“Yeah. But just a human one.” He shrugged and a droplet of water fell from his thick hair.
Apparently that didn’t require her being informed. “You should’ve told me.”
Genuine surprise lit his metallic eyes. “Why? The guy was just human.” It was as if the threat was negligible.
Maybe to a vampire, there had been no threat. Hurt flared deep in Dessie’s chest. She shook her head wildly. How could that be true? Sure, Cecile had never liked her, but to want her dead? Tears filled her eyes, and she couldn’t stop them from spilling over onto her face. “She wanted me murdered?” Her voice trembled, and she pressed the back of her hand against her mouth.
“Yes.” Garrett’s gaze softened. “I won’t let anything happen to you. Those guys just got lucky finding us at the motel because of the storm. Apparently they followed us from the camp and then waited for the storm to search for hotels in the area where we were most likely to be. Smart, actually. They’re also the only people she hired, so there’s nobody else out there ready to harm you. I’ll have her taken care of as well.”
“No.” Dessie held up a hand. “Please don’t kill her.” The idea made her want to vomit. “I can’t be responsible for that.” Although now that she knew what Cecile had planned, she’d claim that money and give it away. “But I do need to go to Texas. I’ll leave you tomorrow.”
His eyebrow arched. “I’ll take you to claim your inheritance after you see the doctors at my home. Deal?”
“No.” This was all too much; she couldn’t make sense of it. Worse yet, the longer she was around Garrett, the more she wanted him, and not just for a night or a week or her remaining month. It was crazy that she was so drawn to him despite his penchant for violence and casual acceptance that he’d just killed three people, even though they were assassins. He wasn’t hers and never would be. Even if a miracle happened and he fell for her, she wasn’t enhanced and couldn’t live forever. Plus, he had that murderous mate out there looking for him. “I appreciate everything, but I’m on my own now.” As she had been her entire life.
He leaned back against the door, so solid and strong it hurt to look at him. “My people have lived on this planet for eons, and I guarantee our doctors are better than yours. I’ve seen you fight, sweetheart. Don’t stop now.”
She blinked. Was there a chance she could live? She’d been afraid to allow even a hint of hope into her breast, but what if? She’d seen the scans, and the tumor had tendrils that extended throughout her brain. But vampire doctors might have better equipment. “You make a good point.” She threw up her hands. “Eons? How old are you, anyway?” The guy could be thousands of years old.
“I was born in the twentieth century.” He grinned.
Okay, well good. That was something. “No more killing, Garrett.”
His eyes glittered, now back to their brilliant metallic sheen. “Their next kill was to be two kids in elementary school who are supposed to inherit even more than you just did.”
“Oh.” Her head started to ache. “Well. Okay.” The energy drained out of her. “But if your doctors can’t help, you have to let me go to Texas.”
“Fair enough.” He gestured to the bed. “Let’s get some sleep.”
She jolted. It wasn’t a very large bed.
Chapter Thirteen
Garrett initiated protocol Zuma before driving his motorcycle into Realm territory in northern Idaho. His head had ached all day, and his primal self kept trying to stretch awake with the mysterious female behind him on his bike. Though she wasn’t dangerous, like his mate, she had his blood pounding through his veins after sleeping next to her all night without touching her.
The mystery of her drew him.
She’d seemed honest when answering his questions earlier, and he couldn’t find any enhancement. She’d traveled west and taken a job with a fledgling newspaper to make some money. It was owned by the family of the moron who’d been with her that day in the diner. They’d been in town for a fall festival, and supposedly Garrett knew the rest.
None of it made a lick of sense.
He caught wind of soldiers as he and Sam rode their bikes toward the mountains and the private lake where vampire headquarters was situated. They flanked the narrow road on both sides, escorting the visitors without Destiny knowing. His family must have been surprised to get the call sign, but they had reacted instantly and appropriately.
Sam led the way through the main gate, which would close once they turned the bend toward the central lodge. A myriad of different tree species lined the way, showing gold, orange, and red leaves. He turned onto the main drag of headquarters and headed straight for the hand-hewn log lodge.
Armed soldiers were all around them, but none could be seen. He felt several of his uncles close by and gave the sign that he was all right. His dad must still be in Seattle with his mom but would no doubt be heading home.
Then he and Sam both parked against the curb. He helped Dessie off and followed her, taking the helmet.
She blinked as she took in the sprawling lodge and the sparkling lake beyond it. “This is beautiful.”
“Thanks.” He took her hand and walked along with Sam and a silent Honor into the main entrance, which showcased the lake through floor-to-ceiling windows. Late flowers, red and orange, bloomed near the door. “This way.”
She limped along, no doubt sore after riding so hard for the last two days. “Where are we going?”
He kept walking and then drew her down the stairs, going left, deeper into the earth, where the laboratories were located. He palmed the side of a door, and it slid open after reading his prints.
“Garrett?” she asked.
