Toxic

Chapter 3

“Don’t listen to Liam, he’s ornery. He likes to pick on people when he hasn’t eaten,” said Aiden.

“No worries,” said Lucian.

“Lucian, have we met before?” I asked, wondering how he’d managed to snake his way into Vanessa’s life in the first place.

“No,” he replied. “I don’t think so.”

“Lucian is from America,” said Aiden. “Maybe you two have crossed paths when you were touring?”

“No, I don’t think that’s it,” I said. “You do look familiar though. Have you ever met a woman by the name of Faye Dunbar?”

“I met her a couple of times. She’s a shape-shifter?”

“Yes,” I replied.

“Remarkable,” said Dr. Shephard, unwrapping a throat lozenge. “I’d love to meet a shape-shifter. Can you set up a meeting, Lucian?”

“Probably, although I wouldn’t recommend it,” he said. “She’s a volatile woman. Don’t you agree, Slade?”

“So you’ve already heard about the encounter we had with her?” I asked, amused. “It’s just amazing how word travels so quickly.”

Lucian smirked. “Talia mentioned it.”

“You two must talk quite a bit,” I said.

He shrugged. “Just lately. Anyway, the only reason that this came up in conversation was because Talia wanted to warn me about the woman. If she were to learn about Dr. Shephard and his research, Faye might get involved. From what I hear she’s a power-hungry b***h and never accepts the word ‘no’ for an answer.”

“You’ve heard correctly,” said Aiden. “You don’t want to work with her. Which brings us to why we’re gathered here, today. Why don’t you tell us about your research, Dr. Shephard?”

He opened up his briefcase and took out two folders, sliding one of them over to Aiden. “Inside you’ll find all of the research and lab results regarding my studies on a possible cellular mutation of Lycan and Vampire DNA.”

“Mutation, huh? How does that come about?” asked Liam, smirking. “Rent a hotel room, lock them in a room together and tell them to get busy?”

“Even if they did ‘get busy’, it wouldn’t work,” said Aiden.

“Correct,” he replied. “Female vampires are barren. They can’t even produce an offspring with their own kind. Their eggs are dead. However...”

“However, what?” asked Aiden, staring at him curiously.

“It’s my belief that a newly turned female can still produce a child within a specific time frame,” said Dr. Shephard.

“What kind of a specific time frame?” I asked.

“During her ovulation period,” he replied. “In other words, if she becomes a vampire during that time, her recently released egg can still be fertilized.”

“But, this is just speculation?” I asked, although it did sound like an interesting theory.

“On the contrary, my tests show that a female’s still healthy enough to conceive during that time,” he replied. “It’s pinpointing the exact ovulation period and fertilizing the egg that is the tricky part.”

“What about her uterus? Would she be able to carry a baby to term?” asked Aiden. “Or would it die, along with her remaining eggs?”

“The lining of the uterus has prepared itself to protect that last egg. Should it become fertilized, the egg will travel and imbed itself inside of the mother’s womb. It is my theory that once it’s attached, her vampire DNA will help protect the fetus from dying, almost in the same way it heals itself after a serious injury.”

“But this is just a theory?” I asked. “You haven’t achieved a pregnancy yet?”

“No we haven’t. But, you have to admit, it’s a good theory,” said the Doctor, his eyes twinkling.

I didn’t say anything, although I had to agree with him. It sounded very plausible.

“Have you done any testing, yet?” asked Liam.

He nodded. “Yes. Of course.”

“From what I’m seeing, he’s tested on humans already,” said Aiden, frowning down at the paperwork.

“They have been willing research participants,” said the scientist. “And no harm has come to them.”

“Let me get this straight,” I said. “You’ve been turning women into vampires just to try and get them pregnant?”

He nodded. “Yes, as I’ve said, they’re willing.”

“They receive a substantial payment for their participation, along with new vampire DNA,” added Lucian. “Which is another reason he needs more funding.”

“How many women have you tested on?” asked Aiden.

“Three, so far,” he replied.

“How much are you paying them?”

“I paid the last one, one hundred thousand dollars,” he said.

Liam whistled.

“At least you’re not snatching them off of the streets,” I said, watching Dr. Shephard’s face closely. “Right?”

“I am a scientist. Not a criminal,” he said firmly.

“Whose sperm have you been using to try and impregnate the test subjects?” I asked.

Dr. Shephard looked at Lucian.

“Yours?” asked Aiden, biting back a smile.

“You’ve still got some swimmers down there?” asked Liam. “Well, I’ll be damned. I thought you were a few centuries old.”

“It doesn’t matter,” said Lucian, looking irritated.

“Unfortunately, his swimmers have been ignoring the egg,” said Dr. Shephard. “As have the sperm from the other two male vampire test subjects we’ve used.”

“Have you tried removing the eggs and fertilizing them by hand?” asked Aiden.

He nodded. “Once the egg is removed from the vampire’s body, you can’t put it back. The new DNA doesn’t recognize it. It actually sees it as a threat and then it dissolves the egg.”

“So, in other words, there’s no way to impregnate a female vampire with vampire sperm?” I asked.

“On the contrary. It’s possible for them to impregnate a newly changed female or a mortal, if their sperm cooperates, but it’s a very rare occurrence. Anyway, we need your help. I believe that we’ll have greater success using Lycan sperm. Not only are you able to impregnate your own species, but you can also impregnate a mortal female,” said the scientist.

“In other words, our sperm pack a more powerful punch than Fang-And-Company?” answered Liam.

“Exactly,” said the scientist, chuckling.

“Even so, don’t you think that this is a long shot?” asked Aiden, closing the folder. “And you’re throwing away a lot of money?”

“No, I don’t. I believe that if I have the right test subjects, we can create individuals who will have the best of both of your worlds. We can even clone them, if that’s a route you’d be interested in, after we’re successful.”

“Why?” I asked, feeling the hair stand up on the back of my neck at all of the talk about cloning and mutation. “Doesn’t the world already have enough monsters?”

“I have to agree with Slade,” said Aiden. “Tampering with vampire and Lycan DNA, in order to create a powerful hybrid, doesn’t sound like it would be in any of our best interests. Then to clone them? For what? An army?”

“You’re not understanding the importance of this research,” replied Lucian, looking frustrated.

“I understand its importance. I also understand the dangers,” said Aiden. “I want to thank you for flying all the way to Dublin and sharing your project with us. Unfortunately, this just isn’t something I’m interested in investing in.”

“Why?” asked Lucian, looking shocked. “Do you know what this could mean for the future of both Lycan and vampires?”

“I do and that’s why I’m going to have to decline,” said Aiden.

“That’s fine,” said Dr. Shephard, packing up his folders. “You were our first choice, but not our only one.”

“By creating this hybrid, which I can only assume will need to consume blood to survive, you’re playing with fire, Dr. Shephard,” said Aiden. “And I know that this sounds like such a cliché, but you’re going to get burned. Your entire race is going to get burned. You’re making a mistake.”

“I don’t agree,” he replied, standing up. “But that is my opinion. You’re entitled to your own as well.”

“You’re the one making a mistake,” said Lucian, as Talia entered the room, followed by a servant pushing a cart of food.

“What mistake is that?” asked Talia.

“Mr. Rylan isn’t interested in investing,” said Dr. Shephard, grabbing a tissue from the conference table.

Her eyes widened. “What? Why not?”

“Because Aiden isn’t interested in funding something that would eventually be a threat to everyone in this room,” I answered for him.

“Precisely,” said Aiden.

“Why would you think that?” she asked him.

“How could you not think that,” he answered dryly. “Dr. Shephard wants to create a hybrid using two different races that were never meant to breed. I don’t want to be part of that.”

“Do you realize that you could potentially make an ungodly amount of money by investing in this project?” asked Lucian. “You really want to throw that opportunity out the window?”

“I don’t care about the money. I care about the future of my friends and family. Now, if you’ll excuse me,” said Aiden, looking at his watch. “I have a conference call scheduled in thirty minutes which I need to prepare for. Talia, can you show them to their rooms?”

“Sure,” she answered, looking troubled.

“Feel free to use our limo if you wish to do any sightseeing during your stay,” said Aiden. “And if you’re in need of anything else, please contact Talia or one of my other staff. Even though we couldn’t come to an agreement on the project, you’re guests here at Rylan Castle and I want you to enjoy yourself.”

“Thank you,” said Dr. Shephard, looking exhausted. “I think right now, I’d just like to lie down and rest.”

“Good idea,” Aiden replied and then looked at me and Liam. “You two can leave, as well. I’ll catch up with you both later.”

Liam and I stood up.

“Help yourself to the food,” said Aiden, nodding toward the cart. “I know you’re fading away over there, Liam.”

“You think?” Liam grabbed a plate and started loading it up. “Hell, I should just take the entire cart with me.”

I grunted.

“What about you, Dr. Shephard? Would you like something to take up to your room?” asked Talia.

“I’m not really hungry,” he replied.

“Are you sure? I can have the chef prepare some soup for you,” said Talia. “Like chicken noodle? It might make you feel better.”

His eyes softened. “Thank you. That would be very kind and it actually sounds wonderful.”

She looked at Lucian. “I’m sure we can find something for you, as well.”

“I can manage on my own,” said Lucian, his tone a little brisk.

She laughed nervously. “Okay. Well, let me show you to your rooms.”

Lucian turned to me. “If you’re hunting later, Slade, let me know. I’d like to accompany you.”

“You mean for blood?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t hunt for my blood supply.”

His eyebrows shot up. “Really? Not even for fun?”

“It’s only fun for the consumer,” I replied.

“Not if you know what you’re doing,” he answered.

I smiled coldly. “Oh, I know what I’m doing. I just have too much respect for humans to take what they wouldn’t normally give freely without being charmed into it.”

“Oh, you’re one of those,” he mocked. “A Human-hugger.”

I shrugged. “I find no shame in being ethical.”

Talia snickered.

I raised my eyebrow. “You find that humorous?”

She smiled. “No, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to laugh, but you have to admit - it’s easier to have compassion for them when you’re engaged to one,” added Talia.

Lucian’s eyes widened. “You are? Do you plan on making her immortal?”

“Only if she wants it,” I replied.

“When she begins to age, her vanity will kick in and I can pretty much guarantee that she’ll be begging for you to make her immortal,” he answered.

Chelsey didn’t seem the type of girl who’d beg for anything, and that was one of the things that I found attractive about her. “Maybe. How long are you planning on staying?” I asked, changing the subject.

“Our plane leaves tomorrow evening,” said Lucian. “For New York.”

I wondered if Talia would leave with them. It seemed like the three had accepted Aiden’s refusal without much of a fight, which seemed a little odd to me. They’d risked quite a bit to set up the meeting and something told me that they weren’t finished yet. Especially Talia, who had been deceitful from the start. I decided we needed to hash things out sooner rather than later.

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