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Pursued(150)



Merrick thought he would die if he had to watch Elise be hurt anymore.

“I can help you,” he shouted. “I can build it—recreate the wormhole generator.”

“Is that right?” Draven pushed a button and the gray liquid was replaced by purple. At once, Elise slumped in her bonds, the fear leaving her as quickly as it had come, to be replaced by blessed numbness. Merrick hoped so, anyway.

“Yes,” he said, praying the bastard would believe him. “Won’t take that long, either. It's based around a piece of alien tech I scavenged but I can recreate it—all I need are the right tools and equipment. But…” He glared at Draven. “You have to let her go first. Put her back in the ship and set it to autopilot out of here. Back to the fold, if it’s still open.”

“It is,” Draven nodded. “I think they’ll keep it open a little longer, hoping the two of you will find your way home. You know…” He grinned, an expression that made his silver eyes seem even emptier. “I took something of a risk, having you diverted from one destination to another while you were folding. I was quite aware that it might cost you your life. But, it was a chance I was willing to take.” He smiled brilliantly. “And now, just look at how well it’s all turned out! It seems we’ll both get what we want.”

“Yeah, fucking great,” Merrick growled. But inside he was a little less anxious. He wouldn’t allow himself the luxury of relief until he saw Elise put on the ship and the ship disappearing into the fold. But at least they were headed in the right direction.

“Of course…” Draven leaned toward Merrick. “I can’t promise that you will get out with your life. I can’t have the Kindred High Council finding out about my interest in wormholes.”

“You can kill me when I’m done—I don’t care,” Merrick said hoarsely. “Just let Elise go. She doesn’t know anything about you—she’s no threat.”

Draven put a hand to his chest. “Ah, such love…such sacrifice. If only I still had my soul, I would swoon, I’m quite certain.” He frowned at Merrick. “Then again, how can I be certain your offer is good? How do I know you’ll do as I ask, after I let her go?”

“You have my word as a Kindred,” Merrick said, lifting his chin. “Just let her go and I swear you’ll have your generator in two solar days time.”

“Your word as a Kindred, eh?” Draven raised one perfectly shaped eyebrow. “That’s quite an offer—especially since you don’t know how long a solar day is, here on my lovely home planet.”

“I know where we are and who you are,” Merrick said evenly. “I may not have made the best marks at learning house, but I remember my First Kindred history. We're on Hrakis and you’re the same bastard who tried to wipe them out a thousand cycles ago. Guess they didn’t quite manage to kill you off, after all.”

“Not quite.” Draven’s silver eyes glittered. “Very well, since you’re so knowledgeable, I’ll take you up on your offer. I will release your lovely lady and send her back into the fold. I’ll even let you say goodbye to her. Mind, though—” He raised one finger in the air. “No communication through that tricky little Kindred bond of yours. I may not be able to catch the exact message you’re trying to convey, but I can hear you sending it. If you send so much as an I love you through, our little deal is off and I’ll torture her to death.”

Merrick felt cold. The bond—what were they going to do about the bond? “I won’t say a fucking thing,” he promised.

“Very well, see that you don’t break your word. I can’t abide anyone who lies to me. Lying is such bad manners, and manners are important, don’t you think?” Without waiting for an answer, he pointed the silver remote again and two things happened at once. First, the transparent shield separating them and Elise came down with a low humming sound. Second, the drugs flowing into her arm changed from purple to clear. Slowly, Elise lifted her head and blinked her eyes.

“Merrick?” she murmured, looking at him.

“It’s me, baby,” he assured her in what he hoped was a soothing voice. “Don’t try to talk through the bond.”

“Why not? Who is that?” She peered groggily at Draven. “Where are we?”

“The less you know, the better,” Merrick told her grimly. “The only thing that’s important right now is that you’re going home.”

“Me? What about you? Why are you bleeding?” Her eyes were wide and frightened. “Please, Merrick, please tell me you’re coming with me.”