Page 90 of Damian’s Conquest

Surprised to hear compassion in Grayson’s voice, Damian looked at him and contemplated his fellow hybrid’s words. “You said you brought back the blood that Cynthia drained from Mick?”

“Yeah, I did. Couldn’t leave it there for somebody to find.”

“Where is it now?”

“Refrigerated in the med center. I figured Maya will give Mick a transfusion later.”

“Good. I may have an idea that might make all parties happy, and harm nobody.”

“Let’s hear it,” Samson demanded.

38

When Naomi returned to Scanguards, the sun had set, and the building was buzzing like a beehive. She felt a little better after having taken a shower at home, and gotten changed into fresh clothes. Vanessa met her at the reception.

“Hey, Naomi,” Vanessa greeted her. “Damian is downstairs in the med center. I’ll bring you to him.”

“Oh thanks.” They walked toward the elevators together. “How is Tracy? Is she pulling through?”

Vanessa smiled. “Yes, she woke up a little while ago, and Mom says she’ll be fine once she’s fully detoxed.”

“Oh, thank God.”

They stepped into the elevator, and Vanessa pressed a button for a lower floor. “Boy, am I glad that drugs have no effect on vampires and hybrids.”

“I didn’t know that.” There were still so many things she didn’t know. “I guess that’s good.”

“Mostly, yes, but that means we can’t get drunk either.”

“Trust me, you’re not missing anything,” Naomi said chuckling. “Hangovers are no fun.”

The elevator stopped, and the doors opened.

“Come,” Vanessa said, and ushered her toward the end of the corridor.

Two double doors led into the clinic. Inside, it looked like an emergency room of a large hospital. It was well-equipped and modern. She spotted Damian immediately. He stood in one of the patient rooms, the door open. The girl sitting up in bed was Tracy. Mick sat on the edge of the bed, holding Tracy’s hand, while they both looked at Damian, listening to him.

“Go right in,” Vanessa said to her. “I’ll see if my mother needs help.”

“Thanks, Vanessa,” Naomi said quickly and approached Tracy’s room. As she stepped closer, she saw that a fourth person was in the room. Grayson stood next to Damian at the foot of the bed.

Before she reached the room, Damian suddenly looked over his shoulder. He motioned her to come in.

“You’re back,” he said and took her hand. Then he addressed Mick and Tracy. “This is Naomi. Without her we might not have found you both as quickly as we did.”

Tracy looked at her. “Thank you so much.” She was teary-eyed, and although she was conscious, she still looked exhausted.

“Thank you, Naomi,” Mick said with a nod. “Damian told us how much you helped. We’re grateful.”

“You’re welcome. But it was these guys who found you.” Naomi motioned to Damian and Grayson. Then she looked at Damian. “So, is everything sorted out now?”

“Almost.” He turned his head back to Mick and Tracy. “So, here’s the deal. Mick, what you did put all of us in danger of exposure. And that is something we have the right to punish with imprisonment. The same rule goes for Tracy. Therefore—”

“Please don’t punish Tracy,” Mick begged. “I’ll take the punishment. I’m responsible. I’ll do her time on top of mine.”

Damian lifted his hand. “Hear me out. We have a proposal. We’ll wave the sentence if you agree to the following: Tracy, you’ll be giving us every single name of your buyers, including how many vials they purchased, and what exactly you told them they were buying.”

Tracy nodded eagerly. “I can do that.”