Actually, Elise said, her voice full of confident authority, I would like Tegan to conduct the interview without me.
Wha--Without you? Kuhn's brows crashed together furiously. That was not the term of our arrangement at all.
It is now. I'm not about to let that poor woman leave here in such a state of distress, she said, then glanced at Tegan. Tegan will speak with Petrov Odolf. I trust him in this, Director Kuhn, and you can too.
She didn't wait to hear the facility head sputter his disagreement, just strode out of the observation room and went after Odolf 's distraught Breedmate like a guided missile in a designer suit and stilettos.
Tegan was tempted to smile, but instead he turned a flat gaze on Kuhn.
After you, he said, daring the director to try to keep him out of that containment cell.
Chapter Twenty
Elise found the Breedmate just a short way down the corridor. The woman was seated on a cushioned bench, her face pressed into her hands. She was weeping quietly, but her contained sobs shook her entire body.
I'm very sorry, Elise murmured, unsure if she should intrude on such a private moment, yet too moved by what she had seen to simply let the Breedmate suffer alone. She fished a small package of tissues out of her bag and held them out as she walked closer to the female. Would you like these?
Red-rimmed light brown eyes lifted to meet Elise's gaze. Yes, thank you. I always think I'll be strong for him, but it's so hard. It never gets easier, seeing him like he is.
Of course, Elise said, taking a seat beside her. I'm Elise, by the way.
Irina, she answered softly. Petrov is my mate.
Yes, I know. The facility director told us.
She glanced down as she took out one of the folded tissues. You're from America?
Boston.
So far away. Director Kuhn informed me that some people were coming to see my mate, but he couldn't tell me why. What is it that you want with Petrov?
We just need to ask him some questions, Irina. That's all.
There was a worried glint in the female's sidelong look. That male you're with--he's not Darkhaven Breed. No. Tegan is one of the Order. He's a warrior.
A warrior? Irina went visibly rigid, her brow creasing. But Petrov has hurt no one. He is a good man. He has done nothing wrong--
It's all right, Elise assured her, placing her hand over the anxious woman's trembling fingers. Tegan is not here to harm him, I promise you. Only to talk to him.
About what?
We need some information about your mate's family line. We need to talk to him, and see if he recognizes a particular dermaglyphic symbol.
Irina sighed and gave a small shake of her head. He hardly recognizes me anymore. I don't think he will be much help to you.
Elise smiled, sympathetic. We have to try. It's very important.
You give me your word that no harm will come to him?
Yes. I give you my word, Irina.
The Breedmate stared at Elise for a long moment, those warm brown eyes searching, pining the truth. Yes, she said at last. I believe you. I trust what you are telling me.
Elise squeezed the woman's hand. How long have you and Petrov been blood-bonded?
It will be fifty-seven years this summer. There was pride in the statement, and love. But sadness crept into her voice as she went on. He has been in this...this place...for the last three of those years.
I'm very sorry, Elise said.
I thought he would be stronger than the weakness that plagued his father and his brothers-- I thought my love might be enough, you know? But he was haunted by demons I never understood. Three years ago, in the weeks before I lost him to his disease, he was a different man.
How so? Elise asked the question carefully, not wanting to pry into what had been such a painful time for the woman.
He changed in so many ways after his older brother went Rogue and died. I think maybe Petrov knew the day was coming that he would fall too. It was as if a terrible burden had been heaped upon him. He withdrew from everything--from me as well. He became secretive, writing for hours in his study, only to burn his papers to a cinder. I managed to retrieve a page, but it was filled with nonsense, just a lot of crazed ramblings that he couldn't--or wouldn't--explain to me. She shrugged, her head hung low. Petrov started going on feeding binges late at night, while I slept. He went quite mad in time. He attacked me one night in a fit of Bloodlust, and I realized it was time for us to part.
It must have been so difficult for you, Irina.
Yes, she whispered. Bloodlust is a terribly seductive thing. I know Petrov will never come home. They rarely do come home from this place. But still, I hope.
The Breedmate waved her hand as a fresh round of tears welled in her eyes. Listen to me going on like this. I need to change out of this awful feeding garment and get myself home. Thank you for talking to me. And thank you for these, she said, pulling out another tissue and dabbing her moist eyes.
You're very welcome.
Elise stood with Irina, and gave her a brief hug as the other woman gathered herself to leave. Once she was gone, Elise walked back up the corridor to Petrov Odolf 's containment cell. Tegan was just coming out, and he didn't look pleased. Director Kuhn was right behind him, sputtering something about ensuring the patient's comfort and perfectly acceptable doses.
What's going on?
Tegan raked a hand over his scalp. Odolf is so medicated he's practically catatonic. We won't get anything out of him in this condition.
Additional sedatives are always required for a feeding procedure, for the safety of the patient and his blood Host, Kuhn declared, indignant.
And the other half a dozen drugs you've pumped into him? Tegan challenged.
Just our normal protocol for making certain our patients are comfortable at all times.
You weren't able to talk to him at all? Elise asked, ignoring Kuhn's bluster to focus on Tegan.