Damon had one small cottage ready for his guests. Then he kidnapped Bran. He showed Bran exactly what he actually does in these sheds and handled Bran expertly for five days. When he returned Bran to the Missouri house, Bran remembered the fear and terror.
Bran was broken and sore from his ribs and stomach. His dick was out of commission, as Damon had given him strong anti-Viagra, a drug that makes it impossible to get an erection. He had coldly stated that he did not know how long the effects would last, but it would be months. It also made his dick very sore.
Bran did not deserve to be healed. And he remembered how all the time he had smelled nothing but passionfruit. Bran knew he had gone too far in processing Mimi, and the next time she needed processing, Bran decided he would arrange it so the entire pack would agree with him again.
Sark's relentless torment continued for several days, the pain searing through me like a fiery brand. Krycheck, another sadistic figure, also had his turn, fueling my desire for justice, or perhaps even his demise. I refused to let the Krycheck programming come close to breaking me, holding onto my inner strength.
They tossed me back into the cold, dreary cell to recover, the stench of disinfectants and decay filling the air. My body was saturated with medication, the bitter taste lingering in my mouth, and a couple more sedative implants were embedded in my skin. Ruby, my companion, was in a desperate state once again. Desperate to save her, I selflessly offered her my blood, hoping it would sustain her.
With determination, I unearthed the hidden transmitter, its faint green light signaling a connection.
I spoke into it, my voice filled with urgency: "What's the situation? We have Krycheck still present, so there will be a good catch here. How are the things progressing?"
Adam's reassuring voice responded, "You have twelve hours until rescue. Nick and Elias are prepared to assist Ruby. Damon has given them explicit instructions, even providing his own blood. It seems Damon may have ulterior motives, seeking to claim Ruby for himself. He has a plan to become Ruby's sire, breaking your connection to her as he can sense that you are Ruby's sire, which could ignite conflict within your vampire nature. Mimi, can you find out your location in the castle? Do you have a window? Any means to gather information? We have advanced satellite technology and a drone providing real-time footage. This will expedite your extraction, knowing precisely where to find you."
I relayed the information to Adam. "That's fine with me. No worries about me getting upset if he takes Ruby as his own. The main thing is that I want Ruby to survive. There is no window, but I will search for a rock, perhaps dislodging it from a wall. Hang on. Rescue is imminent. I will be near a wall, not underground."
I neglected to mention the toll this ordeal had taken on me - my body growing thinner; the medications draining my energy, leaving me weaker with each passing moment. My strength was waning, but I fervently wished for just 45 more minutes. So that I could give my statement before that goddamn silver hits my brain and make me go cuckoo.
I focused my thoughts, willing my strength to endure, determined not to crumble when faced with Damon. I knew I had to ensure my heart stopped before the bombs detonated.
I whispered into the transmitter, "I am stopping my heart. When my heart ceases, it must not be restarted. I need 45 minutes to complete my statement and slow down the silver's effect on my brain. Ruby, you will testify when the time comes."
Adam's voice responded with a mixture of concern and reassurance, "Understood. I will convey your message. Honey, it may be awhile before Ruby can testify. There is much Damon has shared with Magnum and the others that I haven't divulged. But rest assured, Ruby will be given a fair chance, and justice will prevail."
After temporarily shutting down the transmitter, I closed my eyes, focusing on my inner strength and preparing myself for what lay ahead.
I dug out one stone, feeling the rough texture of the rock against my fingertips. Time seemed to stretch on endlessly as I exerted all my strength to move the stubborn stone. Thankfully, I had a werewolf claw, which gave me the leverage I needed. With another plastic knife, I carefully widened the gap, the sound of scraping mortar filling the air. Finally, the stone budged, and a surge of relief washed over me. I pushed it outward; it landed on the grass with a heavy thud, but fresh air filled the cell, giving me hope to be rescued.
As I looked at the receiver, I noticed its vibrant green color, a stark contrast to the dull surroundings. Taking a moment to catch my breath, I picked up the microphone and spoke into it, my voice filled with a mixture of exhaustion and determination. "I loosened one stone. I don't think I can fit through, but..."
Through a crack in the rock, a small drone came into view. A familiar voice belonging to Damon came through the receiver. "Hello, darling. You don't look well. I won't wait weeks to find out where they're holding you next time. You're in a terrible state, but don't worry, I'm here now."
A sudden, unfamiliar voice interrupted over the intercom, identifying himself as Commander Rogers.
He explained the upcoming operation, providing details with a sense of authority. "Mimi, I'm Commander Rogers, in charge of this operation. We'll start in 20 minutes. A task force will rescue you, and your efforts to remove the stone have made it easier. We'll storm in from multiple sides to ensure your safety. We'll remove a few more rocks and get you out. Then, just a few meters away, there will be a quick scanner and a judge. They will conduct scans and blood tests as evidence, with the judge acting as a witness. Your future husband will then carry you to the car where the operating room is located. We're aware of the bombs that have gone off, but Samuel Cornick and Colin Ferrel are prepared. We'll also assist your friend with her issues."
Damon's voice, filled with urgency, abruptly cut through the air, interrupting my thoughts. "I'll help Ruby while you get scanned and guide her forward," he said. The sound of his voice brought a small sense of comfort amidst the chaos. "Baby, I'll take you here to the car," he continued, his words laced with determination, "and we'll take everything off. Don't worry, I've got refills."
As he spoke, the metallic scent of blood lingered in the air, a stark reminder of the danger we were in. My several wounds bled lazily, I could feel the dampness of this thin fabric.
Damon's plan, though risky, offered a glimmer of hope. "But it will reduce the amount of silver considerably and give you more evidence again," he explained, his voice filled with resolve. "I've donated my blood so that the remains of your organs will remain in it while the evidence is collected."
His words were urgent, a desperate plea for compliance. "After I fill you up, baby," he said, his voice tinged with both love and desperation, "I'll take you to the car, and Adam and Samuel will come with me, and we'll go to the house, and you'll have my teeth around your neck."
The weight of his words hung heavy in the air, a mixture of devotion and sacrifice. Now it's time for you to stop your heart," he declared, his voice filled with an odd mixture of determination and fear. You'll give a statement as soon as they've scanned you—and even during surgery."
Silence engulfed me as I absorbed his words. I wrestled with my emotions, desperately yearning for the safety of Damon's embrace to be carried away from this wretched place. The receiver crackled and went silent. Determination fueled my actions as I reached for the spare battery, its metallic coldness sending shivers down my spine.
Disconnecting the two leads, I watched a small spark dance before me, a flicker of hope in the darkness. With trembling hands, I pressed the wires against my chest, the searing pain coursing through my body. My heart stopped, the silence deafening.
Exhaustion washed over me like a tidal wave, draining the last remnants of my energy. I slumped against the wall, seeking solace in its sturdy presence. It was at this moment, as Ruby stirred awake, that I found the strength to speak.
"Hey, hey," I whispered to her, my voice filled with a mix of relief and weariness, "we're about to be rescued, you hear me? Come on."
Her tired eyes met mine, gratitude etched upon her face. "Thanks for everything," she murmured, her voice heavy with exhaustion.
I gently guided her to sit beside me, her thin hand finding solace in my grasp. And then, she spoke of her torment, her voice laced with pain.
"The blood fucking thirst is coming again," she confessed.
I nodded, my heart aching for her. "Damon is ready to help you, don't worry," I reassured her, my voice filled with determination. Ruby's words echoed in my mind, her desperate longing to reunite with Sapphire, her fleeting happiness before this nightmare unfolded.
"I didn't mean to make you a vampire, not at all," I confessed, my voice heavy with regret.
Ruby's understanding nod brought a mix of relief and sorrow. We sat together, side by side, our emotions too complex to express in words. Frustration welled within me, the inability to unleash my anger gnawing at my soul. No matter how hard I tried, my rage remained trapped, a silent storm raging inside.
After a while, the distant voices of men reached my ears, accompanied by the scraping sound of the stone being removed from the wall. The flurry of activity heralded the SWAT team.
One man called out to me, his voice filled with urgency, "Miss, can you come over here to our opening? We'll get you up, but it's a little tight for us to come in."
Struggling to my feet, I hobbled over to the narrow opening. With their help, I helped Ruby out first, and they lifted her to safety. I squeezed myself through, aided by firm hands that lifted and pulled me out.
Outside, chaos reigned. Lights flashed relentlessly, casting an eerie glow, while screams and distant bangs filled the air. My eyes fell upon Damon, holding Ruby, who was hungrily drinking from his neck. Damon stroked her back, offering her comfort amidst the pandemonium.
I was gently lowered onto a makeshift platform, my arms stretched out and a soft pillow beneath my head. As I closed my eyes, I felt a sharp prick, and the metallic scent of blood filled my nostrils. Opening my eyes, I found Damon by my side, his touch soothing as he stroked my hair. I could see the struggle in his eyes, his self-control hanging by a thread.
A scanner was brought in, its mechanical hum filling the air as it was set in place and activated. Damon's gaze locked onto the screen, his hands trembling. The scan was completed, and samples were taken. Damon approached me, plunging a needle into my vein and administering a potent painkiller.
He whispered, "This will help, but the next journey will be excruciating. They haven't found the trigger for the bombs yet, but we can't afford to wait. Hang in there. Ruby is on her way to the boys. I've given her 30 liters of my blood. It'll sustain her."
A weary smile graced my lips as the medicine washed over me, intensifying my fatigue. I hoped I could convey my message. The man in charge approached Damon, discussing the urgency of the situation. He then turned to me, his voice gentle yet determined, "Tell me, what did they do to you here? Give your statement."
I recounted my ordeal, grateful that I had prepared my statement in advance. I shared details of the other victims, Sark, Ruby, and Krycheck's sinister programming. I spoke with fervor, my words pouring out, conscious of the presence of the press and the remaining soldiers who shielded them.
I continued until the man finally interjected, his voice tinged with gratitude, "Thank you, that's enough. Your testimony is more than sufficient."
The flashing lights of cameras and the hum of conversation enveloped us, mingling with the sporadic gunfire and distant wails of approaching ambulances.
Damon enveloped me in his protective embrace as the relentless press captured the moment on film. Their probing questions filled the air, echoing around us, "Are you married?"
Damon's response was brief yet powerful. "We were, but not currently. However, we will marry again once I have Mimi recovered and in better health. You can witness the injustice we non-humans endure at the hands of the pharmaceutical facilities."
The strength of his grip provided a sense of security, radiating his warmth and unique scent. Damon's eyes bore into mine, filled with intensity and trembling with emotion. "Baby, let's go," he whispered urgently, and we departed. The cameramen observed from a distance, while internally, a series of explosions shattered my being.
The agony was excruciating, but I fought to suppress my screams, for Damon was on edge as well. Reporters swarmed around, bombarding Damon with nonsensical inquiries about his supernatural abilities. - could he transform into a bat or disappear into smoke? Was he visible in a mirror?
Midway through the chaos, Damon seized a reporter's hand, a enraged glint in his eyes. "Want a truly captivating story? Bring a cameraman here and place your hand on her," he declared.
In that instant, another explosion reverberated within me, causing the reporter's face to pale. Damon's voice turned icy as he continued, "Bombs detonate inside Mimi. Silver inflicts excruciating pain. Include this in your article - describe the sensation of that bomb exploding beneath your touch. Mimi endures unimaginable suffering, unable to find release in death. Write about it and write extensively. Now, if you'll excuse us, I must escort my wife to surgery, where her organs will be removed to ease the brain inflammation caused by silver poisoning."
As the first bomb erupted, an explosion was muffled by surrounding tissue, sending shockwaves through the surroundings. The nitrogen-silver compound was swiftly discharged, permeating the tissues with remarkable efficiency. It infiltrated the brain, disrupting the delicate balance of its cells, which began firing impulses haphazardly.
The pervasive influence of silver reached every corner of the brain, interfering with thermoregulation and metabolism, hastening their pace. Reality blurred with fiction as the disrupted brain struggled to distinguish between the two—both peculiar and forgotten memories resurfaced in a chaotic dance. Neurotransmitters, bound by the grasp of nitrogen silver, malfunctioned and plunged the mind into disarray. The compound is also bound to the cerebrospinal fluid. Starting sterile encephalitis, which, as the effects of silver weakened the immune defenses, opened the door for potential pathogens.
With the sped-up metabolism, the absorption of silver and other metals surged. They primarily accumulate in the muscle tissue before gradually making their way along the nerves towards the brain. The forehead and sinuses became a focal point for the accumulation of nitrogen silver, affecting the physiology of the vampire side. Bloodlust intensified, accompanied by an insatiable urge to bite and spill forth silver.