“That’s the problem.” Kael had disposed of the test subjects. There would be no further analysis or observation inthat regard, but that alone would not stop what had been set into motion. Elias just looked at him, and it was obvious that his mind was running through everything that had been said. He was smart and analytical, but he was fighting it.
“The Mercier Center provided the elements for me to prove my hypothesis. My ideas were groundless without them. I didn’t question. I wanted my work to be successful, and Mercier provided the vehicle for that to happen.” He suddenly jumped to his feet and then sat down just as quickly, clearly not sure of himself. “He’s not a good man, but the point of my research is good and will do good things.” Now the truth was coming around.
“Orion Mercier gave you the mysterious blood plasma that you’ve been using in your experiments?” Kael asked, but he already knew the answers.
“I’m not at liberty to say.” He responded, and Kael nodded.
“The outcome you’re working on is not loved by all. There are those who wish to stop you and your work.”
“The guys at the lab were sent by someone?”
“Yes, and others will follow.”
“Who hired you? Did Mercier hire you?”
“I’m here to protect you. I will stay close, and you cannot go anywhere without me.” Kael began with some basic instructions. He wasn’t sure where this was headed, but he was certain that he could not allow his beloved to be hurt. Staying close was his first priority, as was finding out who had sent the assassins.
“I’m not going to lie and say I’m not scared because I am terrified. Thank you for being there tonight, and thank you forkeeping me safe.” He drank his coffee and then turned to look at Kael.
“I know this is just a job to you, but understand that I thought I was dead, I thought my life was over, and then there was you. Please know that you mean a lot to me, and I will never forget what you did.” He was focused and work-oriented, and his world was orderly and planned, but now that world had been shattered, and his understanding of his place was shattered with it. Kael could feel the disruption in his heart and mind and the confusion it spawned.
Kael felt the sadness and indignity settling around him. He was trying to decide if his work was honorable or had somehow slipped into the dubious. He’d admitted that Mercier was not a good man but did not elaborate. He knows some of what Kael speaks, but is not ready to acknowledge. The acceptance that his work is unethical will take time, evidence, and a lot of soul searching.
Unfortunately, Kael did not have unlimited time for Elias to come to terms with his associates, his work, and his choices. “Do as I say, at all times move when I say move, and when in doubt, follow my lead.” Elias was nodding his head absently, digging through the last few days and especially the last few hours. “Get some sleep, I’ll be on guard. Even if you don’t see me, know that I am there.”
“Thank you.” Elias stood and walked down the hall to his bedroom at the end. He did not close the door. Kael picked up the coffee cups, brought them to the kitchen, and then stepped out onto the deck off the kitchen. He kept the door open as well.
CHAPTER THREE
“There’s been a development,” Kael called Cullen to report the present situation. He told him of the other assassins and the fact that he killed them, all of them.
“I assume there is a reason you killed them, considering they were on a mission similar to your own.” Cullen was casual and cold, his usual approach to everything, and Kael respected that.
“Dr. Elias Vance is my chosen beloved.” He stated clearly, and the line fell silent, heavily silent for a few seconds.
“His research cannot go forward. Whatever you have to do to end the threat against us, you must do.” Silence fell once again. “One man’s life cannot be held above the lives of millions. I understand the power of the bond, and I know you will do everything in your power to protect and defend. The Council believed we weren’t acting fast enough, so they sent more assassins to eliminate the problem, and as you know, they won’t stop until the objective is met.”
Kael understood the undercurrent of every word Cullen was saying. His position was between his chosen and his people,and he was going to have to figure it out. “I will stop this, but I need time.”
“I can’t promise you they won’t send more people. I have no control over the Council. I can give you twenty-four hours and will provide you with whatever support you require to end this nightmare and save your chosen.” He paused and took a breath. “This time tomorrow, I will do what is necessary to protect our people with no regard for anyone involved. I’m sorry that’s all I can promise.”
“Thank you, sir. I know what is at stake, and I recognize the position that you are in.” Kael glanced over at Elias’s bedroom window and noticed the lights were still on. He wasn’t sleeping, and sympathy for the young doctor washed over him. It wasn’t an emotion he felt very often, so it unsettled him for a moment.
“I also need you to know that I will defend my Chosen until my last breath.” Kael made himself clear.
“Understood.”
Elias sat on the edge of his bed with his head in his hands, trying to piece together when his life had taken such a dangerous and treacherous turn. He worked at the university; he was a lecturer and grant writer. He wasn’t into the dark side of science; he didn’t work for thugs. How did his research, which was such a wholesome and beneficial endeavor of health and healing, become a source of evil and murder?
Kael had stood between him and death, willingly putting himself in mortal danger. Did he do it for money? That seemed extreme, but that was the nature of a bodyguard. He thanked him a couple of times, but Elias felt that he still owed himsomething, something more than just thank you. He wanted to trust him; something about the man inspired faith.
He rolled his head back on his shoulders and closed his eyes. The weight of the day was hanging heavy around him, and sleep would not come. He listened for Kael in the outer room but heard nothing. His mind wandered to the bodyguard. Mercier must have hired him; no one else would be aware of his work or the dangers therein.
Orion Mercier did not care about Elias’ life; he only cared about his work and results. He wanted health and longevity, and he saw its possibilities in Elias’ data and in the results he had presented. A man of Mercier’s age would find the idea of immortality very attractive. There was no altruism here, and no hope for the greater good. Mercier was doing it for himself; everything he gave was for his own ends.
The more Elias considered his situation and the people involved, the more he felt the world closing in on him. He couldn’t trust Mercier, so with that fact in mind, how far could he trust Kael? He worked for Mercier, not for Elias, so his loyalty belonged to the billionaire. Would Elias remain alive only as long as he was useful to Mercier? Would Kael abandon him to whatever was out there hunting him?
Suddenly agitated, he got up, walked into the bathroom, and splashed water on his face. Standing there leaning on the sink and staring into the mirror, he realized each and every mistake he’d made. In the rush to succeed and the need to prove his theories, he’d set aside truth and honesty. He overlooked and ignored things that compromised his integrity, credibility, and ethics; he had set aside his own sense of decency.
