Relentless (9 page)

I lay back on the blanket, staring up at the stars. We’d tied off the Jet Ski, and Eric and I shared a sandy spot at the back corner of someone’s property. If we were caught, I was certain we’d be in trouble. At the moment, neither of us cared about trouble or getting caught. “No tomorrow,” I whispered to myself. Eric leaned over and kissed me, blocking out the night sky. His body pressed down on mine, and his hand stroked my side. He hadn’t asked for more. I hadn’t offered. Would I stay in human form if I went beyond this, or would my emotions overtake me, causing me to transform into my wolf state? Definitely not something I wanted to happen. He seemed to feel my fear and hesitancy, and I guess he had his own.

Rolling to a sitting position, he passed me a soda from the small cooler he’d brought. I moved close to him, and for a few moments, we stared at the water with only the sound of the waves between us.

He scooted away from me a few inches and pushed a strand of hair behind my ear. “How long can we do this, Alexis?”

“Do what?”

“Hide like this. Go on about our lives every day as if the other one isn’t alive, until finally we get to be together for a few hours. Only to find ourselves, at the end of our time, wanting more, but never getting it.”

“No tomorrow.”  The two words settled between us.

He stared down at the sand for a moment. “Yeah, we did agree on that, didn’t we?”

I slid my hand into his. “Yes. You said we could have the day, the moment, and not think about the future.”

He dug his bare foot into the sand. “Yeah, well, I may have said it, and it may be true, but I don’t have to like it.”

My arms went around his neck, tugging him to me. “I don’t like it, either.”

“So when will you get tired of this and walk away?” His lips were next to my ear, and I had to pull away from him to look at his face.

“What are you saying?”

“That I hate putting you in this position. If you walked away from me right now, you could easily find a boyfriend in your pack, someone easier than me.”

My hands slipped down to grip the front of his T-shirt. “I don’t remember saying I was interested in easy.”

He bent forward in a rush, his lips closing over mine, taking my tongue into his mouth. I held on to his shirt to keep from falling backward. Then suddenly, I did fall backward, with the weight of him pressing me into the sand. His hands were everywhere, and my body arched to meet him without my conscious thought. I couldn’t think, only feel, and I didn’t want to stop feeling this. My breath was deep, rapid, audible, and Eric’s body shivered against mine.

Suddenly, cool night air surrounded me. Eric had pushed back to his knees. As I watched, he got to his feet and walked several paces away.

I scrambled to my feet, tugging my T-shirt down, and followed him.

“What are you doing?”

He came to a stop next to my Jet Ski. He reached out his hand, and I took it. Facing me, he touched his lips to mine once, briefly.

Letting go of my hand, he pressed his palm against my cheek. “This isn’t what I want for us, Alexis.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m not going to have you, to be with you for the first time on some beach, hiding like this. It feels wrong to me.”

I nodded, his hand remaining warm against my face.

“You should go now. The wind’s picking up, and the water might get rough on your trip back.”

My arms encircled his waist. “Thank you for calling me to come tonight.”

His fingers tightened against my face. “Alexis, I want to be with you. I don’t know how to make that happen. That doesn’t mean I won’t try to find a way.”

“I believe you.”

“Do you?”

“Of course I believe in you.”

“And I believe in you. So go now.”

I pulled myself away from him and swung onto the Jet Ski. The machine jerked as he gave it a push away from the shore. My thumb went to the starter. The engine roared to life. My vision blurred, and my mouth hurt from biting back tears. Would it always be like this? Without looking at him, I rode away. I didn’t want him to see my tears.

From one hundred yards out, the island appeared as a huge lump silhouetted against the moonlit expanse of water. In the center, light emanated from what had to be the dorm. The Jet Ski rocked precariously from side to side on the waves that had been nonexistent when I left. I was thankful I didn’t suffer from motion sickness or this would have been a miserable trip. I tugged the paddle from under my thigh, extended it to its full length, and dug in. It had been a struggle to hang on to it while the waves had threatened to upend me on the trip back from Key West. Now I knew why Myles said they only took the Jet Skis over to the mainland if they knew it would be calm all day.

The muscles of my shoulders began to ache after the first fifty yards of paddling. The waves and current were pushing me to the left of the inlet, and I strained to get myself positioned properly. I desperately wanted to stop and rest but couldn’t without getting so far off course I’d have to paddle completely against the current or, even worse, start the Jet Ski to get back to calmer water. That noise would be the end of my secret. The fingerlike sandbars that separated the open water from the enclosed bay appeared to be only a few yards away. They could have been miles. I wasn’t going to make it.  My shoulders dropped, and I leaned forward, exhausted, unable to paddle the rest of the way. I’d have to use the motor and pray no one heard me.

The splat of water against a solid surface caught my attention. I jerked my head up to see the outline of an indistinguishable shape a few yards outside the mouth of the bay and moving steadily in my direction. After a few minutes, I could tell it was someone in a kayak making effortlessly smooth strokes against the choppy waves. I groaned. So much for my secret. When the kayak was within a few yards, I made out Myles’ features in the milky light.

“Tie this rope to your handle bars, and I’ll tow you in.”

I held out my hand for the rope he tossed at me without saying anything. I leaned back when I was done, and Myles twisted around on the kayak seat and started paddling slowly until the rope played out then tightened. The Jet Ski jerked slightly, and I saw his shoulders stiffen as he strained against the added weight. My fingers were numb from being wrapped around the paddle for so long, and I couldn’t seem to get a grip on it again to help him.

“Just sit still. I’ve got it.”

I rested the paddle across my lap, leaning forward slightly. Once in the calmer water of the bay, he made good time, and in minutes, we slipped inside the cover of the boathouse. Myles caught hold of the Jet Ski and helped me position it on the lift. I climbed up to the pier and hit the button to lift the ski out of the water. Myles came up a different ladder and lay on his stomach to grab the kayak. I hurried over to help him haul the small vessel out of the water. Without speaking, we secured it in place.

“Just remember to come ride the Jet Ski tomorrow and clean it.”

I nodded, not knowing if he could see me in the dark.

I followed him down the steps and onto the sandy beach. “Aren’t you going to ask what I’ve been doing?”

He stopped so abruptly I went past him and had to turn around. A nightlight shone at the beginning of the path, and his face was visible now.

“No, I don’t want to know, though I’ve got a pretty good idea. You have to make your own decisions. No one can do it for you. Especially not me.”

He set off again at a brisk walk. I jogged to catch up to him. I wanted to ask why he didn’t think he could tell me what I should and shouldn’t do when only a few weeks ago he’d been more than happy to tell me I couldn’t see Eric anymore. What had changed?

Just before the path opened onto the yard of the dormitory, he stopped and waved me ahead of him.

“We shouldn’t show back up at the same time. People might wonder what we were doing. If anyone asks, just say you went jogging then decided to sit on the beach for a while and you fell asleep.”

“That’s a lame story.”

“You got a better one?”

“No.”

“Then, lame or not, it’s better than nothing.”

I started across the yard and glanced back, but he was gone. Slipping into the dorm, I hurried to the stairs to avoid the pinging noise the elevator made when it arrived at its destination. The television was on, and I could see a figure asleep on the sofa. I ran up the stairs on my toes, trying to be as quiet as possible until I could slip the key into the door of my room and get inside. Holding on to the door so that it shut quietly, I let out a sigh of relief when the latch clicked into place.

“Where have you been all night?”

I spun around, eyeing the human shape outlined in the glow from the bathroom nightlight. She was sitting in a chair next to the window, and when I didn’t answer, she got up slowly, taking a step in my direction.

“Who are you?” I wasn’t sure if she understood my words because I could barely force them out.

“I’m Thea.”

“Are you Fenryrian?” The words came out automatically. I guess I’d been told so many times that they’d kill me for being with Eric it was the first thing I expected.

Her head gave a slight jerk, and she stiffened. “No, why would you ask that?”

“Because I don’t know you.”

“And you know every Lycernian?”

“No, but I would think I’d know anyone who would be waiting for me in my room.”

She didn’t respond immediately. Then she gave a low laugh. “I guess you’re right about that. I’m Thea Artimas. I’m Lycernian. I came with the Valkyries.”

“What are you doing in my room?”

“Meeting with you privately.”

I wrapped my arms around myself as a shiver ran through me. I didn’t know if it was because the air conditioning was chilling my damp clothes or because this strange girl was in my room. “Couldn’t you have left me a message or called me to set up a time?”

“I didn’t want anyone to know we’re talking. I hope you’ll keep it quiet after I’m gone.”

I shrugged but didn’t comment.

“So where have you been all night?”

“Not that it’s any of your business, but I took a run then sat on the beach for a while and fell asleep,” I snapped at her.

She eyed me skeptically. I’d told Myles it was a lame story. Of course, I hadn’t thought I’d need to use it, or I might have made up a better one.

“It doesn’t matter.” She swung her hand toward my bed. “Sit down.”

The mattress sank slightly beneath me, and Thea grabbed the arm of the chair she’d been sitting in and slid it across until it was only a foot from my knees. Reclining back in it, she stared at me without speaking. It was hard, but I took a deep breath and matched her gaze, forcing myself not to look away.

“What do you know about the Valkyries, Alexis?”

“Nothing, really. I’ve heard you’re some kind of female werewolf Special Forces team. That your name comes from an ancient story about mythical women who chose the men who would die in battle and then carried them up to a place that was like heaven for warriors.”

“Valhalla.”

“Whatever.”

Thea smiled. “You’re not impressed by the history or us, I guess.”

“I don’t know enough to be impressed or not impressed.” The girl across from me was pretty and appeared to be not much older than I was. Age could be hard to tell with werewolves, but she wasn’t very old, that was certain.

“Why do you think I’m here, Alexis?”

I scuffed my foot against the floor. “I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me?”

“Rumor has it that you’re a very talented young werewolf.”

“All rumors aren’t true. And I’d like to know who’s spreading all these rumors about me. I mean, who’s out talking about me to people all over the place?”

“People on the council talk about you.”

“I don’t know people on the council.”

“Of course you do. Vincent Unger is on the council, and your aunt has served in different capacities.”

“I wouldn’t think they’d be talking about me having talent when they know good and well I don’t. I’m a new werewolf.”

“I’m not here to discuss what abilities you may or may not have. I’m only here to speak with you, gauge your attitude, and assess what I can of your abilities then report back to the Valkyries.”

“What do the Valkyries care?”

“They offer invitations to werewolves who they think would be assets to our team. But it’s a long process, and there’s always an initial assessment meeting.”

“Is that what this is?”

She smiled. “Yes, that’s what this is.”

“What if I have no interest in being one of you?”

Her smile faded. “Many female Lycernians work hard to get an invitation.”

“So no one ever says no?”

“There have been rare occasions. Besides, you’re not being offered a place now. I’m just talking to you.”

“And what do you think? Am I a good candidate for a Valkyrie?”

She stood abruptly, and I had to lean back as she towered above me. I’d have stood myself, but there was no room for me to get to my feet between her, the chair, and the bed.

“No, you’re not a good candidate. Valkyries believe in what they’re doing, and they honor the position they hold. I don’t see that in you.”

“Then I won’t be getting an invitation.” My voice was tight even though I was working hard not to sound scared of her.

“I think you have talents that would make you a superb asset to us. But we’re looking for more than just talent, and I don’t think you’re…” She paused as if looking for an appropriate word. “Suitable for us.”

Her movements were smooth and precise as she stepped from between the chair and the bed then strode across the room and out the door without another word. When the door clicked shut, I let out a slow breath and fell back onto the bed. I didn’t want any part of the Valkyrie team. Joining them would be like saying I’d never leave the Lycernians to be with Eric and his pack.  Even though that seemed improbable at the moment, Eric had said he’d try to find a way to make us work. I had to do my part by training myself to be a skilled fighter. I imagined the Valkyries would be the best place to develop the highest level of skills, but they were looking for more than just talent. They wanted full commitment to the Lycernian pack. It wasn’t a lie I was prepared to live. A swirl of apprehension filled my stomach. Coming to this school to learn how to use my werewolf gifts had seemed like such a simple idea. Now that I was here, I was finding that no part of this life was simple.

I went to the door and made sure the deadbolt was set. I didn’t want anyone else slipping in here while I was showering or later when I slept. The glowing numbers on the clock showed two in the morning. Hopefully, sleep wouldn’t evade me tonight. I had classes tomorrow, and around here, there was no cutting class to sleep in.

I sat on a stool in the lab where I’d first met Lana. Across from me, the blond and beautiful genius was setting up needles, glass tubes, and a rubbery fake arm.

“Do I really have to learn to draw blood from someone’s arm?” I tried not to sound as squeamish as I felt.

“You really do.” Lana’s ponytail swung as she nodded.

“With a needle?”

“That’s typically how it’s done.”

She probably wished she hadn’t gotten stuck with this job. Collecting blood samples was something werewolves in this school learned long before my age. Since I’d only recently discovered I was a werewolf, I had to play catch-up in some of the classes I’d missed. A few tables over, Jared was with Robert doing the same thing. Brynna had been working in the lab when we got here, and now she stood by, assisting with Jared’s lesson. He must have felt me watching him because he looked up, and I gave him a half smile. He winked back at me, needle in hand. Lana finally turned away from where she’d arranged the supplies to face me.

“When did you learn to draw blood from people?”

She leaned against the lab table. “Everyone here learns in cycle two. Which is kind of like middle school for you, I guess. Sometimes we get people like you who don’t come until later. I’ve trained a few your age, some even older.”

“So you learn before you’ve even started the change?”

“Yes, before we have our first Becoming.”

“But how do you know you’ll even need those skills? What if you have your Becoming and you don’t have special skills needed to come to this school?”

“It’s a parent’s choice to prepare their children. I was gifted in science long before my first Becoming. My parents knew I was destined for the lab. I knew, too.”

“Are you the designated instructor?”

She shrugged. “Usually. I have a lab director who can do it, but they rotate in and out. The council brings in people who have been doing research and working in private labs to keep our training up to date.”

“And sometimes you go out to colleges and stuff to work in labs?”

She waved a red-topped tube at me. “You’ve been talking to Myles. It’s true, though. Like this past summer, while everyone was in Louisiana with your aunt Louise, I was in a college research lab. Some of our best people work in universities or private labs. They’re constantly exploring new cures for the virus.”

“They can keep that a secret?”

“They do keep it a secret except for some who work in the private labs that are owned and operated by Lycernians.”

I moved closer to the lab table and fingered an elastic tourniquet. “Sometimes it seems like it would be simpler just to let everyone be bitten by Fenryrians and be a werewolf. Then all this fighting would end.”

Lana shook her head. “You don’t really see the whole picture, Alexis.”

“Show it to me, then.” I hadn’t meant to sound so strained, so desperate. For a moment, the other girl seemed taken aback.

Absently, she began to move supplies around on the tabletop. “It’s complicated. But think about it. If everyone else was turned, you’d have to be killed. The Fenryrians would be in complete control of everyone and everything. They wouldn’t want another set of genetically born werewolves out there to blur their picture. We’d have to be assimilated or be killed. It would be the end of the Lycernian pack. Besides, changing humans into virally infected werewolves is wrong on so many levels. People shouldn’t be forced to be something they’re not just because someone else thinks it’s a good thing.”

I watched Lana swing a tourniquet from her hand as she stopped talking then slowly tilted my head to the side. “Are we still talking about changing people to werewolves?”

She smiled. “Mostly, but maybe not totally.” She stepped closer to the training arm. “Anyway, let’s get started. You’ll want to use the veins in the antecubital region because they’re generally easier to see.”

“The what?”

“Antecubital. It’s the other side of your elbow, where the veins are visible.”

“Oh, okay.” I flipped my arm over so the elbow was down and the flat part was facing upward. Antecubital, huh? Who knew?

“Now tie the tourniquet like this, then look for a vein.” She tied the elastic band around the rubber limb. “This training arm has a nice fat one right here.” Lana pointed to what was really a tube under fake skin. I guess that was basically all a human’s veins were, a tube under skin.

Lana demonstrated how to attach the needle at the end of the tubing to the plastic piece that the blood collection tube would go in. Then she showed how to put the needle into the vein.

“If you’re in the vein, you’ll see blood in this part of the tube closest to the needle. That’s called your flashback, then just push the tube into the plastic piece and onto the inner needle. It will automatically pull the blood into the tube. Once the blood stops flowing, you’re done. Tube off, tourniquet off, needle out, hold pressure.”

I followed each step as Lana instructed. “Is that it?”

“Yep.”

“What if I don’t see the flashback thing?”

“Then you’re not in the vein, and you have to keep looking.”

“As in keep moving the needle around or stick the person again?’

“Exactly.”

I touched my finger to each piece of the equipment, considering it all for a few seconds. “Okay, that’s not too bad.”

“It’s really not, except if the person is fighting you or if they have really bad veins or if they’re in the midst of transforming into wolf form.”

I narrowed my eyes at her. “Will I learn how to draw from someone in wolf form?”

She started taking everything apart. “You will as soon as you get this perfected.”

“Will I get to practice on a real person?”

Lana looked up to the clock on the wall. “In about thirty minutes. So you better start practicing on the fake arm.”

“Thirty minutes! Are you kidding?”

A buzzer sounded, and Lana walked away to open the door at the other end of the lab.

“Never mind. Your guinea pig is here,” she called back to me as Myles walked in.

“I’m going to draw blood from Myles?”

“Yep, he has great veins.”

I watched Myles give Lana a hug. I wondered if she knew the woman Myles had met with the other day. Then I reminded myself that what Myles did in Key West was none of my business. Lana led him over, and Myles glanced from the equipment on the table to me, then back to his girlfriend.

“You’ve got to be kidding. This is what you wanted me to come over for?”

“She’s got to learn on a real person somehow.”

“Why me?”

Lana wrapped her fingers around his arm. “Because you have those big, fat, juicy veins.”

He looked at me and growled. “You better get it on the first try.  And no stabbing around hunting for the vein if you don’t get it right away.”

I chewed my bottom lip. I actually felt bad for Myles. I wouldn’t want some beginner practicing on my arm. “Maybe I should practice some more.”

Hooking her arm through her boyfriend’s, Lana leaned against him. “Okay, you practice a few times, but eventually, Myles will be your first patient.”