Chasing Victory (The Winters Sisters) (16 page)

She looked at him with contempt. “Tell me you didn’t drug him. He won’t be any good to me if he’s drugged.”

“That’s your problem,” Max replied picking up the magazine that he dropped in the chair on the way in.

Tristan was heading back to the lab, his arms full with bags and drinks. Suddenly he inhaled a familiar scent, emanating from the lab. He increased his pace and was at the door in mere seconds. Throwing open the door he surveyed the entire room in an instant.

“Hey, watch it,” Max scolded a few feet from where the door had flown open.

Tristan took in a deep breath pushing back the adrenaline threatening to erupt. “Oh sorry, I didn’t know you were sitting there. It’s kind of hard to juggle all this food and open the door. I guess I kicked it little too hard.”

“You need to be careful next time,” Max grumbled focusing back on his magazine.

Tristan walked over to the counter to where Victory was working and emptied his hands. He looked up into the furious scowl of the man strapped to the exam chair. His scent was familiar, but not identical to the one he had tracked in the forest the night before.

“Tristan, are you okay?” Victory asked in a low voice.

“I think he could have been the one stalking you yesterday. His scent is familiar, but not quite exact,” he whispered to her.

“By the looks of him that was the first thing I thought. I know the thing that chased me was male, but he hasn’t shown any aggression towards me, nothing but the same old pure hate,” Victory said.

“There is another explanation. Braxton could be using more than one specimen,” Tristan said.

“Anything is possible, but I sure hope not. He concerns me enough. His genetic makeup is changing quickly. I don’t know if his system will be able to adapt fast enough,” Victory said.

SIXTEEN

“Hey Noah, where’s Logan?” Tristan said. It was after midnight, the two men were hidden at the far corner of the compound at a prearranged meeting.

“He’s out scouting the jungle area. He figures that security grid can’t possibly cover the whole forest,” Noah responded.

“I can tell you from experience that it covers a very large portion of it.” He proceeded to tell Noah of his and Victory’s ordeal the day before in the forest.

“So you think that Braxton is using it as a testing ground, letting his specimens out into a contained area,” Noah said.

“I wouldn’t be surprised. I can tell you that I didn’t see any cameras while I was out there. So I guess he is only concerned in seeing what is happening in the compound,” Tristan said.

“Or maybe he figures that most people would be too afraid to enter the jungle,” Noah commented. “and if they did, then they were on their own.”

“That sounds like Lawrence Braxton, he is a cold-hearted son-of-a-bitch. If someone doesn’t serve his purpose he throws them away like yesterdays trash,” Tristan said.

“So have you gotten a chance to get an up-close view of where they are housing this guy they’re using as a guinea pig?” Noah asked.

“Not yet. The building is separated from the rest of the compound and it is heavily guarded. It also has all the high tech bells and whistles. More advanced than the rest of the compound,” Tristan said.

“If you can find a way in go for it. Wyatt really wants to know who this guy is and if he is the only one in there, or if Braxton has other men locked inside that enclosure. He would also like you to contact him asap,” Noah said.

“I will. But I need to be within a few feet of Victory, and she has to have a clear mind. She’s beginning to tap into her telepathic abilities. I can understand her thoughts, but she can only feel my tone or mood. In her mind, it’s like relating to an animal, I guess.”

Noah snorted, “she’s got the animal part right. Poor baby, sounds like a tough assignment, having to stay close to something that gorgeous.” In the next breath he became all business. “The Captain’s getting pressure for some answers. It seems there are some very deep pockets involved in this organization, even deeper than we originally thought. But we haven’t yet pinpointed the players. We still believe there is someone in the government involved, so this is still all staying on the down low. Our group and General Roberts are the only ones aware of this mission. However, the General is getting antsy. He doesn’t want to get caught with his pants down. So he is pushing Wyatt for answers-yesterday.”

“Got it. I’ll try to make contact with Wyatt tonight,” Tristan replied. “See you again in a couple of days.” On that note the two men vanished into the night like ghosts.

Tristan moved stealthily through the compound. He was getting ready to turn the corner on the building next to the dorms when he heard a man talking. He couldn’t see the man because of the darkness and the distance, but he recognized the voice and his scent – Polo. Dave Anderson was on the island, one of Braxton’s top men.

“Yes, sir. Max has finished briefing me about their progress,” Dave said speaking into his cell phone. “The girl is making headway, but it is going slower than we expected.” There was a pause as he listened.

“Damn,” Tristan whispered. He wished he could hear the other side of that phone conversation. He was still a good distance away from Dave, so he dropped to his belly and inched his way to a closer corner of the building. “Damn,” he muttered again. There was no cover between him and where Dave was standing. So he remained where he was, deciding that half a conversation was better than nothing at all.

“Jerry is still tailing Victory’s sister Payton, we could always grab her to put pressure on the doc.” There was a pause. “Yes, sir. I understand, I realize we are trying to keep this project top secret and the more people involved the greater the risk. I understand.” There was a long pause then Dave continued. “I asked Max about Morgan getting out of his cell. Seems he let him out hoping he would track Collin down.” Another pause. “Yes sir, it worked.”

Dave was silent for almost five minutes. Tristan knew he was still standing in the same place because he could hear the slight tap of his shoe.

“Mr. Braxton, these men are showing some mental issues. Morgan seems to be handling the process better than Collin. Victory hasn’t had much trouble with him, only what we expected. I understand that we have only started with the experiments, but we could find ourselves dealing with real problems if we can’t keep them under control.” Another pause. “I understand. We will only delete a subject if we can no longer control them.” Dave stopped tapping his foot. “I’ll be out of here in a couple of hours, I have a few more reports to review. I’ll check in with you when I return to the mainland. Good night sir.”

Dave snapped his phone shut and started walking in Tristan’s direction. Tristan melted back into the shadows and waited for him to pass. In most situations he would follow Dave, but he had promised to make contact with Wyatt and now with this new information it was imperative that he update Wyatt double-time.

“Wyatt,”
Tristan was sitting in a chair in Victory’s bedroom. He had let himself into her room at least an hour ago. Time quickly slipped by as he sat and watched her sleep, she looked so serene.

“Tristan. I’ve been waiting to hear from you for over two hours. Where have you been?”
Wyatt responded with a note of concern in his voice.

“On my way back to the dorm I stumbled on Dave Anderson. I hung out and listened to a pretty interesting conversation.”
Tristan relayed what he heard to his brother.

“There’s no need to worry about Payton. We’ve got a guy on her 24/7. We have been trying to limit her to work and home. She’s still really worried about Victory, but she understands that you are with her, that seems to comfort her. So, do you have any idea who Morgan and Collin are? Are those their last names or first names?”
Wyatt asked.

“I’m not sure. I guess you need to check both first and last. I’d start with military, see if there are any AWOLs or missing. Then maybe check on guys that have gotten out in the past year or so, or even on leave,”
Tristan said.

“So, what makes you think they are military?”
Wyatt asked.

“Just a hunch. The way Morgan handles himself and if it was Collin tracking Victory in the forest, he clearly had some training.”
Tristan said.

“Okay, I’ll have Jack start there, it’s as good as anything,”
Wyatt responded thoughtfully.
“So how is Victory doing with all that’s happened recently?”

“She seems okay. Given that fact that she’s been kidnapped and held against her will. Oh, and let’s not forget the madman killer who is trying to force her into completing research in three weeks that rewrites what we know about human DNA. She is pretty upset with the way Braxton is rushing the project. He must have his endgame in sight.”

“Or he’s being pressured by the group. I mean think about it. The Kaleidoscope Group has foot the bill to buy and island, move its residents to another island, build them an entire town. And build a state of the art research facility, staff it, along with bringing in men to use as guinea pigs. They are bleeding money. This group might be mega millionaires, but they still want to make a profit. Make sure you keep track of Braxton. I’ll do the same on this end,”
Wyatt said.

“Roger,”
Tristan responded.

“And Tristan, watch yourself. This group is very astute and we already know they have endless resources.”

“Don’t worry bro. I’ll watch my back,”
Tristan said.

“Good; and check in with me a little more frequently,”
Wyatt said.

Tristan opened his eyes and realized that Victory was scrutinizing him. “So, how’s my sister?” she asked.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you. How did you know I was talking to Wyatt? Your sister is fine.” He was practically tripping over his own tongue.

“No, you didn’t wake me. I felt a faint humming in my head,” she said.

“Jesus, Victory. I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“What? No you didn’t hurt me. I think my brain is adapting to it. It feels like an electrode attached to my temple; it’s kind of soothing actually.”

“Huh. That’s a big improvement from the headaches,” he said.

She was lying on her side watching him. “I suppose you haven’t slept at all tonight.”

“No, not yet; I’ve a lot to get done. It makes it much easier to get around without being seen if it’s dark and most of the compound is sleeping,” he said.

She slid farther into the middle of the bed and patted the space she had previously been in. “Come here and get some sleep.” He gaped at her, the surprise evident on his face. “I sleep better when you’re here,” she said. She didn’t understand why she slept better, and she still didn’t trust Tristan totally. But he came and rescued her, putting his own life in danger, no questions asked, and it seemed she was developing a mental link to him. Maybe subconsciously some part of her was beginning to have faith in him.

“I suppose I could use some down time and I seem to sleep better here,” he responded. Tristan slid in beside Victory, the bed still warm from her body.

“Sweet dreams,” Victory said and then she rolled over and snuggled her backside towards him. She felt his whole body become tense, but within minutes he relaxed slightly, followed by a soft snoring.

The sun was beginning to rise. Tristan opened his eyes and found himself entwined in Victory’s soft supple body. Her satin golden hair was fanned out across his chest. Unable to stop himself he reached out and took her hair in his palm letting it fall through his fingers. She stretched and looked up into the endless depths of his violet eyes, a smile shining across her face. Tristan reached down took her chin in his hand, and tilted her face up towards him, running his lips tenderly across hers. He instantly knew that had been a mistake, he couldn’t stop with a scant taste of her. He reached out gently taking hold of her waist and pulled her into the heat of his body, once again claiming her lips, but this time with a lust that burned deep in his bones. Victory moaned with pleasure. He pulled her slightly away from him and looked into her longing gaze.

“Victory,” Tristan groaned.

“Shhh,” she responded. “Not now,” her body was betraying her brain, she knew that, but it didn’t matter. Victory reached up for his face kissing him with all the passion that was flowing through her. Then she pulled his body over the top of hers feeling the warmth and weight of him blanket her. This was heaven.

Tristan raised himself above her and looked into her face, placing his hands on the bed framing her head between them. He bent towards her and kissed her once more on the lips, then traced his mouth down the soft curve of her neck. He slid one hand down her shoulder and gingerly cupped her breast in his palm. He could feel the heat of her burning through the flimsy cotton of her pajama top. He stroked her breast and was answered with a taut bud. He gently slid his hand over to her other breast and lavishly caressed it. Moving to the buttons on her pajama top, he undid them slowly one at a time, the entire time falling into the abyss of green pools specked with gold flecks that were Victory’s eyes.

Tristan separated her top and took one of her pink nipples into his mouth. He licked and teased enjoying her moans and responses. He kissed his way down her belly taking his time, pushing her pajama bottoms down languidly as he lavished her body with kisses. He pulled away from her relieving her of her pajamas. Tristan stared down at her in awe, the sight of her nakedness was even more enthralling than he had imagined. Victory’s angelic body was perfect, with exquisite breasts, not large but a perfect size to fit in his palm. A slender waist slightly flaring out at her hips, drawing his gaze down her long elegant legs.

“You are bewitching, Victory.” He discarded his shirt, ran his hands up her long legs and placed a kiss on her belly. Victory shivered. Tristan traced feather light kisses down to Victory’s soft golden curls. He spread her legs apart and positioned his body between her legs. He thoroughly explored her with his tongue’ taking his time to find her sensitive spots. Tristan thrust his tongue deep inside of her, and started a slow lavish movement with his mouth, that brought Victory off the bed. She felt him laugh against her as he pulled her hips closer to him to savor her. Victory felt like she was coming unraveled. Wildly she reached for him.

“Not yet,” he all but growled. “I’ve been waiting to get you in this position, now I’m going to take my time and enjoy you.”

“Tristan,” Victory panted. “I can’t take much more of your enjoyment.” She felt him laugh again.

“Yes, you can.” Then he felt her begin to tense; she was panting with pleasure. He felt her wave of orgasm tear through her.

“Tristan please,” now she was begging.

He liked this side of her. He pulled away from her and again kissed his way up her body stopping at her breast. He suckled and nipped at her, filling his other hand with her free breast and rubbing the taught tip between his thumb and finger. Suddenly he felt her hands on his jeans; she fumbled for the zipper and forced it down. She plunged one hand into the opening and found him hard and hot. Freeing herself from his grasp, Victory peeled his jeans and boxers halfway down his thighs and took hold of him. Now it was Tristan’s turn to moan.

Victory giggled softly. Tristan pulled away from her, and removed his jeans and boxers. He was lying on his back when Victory again took hold of him with both hands. Gently she ran her hands up and down his shaft. He was imposing and impressive. She continued rubbing one hand up and down the length of him and gingerly filled her other hand with his sack. He felt so hot.

“Jesus, Victory, you’re killing me,” Tristan growled. She heard him fumble for his jeans, pulling a foil-wrapped condom out of his pocket.

“Let me do it,” Victory said. Tristan opened his hand and she took the condom. She sat up on her knees straddling his hips. She opened the foil covered condom, placed it over his tip and looked straight into his eyes. Sweat was breaking out over his top lip. Never taking her eyes off his, she slowly rolled the condom down the length of his shaft.

After she finished she began to straddle him. Tristan grabbed her by the waist and rolled her over on to the bed. Victory gasped in surprise. Tristan was again blanketing her body, but this time he was holding himself slightly above her. She was breathing hard as she looked into his bottomless violet eyes. He maintained that position for a few heartbeats. Then he spread her legs apart with one of his thighs and lowered himself one slow agonizing inch at a time towards her. His tip was finally touching her and she strained to impale herself on him.

He smiled down at her and lowered his head towards her, claiming her mouth at the very same instant he thrust himself to the hilt inside her. They groaned in unison. Tristan remained deep inside Victory, her muscles clenching, as he pushed himself deeper inside of her. He stayed there for another heartbeat, then began long slow strokes fully filling her and totally withdrawing from her. Victory felt shots of electricity fly through her entire body. Then she climaxed harder and faster than she ever thought possible, followed as hard and fast by Tristan.