Dead World 1, page 29
Red hit a button, waking Rita from her long snooze. She prayed the navcom didn’t take this moment to malfunction. “Rita, I need your help.” She heard the panic in her voice.
“Gina, I detect foreign material all around you. I will run a scan immediately to determine the extent of your injuries.”
“No! I need you to contact the emergency care center in Nuria. Tell them that Morgan Hunter is hurt bad and to send help.”
“Affirmative.”
Red brushed Morgan’s wet hair away from his face. There was so much blood that she didn’t know where to press first to stop the bleeding. It had already soaked into her shirt and through her pants.
“Please don’t die,” she begged, pulling him closer and rocking. “You have to hang on.”
Morgan’s eyes opened and closed, but he wasn’t able to focus. Red began to cry. “Help me, Raphael. Please help me!”
Raphael touched her shoulder. “Let me take him.”
“Can you get him to the emergency care center?” she asked, afraid to let Morgan go.
“I can do one better than that.” He lifted his arm to his mouth and nipped his wrist. Blood welled on the surface of his skin. “You have to let me have him for a moment.”
Red reluctantly released Morgan. Raphael lifted him as if he weighed no more than a child. He leaned in close to Morgan’s ear and whispered. Red couldn’t make out what he was saying, but Morgan’s eyes opened and fixed on Raphael’s face.
“Drink,” he said clearly, placing his wrist to Morgan’s mouth.
Morgan latched onto his arm and sucked, pulling Vega’s blood into his mouth.
Red frowned in confusion. Raphael was a vampire. Two days ago that would’ve freaked her out, but now all that mattered was that he could help Morgan.
“I don’t understand how giving him your blood is going to make a difference. I don’t know a lot about the Others, but I know you were created by science, not magical. Morgan needs a doctor.”
Her gaze swept to Kane’s tattered body. Much was lost this night. Pieces of his flesh were scattered over the arid meadow. When he’d died, he’d shifted back to his human form.
“I may not be Dracula, but my blood will keep Morgan alive until help gets here,” Raphael said. “Although I’m not sure he will appreciate the gift, when he awakes.” He smiled as if amused by some inside joke.
Her hand moved without thought to her pistol. “You’re not hurting him. Are you?”
Raphael watched her, but didn’t release Morgan. “That would not suit my purposes.”
“And what exactly are your purposes?” she asked.
“Private.” He grinned, flashing impressive fangs.
She glared at him. Red wasn’t about to be charmed by him again, especially now that she knew what Raphael was and who he was related to. His brother wasn’t the only one with power. “Hurt him and I’ll kill you.”
“Once help arrives,” Raphael continued as if she’d never spoken. “I’ll take care of this.” He fluttered his fingers in the direction of the mess. “I’m sure Jim will be grateful to receive what’s left of Kane’s body.”
He glanced down at Morgan, then whispered something else in his ear. Morgan released his wrist and took a deep breath. By the second one, his breathing had evened out. Red looked at his battered face. It didn’t seem nearly as pale as before.
Raphael lowered him to the ground, then motioned for her to take his place. Red stepped forward and sat next to Morgan, drawing him onto her lap.
“Help is coming,” Raphael said. “They’ll be here in a few minutes.”
“How do you know?” She looked up at him.
He smiled, flashing his fangs again. “Can’t you hear them?”
The emergency care rescue unit arrived a few minutes later via hydro-copter and shuttled Morgan off. Red rode with them, refusing to leave his side.
Morgan’s heart stopped twice, but they managed to resuscitate him. By the time they reached the center, the medics had him stabilized.
They rushed Morgan into surgery, leaving Red to pace outside the nurse’s station. She had plenty to think about the last thing she’d said to him, plenty of time to summon a boatload of regrets.
Almost losing him had brought her feelings into stark clarity. She wanted a second chance. Needed one. Morgan had to survive. She couldn’t imagine the dead world without him in it.
Three hours later, Morgan came out of surgery and was now resting comfortably in a private room with half the sheriff’s department squabbling about who should stand guard first. Red let them fight. They needed to quarrel to burn off the stress of nearly losing their leader, their alpha.
The doctor who’d performed the surgery had said that if Morgan made it through the night, then he’d most likely live. His reassurance wasn’t the greatest but at least there was hope.
Red sat in a chair next to Morgan’s rest pad, willing his heart to beat and his lungs to fill with air. She couldn’t bear the thought of losing him.
When had he stolen her heart?
Red thought about the first time she’d seen him on the vidscreen. She had known in that moment that he wasn’t like the others, that there was something special about Morgan Hunter. And she’d been right.
Red leaned over the rest pad, until her lips touched his ear. “Morgan, it’s Gina. I don’t know if you can hear me, but the doctors say you’re going to be all right. Do you hear me? You’re going to be fine. And I’ll be waiting right here until you open your eyes.” Red sniffled. “I love you. Don’t you die on me, damn it!” She kissed his forehead, then settled back in the chair.
Morgan didn’t move. Didn’t twitch. There was no indication that he’d heard her, but she didn’t care. All that mattered was that she was there for him.
Red drifted off, watching Morgan sleep. She woke shortly before dawn to find him looking at her. She yawned and stretched, then rose slowly to stand by the bed.
“You’re awake.” She stared at him, trying to convince herself that she wasn’t imagining it.
“Thanks to you.” His amber eyes swam with emotion.
Red shook her head slowly. “It wasn’t me.”
Confusion twisted his features and he winced. “Then who?”
“Raphael Vega,” she said. “He gave you some of his blood to keep you alive.”
Morgan’s eyes widened and his color paled to something three shades lighter.
“Did he do something to hurt you? I told him I’d kill him if he did, and I meant it.”
Morgan glanced at the window. “I don’t know for sure. Open the shades so that I can see the sun.”
“What?”
“The sun,” he said. “I need to see the sun.”
Red walked over to the window and opened the automated blinds. Sunshine poured into the room. She looked back in time to see Morgan throw his arms up and curl his body forward in defense.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, glancing outside.
Morgan slowly lowered his arms and inspected his skin.
“What are you looking for?” Her concern for Morgan grew. Had his injuries gone beyond the physical into affecting him mentally?
He stared out the window, blinking against the sunlight, then slowly met her gaze. “Nothing’s wrong.” He smiled. “Everything is just fine. Sorry I worried you.”
“Right.” Red didn’t believe him for a second. “Once you’re better, you’ll have to explain what just happened.”
Morgan grinned. “I’ll do that, but right now I’d like a kiss.”
Red stepped forward and gently pressed her lips to his. Heat from his body seeped into her, telling her without words that he was going to be all right. She pulled back reluctantly.
“I have something I need to do,” she said, staring into his eyes.
“Need help?” Morgan threw back the covers.
“Oh no, you don’t.” Red grabbed the blanket and pulled it over his legs, tucking it against his chest. “You’re staying here until the doctor says you can leave.”
The mention of the word doctor brought pain to Morgan’s eyes.
“Morgan, I’m sorry about Kane.” Red clasped his hand, giving it a small squeeze.
His jaw tightened. “He made his choice and left me none. The rules of the pack are clear.”
He put on a brave front, but Red could tell he was hurting. “He was still family,” she said.
Morgan’s gaze softened. “You’re my family now.”
Red’s heart fluttered, but there was one thing she needed to know. “Why did he do it?” she asked.
He sighed. “We’ll never know for sure. I doubt Kane could even tell us. The war changed him. He wasn’t right after it ended. I thought he’d gotten better…”
Red kissed him.
“I’m not making excuses for his behavior.” He looked down at their joined hands. “I just thought you should know that he wasn’t always like this. There was a time when he was a great man. A caring man.”
“It’s not your fault,” Red said. “You know that, right?”
“I know, but that knowledge doesn’t make the situation any easer,” he said.
Red released his fingers and stepped away. “I have to go,” she said. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. You won’t be alone. There are a lot of people outside who’d like to say hello.”
Morgan’s brow furrowed. “Where are you going?”
“IPTT headquarters. I have to take care of something.” Almost losing Morgan had brought her clarity. Red now knew exactly where her priorities lay. It was time for her to strike out on her own. The thought brought fear and trepidation but also excitement. She glanced at Morgan and something inside of her melted. For the first time in her life, she wouldn’t feel alone in her journey.
“I’ll be here when you get back,” Morgan said.
She laughed. “You’d better be.”
Morgan watched Gina leave, his heart light and elated. She’d come back. Even after learning the truth, she had returned. He only remembered bits and pieces of what had occurred during and after the battle with Kane, but one thing Morgan did know was that Gina hadn’t left his side.
He grinned to himself as he imagined a future that up until yesterday he hadn’t dared dream would exist.
Sheriff Hunter, I’m so glad to sense that you are awake. I was beginning to wonder, if I’d been too late.
“Raphael?” Morgan bolted upright at the sound of the vampire’s voice. “Where are you?” He glanced around the empty room, then leaned over the side of the rest pad to check underneath.
Is that any tone to take with the man who saved your life?
“Man?” Morgan snorted. “Why can I hear you so clearly?”
That is the question, isn’t it? Let’s just say that my blood is a gift that just keeps on giving and giving.
“What in the hell is that supposed to mean?” Morgan bellowed.
Hearing me in your mind is only the beginning.
“You’re going to be sorry when I get my hands on you. Raphael, what have you done?”
Done? Moi? Why sheriff, I’m hurt that you would think such a thing. Would I do anything that would cause you discomfort?
“Hell yes!”
Tinkling laughter filled his mind. I’ll be in touch.
Morgan groaned and fell back onto the pillows. “Terrific,” he muttered under his breath. First the bullet on the battlefield and now this. That damn two-legged bat would never let him live this down.
38
Red strode into IPTT headquarters. She dropped her weapons off and stepped through the scan. This time no booties awaited her on the other side.
She walked to her desk and opened the drawers, searching for anything that she might want to take. Satisfied that there was nothing she needed, Red strolled down the hall toward her grandfather’s office.
She stopped at the door and waited to be scanned. A second later, the door popped open. Robert Santiago sat behind his desk like usual.
Red glanced around the room at the holo-images and the old tomes. She was going to miss this place, but not as much as she was going to miss the man behind the desk.
Her grandfather glanced up from his paperwork. “Gina.” He smiled. “You’re looking well.”
Red laughed. “Yeah, a lot better than the last time you saw me, I’m sure.”
He waved a hand. “Please take a seat. To what do I owe this unexpected visit?”
Red sat in the big chair and swung her legs back and forth, feeling like the little girl who used to play in this building. The same little girl who’d become friends with a navcom named Rita.
She glanced at her wrist and slowly unhooked the device, then placed it on top of her grandfather’s desk. She fingered the strap for a moment, before moving her hand away.
He looked down at the navcom and frowned. “Why did you remove Rita? Is she broken again?”
Red smiled. “No, she’s fine.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I won’t need her anymore.”
His brows lowered. “I see. Is there anything else?”
Red took a deep breath and placed the synth-document beside Rita.
“What is this?” he asked.
“Just read it.”
He scanned the document, then he quickly glanced at her, concern marring his weathered features. “Gina, this is your resignation.”
“I know, Grandpa.”
He shook his head. “But why? I thought you needed time to think things over.”
“I did think things over. You said it yourself. You can’t protect me any longer.” Red reached out and squeezed his hand. “My secret won’t remain secret forever. I love you and respect the tactical team too much to take a chance that I might somehow damage its reputation. I’m sorry that I won’t be here to take over as commander, but that was your dream, Grandpa. Not mine.”
Her grandfather sat back in his seat. “What are your plans?”
“Would you believe I don’t have any?” Red snorted.
“No,” he said patiently.
“Other than going back to Nuria to check on Morgan, I really don’t know what I’m going to do. Until now, my whole life’s been planned out for me.”
He glanced at her resignation. “I’ve never known you to not have a plan.”
“I’m sure I’ll come up with something.” She grinned. “Well, I need to get back.”
Her grandfather came around his desk and stood next to her. “Are you sure about this? Really sure, special one?”
Red rose and hugged him for all she was worth. “I’m not sure about anything right now, but I have to go.”
He pulled her back until he could look in her eyes. “You always have a home here for as long as I’m commander.”
“Thanks, Grandpa. I love you, too.” Red gave him one more hug, then released him and headed toward the door. If she didn’t’ get out of there right this minute, she was going to embarrass herself.
“You will visit, won’t you?” He sounded like a frail old man when he asked the question.
Red stopped at the door. “Nothing could keep me away.”
“I’ll hold you to that promise, special one,” he said, sniffling.
“Thank you, Grandpa.”
“For what?” His eyes glistened with unshed tears.
“For everything.”
Red stepped through the door and waited for it to close. She wanted to get one more whiff of her grandfather’s office before she left. Her body trembled, as she finally registered the magnitude of the decision she’d just made.
The tactical team had been her life. All she knew how to do. Fear of the unknown nearly propelled her back into the commander’s office. Red forced herself to move away from the door instead. She’d made her decision and she’d live with it.
Red was so wrapped up in her thoughts and tumultuous emotions that she didn’t see Roark and Mike enter the front of the tactical team building. She ran into Mike.
He shoved her away like she was contagious.
Red glanced up and saw Roark glaring at her. “How’s the hand?” she muttered under her breath. The bandages looked fresh, but blood was already seeping through.
Roark looked around at the other team members, then lowered his voice. “You’ll pay for this,” he said, waving his bandaged hand in her face.
“I know what you’ve been doing,” Red said. “The only reason you’re not under arrest is because I don’t have enough proof.”
He smiled a politician’s smile and waved at someone over her shoulder. “Good luck getting it.”
“I’m going to be keeping my eye on you. You won’t be able to shit without me knowing about,” Red warned.
“That’s nice. Wonderful idea,” he said loudly. “I’ll do the same for you. Thanks again for your support. We always appreciate the opinions of the female officers on the team.”
Roark clasped her hand with his good one and shook it, squeezing until Red had to bite the inside of her mouth to keep from crying out.
She pulled back and wiped her palm on her pants, feeling dirty. “This isn’t over.”
“You’re right,” he said. “This is only the beginning,” Montgomery added for her ears only. With that he stepped around her, giving Red a wide berth and continued deeper into the building.
Mike followed a safe distance in his employer’s wake. He met Red’s gaze as he passed her and a tiny smile flitted over his bright red lips, before quickly disappearing.
Red strolled out the door, grinning from ear to ear. With Mike’s help, she’d always know what Roark was going to do next. That realization made leaving the tactical team somewhat easier.
She walked down the steps toward her car, her mind taking in the details of her surroundings to be stored in her memories for later examination.
A shuttle let off a group of cadets. They raced past her toward the facility, their training almost complete. One female officer stopped a few feet in front of her and stared. Waves of power poured off the woman.
Red froze, holding her gaze. There was something different about this woman. Something Other. Red waited to see what would happen next.
