Part 26 (1/2)
NOT SO SWEET REUNIONS
Tyler was sitting with Ryan in the conference room when he was told that he had a phone call on his priority phone. It had to be Murdock. He dismissed Ryan and told him to close the door behind him.
When he was alone, he opened the phone to see Seth Murdock's face. He was in the craft. ”Mr. Rose,” he said, his voice sounding cool and formal.
”Murdock. What's the news?”
”We have the prisoner,” he said.
Tyler's hand tightened on the receiver. ”Is he alright?”
”He's fine, so far. He's going to have a sore arm probably. The drug had an immediately effect.”
”Is he secure?”
”Yes, Sir, as you instructed. He's in chains and inside a double locked security cage. He has yet to regain consciousness.”
Tyler bit his lip. ”Are you sure he's alright?”
”He's breathing, that's all I can tell you.”
”And the others?”
”We were unable to complete that part of the mission, Sir. The others left the premises and we were unable to locate them. They just disappeared.”
”You can explain it to me in detail when you arrive. When shall I expect you?”
”Tomorrow morning, Sir. I will bring him to the place you instructed. May I be permitted to ask what you intend to do with him?”
”No, you may not. Take him directly there and then come to me. I will be waiting.”
”Yes Sir.” Tyler closed the communication.
Sitting back in his desk, he closed his eyes. Dino. How I long to see you. How I long to touch you. How I long to...no. He would pay. He would not be swayed by sentiment. He was his now. His torment would end.
THE ROOM
Tyler watched Seth Murdock as he paced up and down in front of him. ”Say it, Murdock, get it out of your system.”
”Is being a...vampire...his only crime?”
”No,” Tyler replied.
”He was a great man, Mr. Rose, a war hero. He wasn't even here in Ruby City. Why did we have to hunt a...?”
Tyler stood up. ”This is between Donavan and I. I take full responsibility for what happens to him. Forget about it. Is he in the room?”
”Yes.”
”Is he still inside the cage?”
”Yes,” Seth swallowed.
Tyler nodded. ”Good. Go now.”
Seth took one long last look at Tyler Rose, then headed for the door.
”And, Captain,” he said, ”I know people think I'm insane. I a.s.sure you I'm not.”
Murdock nodded at him and left the room.
Dino opened his eyes and tried to focus on his surroundings. He recognized the room immediately. He had brought Tyler here years ago, a couple of times. The last time they were here together, they had made love. He remembered every second of it. In fact, he hadn't forgotten anything about Tyler Rose in all these years. The pain of loving a man he could never have, weighed heavily on his heart.
He tried to move, but then realised that his wrists and his ankles were chained together. And he was in some kind of a cage, like an animal.
When the lights went on, his eyes flashed red. His body tensed like an animal ready to pounce. He tried to sit up but was having some difficulty. His head felt heavy and unclear. He hissed.
Tyler walked across the room. He tried to control the emotion that gripped him as his gaze first landed on him. He looked exactly the same. His broad muscular chest heaved now with apprehension.
Dino's eyes narrowed, not sure who they were looking at. Then he calmed. ”Tyler,” he said.
Tyler couldn't speak for a moment. He forced the tears back and swallowed the pain.
”Tyler,” he said again. ”What...why...what am I doing here?”
”You are a dangerous creature,” Tyler replied tensely. ”I have a responsibility to protect the galaxy.”
He narrowed his eyes. ”I can't believe...”
”Can't believe what?” Tyler lifted his chin, coming closer to the cage. ”Can't believe that I would do my duty as the supreme leader and have you captured?”
His jaw fell open. He was serious. ”What's happened to you?” he whispered.