Page 72 of Mated to the Vikings

She wrapped her arm around my waist, guiding me through the forest. “No one else, including Kevin. However, the soldiers said the lab is mostly intact. We might have hope.”

“Damn the asshole. I don’t believe he would have gone very far.”

“Maybe not, but we can’t worry about him. Not right now.”

“Agreed.”

We made our way into the compound, able to turn on a few lights. At least the entire electrical system hadn’t been blown.

Brexin was just inside, his face far less hopeful than hers. “The guards will secure the perimeter, allowing us to work safely.”

“Make certain they know that one of the scientists is on the loose. He needs to be found.”

“Fantastic. The night is going to be interesting,” he muttered and headed toward the entrance.

“Let’s not waste any time doing what we came here to do.” I rubbed my head, refusing to believe there wasn’t anyone else left. The female scientist had been brought to what had once been the eating room. She was dazed but her eyes followed me as I approached. “Rowena.”

“Erik. What is happening?” she asked. “Oh, my God. You look so different.”

“Because of what you and Dr. Fields did to him as well as all the others,” Cassia retorted. “You have no idea what you’ve done.”

“What we were forced to do, Cassia. I already told you that,” she snapped. “I had no choice. We had no choice.” Her eyes had a faraway look, no longer believing in the great cause.

“Attend to her injuries and see what you can find,” I knew my words were orders, but at this point, our borrowed time could be running out. “Were there others after the attack? Did you see them?”

Rowena shook her head. “I was in my quarters when the attack occurred, blocked in. I managed to crawl through the vent to get out.”

I took a deep breath, studying her eyes. There was no sense she was lying.

“The hybrids have succumbed to a disease. Did you know anything about this?” Cassia continued. Dropping the duffle containing the various samples she’d taken, she yanked off her parka, tossing it aside.

She shrank back, shaking her head. “No. What are you talking about?”

“Are you strong enough to come with me to the lab?” Cassia crouched down in front of her.

“Yes, I believe so. What are you trying to accomplish?”

“I want to see every report on the hybrids, no matter how inconsequential, including every test you and the others performed. I also need to run blood samples. I think I know exactly which blood cells are the problem, but my findings must be confirmed.”

“How serious is this?”

“Deadly,” I answered. “To both species.”

“Jesus.” Rowena eased to her feet, gripping the table, her lower lips quivering. “Kevin kept the majority of his work locked in a system that only he had access. He didn’t trust anyone. I told you that.”

“Bastard. Please say there’s a ‘but’ here,” Cassia begged.

“Maybe. I also kept my tests in a separate file. As long as the computers haven’t been destroyed, I should be able to access them.” Rowena shook her head. “With only the two of us, this is going to be time-consuming.”

“We have a few hours. That’s it.” Cassia rubbed her forehead. “We will find something.”

“Keep your weapon close and if you hear anything at all, you contact me right away.” My command was met by a roll of her eyes.

“I know how to use a weapon, Erik, and I know what to do with one. You have a fever so you’re coming with us. Blood drawn. Vitals checked. Everything that you wouldn’t allow me to do earlier. Please.” Cassia tugged the duffle in front of my eyes. “This is gold and you’re going to be a part of this.”

“I’ll be fine, at least for now. I want to check the compound myself.”

“Erik. That’s what the soldiers are for.” Her voice cut right through me in the same way that… She’d been at the compound while I was there, all those wretched months ago.