Artificial Mates - Chapter 76

We hurried behind Grant and entered a sort of theater. There were seats facing a large screen where Dr. Churchhill was staring straight ahead. Nicolai stood very still, facing away from us. An eerie atmosphere reign over the rather large room. A suffocating blanket.

“Di-did something happened?” I hesitated. The doctor’s enormous face on the screen turned towards me.

“It’s Adrien,” said Nicolai with eyes lost in the distance. I waited long minutes before he continued. “His helicopter experienced a malfunction on his way here,” his voice was dry and emotionless.

“Oh no,” I brought my hand to my lips. “Is he ok?” I said in haste. But Nicolai didn’t answer. He just stood there, eyes empty.

“Liliane,” Grant touched my shoulder while shaking his head. Then it sunk in. He… was gone. No way! I couldn’t bring myself to accept it. Grant turned to screen.

“Dr. Churchhill can’t you do something?” the man lowered his piercing gaze while pressing his lips into a hard line.

“I’m sorry. I’ve already made numerous calls to old friends and pulled many strings to get this job. I was lucky enough their prototype blew up a couple of years ago. They had to start from scraps as a result,” his sighed. “I had to lie about Miss Kerry and tell them, she is my assistant. And that both of you were precious prototypes to secure a spot on that boat. Nicolai is just a personal assistant,” he shook his head in dismay. Grant squeezed his palms into fists.

“But-” he started. Nicolai rose his hand to cut him short.

“It’s ok, I’ll have to organize Adrien’s funeral and contact his family. I know he has one last family member in Europe… a nephew. When all the paperwork will be done, I’ll go back to Sognare for termination,” my blood went cold in my veins. How could he talk so casually about his own death?

“Nicolai,” whispered Grant with a shaky tone. The artificial was staring at the floor. His bronze profile lit by the pale light from the display.

“Unlike you, I was not his mate. When he is gone, I have no purpose,” he said. The doctor cleared his throat to get our attention. I reluctantly took my eyes off Nicolai.

“I can’t stay too long. I’ll send the transport right now. Here is the contact number of Olga. She is the one picking you up. I’ll wait at dock Q22. Be on time. The ship leaves at 6:30 pm sharp,” the number of Olga flashed twice before the screen went black. The room was dead silent after that. Demos gave me a side-glance. He was quiet during the whole conversation.

“I’m thirsty,” I murmured, afraid to draw attention to myself. My stomach growled making him chuckled. I felt sorry for that excellent meat that I refused to eat earlier. What a shame, now it’s among the rumble of the 88 floors. Gruesome images of mutilated people flashed in my mind. I grabbed at Demos’ arms for support.

“What’s wrong?” he frowned.

“Water,” I panted. He guided me away from the room. Leaving Grant and Nicolai behind.

“I saw vending machines in the corridor on our way in. Let’s go find you something to eat too,” he sighed. I nodded with a tight smile. It was a relief to walk away from the heavy atmosphere. I held on Demos as he strode and he didn’t mind.

“Do you want to talk about what happened at our apartment? It must be very difficult for you to coop with all this. Know that I am here for you,” I slowly shook my head. The memory was too raw to address it right now. And the denial still strong.

“Are we really leaving Nicolai behind?” I steered the conversation to more pressing issues. I peeked at him. A slight annoyance made his lips twitch. Maybe, it wasn’t the right subject.

“I’m sorry, I can’t answer,” we reached the row of brand new machines only to find them empty. He scratched his head and sprung around.

“Guess, they forgot to refill it,” he sighed. “Maybe there is something around the corner,” he stepped towards the glass door. I pulled with all my strength on his arm.

“Wait! You’re not going outside,” I shouted. He froze.

“You need water and food. There should be a convenient store around the corner. It’s just a short walk. You stay here, it’s safer inside,” he reassured me with a crooked smile. I felt like iron hands squeezing my throat. My heart jumped in my chest.

“But, you promised,” my voice a mere whisper. His eyes brow rose up.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” he gently took me in his arms, while stroking my back.

“You said, you will never leave me,” I gasped for air. My vision blurred. He lifted me in his arms and guided me to a nearby seat. Where I was settled down carefully.

-Grant come quick, Liliane is having a panic attack.

Hasty footsteps joined me as I labored to catch my breath. Grant’s worried face peeked at me. I felt his cool hand pressed over my forehead. Sobs escaped from my lips.

“Shh! It’s ok. You can cry,” he pulled me in a sitting position and pulled my glasses off. Then he took me in his arms. My memory went fuzzy after that. When I wake up I was lying on a hard bed with a light sheet over my body. My shoes were gone. I blinked away the sleep and found Demos sitting in a red plastic chair next to the bed. His gaze on the window facing us.

“What? What happened?” he instantly faced me with relief. A smile broke on his handsome face.

“You had a little episode. It’s pretty normal after everything you went through,” he stroked my cheek with the back of his hand. I scanned around the room and found it empty. Green curtains separating us from the next bed.

“Where is Grant?” I felt a little disoriented and dizzy. Demos handed me an opened water can then helped me in a sitting position. I took the beverage and drank it to the very last drop.

“Olga just arrived. They are loading the bags. I was going to carry you princess-style to the car,” he chuckled. I can’t believe he was joking at such a critical moment. “Here,” he ripped a cheese bread out of its paper packaging. The sweet and yet salty aroma spilled out. “You should eat,” he pushed the loaf in my hands.

-Is Liliane up?

-Yes

He fetched my shoes and gently pulled the strapped to get them open. I felt shivers as he caressed my ankles. I met his burning gaze. With trembling fingers, I let go of the bread, it rolled from my lap and landed on sheet. Bread crumbs on the bed. Oh, no!

“You’re into foot fetish now?” I gasped as he ran one finger under my sole. Damn it, why was he so freaking s.e.xy? He grinned at my reaction.

-Guys, it’s definitely not the time. Get your asses here, this instant!