"I don't know what I'm supposed to feel." She bit her lip and studied her hands that were fisted against his chest. "I just feel numb."
"You're in shock."
"I keep seeing him, his gun pointed at you. I thought…" A thin sob escaped her throat accompanied by the tears she had held back. "I thought he was going to kill you."
"I know. You were protecting me." He tilted her chin, forcing her to look at him. "Thank you."
She gulped in tiny breaths of air and he felt the strength leave her body. He held her snug against him until her tears subsided.
Shutting the water off, he pulled a large towel off the rack and wrapped it around her shoulders. He towel dried her hair, then picked her up and carried her to the king size bed. He crawled in behind her, and positioned himself so that her back rested against his chest.
They lay in silence for a few minutes.
Riley interlaced her fingers with his. "So. That was your mother."
He suppressed the urge to laugh at the absurdity of the situation. "Yeah."
"And she was working with…my father?"
"Appears so."
Riley nodded weakly. "She wouldn't have let my father shoot you."
He cringed at the conclusion he'd already come to. Would Boyd have killed him knowing he was Circe's son? "I don't know."
She breathed out roughly.
"Nothing about this situation is your fault, Riley." He curled her deeper into his embrace so that his mouth was against her cheek. "No matter what happens, you aren't to blame."
Her fingers tightened around his. "I just wish I could go back to a time when everything made sense."
Had there ever been a time in his life when things made sense? Holding Riley in his arms was the only thing grounding him, stopping him from letting his animal loose to seek the answers they both deserved.
He brushed his lips against her temple and whispered, "Try to rest." They were both going to need their strength if they were ever going to find a way out of this hell.
Chapter 22
Circe's men came for them a little after seven. With heavy limbs, Riley dressed. She watched Turner stalk around the room, his muscles tightly coiled under the thin fabric of his t-shirt and hospital-style pants the guards had provided. He scrubbed his fingers through his dark hair, making it stand on end.
Tension thickened the air around him. She placed her hand on his arm, making him stop and look down at her. The stiffness in his expression seemed to melt away as his gaze took her in, and Riley was certain her heart skipped several beats before she finally let her hand drop, breaking the connection.
He growled and pulled her against his chest in a hard embrace. She shuddered as his lips pressed against hers in a demanding kiss. He moaned hungrily, his grip tightening on her hips, grinding his already hard length against her. She whimpered at the instant arousal that flooded through her and opened her mouth to his demanding tongue.
He pulled away, breathless.
Despite everything that had happened, and the precariousness of their situation, she knew one thing—she was falling for him, hard.
"We should go," she said, her voice trembling, thick with desire.
"Right." He rubbed his palms over his face and exhaled unevenly. He returned her smile and held out his hand. "Let's go get some answers."
Four armed guards, two in front and two behind them, led them through a series of hallways to an old elevator shaft, which took them up several floors. There was a whole wing to the building that Riley hadn't seen before. It was completely separate from the windowless medical wing and dormitory where she had been staying. Riley was beginning to suspect that they weren't in a building as she had first thought, but rather an old, albeit massive house.
The hallways turned from sterile, whitewashed walls to Victorian-style marbled floors and cherry wood walls and ceilings. They were ushered into a large, elegantly designed dining room. A huge chandelier hung above the dark wooden table. An enormous fireplace blazed on the far side of the room. Floor to ceiling windows lined one side of the room, draped in thick velvet curtains.
Riley peeked out at the darkening sky. It was the first sight of the outside world she'd seen in days. She started to walk towards the window, but a guard grabbed her shoulder, stopping her.
Turner growled and grabbed the guard by the collar of his shirt, thrusting him backwards. "Don't put your hands on her."
Instantly the other men had their weapons drawn and pointed at Turner.
"That'll be enough." Turner's mother appeared at the doorway. She clapped her hands, then gave a dismissive gesture to the guards. "Leave us."
The men glowered at Turner before retreating from the room.
"It seems my son has a possessive streak when it comes to you." Circe walked towards them, her posture stiff, reserved. Her lips quirked up in what looked more like a grimace than a smile. "He was the same way with me when he was a little boy. Always the protector." She tilted her head and studied Riley. "And yet he hasn't marked you, even though his lion has clearly claimed you. Why is that?"
Riley's mouth dropped open. She shut it, biting her tongue.
Turner placed his hand possessively on Riley's shoulder, and a low rumble reverberated from his chest.
His mother clucked her tongue. "Always so sensitive. Just like your father." She turned her back on them and walked towards the large dining room table, running her long, manicured fingers along the glossy edge. "I knew the man was overemotional, but to take his own life, and leave you boys to fend for yourselves…" She shook her head, and for a moment, Riley thought she saw genuine grief in the woman's eyes. "For that, I'm sorry."
Turner flinched as if the woman had struck him. "Dad was your mate."
She chuckled and her features hardened. "Things aren't always as black and white as you want them to be, dear boy."
"Then explain it to me, because right now I can't think of one fucking reason that would make you leave your family." Turner growled, baring his teeth. "We're you working for Boyd all this time?"
Circe sighed, wearily. "Richard Boyd was a friend." She gave Riley a sympathetic smile. "I didn't always agree with his…techniques, but he was a brilliant man."
A vein pulsed violently at Turner's temple. He took a step forward, his hands balled into fists.
Would he strike his own mother? Riley didn't want to find out. There were still too many unanswered questions.
"He tortured and killed hundreds of innocent people," Riley said, placing her hand on Turner's arm.
"Like I said, I didn't always agree with his methods."
"So you worked for him?" Riley asked.
"No my dear, your father worked for me."
"You?"
"For years I believed that he kidnapped you. That you were one of his…victims."
"Always so stubborn," Circe muttered, sitting down at the head of the table. "I tried to protect you from yourself, but you just wouldn't let it go. Even when we orchestrated Richard's death, you still clung to the belief that he was alive."
Riley sucked in an uneven breath. "You, orchestrated his death?"
"Why?" Turner asked.
"You were too close to uncovering the truth. But you wouldn't let it go. There's only so much a mother can do to protect her child." There was a clear warning in Circe's tone.
A loud, choppy noise sounded just outside the window at the same time that an older man in a dark suit entered the room.
The man cleared his throat, his dark eyes trained on Turner. "It's time. They're almost here."
Circe stood and brushed her hands over her skirt. "I wish that our visit could be extended, but I'm afraid your brother has been persistent in his search for you."
Turner squinted his eyes and took a step towards her. "I can't let you leave."
Before she could blink, Riley had a gun pointed at her head. The older man licked his lips. "Not another step or I'll put a bullet in the girl's head."
Turner pushed Ril
ey behind him.
"I'm giving you another chance, son. Go, live your life. Stop this nonsense of searching after ghosts that don't want to be found."
"Even if I did, the Therian Council won't let you get away with this. If they found you once, they'll find you again."
Circe smirked. "They'll find me when I want to be found."
"I'll find you." His voice was low, a deep, grumbling promise of revenge.
"So much like your father." She shook her head and looked at him as if he was a petulant child worthy of scolding. With a sigh, she turned towards the exit. Before she reached it, she stopped. "Oh and Riley…" She glanced over her shoulder. "It appears your sister's condition has improved. You have twenty minutes before the medical facility self-implodes." She gave Turner a pointed stare. "If you have any hope of saving the girl, you better leave now."
Riley's stomach somersaulted and she thought her heart might crack her ribcage.
Turner cursed vehemently as Circe and her armed men disappeared. He started after them.
"Let her go," Riley pleaded, grabbing him when he tried move past her. She could see the pain and anger in his eyes, the animal clawing to get out, but she needed him. She punched his arm hard, and his head snapped to her. "You heard your mother. The building has explosives and Kiera is still somewhere in those tunnels."
Another set of curses ripped from his throat. "Stay here. I'll find her."
"No way. I'm coming with you."
He growled in exasperation, but thankfully didn't try to argue with her. "Let's go," he muttered, gripping her hand and pulling her behind him. "Do you know what room she's in?"
"Twenty-six B."
The halls were empty, as were the research labs and medical rooms.
Turner pushed the door open, and Riley let out a small cry of relief at the sight of Kiera's small body on a gurney in the center of the room. An IV was attached to one of her hands, and her wrists were strapped down to the bed. Her eyes were closed, but her chest rose and fell in steady breaths.
"Kiera." Riley rushed to her sister's side. She brushed her hand over Kiera's forehead, pushing the dark hair away from her face.
"Help me untie these," Turner said, unbuckling one of the wrist straps. "If my mother was telling the truth, we don't have much time left."
Riley worked at the other clasp, and gently removed the IV. Turner wrapped the blanket around Kiera's body and lifted her from the bed. In his arms, Kiera looked small and frail, but never in her life had Riley been so relieved. She swiped the tears from her eyes. Now wasn't the time to be sentimental.
"Let's go," Turner growled.
They were in the elevator shaft when the first explosion sounded. The vibrations shook the elevator. Riley pitched forward into the door, hitting her head. The lights flickered off, then back on, but they continued upwards. The door opened a few seconds later.
They spilled out into the large foyer as the second explosion blasted below them.
Pieces of plaster and molding fell from the ceiling.
"Cover your head," Turner screamed, cradling Kiera's limp body against his chest. "There's an exit up ahead."
They ran. Another explosion made the marble floors roll beneath their feet. Smoke and dust blinded their vison. She coughed and rubbed her burning eyes.
"Stay close to me," Turner growled.
Riley reached for the hem of his shirt, and had just grasped it when the material was jerked out of her hand and she was thrust sideways. Pain sliced through her leg and she swallowed a scream. Another series of explosions rocked the building.
"Get her out of here," Riley screamed, when Turner started back towards her.
He ignored her protests. "I'm not leaving you."
Painfully, she used his body as a crutch and hobbled the remaining distance to the door.
They pushed into the open air, and Riley sucked in a deep breath. She lifted her arm, covering her eyes, as the glare of headlights blinded her. Voices rang around her, yelling commands. Strong arms that weren't Turner's wrapped around her shoulder, pushing her away from the smell of burning rubble.
Riley looked around desperately for Turner, but everything was a blur. It felt like one of the explosions had gone off in her brain, and her eyes wouldn't stay focused on one thing.
Her feet lifted off the ground, and she let out a cry.
"I've got you." Chase held her. A frown creased his brow as he ran his hand over her forehead. "You've got a pretty nasty gash on your head."
"Turner?" Her voice was a rough, painful croak.
"He's all right."
They were safe. The nightmare was over, and all Riley wanted to do was sleep, to close her eyes against the stabbing pain that blinded her. She rested her head against his chest and let the darkness engulf her.
Chapter 23
"Wake up," Turner growled softly in Riley's ear.
She blinked. The room's bright light irritated her eyes, making her head pound. Turner's face came into focus, and an audible sigh escaped her lips. Was it wrong that just the sight of him made everything else fade into oblivion?
Worry filled his grey eyes. Dirt streaked his face and there was a small cut above one brow. She reached out and touched his whiskered cheek.
Riley swallowed painfully. Where was she? She glanced around the unfamiliar room. Some sort of medical facility.
"You're safe," he crooned, stroking her cheek.
He leaned over her, kissed her forehead, the bridge of her nose, and then let his lips lightly brush against her mouth. She closed her eyes and let his warmth surround her, comfort her.
"Do you remember what happened?" he asked against her lips.
She opened her eyes and found him watching her with a guarded expression.
She touched the bandage on her forehead and winced. "Kiera?" she croaked, her throat raw. She tried to sit up. Her head spun. "I need to see her."
Turner slid an arm around her waist to steady her. "Slow down."
"Where is she?"
"She's being monitored. There's been a few…complications, and Jacob thought it best to keep her in isolation until her condition stabilizes."
Riley shook her head and pushed at Turner. "I don't care, I want to see her." She stepped off the bed, and a shooting pain sliced through her ankle. She sucked in a breath through her teeth.
"Damn it, Riley." He scooped her up.
"I can walk."
He responded with a growl, tightened his grip, and carried her out of the room. The hallway contained whitewashed brick walls and steel doors. She shivered at the sterile surroundings.
"Where are we?"
"We're at the Therian Agency Headquarters." He stopped in front of one of the doors and placed his thumb over a scanner on the wall. He cursed when the door didn't open. "Goddammit Jacob." He pounded on the door.
After a few moments, the door slid open and an extremely large, dark haired man with hypnotizing golden eyes waited for them on the other side.
Turner glowered at him. "Really?"
The man lifted and dropped his massive shoulders, a smug smile played across his lips, then he turned his eerie gaze on Riley. "Hello, Riley. I'm Jacob Oliver."
Riley wiggled in Turner's arms until he put her down, although he kept an arm tightly wrapped around her waist.
"You have my sister?"
Jacob tilted his head and studied her, his gaze sympathetic. "She's being monitored. It's best to let her body heal."
Riley wanted to scream in frustration. They were keeping something from her. "I want to see her now."
"Just tell her," Turner growled, his fingers dug into her hip. "She's been through enough already. There's no point keeping it from her."
"I just want the truth. Is Kiera okay?"
"She had a series of relapses," Jacob said, his voice unnaturally calm.
"Relapses?" Riley echoed.
"The treatment that Boyd—" Jacob cleared his throat. "That your father administered seems to be…unstable. She h
asn't been able to maintain her human form and the constant shifting has caused some swelling in her brain. Until we understand how to help her we've put her in a medically induced coma."
Turner gripped her hand and squeezed gently. Riley held on, thankful for his strength.
Jacob gave her a thin smile. "She's not in any immediate danger and I promise you that we're doing everything we can for her." He gave Turner a pointed stare. "I suggest you both go home and get some sleep. I'll call as soon as we have any news."
Riley wanted to argue, but there was a sternness in Jacob's expression that stopped her. She leaned back into Turner, grateful he was with her. She didn't want to leave Kiera, but there was nothing else she could do for her at the moment.
Jacob crossed the room and opened the door. "Take your mate home, Turner. We'll discuss your suspension at another time."
Turner snarled and his eyes narrowed as he watched Jacob walk out the door.
"Suspension?" Riley asked, ignoring the mate comment. She was too overwhelmed to think about the consequences of what it meant.
Turner gave a noncommittal shrug. A slight smile twisted his lips and his silvery grey eyes glittered in the half-light. "Let's go home."
Home? Did she even have a home anymore?
He didn't give her the chance to think about it. Once again, he scooped her up. Almost instinctively, her arms went around his neck. She went still, and was caught breathless when his gaze locked on her. His eyes were serious, full of promises that made her skin tingle. She was unable to miss the hungry intent in his expression.
"Turner," she whispered, guilt overriding her desire to give into him. To give him everything.
His mouth came down close to hers, so that she could feel his warm breath when he spoke. "Let me take care of you."
She sighed. How could she argue with that?
Chapter 24
Despite Riley's insistence that she could walk, Turner lifted her from the SUV and carried her through the parking garage. He felt her tense as they walked past the dark corner where Boyd had shot him. She buried her face in his chest and he held her tight until they were safe in his apartment, the elevator doors shut securely behind them.
Turning Payne Page 11
