"What's to stop you from giving us all a little of your blood right now? You know, to mix with the Vampires'?" Lukan asked, sleep completely forgotten. He had found that sleep was not easy in coming, and had overheard the better part of their conversation.
"I agree. Selene could give us some of her blood as well," Catarina added from her position in the doorway. Selene felt a certain amount of indignation at that comment, but held her tongue while Michael explained.
"The only Lycan to try such a thing was Lucian. He didn't survive the night, but I can't say that the virus was to blame. That was Kraven's fault. Lucian might still be alive if it weren't for that lying bastard. I can't in good conscience risk you dying from such a foolish experiment."
"I'll try it. I'll be the test subject, if Selene agrees," Raze said reservedly. "After all," he added slyly, "it was Selene who brought you to a Hybrid state. I assume that since both bloods run through your veins, Selene wouldn't even be needed for the test. Lucian was concerned about injecting himself with tainted blood. If I die trying, at least we'll know for sure." Selene arched an eyebrow, thoroughly surprised by Raze's statement. She had just now realized that her reunion with Michael had not been a vision after all. In this discussion, she was a mother of sorts to Michael, something she hadn't even considered in all the time they'd been apart. It was an awkward moment. Everyone was staring at her, waiting for confirmation. She chewed thoughtfully at her lip. With two Hybrids on their side, they had a better edge over Marcus in an encounter. However, she wasn't certain of her own state, and the small amount of manpower they had would be needed in case they were discovered. She knew that if Raze fell ill, they would be unable to have him in tow in the event of an escape attempt.
"I need time. A half hour, at least," she conceded at the dangerous looks from her comrades. "Please, leave me in peace." The younger Lycans disappeared at a nod from Raze.
"I'm going back to the door," he growled. Michael stood to go.
"Stay," she pleaded. Her voice softened Michael instantly. He seated himself next to her on a ledge where the stones of the hospital's foundations stuck out. "Michael, I…" she found herself silenced with a finger to her lips.
"Having heard the details of what's happening at the mansion and taking into account the fact that Raze has stuck by you since you arrived, I think he deserves the choice, don't you?" Michael's honest blue eyes captivated her. As he spoke, they filled with an earnest strength. He had grown considerably as a creature of the night, and he had only grown more attractive as a man. She fingered a strand of his long hair lovingly, still trying to reassure herself that the whole thing was real. "We are going to help Raze, aren't we?"
"I feel like I owe the Lycans a debt," Selene explained. "I spent so much time terminating their kind because I wanted to exact vengeance for the pain caused me. It turned out they were innocent, and although I killed Viktor, I feel the need to repent."
"That's an odd line coming from a Vampire," he said, bemused.
"I suppose I also feel the need to finish off Marcus, and to take down Erika. She's become to big for her stilettos." Michael grinned lop-sidedly.
"Let Raze try. I am afraid of what might happen, but he deserves the chance." Selene finally relented, her only indication of agreement was a slight nod of her head.
She found herself leaning into him, longing to make up for lost time. His well-muscled shoulder was warm and inviting. He automatically pulled her closer, burying his face in her dark hair. They sat for a long time, not bothering to speak and not needing to. She looked up into his eyes. They were warm, reassuring. The uncertainty of what the next day might bring, and the fear she had felt about the changes that were taking place in her psyche were temporarily forgotten; lost amid the soft whisper of breath and the reassuring thud of Michael's undead heartbeat in her ear.
So, yes, for those who were curious, Michael really is there. Selene is no longer hallucinating. This is a short chapter, but I kind of felt like it wrote itself and it stands on its own. Thanks so much to all of those who read and reviewed my fic! I keep writing for you guys! (And who of us doesn't wish we created Underworld?)
This is also a little note to remind people that the Underworld characters are not mine, I am just borrowing them for a bit.