CHAPTER THREE #2
“I was denied the right to discuss anything, any part of this process, with anyone. I had to keep my notes, samples, and any analysis hidden. I couldn’t even reach out to colleagues for help.
My only point of contact was Mr. Mercier, and he is not a scientist, although he reviewed my notes every morning. ”
“Did he make any suggestions? Are you sure he didn’t share the information with someone within his circle?” Kael was digging, and Elias wasn’t sure what he was looking for.
“His only suggestion was to work faster and to show more results that fit the design. The serum was eminent. I have the formulation in my notes, although he would not have understood it. I don’t know why he checks my notes, but I do know that he shares this information with no one.
The man is paranoid beyond belief and would not trust this with anyone.
” Elias shook his head and looked at Kael.
“I can’t be certain, of course, but his actions, his behavior indicate someone who does not have close relationships, and trust does not exist in his world,” Elias answered to the best of his ability and waited for Kael’s next question.
Kael listened, and it was clear that Elias was a scientist to his core.
He had an idea, and based on the evidence and his research, it appeared factual.
He searched for support and found it. The research and the outcome just so happened to go flat against the core principles of Kael and his people.
Elias was not inherently bad, but his focus was veering into a harmful area that must be stopped.
He was Kael’s chosen, and Fate had brought them together for a reason; she always had a reason.
She obviously wanted him to stop what he was doing, but did not want him to suffer or die for his curiosity.
In Kael’s mind, it also indicated that he could save Elias; there was an answer to this chaos, a way to make it right, and Kael would figure it out.
“I wasn’t hired by Mercier.” He stated wanting to get some truth out there.
“Who hired you?” Elias’ voice was a shocked whisper.
“I wasn’t hired; I was sent to stop you.”
“You’re going to kill me? Why did you save me just to kill me?”
“I’m not going to kill you.” He said forcefully in an attempt to make his position obvious, but he felt Elias begin to tremble, and he could sense his rising fear. “I’m to stop you before you cross a line that cannot be crossed.”
“The serum.” He said hesitantly.
“Yes.”
“Can you tell me why?”
“I will, but it will require more explanation than we have time for at the moment.” Kael stood and pulled Elias to his feet.
“Those who intend to kill you will know where you live, so it is best we leave here. Grab whatever you need, and I will take you somewhere safe.” Elias nodded and quickly filled a duffel bag with a change of clothes, a stack of files, and some electronics.
He was ready in less than a few minutes.
“Okay.” He said and stepped up next to Kael, who was checking the area to make sure the Council assassins were not nearby.
Once he was satisfied, he held Elias close to his side, quickly rushed him to the SUV, and got him seated.
He pulled out of the drive and onto the street, keeping an eye out for a possible attack.
Kael was surprised they hadn’t engaged again, but he knew they would soon; the Council would not stop with just one team of assassins.
The Crimson Coven maintained several safe houses in and around Norfolk.
He took Elias to a nondescript little bungalow in a somewhat rural area.
It was secure and easy to defend. It would suffice for now until he decided how this was going to play out.
He parked the SUV in the garage and escorted Elias inside.
“Stay here until I check the house.” He told him and left Elias in the kitchen. After ensuring the inside was clear, he headed outside to check the surrounding property. “Make yourself at home and stay inside.” He told him, and Elias nodded.
He was almost too compliant, and it worried Kael.
They would talk as soon as he was sure they were secure.
He had a lot to explain to him, and he hoped Elias was of a mind to be able to understand.
His experiments and research told him of the paranormal, but had he actually thought about the being that provided the plasma?
Did he know of vampires and shifters, or had he concocted an easier explanation for himself?
Elias was making coffee when Kael came inside.
It was an activity that seemed to calm him.
“Stay away from the doors and windows.” He said, and Elias handed him a cup of coffee.
“You should get some sleep.” He suggested, but Elias shook his head and sipped on his coffee.
He clutched the mug like it was a lifeline.
“I can’t sleep, my mind is too full to fall asleep.
” Kael understood, but he worried about Elias and wanted him strong and rested for whatever may lie ahead for them.
“I’ll be okay, I’m used to not sleeping, especially since I started working for Orion Mercier.
” He smiled ruefully and took another sip from his mug.
“Did Mercier tell you where he got the blood?”
“No, I just assumed he’d gotten it from the hospital where the injured man had been taken.
He has a lot of connections and means to get what he wants.
” Kael had sent all that information to Cullen.
It was imperative that they search out every facet, every player, every detail of Elias’ work.
Even a whisper of interest in the blood serum needed to be silenced.
Kael reached out and placed his hand on Elias’s shoulder.
“I know you’re scared, and you don’t know me, and I’m sure you’re not comprehending what is happening to you.” He saw Elias look at him squarely. The confusion was fading, and impatience had taken its place.
Elias was aware that he had only a small portion of the facts surrounding his situation, and he was eager to work it out and understand his position. Mercier was a liar, and that was a fact. The injured man was more than just a man. Kael could sense all of these thoughts racing through Elias’ mind.
“Let’s sit and talk.” Kael moved his hand from Elias’ shoulder down to grasp his hand. Elias did not resist, which pleased him.
“Tell me the truth, Kael,” Elias said with conviction and squeezed his hand. “I might die before this day is over, and I would appreciate knowing the whole truth of what I’ve been dealing with.”
“I will tell you the truth.”