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My emissary...
As the words left his mouth and suspicion started to simmer in his blood, Tegan heard the soft whisk of the tech lab's glass doors as they slid open to let someone inside. He knew who that someone was, even before he saw Chase's jaw go tight across the room. Tegan pivoted around in his wheeled chair and found Elise standing there, looking guilty as sin.
What the hell have you done?
It wasn't my doing, Reichen said over the speaker. I assumed it was something you initiated...
The German leader of the Berlin Darkhaven was still talking but Tegan wasn't hearing a word. Elise walked forward, her steps a bit halting. One of the other Breedmates had given her a change of clothes. The purple knit tunic and dark blue jeans were an improvement over the havoc of the revealing swimsuit, but it still didn't totally conceal her petite, feminine lines.
Which only pissed Tegan off more. Whatever you think you're doing, forget it. I told you, I work alone.
Not this time. The arrangements are already in place with the Agency and the containment facility. They are expecting me.
This must be a fucking joke.
I'm completely serious. I'm going with you.
Tegan dismissed her with a brief look and went back to his call with Reichen. There will be no Darkhaven emissary accompanying me. Just me alone, Andreas, and we're still getting in to see that Rogue, even if we have to break into--
Tegan, I think you misunderstand. Elise's voice was unwavering behind him and dangerously bold. I wasn't asking for your permission.
He froze, stunned at the woman's nerve. I'll be in touch, he told Reichen, then severed the connection with an overzealous punch of the keypad.
I'm the one who delivered the journal to the Order, Elise said as he turned a glare on her. Without me, you wouldn't have known anything about the inpidual you mean to question. Without me, you won't be permitted to get within viewing range of him, let alone speak to him. I am going with you.
Tegan vaulted out of his chair. Elise leaped back, startled--the first show of good sense he'd seen in her since she walked into the lab. He pinned her with a narrow stare that swept with scathing, deliberate slowness from her flushing cheeks to the tips of her borrowed shoes. You're in no condition for travel. Look at you--you're weak, little more than skin and bones. We won't even talk about the fact that you can hardly be near humans without inviting vicious migraines and nosebleeds.
I will manage. He scoffed. How?
She frowned, dropping her gaze as Tegan's voice boomed around them.
What are you going to do between now and then--solicit the vein of a vampire to bolster your strength? Because that's what it would take.
Her cheeks went suddenly awash in color.
Maybe one of them will offer to service you, Tegan said, ruthless now, indicating the other warriors who were watching the exchange in tense silence.
Shit, Tegan, Gideon cautioned beside him. Lighten up, for crissake.
Tegan tuned out everything but the Darkhaven female's shocked expression. That's what it would take, Elise--Breed blood coursing through your body. Nothing less. Without it, your talent will continue to rule you, as it does now. You'll only be a liability.
He saw the outrage spark in her eyes, but it was her humiliation that struck him like a blow to the gut. It was considered crass in the extreme to speak publicly of the blood bonds between a female and her mate--even worse, to speak of it in mixed company.
To suggest that an unbonded Breedmate take a male for sustenance alone was beyond profane.
I am a widow, she said quietly. I am in mourning--
Five years, Tegan reminded her, his voice sounding tight even to his own ears. Where will you be in another five? Or ten? You're letting yourself die on your feet and you know it. Don't ask me to help you get there faster.
She stared up at him mutely, her delicate throat working as she swallowed what was likely a sob. Maybe a curse that he go straight to hell, which was probably where he was heading even before this ugly display.
You're right, Tegan, she whispered, not a trace of weakness or any hitch in her voice. You are right...and I concede that you've made your point.
With squared shoulders, she pivoted around and walked calmly out of the lab, a vision of stoic dignity. Tegan felt like an ass, watching her leave in rigid silence. After she disappeared from view, he exhaled a sharp curse.
What the fuck are you looking at? he barked to Chase, who had risen from the table he'd been seated at. The ex-Darkhaven agent had his hand curled around the butt of a handgun that was holstered across his chest. His expression was nothing short of murderous.
Screw this, Tegan growled. I'm outta here.
