Page 73 of Mated to the Vikings

“What’s wrong?”

Another image flashed, horrible and wretched. I could see her strapped down, her face twisted in horror as she struggled with her bindings. I rubbed my temple, unable to understand what I was seeing. “Nothing. I’m fine.”

“You’re not fine and you’re coming with me.” Cassia held out her hand, her expression warm and inviting. “Besides, I might need your protection.”

A cold chill shifted down my spine and the backs of my legs, forcing my body to sway. After I fell against the table, both women grabbed my arms.

“Whoa. That’s it. You’re coming with us. Rowena, help me.”

I didn’t fight them as they led me through a maze of smashed glass and chunks of fallen metal. Everything seemed like a blur, my eyes constricting even with the limited light. I could feel the pressure building in my heart, blood pumping in an irregular fashion. I was no fool. There was very little time before I wouldn’t be mentally able to discern the difference between right and wrong, my enemies and my friends.

Don’t fight. Don’t…

The words filtered in and out of my mind. I had difficulty feeling my legs, but I pressed on.

“What is happening to him?” Rowena asked. I could see the laboratory door just ahead.

“He’s succumbing to the disease and that’s not going to happen. Not on my watch. He’s very special to me.”

I heard the words. They resonated within my soul, continuing to fuel my drive, perhaps even my will to live.

“This place is a wreck but at least this computer doesn’t seem to have any damage,” Rowena commented. “What in the hell went on in here?”

“A release of at least one prisoner that was held against his will. But you knew that.” Cassia eased her bag out onto a small stand, unzipping and peering inside. “Thank God. Nothing was broken.” She walked toward one of the steel examination tables, raking her arm across it. Debris scattered to the floor, her expression full of uncertainty. “Get him on the table. I’m drawing his blood first.”

I was cognizant of Rowena guiding me to the table, helping me lie on top. I stared at the ceiling, the lights swirling in my periphery. I finally had to close my eyes, trying to concentrate on my breathing as well as staying sane. Within seconds, the small pinprick on my arm was nothing in comparison to the jolt of electricity rushing through my system. I was losing the battle. “Where. Is. Brexin?” The sound was stilted, nothing I could recognize.

“He’ll be here. Just relax.” Cassia’s hand caressed my cheek, but I heard her strangled sigh. “That’s it. Rest while I take a look. Okay?”

I had no answer, no desire to even try. I was able to comprehend what they were saying as they worked, uncertain of how much time had passed. The chill in my body increased and my mouth was bone dry.

“The blood is different than the others,” Cassia said quietly.

“From what I can tell, the white blood cells are attacking the red at a significant rate. He needs a blood transfusion.”

“Do you have any blood stored?”

“We have Erik’s blood. Before the experiments began, we harvested several pints just in case there were complications.” Rowena’s voice sounded muffled to me, echoing in my ears.

“Then find it. That’s a good first start for Erik, but what about the others?”

Rowena stuttered then groaned under her breath. “Look at this. Kevin was toying with the structure of the DNA, including the blood cells even before he began the experimentation process.”

“Jesus Christ. There are samples there from everyone in this facility.”

“My God. He was planning on injecting the entire crew?”

“Were you give any injections when you arrived?” Cassia asked.

“Several before we left Earth but also… Yes, one upon arrival. Do you think that…” Rowena’s words died off.

“You didn’t give me an injection when I arrived.”

“No. I had a feeling I shouldn’t,” she whispered.

“Then we need to harvest my blood. I have an idea.”

I was unable to withstand the exhaustion, the pain building in my arms and legs. I shifted and within seconds, I’d fallen from the table. I heard their exclamations, the sound of their boots as they ran toward me. I struggled, trying to move. They were coming for me. They were going to kill me. No! That wasn’t going to happen. I slapped my hands on the table, jerking to a standing position. Then I saw them. The bastards who’d taken me prisoner and killed my wife. I pitched the table against the wall, throwing back my arms and roaring just seconds before I advanced.