Page 80 of Mated to the Vikings

“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.