Page 79 of Mated to the Vikings

Erik’s lips moved several times before he spoke. “By the rumble I’d say you found the vehicle stored away.” His voice was almost inaudible.

I almost lost it, clinging to him, rubbing my fingers up and down his arm. “You’re alive. Oh, God.”

“Fuck, my brother. I thought we’d lost you.” Brexin gripped Erik’s shoulder. “You’re not looking too bad for a predator. You almost killed me.”

Erik groaned and attempted to sit up. “You found a cure.”

“Not exactly but close. Maybe.” I wrapped my arm around his neck, easing him into a sitting position. “Contact Steen. Have him prepare the others with a saline drip. That will make inducing the drug easier and much faster. They are all dehydrated. This is only the first step, but we should be able to pull back the disease until we can finish what we started.” I had no idea if we could trust Rowena, but I realized I couldn’t handle the others by myself. But she knew more than she was willing to tell.

Brexin grinned, yanking his arm toward his face. “I’ll be honored.”

I glanced at Brexin as if seeing him for the first time. He was my rock, my gentle giant and he’d do anything for me. I mouthed ‘thank you’ and leaned over, kissing his cheek. The softness of his skin and the way he brushed his fingers across my cheek sent tingles dancing through every cell and muscle.

“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.”