The Ortega Project

by Linnea Alexis

  The security guard driving a golf cart, raced toward the fence. “Stop! What are you doing here?” he shouted. “This is private property.”

  Her lungs burned, yet Grace pushed herself to run faster. She lost her footing, stumbled on the uneven sidewalk, and tripped. The guard turned his flashlight directly on her. She pushed herself to stand and sprinted toward the Jetta, parked out of view of the security guard.

  When she reached the car, Deanna was fumbling with the keys.

  “Why did you lock the doors?”

  “I don’t know,” Deanna wailed.

  Hopping up and down and wringing her hands, Grace waited at the passenger door. “Hurry!” She peeked over her shoulder, watching for the security guard.

  A clattering sound.

  “Oh, my God. I dropped my keys.” Deanna slipped from view.

  Grace ran to the driver’s side, fell to her knees next to Deanna, and skimmed her fingers over the surface of the dark street, trying to find the keys.

  Seconds later, metal jingled. “I got them. Get in,” Deanna cried out and unlocked the doors.

  Grace scurried to the shotgun side of the car and climbed in.

  Deanna started the engine and stomped on the accelerator. Tires squealed as she sped away.

  “What if Roman saw us?” Grace doubled over and rocked back and forth, trying to settle her churning stomach.

  “Be quiet! I can’t drive with you freaking out.” Deanna let go of the steering wheel and held up her hands. “I’m shaking like a frigging leaf. Damn you, Grace. Don’t even think about involving me in any of your shit again.”

  “I’m sorry!”

  “We won’t get caught,” Deanna mocked. “My ass!”

  Fear swept over Grace. Her body shook. Her teeth chattered. “It looked like they had fangs.” Something else crossed her mind. Something she hadn’t even considered until now. “Do you think they’re…vampires? I’ve never seen Roman that pissed before. He and Gabriel were coming to blows. I bet they thought we were spying on them.”

  “What else would we be doing, standing on the other side of the fence, watching them through frickin’ binoculars?

  Grace’s stomach flipped and churned. “I’m going to be sick.”

  “You’re not going to puke in my car, are you?”

  “No.” She held her face in her hands. Lately, worrying about her relationship with Roman was giving her stomach fits, causing her to fight back the nausea that had begun plaguing her on a regular basis.

  “If you need me to pull over, tell me now.”

  “I’m so freaked out, I can’t even think straight. I need to talk to Roman.”

  “Are you nuts?” Deanna screamed. “I wouldn’t say squat to him. I’d dump his ass and pray to God the only one who saw us was the security guard. And I wouldn’t say a word about this to anyone else either until we figure out what to do.”

  * * *

  Grace

  * * *

  Had Grace crossed over into a bad B movie or the Twilight Zone? What kind of monster was she sleeping with? A few hours ago, hadn’t she witnessed Roman, along with his friends, with what fangs? How could that be? If the fangs were fake, why did they appear in the middle of an argument? But only vampires had fangs. And vampires didn’t exist.

  Deanna’s efforts to calm her down were unsuccessful. Even sharing a bottle of her favorite wine didn’t work and Deanna ended up drinking the entire bottle herself before passing out.

  With her partner in crime out of commission for the rest of the evening, Grace resolved herself to the fact she’d be spending the night at her best friend’s apartment. She left Deanna sprawled on the sofa and went to lie on the comfy bed in the spare bedroom.

  Unfortunately, she wasn’t prepared to spend the night away from home and was forced to sleep in her bra and panties. Realizing she’d also have to deal with wearing the same clothes to class tomorrow, she groaned. She’d also left her backpack, with all her notes and assignments, at her apartment. Damn! At least, she always carried a notepad in her handbag, so she could take notes.

  But sleep eluded her. Instead, she wrestled with possible scenarios to explain what they’d seen at the institute. She wanted to go home and sleep in her own bed. But with no car at her disposal, she was stuck in Deanna’s apartment. Trapped in her personal nightmare.

  15

  Roman

  Where the hell was Grace tonight? Every phone call and text Roman sent was met with no response. Every message went unanswered.

  With his stomach tied in knots, Roman tried figuring out where she might be. Last evening, she’d mentioned taking the night off from work, but when he suggested getting together, she begged off, saying she had a prior commitment. Prior commitment? What the hell did that mean? He wanted to be with her. Jealousy and possessiveness reached out and grabbed him by the heart. He had claimed her, so she was his woman. Right?

  As long as he wasn’t seeing Grace tonight, he might as well do something constructive. He stayed in the lab and called a meeting with his team to discuss their options regarding the failure of the blood-substitute formula. The deadline to fix the problem had previously been extended. That date had come and gone and patience was wearing thin. During a heated discussion, the team weighed the pros and cons and decided to give the scientists one more week to come up with an antidote. If, after that time, the situation didn’t change, or worsened, the team would leave the program. Tomorrow Roman would update the Elder Council on the situation.

  Their meeting had ended abruptly when the security guard reported he’d busted a couple of kids nosing around outside the fence. He assured Roman that he’d taken care of the problem and chased the punks away, but added that he was unable to find out who they were or what they wanted.

  Roman wasn’t entirely convinced it was kids who breached the security. Had slayers found them? The Church?

  He paced while his team settled down to watch one of Seth’s vampire movie marathons. Everyone’s eyes focused on the screen, but from the blank expressions on their faces, Roman knew their minds were elsewhere. Deciding the place needed a little levity, Roman glanced at Seth, the only person deeply engrossed in his favorite movie, Perfect Creature.

  “Hey, Seth.”

  “Yeah?” Seth glanced at him.

  “When are you going to get us some good zombie movies?”

  Seth’s brow furrowed. “Zombies? There’s no such thing as zombies.”

  Robust laughter broke out, easing the tension in the room.

  With the mood a little lighter, Roman eased himself into his recliner and leaned back. He’d just gotten into the spirit of the movie when Crawford charged inside.

  “Turn off your movie, Seth,” Crawford said, waving a manila folder over his head. “Everyone come take a look at what our surveillance cameras picked up”

  Gabriel jumped to his feet. “Does it show who or what the guard chased off?”

  “Not only that, but it also shows something a lot more interesting.” Crawford marched over to the small table, with a chessboard on top, set up for a game. He brushed aside the pieces and cleared a space in the middle of the table. “Check out the kids who broke into the property.”

  Everyone gathered around.

  Crawford whipped out several computer-generated, color prints from the folder and dropped them on top of the chessboard.

  Roman’s gaze locked on pictures of Grace and Deanna on the other side of the fence, staring at the building through binoculars. Other photos captured them running from the fence. His breathing stopped. He needed to speak with her to find out what had driven her to do something so careless?

  Everyone glanced at the photos and then at Roman.

  Shit.

  Crawford took notice of the men’s reaction. “I take it you’re acquainted with these women?”

  Roman remained silent, keeping his gaze fixed on the evidence spread out before him. Why, Grace, why! The woman he loved either didn’t trust him or was stalking
him. What she might have seen created a tornado in his stomach.

  “Roman, do you know something about this?” Crawford asked.

  Before answering, he needed to talk to the only person who could give him an explanation. Stepping away from the group, he pulled his cell from his pocket. He stormed out of the lounge and didn’t stop until he reached the parking lot.

  Why didn’t Grace leave things alone? If she had questions, why didn’t she come to him for answers instead of sticking her nose where it didn’t belong? He dialed her number and it went straight to voicemail.

  Anger initially directed at Grace, he turned on himself. No one, but him, was to blame for the unfolding disaster. If he hadn’t been so damn secretive, so afraid of losing her, none of this would have happened. He should have prepared her for the truth.

  When he dialed her number two more times, the results were the same. It was obvious calling Grace wasn’t working. He needed to talk to her in person.

  With the anger on his men’s faces still etched in his brain, he dreaded facing them. But he’d never run from confrontation before and wouldn’t start now. Before going back inside to face the music, he inhaled deeply, stood straighter, and squared his shoulders.

  He tried opening the door. It was locked. Damn, he’d left his keycard inside. So much for going back in unnoticed. He hit the backdoor buzzer and waited for someone to let him inside.

  The door opened. “You all right?” Alex asked.

  “I will be.”

  “Gabe’s on the warpath.”

  “Figured as much. But it’s nothing I can’t handle.” He stepped inside and the heavy door banged shut behind him.

  As soon as Roman entered into the lounge, Gabriel lunged, pinning him against the wall. “We warned you not to get involved.”

  Gabriel was strong. Roman was stronger. He grabbed Gabriel’s wrists, hurled him across the room, and into the wall with such force, he bounced off and landed on the floor. Roman flashed to Gabriel’s side and stared down at him.

  “I’m going to forget this happened. But if you have a problem with me or our association, I suggest you pack up your shit and be gone before I get back. If that’s your choice, I’ll ask the Elder Council to send a replacement. In this business, no one’s irreplaceable. Not even you.” Roman’s voice was controlled and confident, but inside, his heart pounded and his gut churned.

  He yanked his jacket from the coat rack near the door.

  Alex ran to catch up. “Hold on. Where are you going?”

  “To talk to Grace.”

  * * *

  Roman

  * * *

  Roman broke every speed limit on his way to Grace’s apartment. He needed to talk to her, to explain the program. Because she wouldn’t answer her phone, a face-to-face meeting seemed his only option.

  He pulled in front of her building, turned off the headlights, and killed the engine. After locking his truck, he bounded up the stairs, taking two at a time. He knocked on her door. No answer. He knocked again—harder this time. Still nothing. Listening closely, he hoped to hear something—a television, music, breathing—from inside Grace’s apartment. But only silence greeted him.

  The night was particularly dark. Roman scanned the area and confirmed no one was nearby. He bypassed the stairs, swung himself over the railing, and landed in front of the mailboxes on the ground floor.

  Checking the parking lot only added to the mystery when he noticed Grace’s car still parked in its usual spot. He tried calling her again. Voicemail. This time, after the beep, he left a message. “Please call me, Grace. Please. We need to talk. It’s important.”

  Where the hell was she be at this time of night? She’d already said she wouldn’t be at the club. If she was with Deanna, he had no clue where she lived. Every effort to contact Grace ended in failure. Wherever she was, she obviously didn’t want to talk to him—and he couldn’t blame her.

  16

  Roman

  The uneventful drive back to the institute should have given him enough time to formulate the perfect plan to win Grace back. But he came up empty.

  Convincing Grace to give him a second chance became as important as the air he breathed. At the gate, Roman punched his code into the keypad and drove to his assigned space. He parked his truck, turned off the headlights, and listened to the rest of an Eagles song. He cut the engine, stepped onto the pavement, and stared at the night sky, which seemed as dark as his soul.

  Swiping his keycard, he entered the lab and made his way to the lounge. He closed the blinds to block out any glimmer of light that might peek through the slats when daybreak arrived. The television screen showed a panel of talking heads droning on about the economy, providing a perfect background for lulling him to sleep.

  The lounge was quiet. Peaceful. But his battle with Gabriel remained fresh in his mind. He’d lost control of the situation. How had he allowed Gabriel to fly off the handle? Why didn’t he put a stop to the tirade?

  Roman glanced at Gabriel’s recliner, expecting it to be empty. Finding it occupied caused him to bristle. What the hell was he still doing here? Hadn’t he ordered him off the property? He cursed under his breath.

  Easing himself into his recliner, he aimed the remote at the television and muted it. Before trying to get some much-needed shuteye, he dialed Grace’s number one last time.

  “Here goes nothing,” he murmured. He held his cell phone in a death grip, waiting for her to answer, but expecting to get voicemail.

  To his surprise, Grace answered after one ring.

  “G-grace?”

  “Hello, Roman.” Her voice broke.

  “Where are you? I’ve been trying to find you. I need to see you.” His throat was dry and he swallowed hard to ease the discomfort.

  After a slight hesitation, she answered. “I’m not feeling very well. I’ll call you.”

  “When?”

  “Later today—after my last class.”

  Relief flooded over him like warm, summer rain. “I love you, Grace.”

  “Good bye, Roman,” she answered, barely above a whisper.

  As he hung up, a sick feeling kicked him in the gut. She didn’t say she loved him back. The way she said good bye made it sound so final.

  * * *

  Gabriel

  * * *

  Gabriel was awake when Roman strolled back into the lounge. Still uncomfortable over their altercation earlier, Gabriel feigned sleep. He hated when they fought. But, dammit, Roman was turning soft. He’d lost his edge. If he couldn’t control his woman, he wasn’t fit to lead the team.

  When he made himself comfortable on his recliner and called Grace, Gabriel opened his eyes to slits and tried listening in on the conversation, but was unable to catch most of the words. Although curious what was said, he decided to keep his mouth shut and his ears open.

  Roman ended the call and stared at his phone.

  Pretending he’d just woken up, Gabriel yawned and stretched. “You’re back.” Another yawn. ”So what’s going on?”

  ”Quit the bullshit. I could tell by your breathing you were awake. What did you hear?”

  Busted. No point denying he’d heard most of the conversation. “Do you think she’ll call back?”

  “I hope so.” Roman grimaced. “So Gabe, you decided to stick around.”

  “Figured it would be too much hassle finding a new team and start training another leader.”

  Roman let out a hearty belly laugh. “You’re something else.”

  “So the ladies tell me. You know I’m the best warrior around. Admit it.”

  “Dream on.” Still grinning, Roman raised the leg rest and leaned back.

  But there was still the matter of being kicked off the team. “Roman?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Suppose it wouldn’t do any good to apologize. For what it’s worth, I’m sorry I lost it, man.” When Roman didn’t respond, he needed to find out if he still wanted him on the team. “Did you call the Council?�
�� From what he knew of the Elders, once a request was made for a change, there was no turning back. He might well be on his way out.

  “I thought I’d sleep on it,” Roman answered.

  Unable to suppress his relief, he blew out a breath and smiled. “So you and I? We’re good?”

  “Yes, Gabe, we’re good…. For now.”

  17

  Grace

  Last night, Grace had pushed to use Deanna’s faster, newer car. At the time, it seemed like a good idea. So did nosing around Ortega Research Institute. Now she questioned the wisdom of both decisions. She hadn’t counted on their escapade turning into a fiasco that continued when Deanna drove them both to school the following morning. If only Grace had driven her own vehicle, she wouldn’t be stuck in a car with someone who gave her the silent treatment.

  Friction between the friends continued during the ride back to Grace’s apartment, adding to the last night’s disaster. Every time Grace tried making conversation, Deanna’s snippy responses cut her off, which made for a tension-filled ride.

  Rather than endure the cold shoulder sitting next to her, Grace decided to call Roman, figuring she might as well get everything out in the open. She pulled her cell phone out of her purse.

  “Don’t tell me you’re calling him?” Deanna shrieked.

  “I need to know the truth.”

  Deanna pounded the steering wheel with both hands. “Are you insane? After what we saw?”

  “I have to find out what it means.” Roman never spoke about his personal life. Could what she observed in the institute be the reason for his secrecy?

  “You’re making a huge mistake. You’d be better off without him. God only knows what’s going on inside that place.”