| |
Lucy did her best to concentrate on what she was reading. Tamian had called out to her again, first to see how she was holding up, and second to let her know he was closer to getting her out. He had spoken with Maveryck, and everyone was no worse for the wear. That was one less thing she had to worry about. Doing as he asked, Lucy focused on all the notes and documents, gathering everything together that would help put her boss away and hopefully get her out of her contract with the GIA.
When Tamian asked her favorite place in the world, she thought it was an odd question, until he told her they might have to hide out while his family put all the pieces together to frame Ramey. Lucy told him she’d have to think about it until he mentioned his family had an Italian chalet. Not that Lucy had a bucket list put together of places she wanted to visit, but the thought of being holed up in a chalet with Tamian was quite an alluring prospect. Just the two of them alone with the Alps as their backdrop? Oh, yes.
There was so much she didn’t know about Tamian, but oddly, she was okay with that. If what he said about them being mates was true, they had the rest of their lives to get to know one another. She wasn’t going to balk at the idea of fated mates. She was going to embrace it, because she was ready to embrace Tamian. Thinking of her Gargoyle got her heated, and they weren’t anywhere near each other. She couldn’t imagine how explosive they would be together.
Focus, Lucy.
After talking with Tamian, Lucy decided she was going to do her best not to touch the torsos. Not that her fingerprints wouldn’t already be in the lab, but deep down, her heart hurt when she thought of what those victims had more than likely gone through, all in the name of science. So she wasn’t distracted by all the bodies in the lab, Lucy took the research into her apartment. Instead of diving right in, Lucy decided to fix a little supper and open one of the bottles of wine she’d noticed earlier. It wasn’t her favorite brand, but at least it was a red. She had thought she’d be able to eat and read at the same time, but Lucy soon lost her appetite. Deciding the wine was needed to get through the rest of the notes, she took the bottle and placed it on the small table next to her bed. With a full glass, Lucy relaxed against the headboard.
She started with the notes Lucius put together regarding the serum. It shouldn’t have amazed Lucy that her uncle was able to come up with something so complex. Lucius had been a genius. Comparing the man who’d helped raise her to the scientist who helped the GIA with an experiment to raise super soldiers was like comparing a puppy to an alligator. Thinking back over the years, Lucy couldn’t remember a time Lucius had shown the darker side, unless she counted him trying to figure out the Gargoyle’s longevity. But is that what he’d really been attempting to accomplish? Had it even been Goyle DNA he’d given her to test, and if so, where had he obtained it?
That was more mind-boggling than Lucius concocting the serum. From what Lucy knew of the other species, they were stronger, faster, and almost impossible to kill. So how had a lesser species been able to gather the large quantity of cells he had? Something about that didn’t add up. If Tamian ever got her away from her current predicament, she would ask him for a sample to compare to what she’d been studying back then. If they weren’t a match, it would only make sense she had been aiding Lucius in the experiment she was currently assigned to. Even unknowingly, Lucy would never want to be part of something unethical. Sure, she’d broken the law a few times, but it hadn’t been to harm anyone.
Climbing from her bed, Lucy walked into the lab and opened the refrigerator door. The contents had been emptied. Whatever Ramey had taken, he hadn’t wanted Lucy to have access to it. She turned to study the torsos. They had been injected with the serum, so the scientist who had been there previously must have been able to replicate her uncle’s formula. None of the notes were dated, so she had no idea how long it had been since the last scientist had stood where she was. And what happened to that person? Had they been let go to walk freely? Had they readily agreed to perform the same experiments with no thought to the repercussions of what happened to the humans they were studying?
If Ramey had initially gotten what he wanted – Lucy in the lab – she would have been down here all this time. Or would she? Since a super soldier had yet to be fashioned using the information gathered by both Lucius and those who’d come after, Lucy had to surmise they hadn’t been able to find the right combination to inject into a subject. She didn’t imagine she would have been any more successful. Not if Lucius hadn’t succeeded. So why did Ramey think Lucy could?
Returning to her room, she stopped at the foot of the bed and closed her eyes. Lucy was supposed to be working, figuring this craziness out, but all she wanted was to talk to Tamian. She didn’t want to bother him, but she felt the intense need to at least have his voice in her head.
“Tamian?
“Hey, Sweetheart. Are you okay?”
Lucy smiled. No man had ever called her sweetheart, or baby, or any term of endearment. They had yet to officially meet, yet here he was, claiming her. Or maybe he was just a really nice male and—
“Lucy? Are you there?”
“Yeah, sorry. I hope I’m not disturbing you.”
“Never hesitate to call out to me. I am always here for you.”
“Even if I just want to hear your voice?”
“Especially then.”
“What’s your favorite food?” Lucy wanted to know everything about Tamian. She would have found out a few random facts if they’d been able to meet for dinner, and since that hadn’t happened, she thought perhaps she could use this time to do so.
“I love a good, medium-rare steak smothered in mushrooms. I’ll never turn down pizza as long as it doesn’t have anchovies on it, but if you like them, I’ll pick them off. How about you?”
“Steak is always good, and I don’t care for anchovies either. I can live without sushi, although I have been known to go for a good California roll. I guess my favorite is anything Italian. It’s a good thing I have shifter metabolism, or all the pasta and white sauce would go to my hips.”
“I happen to like your hips. And everything else I’ve seen so far.”
Lucy felt the blush creeping onto her cheeks along with a big smile. As a female, she was worried just as much as the next woman about how men perceived her body. She’d never had anyone criticize her looks, but she’d also never needed anyone to find her attractive before.
“Did I lose you on that one? I apologize if I’m being too forward.”
“No, I’m here. Just enjoying the moment. You asked me earlier where I would go if I could choose anywhere in the world. What about you? Any place you’ve never been you want to see?”
“I’ve traveled quite extensively following my sister around the globe. You’ll meet her one day soon, and I’ll explain more about why she traveled so much. But to answer your question, I’ve always wanted to go to the French Polynesian islands. I’m a fan of clear blue waters, and I’ve yet to see those. This will sound like a cheesy cliché, but I want to go anywhere with you and see things while you experience them for the first time, even if I’ve already been there.”
“Wow, that’s so romantic. I haven’t dated a lot, so I don’t have tons of experience with a male who says things like that.”
“The beast in me is happy you haven’t had a lot of experience. Honestly, I haven’t spent much time with any females. I never thought I’d find my mate, so it really seemed pointless.”
“I should say I’m sorry for that, because it sounds like you’ve been as lonely as I have, but I’m not. Sorry, that is. I think my animal is going to like yours.”
“Tell me more about that.”
“My animal?”
“Yes. You saw mine when I was watching you from the woods.”
“Well, you’ve seen me in eagle form. I have only allowed my lion to come forth a few times. She tends to want to take over, and I have to remain in control at all times.”
Lucy removed the paperwork from the bed and stretch out on her back. It was strange, the feeling of rightness filling her heart and soul as the two of them shared with each other. She told Tamian as much.
“Is it odd that I feel closer to you than I ever have to another being? Growing up with Lucius and Vera, I had everything a girl could want with the exception of that all-encompassing love. Don’t get me wrong; I know they loved me, but it wasn’t what I’ve experienced with the Hounds. I’ve only been with my family four years now, and they accepted me like I hadn’t been kept away from them all those years. They love me, and I’ve come to care for them deeply, but I’m drawn to you in a way I can’t explain.”
“I don’t want you to take this the wrong way, but it’s the mate bond. The fact that you feel close to me and we’ve yet to really be together means we are truly destined for each other. When I said I never thought I would find my mate, it’s because I’ve been around those of my kind and their mates. I’ve seen the pull, and I’ve envied them that ultimate love, for lack of a better term. I’m not saying you and I are in love, per se. Not yet. But I’m hopeful. Damn, that was sappy.”
Lucy laughed out loud, wishing she could see Tamian’s face to see if he was blushing.
“I don’t mind sappy. And while the Gryphons don’t have fated mates, I’ve witnessed the type of bond you’re talking about. My grandparents are the same way. They would kill for and die for one another. They’ve been together almost a hundred years, and they’re fiercely in love.”
“I have to be honest. I met your uncle Maveryck, and like I said earlier, things went well. But I have to err on the cautious side. I can’t imagine they’re going to let me waltz in and become your protector when they feel that’s their job. They don’t know me, and even though I explained how you and I are fated to be together, I’m sure they don’t understand all that encompasses or how I will not hesitate to step on toes when it comes to you. I admitted to following you, and I also explained why I was doing so, but I could tell he didn’t believe me. Gargoyles have the ability to sense how other beings are feeling. Maveryck was agreeable, but he was guarded. He doesn’t trust me, and that’s to be expected.”
“Well, this is new territory for us. Gryphons have mated with other Gryphons as well as humans, but as far as I know, never another type of shifter. That doesn’t mean it hasn’t ever happened.”
“I understand. My mother is human, and my father is Gargoyle. Same with my uncle and his mate. My uncle was ostracized from his Clan for taking a human mate. They traveled extensively, hiding out and putting their children up for adoption to keep them safe.”
“Can I ask you something?” Lucy had worried about broaching the subject with Tamian, but he was so open with her she risked it. “Do you think we will be compatible as mates? I mean, with us being different species?”
“I don’t see why not. The fates have put Goyles and humans together. Our family is proof they were meant for one another, so I don’t believe they would have chosen you for me if we weren’t going to mesh. But like I told you when we first started talking, if, once we meet, you don’t feel I’m the one for you, I will abide by your wishes.”
“Trying to get rid of me already?”
“No way, Sweetheart. I want to see this through, but it has to be something you want.”
Lucy did want to see it through. She at least wanted to see if her feelings were as real as she thought they’d be. “I want to give us a shot.”
“Then I need to work on getting you out of there. I’m going to get busy on that now. I hate that you’re alone in there, but soon, we’ll be together.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” After a few seconds of silence, Lucy decided to call it a night. “I’m going to turn in now. Goodnight, Tamian”
“Goodnight, Sweetheart.”
Lucy’s heart beat faster every time they spoke. She didn’t allow herself to think of actually being together. Kissing. Making love. If this was how she reacted to speaking with him silently, her body might combust when they finally got together. But what a way to go.
Monk was pacing the room while Maveryck replayed his conversation with the Gargoyle to Ryker. Spyder had met Monk to take his turn as lookout outside the building where Lucy was being kept. Now, Mav wished he’d have made the call before the silent male came back or at least not put the phone on speaker. Monk had always been protective of Lucy, and Mav had to wonder if the other male didn’t have feelings for her. Lucy asking for Monk to be the one to watch over her at home could have given Monk the impression his feelings were reciprocated. When Mav got to the part about St. Claire vowing he and Lucy were mates, he thought Monk was going to tear the room apart.
“Dude, chill the fuck out,” he growled. Hawke, who had been staring out the window, turned to see what had Mav raising his voice.
“I’m chill,” Ryker responded.
“Not you. Monk looks like he’s about two seconds away from shifting, and I am not paying for the repairs to this suite if that happens,” Mav said to his brother while glaring at the loose cannon in the room.
“Monk, stand down,” Ryker ordered through the phone. Monk responded to his President by shoving his hands in the pockets of his worn jeans and leaning against the counter. His gaze focused somewhere beyond Maveryck, but his posture hadn’t eased in the least. “Do you trust the Gargoyle?” Ryker asked.
“Yes and no, but if he really can speak to Lucy, and if he can get her out of that building, I’m willing to go along with his plan for now. Once that’s done, we’ll take Lucy and hide her away ourselves.”
“Then I guess I need to send more backup.”
“Seriously? You think four of us can’t handle one Gargoyle?”
“Maybe, but we’ve never gone up against one, and we don’t know if he has backup of his own. I don’t want bad blood between us and them until we have all the facts. He might be telling the truth about thinking they’re mates. If they are, he’s going to be one determined Gargoyle. Imagine someone trying to take Rory away from Sutton. How would you imagine that shit going down?”
“It’d be a fucking bloodbath.”
“Exactly. And he mentioned fated mates. Just because our kind doesn’t have that type of bond doesn’t mean the Gargoyles don’t. If that’s the case, he’s going to protect her at all costs. Even if it means going up against her family.”
“So you believe him?” Mav asked while pointing at a growling Monk who had returned to pacing.
“I didn’t say that, but I’m not willing to risk a shifter war until we have more information.”
“So, how do you suggest we get that information?”
“We’ll set up a meet. Find out who he answers to, and I’ll sit down with them. St. Claire said it would take a few days to get his plan together. That should give me time to check out his story on this end.”
“That means outing us to the Gargoyles.”
“The way I see it, we’re already out. At least to St. Claire and those he’s closest to. I’ll talk it over with Sutton first, but I don’t see another way around this.”
“Yeah, okay. I’ll get a name and call you back.”
“I’ll be waiting.” The call disconnected, and Maveryck scratched at his beard. When Monk growled, Mav turned his attention to the other male.
Monk’s hands shook as he typed out a message on his phone. After several seconds, he threw the phone across the room where it dented the wall. Mav knew what was coming, so he gave Monk his undivided attention. “I don’t like this,” Monk signed. Rarely did the male use his hands to speak, but his attempt at texting had failed.
“I don’t like it either, but I’m not the boss.”
“How are we going to play this?” Hawke asked.
Mav sighed and rolled his shoulders. “I don’t know yet, but I’ll think of something.” Turning his attention to Monk, he asked, “You wanna tell me why you’re so upset?”
Monk shook his head and walked to one of the bedrooms, slamming the door. When Maveryck set out after him, Hawke caught him by the arm. “Leave him be. He’s had a thing for Lucy ever since she showed up, but with her being the Pres’s family, he felt like she was off limits.”
“That’s fuck all we need right now. St. Claire is an unknown. I don’t need another wild card tossed into the mix from our end.”
“He’ll come around. I hope.”
