Chapter 13 #3
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.
“A week. Maybe two. I don’t know for certain.”
I nodded, darting another glance toward David and Erik. I walked closer to Erik’s bed, bending down and taking his hand into mine. His fingers were so cold. I pulled them to my lips, kissing the tip of each finger. “Please fight for me, baby. Fight.”
Moaning, he issued a single growl then opened his eyes. They were staring at nothing. Nothing! Leaning down, I rested my head on his chest, allowing the tears to fall. “Please. If there is a God, save them. Don’t take them away from me.”
At least his heartbeat seemed strong.
I remained where I was, watching as Rowena worked. She was a strong woman, determined to right the wrong and I had to admire her tenacity. When she approached with a syringe in her hand, I held my breath.
“With your permission, I’d like to try the new serum on David and Erik first,” Rowena said quietly.
“Yes. That makes sense.” Their two conditions mirrored those of the rest of the hybrids, the two extremes.
She nodded and patted my shoulder. “Stay strong, my friend.”
I couldn’t watch as she injected first one then the other. The adrenaline was starting to ebb away, replaced with nothing but the feeling of emptiness.
Erik remained unmoving.
A few minutes later, I dropped my head, placing his hand on my heart. I could only hope he knew I was here. Suddenly, I felt movement, his fingers flexing. I jerked my head up, darting my eyes back and forth.
Erik tapped his index finger on my chest then did something remarkable.
He drew a heart.
Seconds later, his hand dropped, his eyes closing.
“Rowena, Erik. Check Erik. He’s moving.” I heard the harshness in my voice once again, as well as the fear.
“There won’t be a significant change that quickly. As least there shouldn’t be.” Rowena sighed. “Then again, I’m not certain any longer. I’ll keep an eye out. Please get some air.”
“I will in a minute. I need to see David.” I was so exhausted, my legs wobbling as I moved toward David’s bed. He was barely holding on, strapped down as if he was a common criminal. There would be nothing that could stop me from hunting Dr. Forrester. He was the true monster.
Hunkering down, I kissed David’s ice cold lips, rubbing my hand over his forehead. “Hold on, sweet David. We’re doing everything we can.”
If I hoped for the same reaction as Erik, I wasn’t rewarded with anything but the sound of a machine breathing for him. Everything around me seemed to close in. I was unable to breathe, suffocating. Lights flashed in front of my eyes as I struggled to stand, gasping for air.
Oh, God. Oh, God. Oh, God.
I stumbled in my efforts to race outside, hearing Rowena calling. I needed air. As soon as I was outside, I dropped to the ground. This time I couldn’t stop the tears.
“Cassia. Oh, my love.” Brexin fell to his knees, gathering me into his arms. “You’re so cold.”
“I’m… okay,” I managed, tilting my head so I could look into his eyes. “Help me to stand. Please.”
He kept his arm around me as he moved both of us into a standing position. “You can’t go on like this.”
“I have to! Don’t you understand?” I could see such despair in his eyes, my gentle giant with a heart of gold. He’d remained close, doing everything he could to offer support and I loved him even more for it.
“Listen to me—” he started.
“No. No!” I struggled, fighting so hard to get away then I collapsed against his chest. “Oh, Brexin.”
I heard the rush of footsteps, a joyful glee.
“You’re not going to believe this,” Rowena half yelled.
“What happened?”
“They are… improving. I don’t know how, but it’s a miracle.”
I’d never believed in God or any religion but on this day, this glorious day, I could at least say I could believe in love and perhaps a dose of magic.
They would survive. They would flourish and our new life would begin.