I had begun collecting the dessert dishes when I noticed another sedan heading up the drive. It was a Command car. Since the guards waved it through, I wasn’t concerned.
“Are any of you expecting a message from the base?” I asked.
“No,” Auerbach replied.
“Me neither. Got any cognac?” Braun responded.
“Sure do. Bobby could you pour him one?” I asked.
“I’ll get the dishes,” Jenn said.
Vincent and I headed for the door feeling vaguely uneasy. When I opened it, I grew alarmed and very, very angry.
“General Mueller,” I said flatly. “This is a surprise.”
I was less surprised that he had a gun trained on me. I backed up as he came toward me. He shut the door before the guards noticed.
“Johan, have you taken leave of your senses?” Braun demanded. “You’re under house arrest for crissakes!”
“Yes, while you have dinner with the happy couple and a reporter,” he spat. “What have we come to, putting up with this crap?”
“We aren’t in a state of war anymore,” Braun retorted. “The civilian government is in charge of us – not the other way around. We have to work with them. Who are we protecting if not them?”
“And who protects us from them when something goes wrong – when we make a mistake?” Mueller countered. “You want to shut me away so nobody knows there’s someone left to stand up for the military.”
“General Mueller,” Ms Kramer said gently. “I can tell your story, if you’d like.”
Mueller looked at her with utter disdain.
“Even if I believed your offer was real, there is no time. The good Lieutenant, aside from waiting for an opening to put a bullet in my brain, has already alerted her squad.”
“Then why the hell are you here?” Braun demanded.
“To ruin your plans by getting rid of the one who could have made them work,” he retorted. The gun was pointed at Braun, which is why Vincent and I were so still. We were both watching were it was. Then, I saw his other hand raise toward me.
Vincent was instantly between us as a flash went off. I knew what it was immediately and cried out in pain as some of the EM pulse hit me. Vincent collapsed against me. His eyes were open and he was not moving. I felt a rush of air pass me as Bobby surged forward and knocked the gun from Mueller’s hand.
But that’s all I knew of the rest of the room. My vision narrowed to the unmoving form in my arms. I realized that he wasn’t breathing, nor could I sense his heartbeat. I realized that this would be the last time I held him.
“No...no...no,” I moaned, clutching him to me. “Vincent...no...”
My heart felt like it had burst in my chest, the pain was so acute. I heard voices telling me to let him go and give him to Auerbach. I began to power up drawing energy from everything around me.
“No one touch us! Get out...everyone out...please...I can’t,” I rasped. The tears began flowing. “I can’t do this...without him....GET OUT!”
“Rik, please. Let them help Brother!”
“Julian...get Bobby out...I’m so sorry...I just can’t...”
I knew it was selfish. I should stay for Bobby and for the Foundation’s work. I couldn’t bear the thought of having mere memories of loving him. I could not see beyond those unfocused, beautiful golden eyes. I couldn’t bear decades of loneliness without him.
“Get out now! I don’t want anyone else to die...” I shouted before a sob choked me into silence.
The power glowed around me and expanded.
“He’s going to overload his body!” Auerbach exclaimed. “We have to go. Now!”
I heard loud protests and pleas from Bobby and Jenn. Julian carried them both out. Soon there was silence and the glow as I drew power from the generator. It wouldn’t be long.
“Is this all we get?” I whispered. “One month of happiness...”
Vincent’s lips were parted. I decided that I would die with his kiss. I sealed my lips over his and explored that warm, sweetness as I held him closer. The energy hummed as it passed through me to him. The tears still flowed, but I felt oddly at peace.
Long moments passed. I slowly realized that I had not overloading. In fact, it felt like the energy was dissipating. I also realized that Vincent was kissing me back and he was holding me.
I raised my head, ending the kiss. I feared being driven mad from grief. Or maybe we were both dead. Vincent’s soft gaze was focused on my face. He frowned at me.
“Why are you crying?” He asked softly.
“You...you were...gone,” I managed before another sob choked me.
“Rik...oh, god,” Vincent murmured turning in my arms to really embrace me. “It’s okay. I’m fine. You can feel that...”
“Yes,” I said swallowing hoarsely. I could feel the life in him as sure as I could an hour before. Yet I couldn’t stop crying or trembling.
“Alright, let’s get some help,” he said soothingly. “Anyone out there? We need help in here!”
Moments later, the room was full of voices – all gentle and soft. I heard Dr. Auerbach’s diagnostic device. Jenn and Ms. Kramer were cleaning the kitchen. Bobby and Maximilian were hovering nearby.
“You’re fine, Vincent. The EM pulse must have stunned you badly,” he said thoughtfully. “But that setting should have damaged your organs...that’s odd.”
“Not really. We were wearing protective gear,” he said. “Full protocols for an extreme situation.”
“I’ll wear a crash helmet to your next party,” he muttered.
“How’s Rik?”
Auerbach came close. “I’m worried about his state. He’s weakened himself and he is extremely distraught from the shock. I should sedate him so he can rest.”
“No,” Vincent replied. “I can get him to rest. I’ll take care of him. Just stay until he’s settled.”
“Oh, I will. Now where’s that cognac?”
“Bobby, will you help me?”
“Of course, Brother.”
“Get our robes in the bedroom and take them to the bathroom. Then, start a fire in the bedroom stove,” Vincent said. “And then will you make us a pot of tea?”
“Right away,” he replied.
“Julian, can you help us up, please?”
“Certainly.”
“I’m not leaving you, Rik. I’m just standing up.”
I let him slide from my arms for a moment. Then, his and Julian’s hands grasped my middle and brought me to my feet. Vincent wrapped an arm around my waist.
“Come on, Rik. Try to walk.”
I walked slowly, but I walked. Vincent seemed pleased by that. We made it to the bathroom where I was seated on the toilet.
“We’ll be okay. I’ll call if we need help,” Vincent said as he gently closed the door.
“I’m sorry,” I said in a hoarse whisper. “I was going to end everything.”
“I understand,” he said quietly. He tilted my chin up to look into his eyes. They were so kind. “I would have done the same.”
He kissed me briefly and very tenderly.
“I’m going to wash your face with some cold water.”
“I’m thirsty.”
“Okay.”
He ran the cold tap for a moment before filling a paper cup from the dispenser. The water tasted sweet and soothed my parched throat. Vincent wet a washcloth with cold water then carefully wiped away my tears and soothed my puffy eyes.
“Do you think you can stand in the shower?”
I nodded.
Moments later, I was naked under hot spray while Vincent washed me. His hands soothed me further. With each stroked of those elegant fingers covered in silken lather grounded me and made me know he was real and alive. I felt better even before I was dried and put in my robe.
When we hobbled to the sofa, only Bobby, Auerbach and Maximilian remained. The Doc eyed me carefully as Vincent sat me on the sofa.
“How do you feel?” He asked.
&nb
sp; “I have a headache,” I replied. My voice was still hoarse.
“I’m sure you do,” he replied mildly. “If you won’t have a sedative, try to get some fluids in you before bed.”
“I have the tea,” Bobby said offering a pair of steamy mugs. “There’s lots of honey.”
“Thank you, Bobby,” I said quietly. “I’m sorry I upset you.”
“It’s okay. I’m okay,” Bobby assured me with earnest eyes.
“Stop apologizing,” Vincent said gently. “Never apologize for loving me like that.”
As I drank the warm, fragrant tea, Vincent covered our legs with the comforter. He leaned against me knowing I was hungry for contact.
“What happened to Jenn and Ms. Kramer?” Vincent asked.
“Ms. Kramer took Jenn home. They said they would check on you tomorrow,” Bobby said.
“Lieutenant Remak will be back soon,” Maximilian said. “She accompanied General Braun to take General Mueller into custody.”
I didn’t ask what was to become of Mueller this time. I was trying to calm down. The tea helped my throat. Vincent’s warmth helped with everything else. Auerbach was using his little machine again.
“Your system has stabilized,” he said thoughtfully. “I don’t know how I missed this before. Your systems have synchronized. That’s partly why you reacted the way you did. Hmmm...I don’t think you have to worry about the military finding out about this development.
I frowned at him. “I know I blew a gasket here, Doc, but what the hell are you talking about?”
“The military is unlikely to develop pairs like you if it means losing two very expensive Altereds when one gets killed,” he explained. “It’s fiscal folly.”
I blinked at the man as his words sunk in.
“Not that your devotion isn’t emotional and heartfelt,” he added. “But you are now inextricably linked physically.”
“How about that,” Vincent said brightly. He looked very happy to be stuck with me.
I finished my mug of tea.
“Do you think you can eat?” Vincent asked.
“No,” I replied. “I’d like some more tea.”
“Liquids are enough tonight. Your appetite should return tomorrow,” Auerbach said.
As I sipped the second mug of tea, I realized that the evening was still young. It was barely 2200 hours. I felt like I’d been up for days.
“May I inquire as to why you all had on protective gear?” Auerbach asked over his second, stiff cognac.
“I know Mueller. I ran his campaigns. He fights until the last man is standing,” I replied simply. “I didn’t think anyone took him seriously enough. They probably didn’t inform anyone in the ranks that he was under arrest. That’s why the guards let him pass.”
“You would have made a great General,” Auerbach commented.
Maximilian nodded in agreement. He was being circumspect.
“I hope this won’t discourage you from entertaining,” the Doc said. “It really was a lovely party.”
“Yes, it was,” Maximilian said.
Vincent and I laughed startling everyone.
“It was fun,” Vincent agreed. “I don’t think Rik will try to lock me away.”
“No,” I said quietly. “But I’d be surprised if anyone wanted to come back.”
“They will,” Maximilian assured us. “They will.”
Remak returned before I finished my second cup of tea. She looked relieved upon seeing the pair of us on the sofa. Still, she looked at Auerbach pointedly.
“They’re both fine. They won’t go to the hospital. Tell them what they need to hear, so they’ll go to bed,” he said between sips of cognac.
“Yes, sir. General Braun put General Mueller in maximum-security detention. He called on the Tribunal members himself to convene tomorrow,” she said. “It was made clear that he would give permission to Eloise Kramer to run with all she saw if severe action was not taken against General Mueller tomorrow.”
I relaxed. The mug seemed as heavy as an anvil in my hand. Vincent took it from me.
“That’s it. I’m taking you to bed,” he said.
“Do you wish anyone to stay for your security, sir?” Remak asked.
I didn’t want anyone there, but we weren’t quite able to defend ourselves, and Mueller’s contacts could still be out there.
“I want you at that Tribunal, Ouida,” I said. “Julian, if you would.”
“I would be honored...Rik,” he beamed.
“Thank you,” Vincent said. “Thank you, everyone. Bobby, could you set Julian up? Goodnight everyone.”
“Keep him in bed or at least off his feet until Saturday,” Auerbach said.
I acknowledged the chorus of goodnights with a weak wave. I sighed as my skin came in contact with the cool, crisp sheets. I moaned when Vincent’s warm, naked skin pressed against mine. The room was warm from the wood stove, but I was still chilled – probably from shock. My lover entwined our limbs and pulled me partially atop his body, tucking the blankets securely around us. Slowly, his warmth seeped into my skin.
We didn’t speak for a while. Vincent held me close and stroked my hair with one hand and down my back with the other. I greedily breathed in his scent while listening to that beloved heartbeat.
“Please don’t regret what we’ve become or think I have regrets,” he said softly. “I knew when you first kissed me that I couldn’t live without you. I was afraid that someone as handsome and accomplished as you couldn’t love me the same way.”
“How could I not?” I whispered. “You are beautiful; you are my light. And if you say something smart, I swear...”
He tilted my head up and kissed me silent. The kiss was possessive and protective and all that I needed. He smiled down at me – a silvery angel in the moonlight.
“I’m taking care of you right now,” Vincent said with a chuckle. “I can yank your chain tomorrow.”
“Thanks.”
“I know it’s selfish, but I cannot help but be happy that I’ll never be alone again,” he said quietly.
“It’s not selfish,” I replied with a yawn. “It’s mutual.”
“Sleep now,” Vincent murmured.
I lost myself in the sound of his breathing and his heartbeat then finally drifted to sleep.
There were voices in the yard the next morning. There was occasional laughter and the odd shout. It was an odd combination of sounds to hear upon waking. Still, I was not concerned. I was warm in Vincent’s embrace. He was alive and very much aroused.
“It’s Bobby and Maximilian working out,” Vincent murmured. His hands started moving on my skin slowly and purposefully. I moaned as he rolled me on my back.
Vincent’s eyes were beautiful in the morning light. His expression was a fascinating mixture of concern and hunger. I knew I looked like hell. I still felt wrung out like an old rang, but I wanted him. I knew he wanted to be careful and not tax me further, but we both needed what passed between us when we found released with each other.
“Please...Vincent...I need you...”
“Ah...god Rik...you let me do everything,” he whispered. “Let me...”
He swallowed my moan during a fiercely possessive kiss. While my mouth was being ravaged, Vincent’s talented hands played with my body, insistently rousing me. When my erection reached aching hardness, he turned me on my side. I bent my knee toward my chest to give him better access. Vincent was hungry for me. He stretched me quickly and was soon pressing inside me while grasping my erection. As he moved within me and our pleasure built, I felt the arc of energy between us. Then, I was coming, gasping his name while he pressed his face into my shoulder and moaned loudly. Suddenly, I felt much better.
We heard about the fate of General Mueller on the evening news. I knew that someone was on the way to fill us in, but no one could beat electronic transmissions. I was sprawled on the sofa with Vincent sprawled on top of me under a blanket. As per Doctor’s orders, we had been on the sofa since leaving t
he bedroom. Maximilian had made a hearty breakfast. There was turkey soup and sandwiches Vincent had made for lunch. Remak was bringing dinner. I was able to spend the day basically with my nose pressed in Vincent’s hair and my arms wrapped around his lithe body. And then there was the news bulletin.
A Soldier’s Passion Page 21
