“Find him, Blackstock.”
“Yes, sir.”
Kael took Elias to an interior room with no windows or exterior walls. He was confident that no one was around, but he never took unnecessary risks, and he certainly would take riskswith his chosen. He sat on the couch, and Elias sat in a chair across from him.
“How close are you to cracking the code, so to speak?” Kael leaned forward with his forearms resting on his thighs. Elias sat back in his chair, wary and feeling trapped. He did not answer immediately. His eyes traveled over Kael’s face over and over again. He’d already shared the purpose and scope of his work for Mercier but seemed unsure about giving away the ending.
Kael didn’t press, just remained silent and waited, making sure he was channeling safety and security to his chosen, making him feel at ease and safe in Kael’s presence. Elias shifted in his seat and glanced around the room before settling his gaze back on Kael.
“The slide that I was analyzing before that brute tried to kill me showed me what I was looking for.” He spoke so slowly, each word coming out singular and weighted. “The formula finally worked; it didn’t degrade, didn’t resist, it worked just as my hypothesis had designed.”He took a deep breath. “I cracked the code. There are further experiments necessary to determine the effects of human application, but I’m confident of the results.”
“The lab was destroyed, and your work has been eradicated. The people who attacked you razed the entire Center; nothing of yours remains.” Kael answered and had the urge to touch Elias, but they were seated too far apart. He could feel his agitation, and he felt compelled to comfort.
Elias tapped his temple with his fingertip. “I don’t need notes, records, or my designs. I’ve worked on this theory for three years, and I have everything right here.” He tapped his temple again. “Who was I hurting? Why did they send thosegoons after me? Were they worried about what my work would unleash, or were they simply attacking Orion Mercier?”
Kael raised his hand and beckoned Elias over to him. “Come and sit with me.” Elias hesitated for just a second, then stood, walked over to the couch, and took a seat next to Kael, not close, but close enough. Kael took the opportunity to reach over and take hold of Elias’s hand. Elias stared at their clasped hands but did not pull away.
“I’m going to tell you the truth, and it is not something that you will immediately accept, but I need you to keep an open mind and for you to listen and understand. I don’t have much time to solve this mess, and I need you with me. I need you to help me, and you’re probably going to resist, but please, you need to recognize what is at stake if you refuse.” Elias gave him his complete attention.
Kael would have preferred to have met under different circumstances. Working out the complications of the bond between human and paranormal was difficult enough without this added turmoil. His chosen was a marked man until he could prove the danger had passed and that Elias was no longer a threat to their species.
“The man you observed healing himself after the car crash, do you know what he was? Did you recognize his species?”
“Not at the time, but I discovered what he was after testing the blood and tissue left at the scene. Kael waited, but Elias did not expound; instead, he dropped his gaze to the floor.
“What was he?” Kael prompted.
The answer did not come easily for Elias, and it was several minutes before he whispered a response. “He wasn’t human; his DNA indicated something completely different. I puthim into my records as supernatural because to me that seemed to fit.”
“Give me your best guess. I know that you know.” He looked into Elias’ cautious gaze and pushed for him to share everything. “Tell me, Elias.”
“He survived on blood not exclusively, but it was necessary for his survival. The serum I was developing combined the active components of his blood with human plasma, and after many attempts, I discovered the correct formula. I have that formula, and my benefactor Orion Mercier has paid dearly for it. Colloquially speaking, I would label him a vampire.” He finished and then abruptly looked away, although he maintained his grip on Kael’s hand. “I know it’s preposterous, but everything I have found points to their existence.”
“You don’t have to convince me, Elias. I know they exist. I work for the Crimson Coven, known to you as the Crimson Corporation, out of Crimson, Virginia.” That caught his attention.
“You’re a vampire.” Rather than go through a lengthy explanation, Kael simply brought his vampire forward. His presence altered, taking on the fierce and vicious image of a dark vampire. Elias reared backward but did not try to run away. Kael let the vision linger for a few minutes and then pulled his vampire back and suppressed the visage.
“You weren’t there to protect me, were you?” Elias began to clear his memory. “You were with those who came to kill.”
“I wasn’t with them, but my mission was the same as theirs.” That was hard, and he saw the hurt in Elias’ eyes, and it affected him worse than he thought. “Your research was coming dangerously close to revealing our presence to the world, and that cannot happen.”
“Why didn’t you kill me?” Now was the moment to discuss their bond, though even without it, Kael doubted he would have killed the good doctor. It might have been Fate, but there was something about the man in his eyes and his expression that spoke of dedication, honesty, and kindness.
Kael sensed pervasive kindness and considered other options right from their first meeting. How could he explain all of that and properly convey his hesitation to carry out his mission? Would he believe him? The bond was taking shape, and the connection between them could be felt, but was it strong enough to overcome an order to kill?
“I watched you for several days, following you home, to the grocery store, and to work at the university. I saw a man who was more than a scientist threatening our anonymity. I saw a man dedicated and hard working, and I sensed no malice in your heart.” He leaned a little closer. “I stalled the order, and that’s why the Council sent their own assassins to finish the job and clean up the leaks.”
“The Council?”
“There are many covens, Elias. There are three within this area alone and six within the state. The number of vampires would probably surprise you.” He said, noticing Elias’ thoughtful expression.
“The Covens have an overseer called the Council. There are several Councils within the country and more around the world. They primarily keep us safe and maintain order. They got the report of vampire blood being used in human experiments, and the risk was too great. Master Stone of Crimson was charged with eliminating the threat, but as I said, I was taking too long. They sent their own assassin.” Kael paused, knowing that he was overwhelming Elias and needed to keep it concise.
“There’s more to it,” Elias interjected and held Kael’s hand with both of his. “There’s something you’re not telling me. I can see it in your eyes.”
Kael glanced at him and then down at their hands. “You’re my chosen. I recognized you when I saved you, and you took my hand. We recognize our chosen’s by scent, touch, and taste. I haven’t tasted you yet, but I know who you are to me. You are my Fated chosen.”
Kael explained the meaning and importance of a chosen and how Fate intervenes to give vampires and other paranormal beings a partner for life. They are determined by Fate, and the couples come together when they are needed most. Elias asked a few questions, nothing too deep, but he was building an understanding, and that was all Kael could ask for right now. He was trying.
