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still
an infant. Tara had reared the human child herself, providing for her every
need. When the time came for Eloise’s initiation, Tara had used her own blood
to imbue Eloise with Vladya symbionts. For all intents and purposes, Eloise was
Tara’s daughter.
    “I don’t like the possibility any more than you do, but we
must be practical. There is a very real possibility that Eloise was directly
involved in the incident.”
    He took two steps toward her before he realized what he was
doing. Did the old bitch really think Eloise was so deceitful? “What would she
gain by staging her own disappearance?”
    Planting her hands flat on the desktop, Tara locked her
elbows and came up out of the chair. “Don’t question my conclusions. I have
explored every option and the only avenue that remains is her defection.”
    “I don’t believe she’d betray you and neither should you.
We’re her family.”
    Tara’s arms relaxed and she eased back into her seat. “I
don’t want to believe it, but what other explanation is there? Rom strain
doesn’t have the resources to pull off something so bold and I know for a fact
Strigo strain didn’t do it.”
    “Isn’t it possible Alexi acted alone? He’s the crown prince
of Strigoia Prime. Surely he has resources that reach beyond his strain,
resources unknown to your contacts.”
    “Alexi was busy rescuing his crew when Eloise was abducted.
Everyone I’ve questioned confirms that fact. Not even the crown prince of
Strigoia Prime can be in two places at once. Furthermore, my contacts assure me
that Edrick and Alexi were genuinely shocked when they learned that Eloise was
missing.”
    “So we just give up?” His voice rose as his throat tightened
and his pulse throbbed in his temples. This was Eloise they were talking about!
Didn’t Tara give a damn about anyone but herself?
    “I have not given up.” Her emotionless mask was firmly in
place again. “I will locate Eloise. One way or the other she will return to my
side.”
    “And in the meantime we proceed as if she never existed?”
    “Enough!” She shoved back her chair and came out from behind
her desk. Her fangs peeked out from between her lips and crimson sparks
flickered within her dark eyes. “You will do as you’re told and that ends it.
Property has been purchased a short distance from the prison. Dr. Cordell has
been informed that you are to have full access to the Rom females as well as
the medical staff. You will focus entirely on completing this project and leave
Eloise to me.”
    He inclined his head, acknowledging her dictates. “May I
choose personnel to accompany me? I don’t want to be at the mercy of people I
don’t know.”
    “Of course. Take whomever you like.” He turned toward the
door and she placed her hand on his upper arm, momentarily halting his
departure. “This is not a punishment, Garrett. I trust you above all others and
the Rom project is vitally important.”
    With a deep breath and the utmost control he managed to
compose his expression. “I understand and I know you care about Eloise as much
as I do. Forgive my stubbornness.”
    Her lips parted in a calculated smile that never managed to
reach her eyes. “You come by your stubbornness naturally. I can’t fault you for
a trait I share.”
    “I’ll check in once I’m settled.” He shifted his arm away
from her hand before he added, “Please update me if there are any new
developments.”
    “Of course.”
    Rushing from the room before his false humility shattered,
he strode down the château’s main hall. The compound was located near
Vancouver, which kept Tara just outside Strigo territory as she continually
expanded her sphere of influence. Ultra-modern technology contrasted with
old-world décor, reflecting the complexities of the compound’s owner.
    Though the château was luxurious and comfortable, Garrett
tried to convince himself he wouldn’t miss it as he strode toward the main
staircase at the front of the house.