A world that, like it or not, he was going to have to save.

Lucien observed the vampire for only a second before the man turned. He was eastern Asian—Han Chinese if Lucien had to guess—and of medium build. Far shorter than Lucien but powerfully built.

And quick.

The man’s black eyes assessed Lucien with inhuman swiftness. “You are Lucien Thrax.”

Not a trace of an accent. This American vampire must be his new chief of security.

Lucien nodded. “And you are Chen Baojia.”

The man inclined his head only incrementally. “Baojia is sufficient, Doctor.”

“Please call me Lucien.”

Another quick nod. “I received information you would be arriving tomorrow night.”

“That information greatly overestimated my desire to remain in the city.” Lucien shifted the old rucksack where he carried his few belongings. His books would be coming in a truck the next night. “I don’t like cities.” Though he did appreciate the custom-built plane Giovanni Vecchio had provided for the journey. Saba had insisted on that concession as a matter of pride. No child of hers would be traveling in a ship’s hold to do a favor for others. “I landed in San Francisco and told them to drive me here. There were plenty of night hours left.”

“Very well,” Baojia said. “If you’ll allow me to show you to your quarters now, you should have plenty of time to settle in before dawn.”

“Sounds good.”

He let Baojia lead the way from the central guard building and into the new bunker-like structures lining the cliffside. Lucien could hear the waves crashing below and was grateful the compound seemed to be built with vampires in mind. Though there was a farmhouse near the road, the majority of the buildings were low and windowless. He suspected they were joined by tunnels underground, which suited his nature and provided good security for their human subjects.

“The laboratory is still in the process of being built,” Baojia said, “but the first office is finished. That will be yours unless you want one of the others when they’re complete. I’m sorry if the facilities aren’t what you’re used to, but living quarters for the women were the priority.”

Baojia didn’t sound apologetic. Lucien could almost hear the challenge in the vampire’s voice, daring the newcomer to question his decision to prioritize the human patients he was guarding. Lucien had no objection. In fact, he had a feeling his priorities and those of his security chief would align nicely.

“No apology necessary,” Lucien said. “This facility will probably be one of the nicest I’ve ever worked in.”

An approving nod. “It’s being built with vampire scientists in mind. Katya has multiple pharmaceutical companies with immortal staff, so this is far from her first lab, though it’s definitely her most secure.”

“Good to know,” he muttered as they descended steps into a low concrete structure. “The humans’ quarters?”

Baojia shot him a look. “They are secure. Doctors and researchers do not have access to the humans’ living quarters, only to the medical facilities. It was one of the protocols I put in place. The women need to have a measure of privacy and autonomy, or they will not cooperate.”

“Very good.” Oh yes. His priorities and Baojia’s should line up nicely. Far from the cold predator he first appeared, the vampire was clearly an advocate for those he protected. Lucien approved. He also wondered how old Baojia was, but he wasn’t rude enough to ask.

“Baojia?” a voice called from outside. “Are you in there?”

Lucien’s brain clicked on.

Human female. American. Accent indicates California, most likely southern.

Footsteps on the stairs, and Baojia went on guard, placing himself between Lucien and whoever was walking into the sunken office.

“George, are you— Oh! Sorry.” A slight Caucasian woman appeared in the doorway.

Lucien tilted his head and watched her walk the last steps into the office. She was pretty enough, with pale skin, auburn red hair, and a face full of freckles. Her eyes were sleepy, but she was mortal, and it was the middle of the night.

“I had no idea you had company,” the human said.

Thirty to thirty-five years of age. Recent trauma to both legs, but a more serious injury to the left.

One of his new patients? There was no scent of the Elixir from her. No aroma of the sickly-sweet pomegranate he’d tasted in Rada’s blood.

Baojia was in front of her in a heartbeat, making no pretense of human speed. “Natalie, this is Lucien Thrax, the researcher here to help with the girls.” Baojia turned to Lucien, clearly on edge. “Lucien, this is my mate, Natalie Ellis.”

A human. And he called her mate?

How very… unexpected.

For the first time in years, Lucien felt interest tug at his mind. This pair piqued his curiosity. And curiosity was an itch he’d been numb to for a very long time.

Lucien felt the draw of water in the air and knew it came from the vampire standing at the doorway. Impressive control for such a young immortal. He felt the answering tug from his own instincts and reached out with his amnis.

He was underground. Whether the young immortal realized it or not, Lucien was old enough and strong enough to call the earth, even from within a concrete building. The wild energy of this rough land whispered to him, dancing along his skin. He could draw it close, collapsing the building from the outside, smothering anyone foolish enough to attack him with a deadly shroud of rock and soil.