“I have no choice.”
Hissing came from above.
They both looked up at the air vents.
Gas filtered in.
Emma used her sleeve to cover her face, but fainted in his arms.
Nik recognized the knockout gas as Kolokol-1. Bastards! He lifted her, but stumbled to his knees. He set her down and stood to fight.
The doors open.
He growled, but fell to the floor. Not even he could fight the overpowering gas.
Emma’s eyes slowly opened to find herself lying on a comfortable bed. Immediately, she sat up and looked around. She appeared to be in a nice guest room. How did I get here? How long have I been knocked out? Am I still on the island? Her pulse raced. Where is Nik? She gasped. The door to an adjoining room stood ajar. Is this a trick?
Nik bounded in. “Emma, you are awake.”
“The question is—”
With the speed only a werewolf could muster, Nik swept her into his arms.
She blinked up at him.
Nik kissed her, long and hard. His fangs out, yet not hurting her.
Emotions of being reunited with a long lost lover unleashed from her and she responded with unfettered passion.
Like a wave finally receding, Nik released her. “Sorry. I worried when you slept for almost four hours. It’s sundown.”
Her face heated. “Of course, no problem. You were just making sure your comrade was okay.” Great, now I sound like an idiot.
His large hands held her shoulders. “No, I was overjoyed the most beautiful, clever woman I’ve ever met had not been harmed.”
Her body tingled with desire. Emma wanted to return to kissing and perhaps more, but now was not the time. Actually, there would never be the time for a human and a werewolf. “The last thing I remember was the sound of gas leaking into the hallway.”
He released her and sighed. “Yes. Kolokol-1, which happens to be…”
“A derivative of fentanyl used by the Russian government during 2002 Moscow theatre hostage crisis.” She raised her brows. “As I recall, over a hundred hostages died from the so-called knock-out agent.”
Nik nodded and raked his fingers through his hair. “Most unfortunate, which is why I was worried.”
Emma shook her head. “I can’t believe they used that.”
He wrinkled his nose. “I’m sure Svetlana and her mobster husband used it.”
“Yes, I finally had the pleasure of meeting the infamous Svetlana.” Emma frowned. “Too bad I was locked up or I would have punched her.”
“She appears in good health.” Nik sneered.
Her eyes widened. “You saw her, too?”
“Yes, she met with me in the lounge while you were on tour with Bolton. When she left, she locked me in. Took me longer than usual to escape.”
She smiled. “The fire alarm.”
“Worked like a charm.” Nik smirked.