Chapter 7 #6
“This project is and has always been a team effort,” Claire insisted.
“There is no need to be so modest,” Jason told her. “Without your breakthrough, none of this would be possible.”
Accepting the praise with a happy smile, Claire followed Victor from the clinic.
“Congratulations,” Victor said as they walked along the main pathway. “I know how hard you’ve worked on this project and I’m not at all surprised by your success.”
“Thank you. I’m encouraged by the report, but I’m still concerned that there could be complications. Manipulating genetics is always risky. That’s why it’s outlawed on Earth.”
“If and when complications arise, my brilliant mate will find the solutions.”
Victor leaned down and gave her a tender kiss and Claire focused on the positive. “So, what’s the surprise?”
He chuckled, but shot her a secretive look. “It wouldn’t be much of a surprise if I told you.”
It had been years since she’d felt this buoyant. She’d found her mates and was ready to build a future together with them. She’d also found a role in life that made her feel accepted and necessary. The research team was wonderful, and she couldn’t wait to begin on a new challenge.
They reached their cabin and Victor opened the front door. Rich, aromatic currents wrapped around Claire and a helpless groan escaped her throat. “Raphael is cooking again.”
Victor laughed. “How’d ya guess?”
Raphael was peering into the oven as they entered, but he closed the door and faced them with a smile. “That has at least an hour to go. How was work? Wasn’t the first full assessment of your treatment today?”
“It was, and the patient is in complete remission. All tests indicate that the treatment is effective.”
“You’ve found a cure for Oratov Syndrome?” Raphael sounded hopeful yet hesitant.
“Jason’s research team found a cure for Oratov Syndrome. I’m simply one member of the team.”
Both males laughed and Raphael pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply.
“Modesty becomes you, but we both know how amazing you are.” He kissed her again and then released her into Victor’s embrace.
After Victor kissed her, Raphael said, “In the spirit of celebration, let’s give Claire her surprise. ”
“I thought dinner was the surprise,” she objected.
“Dinner is just dinner.” Raphael waved away the conclusion. “This was much harder to accomplish.”
Desire curled through her and she sucked in a shuddering breath. “Does my surprise involve undressing?”
Raphael shook his head. “We won’t undress until after we eat.”
Confused by his answer, she looked around, trying to figure out what they intended. If this wasn’t a ploy to lure her home for some afternoon fun, then what was the big surprise?
Victor took her by the hand and led her toward the compact workstation tucked away in the far corner of the living room. He indicated the chair and Claire sat down.
“As Raphael said, this wasn’t easy to arrange,” Victor told her, “but we felt it was important.”
“You’ve been avoiding the issue,” Raphael added, “but it’s obvious that you feel like you failed Heather.”
“I did fail her,” Claire insisted. “I promised to get her back to the cats before Patrick realized she was here.”
Raphael cupped her chin and lifted her face, his gaze drilling into hers.
“You are not responsible for Heather. You were not responsible for your brother. They are both adults and they made their own decisions. Sometimes decisions result in repercussions. What happened to Joel was not your fault. And I’ll let Heather speak for herself.
” He made several gestures, and the wall display in front of her came alive.
A cozy room came into focus with an empty chair centered in front of the camera.
“Sorry,” a familiar voice called from off screen. “I’m here! Don’t disconnect.” Heather rushed into the frame and sat down in the chair.
Thrilled to see her friend, Claire looked her over carefully.
Heather was dressed in a flowing leaf-green dress and she’d drawn her long blonde hair back into a ponytail.
There were no marks on her skin, no evidence of abuse or even harsh punishment.
The only oddity was the thin golden band that encircled her neck.
“Where are you?” Claire blurted. “How long are they going to keep you—wherever you are?”
“I’m not allowed to tell you, and I’m not sure.
” A serious expression gradually replaced Heather’s smile.
“There’s more to the story than I told you or admitted to Zion.
I was an active member of the medical team.
” She took a deep breath and met Claire’s gaze.
“I’m here because I’ve agreed to be. Nothing is being forced on me. ”
“What does that mean?” Claire cried, but it didn’t take a lot of imagination to guess what Heather meant. She had agreed to do penance in the form of sexual submission. How very Rydarian of her.
“I need this, Claire,” Heather said firmly.
“Actions have consequences. I can’t move on until I’ve accepted mine.
You needed to know that I was all right.
” She held out her arms and smiled. “Clearly, I’m fine.
I’ll return to the village when they decide that my debt has been paid.
Stop worrying about me. That’s an order.
” Heather reached for something just out of the shot and the transmission terminated.
“Wait!” Claire cried out. “How do I know that Patrick wasn’t off camera forcing her to say all of that?”
“Patrick and Gabriel are at the bunkhouse,” Raphael explained. “They’re negotiating an alliance with the wolves.”
He didn’t sound happy about it, but Claire was shocked. “Alliances are formed with mutual interests and benefits on both sides. What in God’s name do the wolves have to offer us? Those fuckers killed my brother.”
“Lupine Village is under new leadership.” Victor’s disapproval was evident in each syllable. “Gabriel insists that Alex will set a different course.”
Raphael cupped Claire’s chin and tilted her head back. “I was furious when I found out what Gabriel intended, but I’ve had time to reconsider. I don’t know if Gabriel can make this happen, but I’m willing to let him try.”
“Peace is always a better choice,” Claire relented. “Just keep the wolves away from me.”
Raphael pulled her into his arms and held her for several seconds. “We have almost an hour before supper will be ready. I think we could all use a little exercise.”
“Excellent idea.” Victor pressed in against her back and gathered her hair to one side, baring the nape of her neck. “Let’s go work up an appetite.” His warm lips brushed against her skin, sending tingles down her spine.
She reached back and grabbed his butt, giving the firm globe a playful squeeze. “Does this exercise program involve undressing?”
“Absolutely,” Raphael insisted. He took her by the hand and hurried her across the room.
Claire released the last of her concerns and let joy flood her soul. Heather was safe. Claire was surrounded by love and acceptance. And the future was waiting to be defined.
The End