Underground Guardians: Protector

by Lisa Renee Jones

  She was afraid to ask, so she didn’t. After a pause, he said, “We didn’t use protection.”

  She wasn’t sure if she wanted to laugh or cry. He thought it was a problem. It wasn’t. She couldn’t have kids. It was a pain she had long ago pushed beneath her surface. “I’m protected,” she said flatly.

  She expected him to ask questions. But he didn’t. No question of how or why she was protected. He simply accepted her answer. He nuzzled her temple, the soft male scent of him reaching her nostrils and making them flare. “You are protected Holly. I will never let anything happen to you. Trust me.”

  Holly turned then, moving to face him, her hands resting on his chest as she looked up at him. “You ask for something you don’t return. If you trusted me, then you’d tell me where we’re going.”

  He brushed a wayward strand of hair out of her eyes. “It’s not like that, Holly.”

  “Than how is it?” she demanded, trying to think. When he touched her she forgot what was important.

  He seemed to consider and then he let out a sigh. “We’re headed to the mountains, to a top secret facility. You’ll be safe there.”

  “How long will I have to stay?”

  “A while.”

  “How long is a while?”

  “Until you’re safe.”

  Confusing feelings were surfacing. Would he leave her there? She was mad at him but she couldn’t stand the thought… “And you? Where will you be?”

  He studied her intently. “That has yet to be determined.”

  “You can’t leave me there, Mason.” She paused as her eyes searched his carefully guarded expression. In a softer voice, she said, “Please.”

  “There’s a lab there. You can study the Arions and hopefully help us stop them.”

  “You meaning who?”

  “Me. The government. Sterling.”

  “Exactly who are you and Sterling?”

  He hesitated only a moment. “Black Knights.”

  Her eyes widened. “As in, the legend of the Black Knights?”

  “As in, the real thing,” he assured her. “We aren’t just some tall tale.”

  Holly didn’t know what to say. The Black Knights had been talked about for years. When some covert American mission showed up on the news, the Black Knights were always given credit.

  It all started to make sense. No wonder Walsh didn’t know who he was. “I’ll need my research,” Holly said finally.

  “From the lab?”

  “No, it’s in a lock box at my bank. And I need money. I can do both at once—get my research and withdraw cash. The key to the box is at the lab though, so we’ll have to go by there.”

  “You don’t need money,” he assured her. “I have plenty and so does the government. The research is another story. We’ll have to make an attempt to take it with us.”

  “I do need money,” she insisted, wanting to hang on to any form of independence possible. “My money.”

  His expression said he wanted to argue but decided against it. “If we go by the lab, won’t people ask why you’re not at work?”

  “It’s still early. No one will be in yet.”

  Mason rested his forehead on hers. “I know you’re confused and angry right now. But it’ll work out, Holly. I’ll make sure it does.”

  His voice held so much emotion and conviction, Holly’s breath caught in her throat. Mason Alexander was so many things she didn’t understand but, on some level, he felt as if he was a part of her very soul.

  She did trust him. She just wasn’t willing to admit it. Silently, she prayed she wouldn’t regret it.

  She felt the need to be near him so acutely it hurt. “Just don’t leave me at some strange lab alone. I can deal with the rest, but not that.” Crazy, she knew, but it was true. “It’s very confusing but, somehow, I won’t feel okay about this if you’re not with me.”

  His hands moved to her face, tilting her chin up so he could look into her eyes. “I know it’s confusing, this thing between us. I feel it too. We are together on this, okay? We’ll figure it out.”

  She nodded, because she really didn’t think she could figure it out on her own. She needed Mason. It was the craziest thing she had ever felt. Needed, as in, couldn’t stand the idea of being away from him.

  What was happening to her? Where was the independent, private person she had always been?

  Chapter Nine

  Having Mason and Sterling, two men she didn’t understand or trust, follow on her heels was unnerving. But not as much trying to sneak into the lab without being seen.

  Talk about being on edge.

  The minute Holly walked through the entrance, she froze. The lab door was open. Both men stopped as if they had anticipated her move. Holly looked at Mason. “That door should be closed and locked.”

  He gave her a quick nod. “I’ll check it out.”

  Grabbing his arm, she stopped his movement. “Do you have a gun or something?”

  “A gun won’t stop an Arion.” There was a supreme confidence about his manner, as if he knew he could do what a gun could not. “Stay close to Sterling.”

  She didn’t want to stay close to Sterling. She wanted to follow Mason. He took a step and stopped again. He looked over his shoulder giving her a steady stare, as if he sensed she was about to follow. And she was.

  “They want you, Holly. You’re in danger.” Before she could respond he gave her his back, taking several steps before entering the lab.

  Holly frowned. How had he known she had been going to follow him?

  “Stop worrying,” Sterling said, eyeing her. “There aren’t any Arions in the lab.”

  Holly eyed him suspiciously. “How do you know?”

  “I just do.”

  Holly’s gaze flickered to the doorway. “Does he know?” she asked, returning her gaze back to Sterling.

  “He knows,” Sterling said with certainty. “He always knows.”

  There was something behind his words beyond the surface meaning. Holly didn’t know what and she doubted she would get an explanation even if she tried. “Then why am I standing here with you?”

  “You never know when an Arion might appear.”

  “But you said there aren’t any Arions in there.”

  “Things could change.”

  “Right,” Holly said, opening her mouth and shutting it again.

  Mason appeared in the doorway.

  “Well?” she said, rushing toward him.

  His expression was grim. “I hope you keep that key someplace safe.”

  His comment told her she wasn’t going to like what she found in the lab. She pushed passed Mason, taking in the view with an appalled gasp. Her office was torn to pieces, things flung everywhere.

  The sound of Dixie yelling and screaming drew Holly’s attention. “Poor baby,” she said, moving toward the cage and pulling the door open. Dixie jumped into her arms, clinging to her like a scared child. Holly stroked her and whispered comforting words.

  Mason was suddenly by Holly’s side, his hand going to Dixie, offering additional comfort. He was such a contradiction, Holly realized. One minute he charged into a room, ready to fight. The next he was tender and caring.

  “They want my research,” Holly said, but it wasn’t a question.

  “Yes,” he agreed, “and you. They want you, Holly.”

  “They can go to hell,” she said through clenched teeth.

  Mason’s eyes were dark and turbulent. “Hell is what this world will be with them in control, Holly. We need your help to stop them.”

  She searched his eyes, thinking about the power he held and the changes he represented. Changes to her life. Changes to the world. Things that were happening whether she accepted them or not. What choice did she have but to be a part of the solution?

  She sighed. “Will you hold Dixie while I grab her a banana?”

  Mason held his arms out without hesitation. “Where’s the key?”

  Holly turned toward the cag
e and ran her hand along the bottom. She raised her hand, a small silver key between her fingers. “My secret hiding spot.”

  Mason’s lips turned up in a smile. “Excellent. You’re a smart lady, Holly Heart.”

  Dixie clapped as if in agreement. Mason and Holly both laughed as Holly tucked the key in her pocket. “I still can’t believe how much she likes you.”

  “Am I that bad?”

  Holly’s lashes dropped to her cheeks. “I didn’t mean it that way.”

  “Who’s this?” Sterling said walking up beside them and eyeing the chimp.

  Dixie buried her head in Mason’s shoulder. “Dixie,” he told Sterling, “and she doesn’t like strangers.”

  “I’ll get the banana,” Holly said and turned toward the kitchen. A flash of light caught her eye, drawing it toward the floor. “Oh, God.”

  “What?” Mason and Sterling chimed at the same time.

  Holly pointed toward the floor, near the door. “Those are Roger’s glasses. He never goes anywhere without them.”

  “Don’t jump to conclusions,” Mason told her. “Try and call him.”

  Holly nodded and moved to the phone. Mentally, she reached for control, trying to calm the rapid pounding of her heart. Remotely, Holly saw Mason struggle to get Dixie detached from his side and into her cage.

  Holly looked at Sterling, and pointed towards the kitchen. “Can you grab a banana from the kitchen?”

  Holly waited as the phone rang over and over. Finally, she hung up and dialed Roger’s cell. A ringing sounded under a pile of papers near the door. Fear coiled in Holly’s gut.

  “His phone is here, too. Oh God, Mason, do you think he’s…he’s…” She couldn’t bring herself to say the words.

  “There’s no way to know but I would say the fact that he isn’t here is a good sign.”

  “What did I miss?” Sterling asked, handing Dixie the banana through the cage bars.

  Mason held up the cell phone. Sterling asked, “Roger’s, I take it?”

  Mason gave a quick nod and then picked up the glasses. He stood there a moment in concentration.

  “Well?” Sterling asked.

  “He’s not dead,” Mason said, opening his eyes. He looked at Holly. “They think he knows enough about your research to be helpful.”

  “How can you know that?” Holly asked, confused.

  “He knows,” Sterling said flatly.

  “But—”

  “If we don’t get to him soon,” Mason interrupted, “they’ll either turn him or dispose of him.”

  Sterling leaned one shoulder against the wall. “You take Holly underground and I’ll track Roger.”

  “I can’t leave without finding Roger,” Holly interjected.

  “It’s not safe for you here,” Sterling said.

  “I don’t care. Roger is my friend.” Her voice was packed with determination.

  “I’ll find him,” Sterling assured her.

  “Your help could save too many lives to count,” Mason said. “It’s critical you get underground.”

  “What is this whole ‘underground’ term you keep using?”

  “The Arions have the ability to track people once they have their scent,” Sterling explained. “If you are far enough below ground they can’t find you.”

  Holly sat down on the edge of the desk, crossing her arms in front of her body. “This is like a bad dream.”

  Sterling responded quickly. “This is nothing in comparison to how bad it can get if we don’t stop the Arions.”

  “Can Sterling stay at your place?” Mason asked.

  She sighed with resignation. “Sure. He hasn’t eaten me out of house and home yet. Better stay until he does.”

  Sterling gave her another one of his perfect white smiles. “Thanks, Doc,” he said. “I’ll do my best to find Roger.”

  Holly turned to her desk and grabbed a picture of her and Roger together at a charity function. “Here,” she said pointing at Roger. “This is what he looks like.”

  Sterling didn’t move toward the photo. “I know what he looks like, where he lives and basically everything there is to know about him.”

  Holly spoke to Sterling but looked at Mason. “Right,” Holly said flatly, “Your assignment.”

  Mason eyes held hers for several seconds. “We need to go.” He moved toward the door without another word, clearly expecting her to follow.

  Holly watched his retreating form, seriously considering not following. But she couldn’t and she knew it.

  * * * * *

  Mason followed Holly into the bank, his senses alive with her nearness. He could smell her subtle, floral scent so intensely it was almost a flavor in his mouth.

  Even before the formal mating, he had felt a connection to her like none other in his life. She did things to him. Made him feel for the first time in years.

  Part of him reveled in the fire she evoked inside. The way she made him burn with passion and, yes, emotion. But Holly also distracted him. He was dangerous for her, and she for him. Oh, he’d keep her safe. But later…he would only cause her pain. Being his woman would bring her attentions she couldn’t afford.

  Danger he couldn’t allow.

  Pulling the bank door open, he watched the soft sway of her hips. The answering stir of his body made his jaw clench. Damn if his cock wasn’t hard just from looking at her. He sighed heavily, trying to dispel the sexual tension.

  Seconds later, he stepped into the cool air-conditioning, wishing it was a cold shower instead.

  Minutes later, he accompanied Holly into a vault. The banker, a tall lanky man with glasses, handed her a long, steel box. He left them to explore the contents inside a small, private room.

  Holly sat the box on top of a table and ran her hand over the metal. Her eyes were filled with memories. “My father believed it was best to keep our research locked up. I always thought he was paranoid.”

  “He wasn’t,” Mason said, thankful her father had understood the importance of their work. The nature of evil was to invade what was meant as good, and turn it bad.

  “No,” she said. “I suppose he wasn’t.” She didn’t move. She just stood there, her hand on the box. “He was against war and useless bloodshed but I believe in my heart he would want me to help you.”

  He was proud to be a soldier. To fight for his country. He simply wished he were a normal one, not a scientific creation. He felt the rise of defensiveness. “This is about preventing bloodshed, Holly, not creating it.”

  Her hand went to his arm. “I didn’t mean to offend you. I know you’re trying to protect our people.”

  They stood there, eyes locked, air thick with unspoken words, for long, silent moments. Mason reveled in the understanding he saw in her eyes. But it was short-lived. Once she fully knew what he was, she would hate him.

  His tone was abrupt. “We have to hurry.” It was best she remembered he was a soldier, a fighter and everything she didn’t want in her life.

  It was best he did, too. He didn’t want to start thinking there was actually a future for them. Besides, it was critical he focus on her safety. Not his desire to get her naked and keep her that way.

  He saw a flash of emotion in her eyes. She didn’t like his tone. “Fine,” she said, so quietly it was almost a whisper. “Let’s get going.”

  * * * * *

  Holly was deep into her own thoughts. Not that she had much of an option. Mason had been completely silent for the hour they had been on the road.

  It was times like this, life-changing, critical moments, when she missed her father the most. He always seemed to find a positive twist to what others would consider the end of the world.

  Only this time it really might be the end.

  Science meant experimenting. It meant testing and trying to pinpoint the perfect path to success. She had learned there were often roadblocks along the way. Those who succeeded didn’t wallow in the failures. Instead, they quickly reassessed and moved on to new tactics.

&
nbsp; Yes, she thought, her father had taught her well.

  She reached inside her mind, thinking about those lessons, remembering his great influence. She analyzed and discarded thoughts and feelings, pinning down what was truly important.

  After a great deal of internal struggle, she accepted the truth of the matter. Her work was not going to be used the way she had hoped. It was time to deal with her new reality and use her work in a positive way.

  She glanced at Mason. He was important to the future in some way. How she knew, she wasn’t certain. She just did. There was something special about him. It was too abstract in her mind to completely understand.

  He needed her.

  She knew that too.

  Being honest with herself, she needed him too. They were like two lost souls drawn together. They approached things differently but the goal was the same. They both wanted to save lives.

  Holly knew Mason thought she disliked the fighter in him and she couldn’t say it made her happy. Yet, she knew he was a good man. Her father would have respected him instantly. He was like that, her father. He read people like books. Holly had always considered herself to have the same ability.

  She made a decision at that moment. Mason needed her strength and support to achieve whatever was ahead of him. She wanted to give it to him. Suddenly, she felt lighter, more like herself.

  Sneaking another peek at Mason’s profile, she asked, “How long will we be on the road?” His hair was pulled back with a leather tie, his jaw set in a firm line. He looked tense but it did nothing to take away from the pure male power he oozed. She wanted to make that tension goes away.

  He didn’t look at her. “It will be another twelve hours or so.”

  Holly glanced at the clock. It was almost noon and her stomach was starting to make noises. “Any chance we can eat soon?”

  Still he didn’t look at her, which made her grimace. “I want to go a few more miles first. How about I stop at the store and get you a snack?”

  “I can live with that,” Holly said, thankful for any form of nourishment. “You have to be hungry, too.”

  “I am,” he said keeping his eyes on the road.