Alpha's Promise - Rebecca Zanetti Page 0,29

tube and began to rub the clear lotion into her skin, relieving the pain almost instantly. She tried to make rational connections. “This is a supersoldier type of business with unlimited funds. What all do you research? Have you somehow genetically altered the human physique?” The mere idea was folly for suspense novels and streaming television. But what else made sense?

“No. No genetic manipulation here. Not a bit,” Faith said cheerfully. “Are you hurt anywhere else?”

“No. Just neck to ankle contusions.” A couple of bruises wouldn’t kill Promise. “If Ivar hasn’t been altered in any manner, why isn’t he in the hospital right now having his ribs and lungs operated on? As well as that gash in his head. He needs stitches, at the very least.”

Faith closed her bag. “Ivar does have the ability to heal quickly and from surprisingly damaging wounds. I’m sorry, but I can’t tell you more than that. Proprietary information and all of that bullshit.”

Promise straightened from her perch. “I take it you don’t agree with keeping secrets?”

“Not usually, and definitely not when somebody is in danger.” Faith lost the smile. “You’re pretty much in this now, whether you want to be or not, so we might as well tell you everything. But that’s Ivar’s decision, and I’m trying really hard not to step on his toes. It’s nice to have him being rational again. Well, mostly.”

Curiosity cut thorough the irritation in Promise. “He wasn’t rational? After the mission where he got burned?”

Faith snorted. “He called that a mission?” At Promise’s nod, she continued. “No. He didn’t speak at all for a month when he returned. It was like he had to relearn how to live without fighting for his life every second,” she said, her voice thoughtful.

A pang hit Promise’s chest, and it took her a moment to recognize the feelings. Empathy and concern. Was she getting attached to the Viking? How was that possible? He wasn’t even being honest with her. “Ivar seems much better now.” In fact, the memory of how easily he’d put her on his back, despite a myriad of broken bones, turned her abdomen all mushy. She paused to interpret the feeling.

Faith watched her closely. “Ivar told me about your headaches.”

Promise perked up. This woman was one of the premier neurologists in the world. “Yes. I feel fine now, but I had another attack in the helicopter.”

“When Adare was close to you. Then when he returned to the cockpit, your pain receded,” Faith said, ducking her head to examine Promise’s eyes. “Follow my fingers.” She put up two fingers and moved them slowly left to right.

Promise complied. “What could Adare have to do with my headache?” She pursed her lips and followed Faith’s fingers up and then down. “It doesn’t make sense, but that receptionist yesterday. My head hurt when I entered the office, and I passed out. Then I was pain-free in the conference room, and when she came inside and asked me if I wanted water, my head hurt again.” Same with that Benjamin man. “I don’t understand.” What was the connection between those people and her brain? It had to be coincidence, but she didn’t believe in those. Everything had a rational explanation.

Faith dropped her hand. “I don’t know. Honest.”

Promise’s breath caught. “How about an experiment?”

Faith lifted her chin. “I’d enjoy one.” She glanced toward the door. “Are you sure?”

“Definitely.” Promise clasped her hands together on the yoga pants. “Let’s do this.”

Faith clapped her hands together. “Excellent.” She sat on the bed and turned toward Promise, tucking one leg beneath the other. “Face me.”

Promise mirrored her pose, excitement flushing down her arms. She loved a good experiment. “What now?”

Faith put her fingers on the pulse point on Promise’s wrist. “Keep your eyes on mine so I can record any pupil reaction.” She waited until Promise had done so and then lifted her head very slightly. “Adare? Come in here for a second, would you?” she called out clearly.

The door opened. Promise kept her gaze on Faith and didn’t look over her shoulder. Nothing happened to her brain or neck. No sensation whatsoever. She sighed. It had been a silly experiment.

“What’s going on?” Ivar asked from behind her.

Hope filtered through Promise again, and she kept her eyes opened and wide on Faith’s pretty brown ones. “Nothing. Would you please ask Adare to come here?” she asked.

Ivar sighed. “Adare? Come here.”

Pain slashed into Promise’s neck before she heard Adare’s footsteps.

“What?” he snapped. Man, the big guy with the brogue

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