Now that the violent tension was officially broken, Magnus walked toward Trish. "It would be my honor to introduce you."
Kari watched and identified the Founding Family members that turned on their heels and left. Not all of them were convinced, but she made note of which ones were walking away. Now that everyone was on more friendly terms, Tarragon and Doc St. John were running around trying to treat some of the wounded. Declan kissed her on the top of the head.
"Are you hurt?" he asked.
"It was just a scuffle; I'm fine."
"And where in the hell was Emeric?" Declan demanded.
"Right behind her until those fools got in my way." Emeric's face was like a thundercloud. He jerked his thumb over and Kari saw where two wolves lay unconscious on the floor. "I moved them."
Declan nodded his approval. He kissed her forehead. "I need to help Adriel calm everyone down. Will you be okay?"
"Yes, I will be fine. I will be helping some of the shifter parents with the children."
"Meet me back here for dinner."
"It is a date." She stood up on tiptoe and kissed his full lips.
While Declan and Adriel worked with Magnus and Stefan to soothe the wolf shifters, Kari was assuring the skittish, scared children that everything was okay and that they would be resuming the games shortly. She was about to turn back to find Magnus when the scent of blood caught her attention. She walked over to see Tarragon frantically trying to save a wolf shifter.
"What on earth happened?" she demanded, kneeling down beside the healer.
Tarragon tore his eyes from his patient to look up at her furious. "I'm assuming one of the Founding Family members got a gouge or two in during the brawl. I need supplies." He blinked. "You have access to Level One, don't you?" She nodded. "Can you run down and get some bandages and supplies?"
"Of course."
Tarragon turned to Emeric. "I need you. Can you apply pressure?"
Emeric shook his head. "No, I'm sorry, I'm assigned to her."
Tarragon looked at him. "I will lose this patient if I don't get some help."
She laid a hand on Emeric's shoulder. "Apply pressure, that is an order. I will be right back."
Before he could answer, she dashed away. She flew down the transport tunnel and hurriedly walked through Level One to Broderick's laboratory. She was halfway down the hallway when she felt an overwhelming sense of dread.
She looked around and didn't see anything. She took a few uneasy steps and thought she heard steps behind her. She turned again and there was nothing.
Not taking any chances, she reached for her walkie-talkie. Just as she pressed the button, pain exploded at her back of her head. She saw stars and then darkness.
*****
When her eyes opened, she groaned; her head was killing her. She looked around, trying to identify where she was. The overwhelmingly strong astringent smell almost choked her. When she put her hands on the floor to stand up, they became soaked in liquid. She looked around, fear taking over.
Broderick's lab had been completely destroyed. In the back of the room, where the cabinets lined the wall, smoke billowed up from behind the long lab table.
She smelled her hands and knew she was covered in chemicals. It wouldn't be long before she too would end up like this room.
She went to the door, tried the doorknob, but it would not budge. She threw her shoulder against it and nothing. It was almost like it had been locked from the outside. She was looking out the window for help when a face appeared in the pane. She jumped back, startled.
The face was twisted in anger, eyes red. Was this the feral that they were looking for? Her eyes narrowed.
"Marcus?" she asked. He snarled, an evil smile on his lips.
"Marcus, what are you doing here?" she demanded.
"You are not my boss, not anymore. I came here to get even. I heard your little conversation with Law outside your office. I figured I would have ample opportunity to get even here. Then they found me and gave me a bigger purpose. They said they would make me a prince, and I believe them."
"Believe who? What in the hell you talking about? Get me out of here."
"No, you need to die. You need to be destroyed along with the lab. Enjoy your death," he sneered and then walked away.
She pounded on the steel door. "Marcus! Marcus!"
She reached for her belt but both her cell phone and her walkie-talkie were gone. She inhaled again and began to choke; the smoke was quickly filling the room. She leaned against the door and slumped down.
"Declan, where are you?"
*****
Declan was racing around with Adriel, making sure that those who were injured had received treatment and that the frightened families were settled. Everyone was concerned. Old wounds had been ripped open by the prejudices shown by the Founding Families. Surprisingly, his brother was at his side every step of the way. He took his cue from Declan and cajoled and joked with not only the wolves but also the other vampires.