Chapter 16
Noah stared at Tiffany with a mixture of horror and indignation. “Blake responsible? Impossible. He and Katie were employed by my mother over five years and there were no such incidents at her clinic. Your life mate is mistaken, Christian.”
The resentful look Noah sliced her way didn’t escape Tiffany’s notice.
Christian scowled back at him. “I’d like for her to be mistaken, Noah, but we don’t have the luxury of sweeping conjecture under the rug. I want to hear Tiffany’s reasons.” Christian took her hand and squeezed. “It’s okay, Darlin’. Why is it still Blake? Has he done something else that seems suspicious?”
She hated the fact she might be offering up a sacrificial lamb who might be guilty of nothing more than nosiness. “It may be nothing, but this morning I spoke with Blake. Long story short, I found out that he as well as most of the staff aren’t buying these incidents as coincidence. Because of me they think people are being poisoned.”
“That’s true,” Asa said. “When I enchanted him, I felt fear and worry for himself and others. But when I questioned him he claimed innocence and I sensed no guilt.
Christian nodded. “I enchanted him myself several days ago. Same thing, fear without guilt.”
“Well, see there? Maybe I’m making mountains out of molehills. He and others are considering resigning because they’re afraid they might be next. But he did say something that didn’t set right with me. He said I was really lucky to be alive.”
“Tell me verbatim what he said.”
“That was really about it, Christian. It was just the way he said it, like he was indicating I should be dead. I don’t know if he said that because of the food poisoning diagnosis in my chart or if he believed something else was responsible for my near demise and he really is afraid he might be next.”
“None of the staff know about the arsenic and cyanide being responsible for our patients’ miscarriages or Tiffany’s event,” Christian told Nathan and Dominic.
Both just nodded.
Tiffany continued, “What creeps me out the most about him is the fact he asks too many personal questions but I’m not suggesting that makes him capable of murder. You enchanted him, Asa. You were in his mind. You would have seen something, sensed something if he were behind this, right?”
Noah answered her question. “Normally yes. However, there are humans with strong minds who can block an enchantment. Before transfusions and blood banks when we all had to feed naturally, occasionally I encountered a human whose mind I couldn’t penetrate and control.”
Nathan added. “So have I. If a human knows they’re being enchanted and that person has a strong mind, they can block the enchantment. They can even fool us into believing they’re under enchantment when they’re not if they’re a skilled enough actor. Normally that doesn’t happen because humans are oblivious to our existence and have no idea they’re being enchanted.”
Christian said, “But our employees know enchantment is always a possibility particularly in a case such as this. Upon hire, they sign a form consenting to enchantment as part of the hiring process.” He paused there and glanced at Tiffany. “We have to do this for the privacy and wellbeing of our patients.”
“I know, but please realize I’m not trying to hang Blake out to dry. Yeah, he’s a weird guy, but that doesn’t make him a murderer. Let’s not jump the gun before we have some facts.”
“That’s a good idea,” Nathan said. “Before we pronounce anyone guilty, let’s get this system installed. Whether the perpetrator is Blake or someone else, you’ll know as soon as this person attempts to make their next move.”
“How long will it take to put it into place?” Asa asked.
Dominic answered. “Forty-eight to seventy-two-hours depending on how many rooms need monitoring. I would suggest no staff or patients be present. It would defeat the purpose. Do you think you can make that happen?”
The three doctors shared a concerned look, then Christian said, “I think so, but the soonest would be this Saturday. We can close the clinic and move maternity patients to my country lodge. I suppose we could come up with some story. Repairs, maintenance, utility issues. I don’t know, we’ll figure it out.”
Dominic nodded. “I’ll leave that to the three of you. Call me in the morning with a room count and I’ll place an order, then give me a suitable time I can bring in the installation crew.”
“Will do.” Christian stood, and the meeting ended.
Christian and David flanked Tiffany across the parking lot to Nathan’s Navigator. She checked her cell, surprised to see the time a little after eight. “Wow. Time flies when you’re planning to net a psychopath.”
Christian glanced down at her with a concerned look. “Tiffany, until this guy is caught I don’t want you here. David or not. It’s not safe and I can’t be with you every minute to protect you.” He turned his attention to David. “I’m sure you have Tiffany’s best interests at heart, but you won’t always know who or what could be a danger to her.”
David nodded. “I understand, Dr. La Mond.”
“I’m coming back to work soon though, Christian, whatever the outcome of Dominic’s surveillance system. I need to work and I can only do so much from home.”
“I understand. We’ll discuss this later.” Christian opened the passenger door while David got in on the Navigator’s driver’s side. “I’ll see you in a couple of hours. I still have some things to wrap up here.”
She hunched a shoulder, then slid into the tan leather seat. “No hurry on my account. Do what you need to do, Christian.”
“I won’t be long. Just a couple hours.”
He leaned inside, gave her a quick, but smoking hot kiss.
“That’s no fair, leaving me in such a state,” she complained.
He chuckled devilishly. “I see no reason to play fair with you. I’d never win. I’ll be there as soon as I can.” He tweaked her cheek then closed the door.
She stuck her tongue out at him, then smiled. Christian pressed his hand against the window on the outside, she did the same on the inside. They kept eye contact until David pulled onto the street and made a right turn.
What a day. Poor Christian. With a heavy heart, she closed her eyes and thought, I love you, Christian. That might not be much comfort under current circumstances, but I promise I’ll be here for you anyway I can.
She heard his voice in her mind reply, Thank you and I love you too, Baby.
“Shit!” He’d heard her! She jerked around in her seat, but couldn’t see him. They were too far away from the clinic parking lot. How could he have heard her? Had he been in her mind snooping?
No, Tiffany. I wasn’t in your mind. You’re projecting your thoughts to me. I know you didn’t intend to, but strong emotions push a vampire’s thoughts toward their life mate when they’re blood bonded, which of course we are. I told you I’d never invade the privacy of your thoughts and I meant it.
She believed him. He probably waited for her to reply, but she had no idea what to say. The incident kind of irked her because the first time she told him she loved him should have been face to face.
Tiffany? We don’t have to speak like this unless you want to. Okay?
Fine. Just hang up or whatever.
He chuckled. No problem. I’ll see you soon.
Okay.
Seconds later she felt him leave her head and felt oddly bereft. She sighed again realizing she’d just encountered another aspect of this life that would take some getting used to.
***
About midnight Tiffany received a text from Christian to let her know he was on his way. She was still up waiting on him while worrying about this new development in their relationship. Knowing she could accidentally project her thoughts to Christian when her emotions ran high really bothered her. She still had a host of bitterness to exorcise from her soul before she could feel comfortable letting Christian into her thoughts.
A knock on her bedroom door startled her. She inhaled, catching her mother’s scent. “Come in.”
Her mom opened the door and stepped inside wearing a concerned expression and a fancy red silk robe. “I noticed your light on. Is everything okay?”
“Yeah. Just waiting on Christian for my transfusion. He’s had quite a day.”
“I heard. I’m so sorry. He must be devastated. When you see him make sure you convey my sympathies.” She walked over to the bed. “May I sit down?”
“Sure.” Tiffany propped some pillows against the headboard, leaned into them, then crossed her legs yoga style. “What’s up?”
Her mom sat on the edge and faced her. “Nothing really. I just wanted to know how your day’s been. You hardly said two words at dinner. Is the loss of Christian’s patient what’s troubling you?”
She nodded. “Of course. I just felt awful for him and the poor lady and her husband.”
Her mom shook her head. “I don’t know how Christian deals with things like this. I certainly don’t envy his work. I’m sure you’re feeling his pain, but is that all that’s bothering you? You’ve had so much to deal with this past week. Is there anything you’d like to talk about?”
Tiffany opened her mouth to say no, but realized her mom might have answers to questions she wouldn’t feel comfortable asking Christian. “Tell me something. What was it like when you and Nathan first mind spoke? Did it freak you out?”
Mia laughed softly. “No, not at all. I remember it well and it was wonderful. I take it you and Christian had your first experience mind speaking?”
She nodded. “Yeah and I wasn’t ready for it. Get this. I projected my thoughts to him and not on purpose. When he answered me I about jumped out of my skin. He told me strong emotions can set off mind communication without the person realizing they’re pushing at their life mate’s mind, which was what happened earlier. How does a vampire prevent that from happening?”
Her mother smiled wisely. “He’s right about the emotional connection being difficult to control. Especially when you’re a newly turned vampire. In time, you’ll learn to block your thoughts. It helped me to visualize sitting in a sound proof room where I could think whatever I wanted, believe no one could hear me and no one could get inside. Not even Nathan. Honey, we all need privacy. Christian understands that.”
That offered a little relief. She trusted Christian. He would never eavesdrop.
“I wouldn’t let this bother you. It’s only natural to be overwhelmed by all these changes occurring in your mind and body. Try to work on accepting them because you can’t stop them.”
“I know you and Dannie accepted all of this easy enough, but some days I’m not sure I ever will.”
“You can and you will. You’re one of the strongest people I know. Did you ever stop to think that perhaps God had this planned for you? This began as an evil, but I have no doubt in my mind, the Lord will work it together for your good.”
She nodded, not entirely convinced. Her mom had a point though. She’d never have peace if she didn’t stop stewing over things beyond her control. “I’m trying to accept things. Just a lot of stuff happening at once. You’re right though. I’ll get through it.”
“Of course you will. You’ll come to terms with everything in your own time, I promise. Just remember you can talk to me anytime. Dannie too. Your entire family is behind you and especially Christian.”
Before she had a chance to answer, her cell chimed with an incoming text message. She picked up the phone and smiled. “Christian’s here. I’d better go let him in.”
Her mother stood then gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Have a good night, honey.”
“Thanks for listening.”
“Anytime.”
When Tiffany opened the door, Christian stood on the porch with a sexy grin and the box containing her transfusion supplies. “Evening, beautiful.”
The endearment touched her, but tongue tied her too. These feelings growing in her heart were big, exciting and scary. They went far beyond the crush she’d had on Christian. There were so many unknowns to this new life and their burgeoning relationship. The one thing she knew for certain, what she felt for Christian would never go away.
“Um, may I come in?”
“Oh. Yes of course.”
As he strode inside he said, “Sorry it took so long. I had a delivery.”
“No worries. Everything go okay?” she asked as they ascended the staircase side by side. Surely the mother and baby were okay because he seemed his old cheerful self.
“The delivery went just fine. How was your evening?”
“Good. I played poker with Nathan, Dominic and Dimitri.”
Christian chuckled and rolled his eyes. “How much did you take them for this time?”
She giggled. “Collectively, a little over thirty two hundred.
“Sorry I missed that. I love watching your ruthless side come out.”
She bit back a smile as they entered her room because she was a competition junky, but he never let her win at any game or sport on purpose. She respected that about him.
Tiffany crossed the room and plopped down on the bed. Christian stood in the middle of the room staring at her. “What?”
“I don’t think I ever saw you in shorts before. You look cute and those long legs of yours are sexy as hell.”
The comment pleased her and warmed her cheeks too. She glanced down at the purple and pick trace shorts she wore and matching camisole, normal bedtime attire for her. “Thanks. I love it when you flatter me, but it’s late and we should probably get this over with. I can tell you’re tired.”
“Sure. I know you must be tired too. I’ll try to make it quick. Why don’t you crawl in bed and get comfortable?”
Tiffany felt bad keeping him up on her account. As she burrowed under the covers she said, “You know maybe it’s about time you teach me to do this myself. You’ve got way too much on your plate right now and I know this takes at least two hours out of your sleep schedule with drive time and all.”
“I’ll be happy to teach you, but I’m not giving you your daily transfusions because I have to. I want to be here. Heck, every vampire in the house plus Chelsie can start an IV. I enjoy this time with you. After the day, I’ve had I could use some quiet wind down time.”
“I appreciate that. I enjoy this time too.” She offered him an affectionate smile.
He returned one in kind then resumed setting out the supplies for her transfusion.
Minutes later he had her hooked up. Soon she felt the cold blood enter her vein, which always made her chilly, but infused her body with a weird sort of lethargy. She felt her eyes droop and knew she was about to nod off.
Sometime later Tiffany woke, her head still groggy with sleep. When she tried to move, she felt a strange weighted sensation across her ribcage. She lifted her head she saw a large male arm draped across her middle. Tiffany smiled then rolled over. Christian grunted then batted sleepy eyes at her.
He glanced about looking as surprised as she’d been to discover him lying in her bed. “Wh-what time is it?”
“That’s your first question? Seriously?” She sat up and it became obvious what had happened. The IV was still in her arm, the bag of blood history. He was fully clothed, boots and all, lying atop the covers. He’d crashed beside her in the middle of her transfusion. Ah, how sweet.
He gave her a crooked, sultry smile and sat up. “All right. Let me try this again. Was it good for you?”
She cracked up and smacked his arm. “Wise ass. It was beyond good. You rocked my world.”
“Keep it up woman, and I’ll rock your world for real.” His pretty eyes danced with mischief.
“Promises. Promises.” Wow. They’d slept together last night. Not in the biblical sense, still it felt awesome to wake up in his arms.
“I have some promises of things to come, but hang on a minute.” He sat up and took the IV out of her arm, then covered the injection site with a band aide he’d placed on the bedside table the night before.
“Come here,” he whispered as he returned to the bed. Then he reached for her, wove his fingers into her thick curls and brought her mouth to his.
Tiffany gasped at that first sweet contact, a slow, leisurely kiss, with him brushing his lips back and forth against hers. His tenderness, the gentle stroke of his hand up and down her arm caused a weighted sensation to bloom in the center of her chest.
Soon desire throbbed in her lower belly and spread through her body like a rapidly rising creek. She moaned into his mouth, reached up and palmed his cheeks, taking the kissing to tongue sucking and lip biting mode. He took her cue for more, eased her backward into the pillows, covering her body with his.
His kisses became possessive, hungry, wildly passionate. Tiffany couldn’t restrain herself. She wrapped her arms and legs around him, used her fingers to explore the taut, hard muscles across his back. Eager for so much more, she tried to arch her hips into his, which ended up as wiggles because he was so dog gone heavy. She didn’t mind. The kisses, his fingers exploring and caressing everywhere he could reach felt so damned good.
He pulled back abruptly with a grunt then let out a deep, rumbling vampire growl. “Damn, Tiffany. If we don’t stop now we’re going to be truly life mated before this morning’s done.”
She didn’t want to stop. She chuckled softly, reached up and pulled the pony tail holder from his silky, golden hair. It fell across his shoulders, framing his perfect face. She let loose a long, breathy sigh. “I’ve been wanting to do that for years.”
“You’ve thought about that a time or two, have you?”
“Oh yeah. Hundreds of times. I lost count years ago.” She wound a section of his hair around her first two fingers and pulled gently. He leaned down and she pressed her mouth to his, then took his lower lip between her teeth and sucked.
After a few glorious seconds, he pulled back with a groan of pleasure. “What am I going to do with you?”
She hunched a shoulder, playing with the blonde strands hanging chest level. “I don’t know. We’re both smart people. I’d say between the two of us we can figure something out.”
He shook his head and laughed. “I’m sure we could, but not this morning. When I do make you mine there will be no people anywhere around for miles.”
“Why’s that?”
He leaned forward, kissed the tip of her nose, then flashed a teasing grin. “Because I don’t want anyone to hear you scream.”
She wiggled out from beneath him, then propped herself on her elbow. “Oooh! So, you’re that good, huh?”
“We’ll see.” He jumped up and began to take apart her IV.
Yum. I can’t wait.
I heard that!
***
After breakfast with Tiffany and the Davenports, Christian headed home for a shower. On his drive to work, Noah called him and asked him to meet him in his office as soon as he arrived. Miracle of miracles, Noah had heard from the VCDC!
Asa was already in Noah’s office when he rushed inside. “What have you heard?”
Noah gestured for him to take a seat in front of his desk next to Asa. Grim expressions clouded both their faces. Obviously, the news wasn’t good, but they all knew it wouldn’t be no matter what information they received.
Noah took a seat behind his desk and got right to the point. “The VCDC found a foreign compound in our blood samples unidentifiable by an ordinary toxicology screen. They have no idea what it is or the far-reaching effects on the vampire body. They’re still trying to compare the compound’s molecular structure to similar drugs that have damaging effects on our kind. No other medical facilities have reported anything like this. It appears we’ve been singularly targeted.”
No one said more for a few moments as the news sank in. Asking themselves ‘why us?’ was futile, Christian thought. It was obvious someone wanted to prevent vampire babies from being born and they’d chosen the most renowned vampire obstetrics and fertility clinic in the world to unleash their evil. Tiffany’s case still didn’t make sense, but one problem at a time.
Asa asked, “Do they have any ideas why one mother died and some aborted, but the others didn’t?”
“Nothing definitive, but they feel this mystery toxin enhances the effects of arsenic and cyanide and somehow prevents the body’s natural antibodies from rapidly ridding the mother and child of the poisons. This of course explains the abortions. For some reason the fetus’s blood shows an abnormal amount of human red blood cells. Almost eighty percent of each fetuses’ red blood cells were human. The hematologist I spoke with had never seen anything like it. He of course could only speculate. He seems to think the arsenic and cyanide were used to destroy the mother’s red cells while the yet unnamed drug is responsible somehow for robbing the mother of the necessary human red cells to generate her own reproduction. Basically when she transfuses, the drug blocks the mother from getting her proper supply of human red cells sending the majority to the fetus, which is too much and the child spontaneously aborts from a system overload of human blood and the onslaught of the arsenic and cyanide. Again this is speculation. They have nothing to compare these findings to.”
“They believe the drug also has something to do the hemolysis, correct?” Asa asked.
Noah shrugged. “They don’t know. It could just be the high levels of arsenic and cyanide causing the destruction of red cells or the combination of the three. Again they have never seen anything like this deadly cocktail of toxins. There is obviously a purpose in the mind of the person responsible for concocting this, but whether it’s achieving the results they’re after is anyone’s guess.”
Christian put in, “There’s a purpose all right, and I think it’s murder. We have a dead mother and child. Three dead babies and three living mothers who are doing much better since we administered their life mate’s blood. Three other patients have been exposed, yet mothers and babies have suffered no serious side effects other than hemolysis. You add all that together and get no sum to any equation. The drug has different results in almost every case, which brings us back to the question of the hour: what results are they really after?”
“Destruction of lives. I think we can all agree on that,” Asa said.
Noah stared at the faxed paperwork in front of him, appearing as desolate as Christian felt. “Perhaps the fetuses are the common thread in all this. Each have high levels of human blood. Maybe we should investigate the possibility that the three exposed patients without troubles have babies with high levels of human red cells.”
“Amniocentesis? That’s pretty invasive.” Christian said.
“True, but we could start with your patient. I have samples of her blood and the deceased fetus’s. I’d planned to run tests on them this morning, unless you’d rather.”
“That’s all right. Go ahead and run them then let us both know what you discover.”
“Did the VCDC say anything else? Forms of treatment maybe?” Asa asked.
“They suggested no other forms of treatment and can’t yet, but they aren’t giving up on our plight. Our patients’ life mates’ blood does seem to be working. They suggest we continue with that course of treatment and closely monitor each patient’s blood results until they return to normal. Of course they’ve asked to be kept abreast of our findings, whichever way they should go.”
Christian nodded his agreement, still wishing for more definitive information or at least a less ambiguous motive.
“One last very important thing,” Noah began. “The hematologist suggested the poisonings weren’t singular events. He feels they’d received the toxic mixture multiple times due to several factors. First, we know each patient had only been within the walls of the clinic for mere hours before they aborted or died. That wouldn’t have been sufficient enough time for the fetuses to metabolize that much human blood or for the mother’s vampire red blood cells to rupture, the high levels of poisons aside. The poisonings were probably ongoing for months.”
Christian could hardly digest that heinous theory. “If that’s true these particular patients and maybe others have been regularly receiving this shit during checkups right underneath our very noses. That’s what you’re saying, right?”
Noah glanced at Asa then back to him. “Maybe. I’m loathe to suggest this, but the poison could be contained in our prenatal vitamin regimen. I did check every vial in the house, but that doesn’t mean an RN who gave one to a patient for home administration didn’t tamper with it first. It certainly explains why each of these women complain of extreme fatigue and nausea.”
Asa cursed. “And we each blew off those complaints as symptoms of pregnancy. God, hindsight really is twenty twenty.”
“This is so blatantly insidious,” Christian snarled. “What this actually means is we have a staff member who is both mentally disturbed yet smart enough to fake their way through an enchantment and intelligent enough to concoct this toxic cocktail. If you’re right Noah, this does narrow down our list of suspects considerably.”
Noah’s lips made a thin, terse line before he said, “Yes, it does to Blake, Katie and Betty. They’re the only three nurses who work in the V clinic. No one on the hospital staff has had regular access to these affected patients. Perhaps your life mate’s sixth sense was spot on about Blake. I’m sure we can all agree to rule out Betty. Katie simply doesn’t strike me as a person capable of murder. I could be wrong.”
Asa added, “A nurse wouldn’t have the knowledge it would take to create something this chemically devastating.”
Noah replied, “True, but it’s obvious now this person isn’t working alone. Whoever they’re working with quite frankly has a frighteningly vast knowledge of our physiology.”
Christian said, “Whatever the case, I don’t believe murder is their sole objective in all of this. There are far easier ways to kill a vampire than a mix of arsenic or cyanide and whatever this other drug happens to be, given the vast differences in these patient’s reactions.”
“Then what are they after?” Asa asked.
Noah shook his head. “Your guess is as good as mine.”
Silence ruled the room for a spell as well as a heavy blanket of despondency. Christian hated bringing this topic to light but felt it needed to be said. “I don’t want this to sound self-serving, but I think we need to retain an attorney. These patients have every right to sue us down to our last dime. And deservedly so. We’re responsible for their care and safety and although none of this wasn’t our fault, we let this menace into our facility.”
No one argued that point because Asa and Noah had to know he was right.
“Dominic is the best attorney I know. As soon as I speak to him today I’ll ask if he’s willing to take the case should we need him.”
“Fine,” Noah said. “It’s a good preventative measure although if it were to go that far with any of these patients I’d be hard pressed to fight a lawsuit given the circumstances.”
Asa clamped a hand on Christian’s shoulder. “Contact Dominic, Chris, but for now I think we all concentrate on today’s disaster not tomorrow’s.”
The meeting ended soon after and the three of them went their separate ways to begin their day.
Once Christian finished with his first patient, he went to sit in the nurse’s station to do some quick charting. The large cubicle was empty, and so was he. He leaned back in his chair and stretched his arms over his throbbing head.
Christian loved being a doctor, but today the job felt like a curse. The V clinic used to have such a light, joyful aura. Now he felt as though a dark, evil cloud hovered over this building and his heart was so heavy he could hardly draw a full breath. Of course the noxious feelings stemmed from the fate of the clinic, but mostly a soul sick sadness for the lives lost. These were people he was supposed to care for, protect from harm while under his care. He and his partners had failed to do that again and again. Worst of all, more patient losses and fatalities may occur if they didn’t catch this person and fast.
Tears stung his eyes, a product of overwhelming grief, regret and helplessness. He rapidly blinked them away and forced himself back to business. He didn’t get far because he felt Tiffany push at his mind with a soft, worried-sounding, Hey, Christian. Can you hear me?
He let her in immediately. Tiffany? What’s wrong?
I’m okay. Are you?
Christian smiled. Tears stung his eyes again, but this time for a different reason. Tiffany had just channeled his riotous emotions which meant she was going to be a very empathic life mate. That made him very happy. In fact, it made his day.
Christian? You there? Are you okay?
He couldn’t lie to her. Not really. Noah got a call and fax this morning from the VCDC. It’s not good news, but our patients are doing much better. No worrying. Okay? We’ll talk about details tonight.
Okay. Earlier I thought I was losing it. I felt depressed and miserable for no reason. I kept thinking of you and imagining you hurting. Suddenly, I realized you were. How bad is this news?
It just wasn’t as hopeful as we’d wished in order to help our patients. However, I am hopeful where Dominic is concerned. I really do believe his surveillance system will help us catch the killer.
If it’s possible, it will happen. Dominic rocks in his areas of expertise.
I know. He chuckled. I was thinking that earlier. Thank you for checking on me.
Your welcome.
I’ll see you tonight.
I can’t wait.
Neither can I. I love you. Until tonight?
Tonight. And I love you too, Christian. Call me if you need to.
Will do.
He closed his mind to her and tapped the pen he’d been using to chart against his chin. The thought of Tiffany picking up on his mood had never crossed his mind. The enigma of life mates was new to him too. He understood the mechanics and spiritual aspects of life mating and as a doctor more than most vampires. Being a life mate proved much different than base knowledge.
As much as he hated to do it, he engaged a mental block against her because he didn’t want Tiffany feeling the tentacles of this major funk that had him in its grip. However, knowing they were so in tune to each other before he’d marked her and they became one made him very happy. It meant she wasn’t afraid of committing to him anymore.
A permanent commitment might come sooner than either of them imagined. This morning, he’d barely restrained himself from sinking his fangs into her shoulder and burying himself inside her, making her his until the day they died. When a male bit his life mate in this marital fashion, his venom would mix with a male hormone produced in the V-thalamus changing the female’s scent forever. His would change too after he fed from her. Eons ago this act had been needed for survival because their combined scent told other vampires, particularly ferals, that person was life mated. The act protected their females against those heinous ones of their kind.
Vampires had evolved just like humans, but they were far more instinct driven. If a feral male tried to abduct a life mated vampire female for mating purposes, he signed his own death warrant. His natural born instincts for survival prevented that from happening because if any vampire caught him with a female that didn’t bare his scent, another of their kind would kill him on the spot. And that primeval act still reigned true today.
He wondered if Tiffany had any idea what the term marking meant. Had she been born vampire her parents would have explained the semantics and purpose of marking about the time human parents explained the birds and bees to their kids. One would assume living in a vampire family she understood what happened between a vampire couple when they made the choice to life mate. Then again Mia may have never saw the relevance in explaining it to her since Tiffany had been human.
A noise stirred him from his musings. He looked up as Katie walked into the nurses’ station.
“How’s your morning going, Dr. La Mond?” she asked in a cheerful tone.
He forced a smile. “Fine. I’m finished with this chart.” He handed it to her. “Who’s next?”
“Mrs. Roberts. She’s in room four and ready for you.”
“Thanks.”
He stood, intending to head that way when the patient call light board began to buzz. Christian whipped around to look. When he saw it came from exam room four his heart nearly stopped.