm, but I did, “I’m going whether you like it or not,” he started to speak; I stopped him with one finger in the air. “I promised him and so it shall be, Dragus. End of argument. I’m going to bed.”

  He started to protest, but I silenced him with my hand again. If this had been one of those children’s cartoons, I would have seen steam shoot out of his ears. (Sorry, I love Tom & Jerry.) I knew my argument was won, because he knew I was right. Adam would only come to me and not the Krieger.

  Satisfied with myself, I found my pale blue silk gown – that was now becoming my “mad at Dragus outfit” – in the dresser and quickly changed for bed. Dragus stood by the couch like a statue watching my every move; never saying a word. I slid into the bed and closed my eyes. Secretly hoping I didn’t wake up in the dungeon. Knowing this place, it probably had one.

  My first thought was to make sure I was still in our bed and not in some underground cellar. I sensed Dragus was very close; the magnetic pull was all but vanished. Cool hands traced a pattern down my arm and I knew that he knew I was awake. Reluctantly, I opened my eyes to find his staring deep into mine.

  “Good Evening,” I grumped. Just because I died during the day, doesn’t mean that I forgot I was mad at him.

  “Evening, mi amado,” he smiled. “Are you well tonight?” Translation: Was I still mad at him? I think he secretly enjoyed that I could bring him to his knees; I know I did.

  “I’m fine,” I lied. He can’t keep me from going out today. Lydia and I were going to the hospital first thing to check on Greg Hickman. If the potion worked, then we’ll immediately go over to my house to find Adam.

  Dragus followed me into the bathroom as I turned the water on in the shower. I walked over to the linen closet and removed two oversized towels from the shelf. When I turned around, he was standing there, still watching me with intense eyes.

  “I’m not leaving until after I am showered and dressed. You don’t have to watch my every move.” I said through clinched teeth.

  “I need to know what your plans are Charity,” he paused. “I understand your willingness to help, but I will not leave you unprotected. If you don’t want me there, please take Brock or William with you.” He caught me off guard. I was prepared for his me-warrior-you-woman attitude or even a night in the dungeon, but this was unexpected.

  “If it makes you feel better, I will take both of them with me.” Dragus breathed a sigh of relief and stepped into the shower. “As much as I hate driving right now, with what happened with that Lycan attacking the Hummer, I’m glad to have Brilliam with me. They have been trained well. You should be proud.”

  He lathered up a washcloth and started making his way toward my back. “I like to think that my training program is working. And thankfully it is,” he whispered. “Why didn’t you tell me you were shaken up by that werewolf the other night?”

  “It’s nothing, Dragus. I just don’t want to go through that again.” I wasn’t completely giving up on going outside, but I sure didn’t want to experience that again. Once was enough for a lifetime.

  After Dragus and I fed, Lydia showed up with Ashby. Dragus met them in the foyer, while I sat on the brown suede couch in the living room. Lydia dashed over and sat next to me. She looked frustrated.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked, taking her hands into mine.

  She pointed her chin toward Ashby and crossed her arms across her chest, “He chewed my ass last night, about going away from the estate even with a guard. He acts like I’m a Lady of the Krieger and I’m not!”

  I had to bite my lip to keep from smiling. I knew Ashby liked her by the way he watched her. Tonight he was looking exceptional in his Krieger button down shirt. Were those new jeans? I think I even smell a soft hint of cologne, or is that a musky aftershave?

  I didn’t want to give her any more reason to doubt his feelings or get her hopes up either way, so I didn’t comment on her statement. “Dragus wasn’t happy either. We agreed to have Brilliam go with us again tonight.”

  “That sounds fine to me,” she paused. “What did Dragus say about Adam? Or did you tell him?”

  “I told him that if this worked, I was going to go to my house and try to contact Adam. He wasn’t very happy about it. Dragus doesn’t want me out there alone.” Which now that I think about it, he’s right. I’ll admit that I was a little stupid thinking I would be safe there. Adam won’t come if the Krieger are there. We are going to have to come up with a plan to get the potion to him and keep the Krieger away.

  Ashby came into the living room, followed by Dragus. It was easy to tell they were not happy about something.

  “Lady Charity,” he bowed. “Dragus and I have discussed your desire to contact Adam and administer the potion. We cannot allow you to be put in that situation. It’s just too dangerous.”

  I sighed heavily and stood facing the warriors, “You know that he will only talk to me. He is scared of you. There has got to be a way to get him out of the forest.”

  “Do you have a plan?” Lydia asked, raising a delicate eyebrow at me.

  “No, not yet,” I shrugged. “We don’t even know if the potion worked. I need to get over to the hospital.” I looked over at Dragus. He was leaning against the door frame. His face was hardened and I couldn’t tell what he was thinking.

  “Brock and William are ready to depart for the hospital. You and Ms. Lydia please be careful tonight.” Dragus was in his police mode, giving orders. I wasn’t mad at him, because I knew this was the way he worked.

  I saw Lydia roll her eyes and I had to laugh. Dragus’ smile was a little smug, knowing he was in charge. I shouldn’t be so hard on him. This is his job and has been for a very long time.

  Ashby’s phone rang and he stepped out into the foyer to answer. I had to stifle a giggle when Lydia almost broke her neck to check out his ass.

  Dragus paced around the living room, periodically stopping to rub his thumb against his chin. That was his way of thinking. I felt his emotions and knew he was confused, but determined.

  “What are you planning, Dragus?” I asked, skeptical.

  “Everything I consider, places you in the middle and I’m not comfortable with it. You may need to be there to get him to come to us,” he murmured.

  “You know that I have to be there. That’s what I’ve been telling you,” I answered, tossing my hands in the air like a frustrated child. His beautiful yellow eyes looked me over and he finally threw his hands in the air as well.

  “I give up! No matter what I say, you are going to be there. Will I ever be able to change your mind and make you stay here at the mansion?”

  “Nope,” I laughed. “You know I’m right.”

  Before Dragus could throw another tantrum, Ashby returned from the foyer and his fa
ce looked grim. “Bastian and Powle have found six more victims. They’re going to be at Sacred Heart in the next few minutes. I’m sorry Dragus, but we need to be going. We need to get to the station for a meeting.”

  Dragus scooped me up into a tight hug and whispered in my ear, “Do not go to your house until we have a plan. I will help you help Adam, but you’re going to have to compromise with me.”

  I place a swift kiss on his cheek and smiled, “I will wait until we have a plan. I promise, Dragus.”

  He leaned in and ran his nose along the bottom of my jaw and over the vein in my neck. After a deep inhale, he growled low in his chest and whispered, “Mmm, blood and roses baby.” Then he released me quickly and with a wink, he turned for the door.

  Now that he was satisfied with our agreement, Dragus and Ashby left for the office for a meeting before going to the hospital. Lydia and I waited patiently for Brilliam to come inside.

  I leaned back on the couch and thought about my life over the past few days. The Lycanthropes were waging a war against the vampires. They had bitten so many vampires I’ve lost count and those vampires were changing into a type of hybrid. My home was almost destroyed. Thankfully a female Nachtmann was sent to my home during the day and removed all of my clothes from my room.

  I was now First Lady of the Krieger. A role I was nervous about taking over, but knew I had to jump in with both feet. Dragus and I had bonded and will soon go through our Joining ceremony.

  The door in the foyer opened and it was William. “My lady, we’re ready to leave when you are.” He nodded his head and turned for the door.

  Lydia was standing by the fireplace watching the glowing embers of the wood. “Are you ready?” I asked. We left the mansion to attempt to perform a miracle. I sent up a silent prayer that we can help these poor men.