Primitive, p.23
Primitive, page 23
“My pleasure, my beautiful mate,” Brexin whispered in my ear.
There were so many things that went through my mind as I held Erik’s hand. Whatever had happened to the both of us during our separate incarcerations at the hands of a madman had changed our world. Our lives. There was something to be said for animal attraction and I knew that our connection had so much of that, but I also was fully aware that there was more. Perhaps it no longer mattered. Dr. Steve Forrester had accomplished his goal. He’d made a brand new creature, one that could allow for the continuation of two amazing species. Whatever happened now would be of our own choosing.
As long as they were alive.
The trip was almost over, but I filled Erik in on what had occurred and whether he was truly listening or allowing me to vent, I wasn’t certain. What I did know was that I’d fallen in love with him, as well as Brexin and my hope was that along with David, we would encompass a new family, building a life together.
We were met by several soldiers as well as several members of the city, all eager to know the outcome. As I climbed out of the back, I couldn’t help but study the sky. The storm had passed, the stars twinkling and I could swear that I was able to see the bright shining orb of Earth from where I stood.
“Star light, star bright. I wish upon a star tonight.”
“I wish I may, I wish I might, wish upon a star tonight.” Hearing Erik’s voice thrilled me but there was also such sadness creeping into my soul.
“And what did you wish for?” I asked, fighting my emotions.
“I have everything I need,” he breathed, taking careful steps toward me. “Everything is going to be all right.”
“You’re certain of that?”
Erik wavered, tipping his head toward the sky. His breathing remained irregular, his chest heaving. Every part of him was shaking, but it was obvious he refused to succumb. When he spoke, his words were whispered, meant only for me. “I hunger, Cassia. You have no idea. The blood in my veins is damaged and I will never be the same again, but we will forge a path here.”
Hearing his anguished pain shattered me. “You are...” There was no way to finish my statement. I knew he had a difficult road ahead of him and only if Rowena and I were able to find a definable cure. There were no guarantees, no real way of knowing if we were right about our assumptions with the exception of time.
And my gut.
“This isn’t over, Erik, but you have to rest. We will fight and do everything that’s necessary.” I only hoped my practiced confidence would soothe him. His anger remained, wrapping around his intellect. His past had collided with his future, the DNA still transforming the man into a new breed.
“I agree. We will get through this,” Brexin added as he walked closer. “Somehow. If the humans are on their way, we don’t have much time. I’ll work with the soldiers on reinforcing the perimeter, sending out scouts so we know what we’re dealing with.”
Steen nodded. “A good plan. The other cities are in lockdown mode and have seen or heard nothing, but my instinct tells me the time is near.”
“And what about David?” I turned my attention toward Steen.
“His situation is dire,” he answered. “You could be too late. I’m so sorry, Cassia. I know you care about him.”
“We are not giving up without a fight.” I was sick to my stomach, my heart thudding hard. This was surreal, so horrible. I was angry and incensed, terrified that David would succumb to the disease. I had to stop this. He had to be saved.
“Take me to the hybrids.” Rowena flanked my side, holding one of the boxes filled with necessities. “We need to inject them as soon as possible. Whatever happens, the serum we developed has proven to buy us time.”
I stepped in front of her, shaking my finger. “If you betray us, you will not survive the night.”
“I won’t betray you, Cassia. That I can promise,” she answered. “I will do everything in my power to make certain that we cure the hybrids. I loved Steve once and was stupid enough to believe his bullshit. That was my choice and my weakness, but no longer. I know we can cure this disease, but you’re going to have to trust me. There is no one else who can help you.”
The conviction in her voice was certainly admirable and I could see truth in her eyes. Perhaps my despair over possibly losing Erik had stripped her of her loyalty to a man with a God complex. Either way, she was right. “Then let’s go.”
“Klar will take you to them. The saline was injected as you requested, and you are free to use our facilities and confer with our doctors. They have some additional information regarding the disease that may be helpful.” Steen gripped my elbow, pulling me aside. “Do you really believe this will work?”
“I honestly have no idea, but we must do something. I have a terrible feeling that our worst fears are coming true.” I glanced back at the sky, able to sense that we were certainly not alone on this planet.
“We will be ready, Cassia. This is our world now.”
“Are you willing to share if that’s even possible?”
Steen chuckled, sweeping his arms out toward the city. “We require a simple life. Humans are welcome to share in a portion of it. We must learn to live together or perish.” His words were said loudly enough for those members of the clan who remained to hear his command. I was sick inside, fearful that whoever Dr. Forrester sent to Earth Two was coming for one purpose in mind.
Waging a war.
I crowded closer to Erik, resting my head on his chest. The same irregular thumping. I was utterly terrified. “Erik, you need to rest.”
He growled, low and husky. “I need to hunt the survivors. They will come here. They are not finished with their mission.”
“They could. We don’t know that for certain.”
His gaze was full of darkness. “I know.”
“Stop. Allow the Galerian soldiers to perform their job. Please.”
Exhaling, he held me tightly against him, finally kissing the top of my head. “I will rest. For now. But I want you to remember something. No matter what you hear about me, I love you more than I can say. I would never hurt intentionally or try and drive a wedge between what we all share together. I vow to be your lover, your master, and your protector.”
As he walked away, I stood shaking. The words were beautiful and said from the heart. The vision I’d experienced would haunt me as the ones he’d had would haunt him. There were answers he needed in order to find peace, if that was even possible. He was terrified of what he would find.
I love you, Erik. You are my bright shining star.
Exhaling, I took one last look at the sky, terrified to see David. We were led into the medical facility and I was shocked how impressive the compound truly was. I was also floored at the number of hybrids that had succumbed to the disease. The heavy chains wouldn’t hold them for long. Crouching down, I cupped the side of his face. I could see a glimmer of recognition in his eyes. I could also swear I could see love. I only prayed that this wasn’t wishful thinking. “Hold on, David. I’m going to save you.”
I leaned over, pressing my lips against his cheek, struggling with the anguish building inside. I knew I’d heard the words, his words.
“I. Love. You.”
Shuddering, I stood to my full height. This was my family and there was no one, not man or beast who would stop me from saving them. “We need to hurry or the hybrids will destroy the entire city.”
Or kill the humans...
* * *
The single night turned into two, then three without sleep or food. I had no interest, no desire to do anything but care for David and Erik. They were both fighters, but Erik had slipped backward, his condition worsening. The other hybrids had only marginally improved as well and in truth, I was losing hope. Every one of them had been sedated because of the level of increased aggression.
As Rowena approached, her face grim, I almost broke into tears. “The last tests aren’t good, are they?”
Rowena shook her head. She was as exhausted as I was, her face ashen. “I’ve tried everything. I just don’t understand why the serum isn’t working. I know I’m on the right track.”
“Try harder!” I snapped, then recoiled in horror. She’d been good to her word, trying every combination of drugs in order to find the right one. “I’m sorry. I’m just so scared.”
“I know you are.” She exhaled, rubbing her eyes. “You need to get some rest.”
“No. That’s not going to happen.”
“Then get some air. I have one more idea, one more combination to try.”
I walked closer, struggling to control my emotions. “Then what?”
“Then... Then we wait.”
“How long before they all succumb?” A lump formed in my throat.
“A week. Maybe two. I don’t know for certain.”
I nodded, darting another glance toward David and Erik. I walked closer to Erik’s bed, bending down and taking his hand into mine. His fingers were so cold. I pulled them to my lips, kissing the tip of each finger. “Please fight for me, baby. Fight.”
Moaning, he issued a single growl then opened his eyes. They were staring at nothing. Nothing! Leaning down, I rested my head on his chest, allowing the tears to fall. “Please. If there is a God, save them. Don’t take them away from me.”
At least his heartbeat seemed strong.
I remained where I was, watching as Rowena worked. She was a strong woman, determined to right the wrong and I had to admire her tenacity. When she approached with a syringe in her hand, I held my breath.
“With your permission, I’d like to try the new serum on David and Erik first,” Rowena said quietly.
“Yes. That makes sense.” Their two conditions mirrored those of the rest of the hybrids, the two extremes.
She nodded and patted my shoulder. “Stay strong, my friend.”
I couldn’t watch as she injected first one then the other. The adrenaline was starting to ebb away, replaced with nothing but the feeling of emptiness.
Erik remained unmoving.
A few minutes later, I dropped my head, placing his hand on my heart. I could only hope he knew I was here. Suddenly, I felt movement, his fingers flexing. I jerked my head up, darting my eyes back and forth.
Erik tapped his index finger on my chest then did something remarkable.
He drew a heart.
Seconds later, his hand dropped, his eyes closing.
“Rowena, Erik. Check Erik. He’s moving.” I heard the harshness in my voice once again, as well as the fear.
“There won’t be a significant change that quickly. As least there shouldn’t be.” Rowena sighed. “Then again, I’m not certain any longer. I’ll keep an eye out. Please get some air.”
“I will in a minute. I need to see David.” I was so exhausted, my legs wobbling as I moved toward David’s bed. He was barely holding on, strapped down as if he was a common criminal. There would be nothing that could stop me from hunting Dr. Forrester. He was the true monster.
Hunkering down, I kissed David’s ice cold lips, rubbing my hand over his forehead. “Hold on, sweet David. We’re doing everything we can.”
If I hoped for the same reaction as Erik, I wasn’t rewarded with anything but the sound of a machine breathing for him. Everything around me seemed to close in. I was unable to breathe, suffocating. Lights flashed in front of my eyes as I struggled to stand, gasping for air.
Oh, God. Oh, God. Oh, God.
I stumbled in my efforts to race outside, hearing Rowena calling. I needed air. As soon as I was outside, I dropped to the ground. This time I couldn’t stop the tears.
“Cassia. Oh, my love.” Brexin fell to his knees, gathering me into his arms. “You’re so cold.”
“I’m... okay,” I managed, tilting my head so I could look into his eyes. “Help me to stand. Please.”
He kept his arm around me as he moved both of us into a standing position. “You can’t go on like this.”
“I have to! Don’t you understand?” I could see such despair in his eyes, my gentle giant with a heart of gold. He’d remained close, doing everything he could to offer support and I loved him even more for it.
“Listen to me—” he started.
“No. No!” I struggled, fighting so hard to get away then I collapsed against his chest. “Oh, Brexin.”
I heard the rush of footsteps, a joyful glee.
“You’re not going to believe this,” Rowena half yelled.
“What happened?”
“They are... improving. I don’t know how, but it’s a miracle.”
I’d never believed in God or any religion but on this day, this glorious day, I could at least say I could believe in love and perhaps a dose of magic.
They would survive. They would flourish and our new life would begin.
Chapter Fourteen
Cassia
One week later
“Our wayward little human,” David chuckled as he approached, looming over me as if I’d been a bad girl.
Perhaps I had.
He was covered in fur pelts, looking very much like the Viking brother to Erik. I hated to admit it, but I found my three masters sexiest in fur. Another snowstorm had blanketed the region, covering the city with over a foot of snow and ice. I wasn’t complaining. Since David and Erik’s release from the medical facility four days before, we’d spent nights by a roaring fire, drinking what Galerians called wintoc. There had also been several rounds of discipline, leaving my bottom aching the majority of the time.
We were happy.
We were content.
And I was head over heels in love with them.
I twisted my head, pouting for effect. David was usually less dominating than the others, although he had a certain penchant for using the cane when I misbehaved. “I was simply making the rounds.”
“I didn’t know Steen had hired a new doctor.” He lifted his eyebrow, swatting me once on the bottom.
“Very funny. Just a few more tests. I have to make certain everything is as it should be.”
“You’re still worried.”
“Still. I have a very bad feeling.” I hated saying the words, but I hadn’t been able to stop thinking them. I scanned the computer, the various graphs and blips that I’d studied at least one thousand times. They weren’t telling me anything different. The hybrids were stable, their white and red blood counts within the normal range. But there was an interesting DNA strain that neither Rowena nor I had been able to identify and one we were terrified to explore.
“You’re shaking,” he half snarled.
“Now, you’re worrying.”
He moved until I was forced to look into his eyes. “I came to this place of my own free will, eager and willing to work hard for the chance at a better life. I didn’t bully anyone with questions or fight the pay I was to receive. I didn’t even ask about accommodations. I wanted to get off Earth. I have my reasons, including some difficulties with law enforcement and the government, but that’s like everyone else. I think I believed, and I still do, that humans can survive, even thrive as we once used to. Call it childish thoughts or idealistic, but what I’ve been forced to endure should have soured my hope. It hasn’t. This might not be exactly what we would call the perfect home, but home is where your heart is, and you have mine.”
I was thrown by his beautiful soliloquy, words that seemed to flow from his heart so easily. Tears formed in my eyes and I snapped off the comp center, wanting nothing more than to be with the men I adored. “I’ll stop worrying.”
He laughed, shaking his head. “No, you won’t. You’re one stubborn woman and I know you’ve had nightmares, but everyone is fine, including yours truly.” He yanked me into his arms, capturing my mouth. The kiss was no longer the gentle taste of passion I’d once experienced from him. He was as ravenous as the others, his intense desire peaking at any time of day or night. The transformation seemed complete in all the hybrids and the end effect was...
Magnificent.
My pussy clenched just thinking about him.
And Brexin.
And Erik.
They were three of the most gorgeous creatures I’d ever seen and the best looking in the city. And they were mine. I wiggled in his hold, sliding my tummy across his fur- and cloth-covered cock. The man was so hard, I was surprised he wasn’t yelping from pain. Our tongues entwined, dancing back and forth as he growled into the kiss, the sound sending electricity down both legs. He had a way about him that was entirely different than the others, more sensual and adventurous.
He yanked me off my feet, cradling me against his massive chest as he took long strides out of the clinic, covering me with a portion of his pelt. Snow was lightly falling, caressing our faces. Twilight was settling in and from what I’d been told, another storm was approaching.
And the savage kiss continued.
I was lightheaded, my nipples aching and while I had no idea where he was taking me, I quite frankly didn’t care. He was healthy, disease free, and more energetic than ever. He sucked on my tongue, making crazy animalistic noises, pretending to be the beast I’d feared he would turn into.
Maybe we were lucky.
Or maybe the disease was simply dormant.
Rowena had remained steadfast, working night and day alongside myself and a staff of Galerian doctors until we’d inoculated and stabilized every hybrid. What we found difficult to swallow was that without the experiments and DNA splicing, the cure would never have been found.
Maybe karma had reared her beautiful head after all.
Teams of soldiers had combed the forests and mountains for any sign of human arrival, especially either Dr. Forrester or his minions. Fourteen survivors from the Facility 22 had been rounded up and for now, they were considered prisoners of Galerius. Time would tell as to their fate.
The lies and deceit had taken a toll on all of us, but I, for one, was one happy girl.
