by C. L. Quinn
“Tell me,” she said simply.
Lauren nodded. “It’s why I came here. I just didn’t know I would feel a connection with you. But after I met you today, I knew I had to tell you what’s been going on. You deserve to know. Cherise Devereaux, someone has been screwing with you and the man you call Kav. Well, the vampire.”
Cherise raised her eyebrows. Okay, this woman certainly did know her.
“Hmm. Well. This is interesting. I left that old identity far away…and yet here you are bringing it back. And I know his real name is David Patric. I’m fascinated to hear your explanation of what’s been going on.”
“Okay, but keep in mind, I’ve been involved with this, but I’ve never approved. And when I realized what was really going on, I tried to leave. It wasn’t possible. But I’m here, now, Cherise, and I want to help. The only way I know how to do that is to disclose secrets that I may be killed for doing so. But…I feel I don’t have a choice. Through my actions with them, I’ve hurt you. And what they did to the vampire…it’s really horrible.”
“We know that. He and I. We have seen glimpses of what he’s been through. You better start with details, and fast. I find I am violently interested in what you have to say.”
Now Lauren nodded. “Okay. I am a genetic researcher by profession. They recruited me two years ago to help study what they told me was a previously unknown form of life. I was excited, and of course, signed on immediately. Then they introduced me to the vampire world. I didn’t believe it at first, but once I realized it was all true, I was staggered and fascinated. I worked with a couple of them covertly at first, then they told me they needed my help with a long term experiment called Project V. It was David Patric. Cherise, I had no idea when I accepted the position that they had been torturing him…killing him and watching him come back, over and over, for three decades.”
Cherise tried not to react, but her heart stuttered, the pain immediate and intense. She nearly doubled over, tears spilling from her eyes. Oh, god, no…thirty years of torture…no wonder he was so damaged…he had to be practically insane after all that time.
Lauren leaned forward and touched Cherise on the hand. “I’m so sorry…I know how much this hurts you. You are connected to him.”
Cherise slid her hand back and folded it into her lap.
Lauren flinched, just a little. She understood. It hurt like hell to have this lovely woman think she was one of them.
“But, that’s not all. They burned him with UV, let him heal and did it over again to see how much his skin could take. And they cut him, same way, over and over. He was deprived of food, of blood, of light, of any sensory input at all, for years at a time. I’m so sorry, but I have to tell you. I was told vampires are vicious…they kill indiscriminately and often. I know now that’s not true. And I learned what a gentle man he really was. He was always kind with me, even after they tortured him. They told me it was just to gain my sympathy and get me to free him…then he would kill me brutally and escape to do the same to many other people. But I know that’s not true. Now.”
Lauren paused to see how Cherise was bearing this, but she looked her dead in the eye.
“Continue.”
“So, you need to know what the Project was doing. There is a group of people who know about vampires. Well, supernaturals, period. They know that vampires are super strong, don’t age, are nearly immortal, and need to live off of human blood. They wanted to know to what degree…how much they could take, how many times they could be killed and yet not die, what it takes to hurt them, how the virus that created them worked, if it could be manufactured, cured, or mutated. They knew that David was a very rare vampire, one of the first vampires, basically a parent to all changed humans who have been made vampire since. So they’ve been studying every element of his life, death, nutritional needs, medical history, mental health, everything, for thirty years. And Cherise, it isn’t just David. They also have several other supernatural species caged for the same purpose. At least fifty other subjects. It’s appalling.”
Cherise was expressionless now. This went beyond anything she could have imagined. What kind of monsters could do this? And one more question…she was afraid of the answer.
“How did he get here, to this village? Where do I come in?”
“Uh, well, they’d completed most of their trials. Now, they wanted to use him to study the abilities of one more supernatural.” Lauren paused.
“Me,” Cherise said, her stomach turning.
“I’m afraid so. They wanted to know if you could heal him. If your power was strong enough to heal a powerful first vampire, to make him well again. They wanted to know how much the physical sexual act would heal him. And what it would do to you. They are very familiar with your biology and your ability to bond with someone. They wanted us to monitor and study the bonding and level of sexual involvement.”
Well, there went her apple cart…forever. Innocence shattered beyond any hope. There was much greater evil in this world than she would ever have believed possible. How dare someone think it was okay to destroy lives like this? They wanted to see power? She would give them power!
Cherise blew out of her chair and paced, her eyes wild. She wanted to say something, but there were no words big enough for betrayal on this level. She should want to strike out at the odd looking woman just a few feet from her, but even in her rage, she saw Lauren was only there to try to help. She sat back down and recaptured Lauren’s eyes. She let herself connect with her on a deeper level, feel what Lauren was feeling.
Oh, her pain was intense…she was taking full responsibility for her part in this heinous act…and she could see that it was not Lauren who hurt them. Her heart was pure and her soul was clean. She was there to make amends and find a way to earn her humanity back.
“It’s okay,” Cherise assured her. “Just tell me where you go from here.”
“I think we’re done here. He’s gone, right?”
Cherise nodded.
“He’s gone home, I understand from the first team that was here. So, we have nothing to monitor. You’re free now, from the project. I am so sorry for what they did to both of you. Especially to him.”
“We are strong. We will endure. Whoever did this, they made the biggest mistake of their life. They tortured him, then released him. He will kill them when he is able to. Was this always a suicide mission? They had to know that.”
“They never intended him to survive. It was always expected that he would be too damaged to ever let go. He was supposed to be euthanized after they were done with him.”
Cherise’s stomach clinched again. She was done with any understanding. If they hurt him again, she would come for them herself. They would pay for this somehow. This woman in front of her…she knew them…she would help her find them.
“Well, this has certainly been an illumination,” Cherise said.
Lauren looked up at her again. “There’s one more thing you need to know.”
“Sure, why not.” Cherise sat back down across from her. “Drop the next shoe.”
“This may be the hardest to hear. The group that started this...that is studying the supernaturals…that did this to David. That involved you. It’s headed by your brother, Didier Devereaux.”
Cherise felt the floor drop and her head spin. The dizziness was intense and lasted several minutes. When she was able to stabilize herself, she felt strong hands on her arms. Lauren was supporting her, on her knees, her eyes just inches from Cherise’s and concerned.
“I’m so sorry,” Lauren repeated. “I hope you can forgive me.”
There wasn’t much more at that point that would have shocked Cherise. Except that her own flesh and blood…her brother…her protector…had betrayed her. And he was fucking with her life. Nothing, nothing, justified that. If she verified with him that he had done this…it shattered her world. If there was ever anything she thought she could depend on…if there was ever anyone she thought knew what she went through…it w
as her family. Whatever she thought she might have built with Kav, the relationships that defined her were the brothers and sisters that grew from childhood to adulthood learning their destinies together.
She looked up at Lauren, whose eyes were wet. This hurt her too, Cherise saw that. She tried to have sympathy, but she couldn’t do it. Not now. Not yet. Lauren hung under the shadow of her own actions and that she was the deliverer of news that devastated her victim. It would take a lot of time for understanding and forgiveness. Still… The empathy was innate.
“I can’t offer you absolution for your part in this. Not yet. But I do realize what you risk by coming to me. It will mean a lot when I get through this…someday. You have done an honorable thing. I thank you. Now, I guess it is up to me to find a way to pick up the broken shards of our lives.”
Lauren leaned in earnestly. “Cherise, it’s not over. They’re still very dangerous. Especially for David. But…I think for you, too. Not the project, but the project director, Armel Joubert…”
“What? He is involved? He’s a hideous little man. Black aura. Very bad.”
Lauren nodded her head. “Yeah, I agree. You saw it too, then. Well, he’s the worst of the lot. He tortured the vampire more than anyone. He has a personal grudge against him. His intention is to kill him...and he means to do it. And there’s you. I think he has a thing for you. Just…the way he looks at your picture. Something he said once…like he was pissed that your brother was giving you up to a vampire for sex. Like he wanted you instead. I saw him once…ugh…I think he was masterbating to a photo of you. I honestly believe he plans to force himself on you. Your brother has already opened the door to the idea that you are expendable.”
“I see what you mean. Yes, he is capable. I met him twice, years ago, and he tried to get my affections…I could see even then he was not good. I refused. Nicely, but firmly. Well.”
They stood up together. Cherise made as if she were brushing off her dress. “Well,” she said, “I really need to find my missing vampire.” She paused. “You said they thought he was going home. Where is that?”
“Iceland. Outside of Reykjavik. He isn’t there yet, I checked. But they feel certain he is heading there. They had a tracker on him, but it stopped transmitting.”
“That’s because he’s reconnecting with the power of the first bloods. Once that is complete, your project is over. But I need to protect him before that. I need to go to him. Lauren, you may redeem yourself completely if you help me find him.”
A gentle nod let Cherise know she was in. Lauren stood up and began to pace too.
“They will update us tomorrow night. In the meantime we are supposed to observe you. Joubert wants to know your every move. I will take point on that so they will not interfere or guess you are apprised of the project. When I get the details…I will let you know immediately.” She hesitated. “I will go with you, if you’d like.”
Cherise watched her. She might be helpful, but no. Right now, it was tough to think of her and not see the biggest betrayal of her life. And it would be even more dangerous for Lauren if they realized what she had done.
“No, I think it is safer all around if you continue with your plan to disappear. You are right. They would kill you for this. And if my brother is willing to risk me, then he is lost too. No telling what people who have nothing to lose will do. I will journey alone to Kav and get him out of the country… somewhere they will not find him. I won’t confront my brother until I am certain you are gone and safe.”
“Okay. But…if you need me…”
“I’m grateful. Well, you should return to your people. Be careful. These types are notorious for suspicion and backstabbing.”
“I know. I hate it. I’m a professional woman…I can’t compromise myself anymore. And I’m armed.”
“Good. Don’t hesitate if it becomes necessary.”
“I won’t.” Lauren opened the door, letting wind and wild snow enter. She turned back to Cherise. “I think I can live with myself now. Thank you for letting me come clean. And being decent about it. You could have killed me, I know that.”
Cherise smiled. “You’re not out of the woods, yet.”
Lauren went out and was swallowed by white. Cherise thought she heard a car start, and then turned off the front lights and went to the back. Her head was reeling.
Didier. Her own brother. She wondered if anyone else in the family knew what he was doing to her. Time would bring her at least the satisfaction of learning the truth. Either way, she was finished with her brother and anyone else who was involved.
And she would be able to find Kav. If nothing else, that filled her with relief…and an insatiable urge to crawl inside him. That would certainly have to wait.
CHAPTER NINE
Joubert was elated. So, the asshole vamp took off. He had the best piece of ass on any planet there for the taking…and he left her. Joubert always knew he was a fucking moron. And maybe a little twisted, sexually. If the fucked-up vamp hadn’t jumped Cherise, he must be excited by other things. Although Joubert knew Patric had a history of heterosexuality, Joubert took pleasure in imagining him buried in another guys ass. It made him happy that Patric might not have screwed his girl. Left her cleaner for him, when the time came. He reached down and pulled on his penis. Yeah, the time would come. He imagined her sweet lips where his hand was right now, that lush hair covering his lap. After he killed Patric, he would use her, then probably have to eliminate her. She would never agree to be quiet about their sex. And Didier would never allow it. So, maybe he would blend their ashes together. He snorted. Not likely.
Lauren slipped back into the main room of the large house rented for the research team members. Most of them were gathered around a widescreen television they’d purchased for off duty entertainment. One of the biggest security guys, Robert, saw her come in.
“Christ, lady, you been out in that blizzard?”
“Just doing my job. Checking on the subject. But you’re right, it’s nasty out there. Think I’m going to grab some strong coffee and head up for a hot shower.”
The others barely paid attention. They knew their mission here was mostly scrubbed now, so they were basically treating it like a vacation. Lauren knew they would be recalled soon. Only she wouldn’t be with them. Unless things went horribly wrong, and then it wouldn’t matter. She just hoped they would kill her outright instead of torturing her for any information she did not have.
Cherise tried to gain her balance again out on her patio deck, but she couldn’t do it. It wasn’t the snow or the cold that interfered…she just wasn’t able to move past her brother’s betrayal. It stung worse than anything in her life, that she was just a means to an end. Family was everything…impenetrable… sacred. With all she’d been through in her life…and now this. It was enough to lose faith in the sunrise and sunset. But that wasn’t who she was. Cherise had always had a fragile heart, but it was a generous one, and that made her strong. She’d survived loss many times before and she would again. She let herself take a moment of joy for the fact that she would be able to find Kav now. She could feel her smile light her from within, deep beyond the physical, in anticipation of being with him again.
Well, sleep would help. As usual, she stripped down to nothing and crawled under the heavy plush blanket in her bed where she fell into a deep dreamless sleep almost immediately.
Thank god for winter in Iceland. Only four or five hours of daylight, so when he arrived, he had no wait to be able to travel to his home. The closer he got, the stronger the pull. The amulet led him, and he was nearly home.
He’d brought the Jag with him, so it carried him down the perfectly smooth highway to a point about halfway between Reykjavik and Reykjanesbaer. Near the ocean, hidden from easy view from both the water and the road, he curved up a road to a large home with a wide, low pitched roof. It looked like other houses he’d seen sparsely located on the drive, but as he got nearer, he realized it was enormous.
The litt
le car slid in almost sideways as he brought it to a quick stop and got out to look at the house. This was his?
Massive double doors suddenly opened, and he stood quietly as eight men came out, all huge, and stared at him.
No one moved for a few moments when a stunning blonde woman walked out, pushed her way through the wall of men still positioned at the door.
She, too, stared at Kav, her mouth open, her head shaking.
“It is you, isn’t it? Oh, God, David…”
She ran forward and threw herself at him, her arms grabbing him hard, squeezing tightly. He knew two things immediately. She knew him and loved him. And she was vampire. Kav pulled back before she crushed a rib.
“Hey,” was all he had. He knew these people knew him, but he didn’t recognize anyone. Better let them know the situation right away.
“Can I come in?” he asked.
The woman looked at him like he was crazy.
“David, of course you can. It’s your own house! I can’t believe you’re back. Are you okay? What happened? Do you need anything?”
It felt overwhelming. His head had been clear most of the way here, but he was beginning to feel foggy again. It was too much…people who knew him, expected something of him.
“Just…I need to get inside, and I need to talk to you all.”
She pulled him in with her. The heat hit him immediately after the cool air outside. The interior of the low roofed house was enormous, like that of a public building, like a museum or something. It was sparsely decorated, but it might have just seemed that way, because it was so huge.
The woman was staring at him with tears in her eyes.
“David, we all thought you were dead. No one could sense you, for decades. Look, let me know what you need and we’ll talk later if you want. Are you hungry? Food or a blood meal? Do you need to sleep? God, darling, I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed you. Oh, my love…”
