Read Online More than Truth (Arcane Crossbreeds) by Amanda Vyne - Free Book Online

of the window, “we are in the midst of some exciting research. For the past several years, I’ve been collecting…unique subjects for a very special project. The objective has been to introduce a specific genetic sequence which has thus far proved more difficult than was initially assumed, I’m afraid.”
    Dr. Rupple picked up a stack of papers and frowned down at them before casting them back onto the table with a disgusted shake of his head. “You and Dr. Mahoney are going to change that.”
    Vin carefully controlled his reaction. Genetic manipulation. He shouldn’t be surprised. This facility was run indirectly by the Triumvirate, and there was only one goal those bitches had concerning genetics: infecting the few remaining unaffected Arcane with their corrosive blood magic. The Triumvirate had cast the magic five hundred years ago, and it somehow became inheritable, allowing them to continue to siphon off future generation. It was why they needed Dr. Mahoney. She was the first to identify the gene that caused the blood-magic phenomena—the ARSA gene. Thus the ARSA Project was created, but like most brilliant scientists, she was unprepared for the ramification of her discovery.
    “Perhaps you can better persuade Dr. Mahoney to participate in this project.” Dr. Rupple’s face dissolved into an ugly expression of hatred and determination. “She’s the only one who could possibly have the information we need to move forward, and she’s willfully withholding that information.”
    Vin nodded in a mimicry of agreement as he considered what Dr. Rupple revealed. Dr. Mahoney might have discovered the gene, but ten years ago she’d refused to synthesize it. As part of the agreement to release her, he’d picked up where she’d left off. He’d been able to synthesize the gene as well as administer it, but he’d been unable to activate it.
    Despite his failures, he had learned a lot about the ARSA gene itself. Over the last several generations, the gene had mutated, somehow affecting other healthy genes. Those who inherited the ARSA gene suffered from a lack of longevity, decreased sensory and motor skills, and in many cases the advent of disabling and often life-threatening genetic diseases. How many labs outside of the one he’d been held in knew about the gene—or worse—were working on it? How much progress had they made that he was unaware of?
    It couldn’t be too much if they’d reacquired Dr. Mahoney to work on it. She’d spent the past ten years working at Incog as their premier doctor for the crossbreed agents. What could she possibly have had access to that would prove valuable to this research?
    “Ah, here comes our stubborn doctor now,” Dr. Rupple said slowly.
    The dull click of the locks disengaging on Vin’s door drew his attention, but the razor-sharp glint in Dr. Rupple’s eyes made him pause and carefully tuck away the potent anticipation that spiked through his system. The doctor was too keen on his reaction, and Vin thought perhaps he had underestimated the man. He’d been too eager to disregard Dr. Rupple’s threat, but Vin now suspected the man was manipulating him. He held the doctor’s intent gaze as the door hissed open behind him, and the muffled sounds of someone being shoved inside filled the space.
    Vin’s heart slammed against his ribs as he greedily collected each sound she made and covertly searched for the scent of her. When a draft of air swirled toward him from the closing of the steel door, it was ripe with her, and he had to control his response as he took in that first fragrant breath. It was the hardest thing he had ever done—that included the day he’d handed her bleeding, unconscious body off to another man to protect. Inside, his dragon came to roaring life, the fiery essence of it burning down his arm. He resisted the urge to rub the tattoo on his arm as the smell of blood tainted her sweet scent. She was bleeding, and his dragon wanted to retaliate for the