by Piper Stone
“Yes,” he stated. “I have anticipated the occurrence even before the Breeds were given their freedom. You are poised to find that cure.”
“I don’t know how.”
My grandfather chuckled. “Do not forget what I’ve taught you about flowering plants, my child.”
I thought about what he was saying. How could he have known about the Clivia? I searched situations from my past, until a memory floated to the surface. “The stamen.” The portion of a flower allowing for nourishment. Of course. Why hadn’t I thought about it before? “How did you know?”
“Only you can answer that question.”
A part of me tingled from the realization. Thank God, I’d clipped some of the flowers. My hands were shaking, adrenaline pumping wildly. I needed to get to my lab. “You always know.”
“Perhaps,” he said in such a revered manner. “There is a legend from many years ago about the rising of the Phoenix.”
As soon as he said the words, I tensed, a lump forming in my throat. “The first Breed.” He’d mentioned the legend in passing years before.
A smile crossed his face. “Yes. He was called Phoenix for a reason, not only because he was the first of his kind but because he would change the future for every creature on the face of this earth.”
“What does this have to do with me?”
“Patience, my sweet flower.” He laughed softly. “As the legend would have it, the very Gods above were responsible for the alteration in the great beasts’ DNA, allowing them the opportunity at a better life, but as we all know, humans were angry.”
“I never heard this before,” I said as a chill shifted down my spine. While my grandfather believed in the old ways, refusing to adhere to the effect of modern science, there’d always been truth in his legends and stories.
“It was not something for you to be told, child, until you were ready. And now, you must learn what you are to face in the future. The gods were not pleased with the humans’ reactions. Therefore, they placed a curse on mankind. The only way to break this curse was to endure the same kind of alteration as the great beasts.”
“The reason humans are dying?”
He nodded several times. “However, the great gods also allowed for a break in the curse, but only if the great beasts and mankind bridged the gap, ending the hatred and fear between them.”
I exhaled. What my grandfather was suggesting was unscientific, even impossible. Or was it? Perhaps I wasn’t certain what to believe in any longer. “By requiring the Breeds accept a human mate.”
“The alpha males are vital to the continuation of every species. Very few are born, often only once every one hundred years and usually at different times. The alpha males are extremely powerful, their existence able to heal their species, except that the curse must be embraced. Often, their power is short-lived, placing the entire species back into a hiatus. Things have changed.”
Which meant no procreation, the possibility of the Breeds falling into extinction again, the cycle vicious. He was telling me this for a reason.
“Wait a minute,” I muttered, a combination of excitement and trepidation rushing into my system. “An alpha of every Breed has been born. They all coexist today.”
“Yes. So, you see. The curse had reached its final stage. Every Breed must accept a human mate in order for them to survive.” He turned his head slowly. “As I said, I’ve always known you were very special.”
I could see by the look in his eyes that he’d always known I was meant as a mate. Perhaps I should have known by the stories he’d told me, the beautiful visions he’d shared over the years. Maybe he’d been afraid of terrifying me, the young girl who’d just lost her parents in a horrific accident. He’d always been my protector, my teacher, and my mentor. But at this minute, I had the distinct feeling he was unclipping my wings, sending me off on my destiny.
One that had been written in the stars long before I was born.
I found it difficult to breathe, the realization startling.
“Is the human race going to survive?” I asked. While the answer should be based in science, I’d always known things were not always in our control. Nature was a powerful entity indeed.
“Only the gods above know that answer. They remain angry, frustrated with the human race. However, your light is a powerful tool. Do not allow the power of mankind to detour what you know and feel in your heart. Remember that things are not always as they seem.”
Words with dual meaning.
“I understand, Grandfather.”
“I hope you do, my child. Your spirit and resolve will be tested. Believe in everything you’ve learned, and you will be set free.” He murmured under his breath in his native language, the sound more like a hum. I listened for a few minutes, attempting to accept what he’d told me.
“What about Phoenix? What happened to him?”
A bright smile crossed my grandfather’s face. “He was a great warrior, a tiger more powerful than almost any creature in the jungle. His powers allowed his Streak and that of many others all across the land to regain their vitality and strength. Sadly, only for a period of time. Some things can’t be avoided, including the greed and destruction caused by the human race.”
“How can that be changed in the future?”
He closed his eyes once again, tipping his head toward the sunshine. “There are always cycles, Raven. The earth, the moon, and the sun all provide life. Nature has a way of evolving, healing the scars of unearthly design. Use your great teachings, let nature provide opportunity, and you and your family will prosper for many years to come.”
“I’ll do that, Grandfather.” Although I wasn’t certain I had the same ability.
“I always loved you as if you were my own, but I must tell you a truth that you deserve to know.”
“Okay.”
“I am not your grandfather.”
The news hit me hard. “What? I don’t understand.”
“I knew your father, the beautiful child of a close friend. I was his godfather and I watched him grow and prosper. When he married your mother, he was complete. I’ve never seen him so happy. When you were born, the world revolved around you. There was such joy in their hearts. When they died, there was no question that I would raise you as my granddaughter, teaching you our culture and ways. That’s what your parents wanted. It was a joy for me to do so, especially since I’d experienced the loss of my beloved mate and our only son.”
A rush of emotions swept through me, the same sadness and emptiness I’d always felt when thinking about my parents. But there was also more love and respect for the man who’d taken me in, giving up so much of his life in order to create a world where I could flourish. Tears welled in my eyes, my heart aching.
“I love you, Grandfather.”
As he took my hand into his, I could see a single tear sliding down his cheek. When he turned to look at me, his eyes were intense and glowing, the golden irises shimmering in the sun.
For they were the eyes of a tiger.
* * *
Fear.
It trickled through every cell and vein, a reminder that there was little time to waste. I hurried along the path, constantly looking over my shoulder in an effort to make certain I hadn’t been followed by either beast or man. When I was certain I was alone, I moved toward the quaint coffee shop, my nerves remaining on edge. Everything my grandfather had told me continued to haunt my mind, questions regarding what he’d endured in the past forming over and over again.
And the fact he was the very first Breed. How was that possible?
He’d hidden it well, likely for fear of being terminated. When the crisis was over, I wanted nothing more than to sit and talk with him, spending hours learning about the past. Sadly, I prayed I would have the chance.
As I walked inside, my eyes sweeping the small establishment, I held my breath. What if Jax had decided not to come? Without additional knowledge of what we were dealing with, the alphas would be forced into
hiding. I knew Jabari well enough to know he wouldn’t allow that to stand. He was far too valuable, the other alphas as well. If they were killed, there wouldn’t be an additional alpha ever born. Every Breed would indeed fall prey to the very greed and destruction my grandfather had mentioned and there was nothing that science could do to alter the course.
That was set forth by the gods.
When I noticed Jax sitting in the corner, I breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, there were only two other customers in the location, both several feet away. He didn’t acknowledge my presence as I sat down, merely continued sipping whatever drink he’d purchased. In front of him was a single disc, the small coin-sized drive capable of holding several tandem bytes of information.
He slid it absently across the table, waiting until I’d retrieved and placed it in my pocket. Only then did he finally lift his head, a slight smile curling on his lips. “It’s been a long time, Raven. You look wonderful. Even your skin is glowing.”
Huffing, I raked my hair over my shoulders and leaned over the table, making certain my voice remained low. “What did you find out about the zoo?”
“Why do you want to know?” Jax had always been cautious, learning to trust few, especially after the betrayal of the Condor.
“Because the facility is being used in an effort to destroy the Breeds. At minimum, they are going to attempt to capture every alpha in an effort to stop their ability to produce offspring. However, their larger plan is full extinction by finding the most applicable method of introducing a chemical compound that appears to be similar to the one created all those decades ago. Only this time, the outcome will be the full extinction of every Breed on this planet. That’s why.”
He suddenly appeared nervous, a single bead of sweat sliding down the side of his face. “If you know about them then they know about you. That means you are in danger. Stay far away from them. They are dangerous.”
“Who are they and are they backed by the government?”
This time, his eyes opened wide. “You’ve been busy.”
“I have. You didn’t answer my questions. What are you hiding from me?”
“I’m not hiding anything, Raven. These people are dangerous as fuck. I don’t know who’s backing them but whoever it is, they have a lot of clout and this plan has been in motion long before the president gave the Breeds their freedom.”
I waited, cocking my head.
“They are known as the Revolution. Trust me, whoever is involved had ensured that their identities are hidden.”
“Is the president a part of this?”
He shook his head, darting a glance as another customer walked into the coffee shop. “No. At least that’s what my sources tell me. As to whether he has any idea what’s going on, that I can’t tell you. Like I said, this group has been around for years.”
“They were the ones who destroyed the Condor. Weren’t they?” I half laughed.
“Yes, which is a reason the penalties for being involved were swift and harsh. They have that much influence. Now, maybe you understand what you’re dealing with.”
“Who is this G. Rawlings? She owns the facility.”
A wry smile crossed his face. “You have been digging.”
“Observing and listening. Who is she?”
He scanned the room before answering.
“Ms. Rawlings is one of the wealthiest young women on the East Coast. Her parents left her several pieces of property, including this zoo. She is also one vile human being, although she hides it well from her friends.”
“If this group is so secretive, why the hell would she allow her name to be attached to the zoo?”
Jax took a sip of his drink, another bead of sweat rolling down his forehead. I couldn’t help but watch as it trickled slowly. “It’s in a trust, at least from what I was able to find, which I’m certain you did as well. There are certainly no obtainable records regarding the use of the facility on any level. Rumor has it that she’s untouchable, controlling people from law enforcement to scientific laboratories. However, nothing has ever been proven. She remains under the radar.”
“That’s why no one has paid attention to the godforsaken place and how she managed to get whatever equipment was required for her experiments.”
“Probably. That’s all I know about her, other than she is capable of playing the philanthropist when necessary, giving away a significant portion of her wealth to several charities, including to help the various Breeds. I doubt anybody gave a shit about this zoo since it’s in the forbidden zone.”
“How clever of her.” I thought about what he was saying.
“As I said, they are dangerous.”
“You certainly seem to know quite a bit of information. I’m curious as to how,” I said methodically.
He shook his head. “I retained certain contacts, Raven. I hope you’re not insinuating I’m somehow a part of this zoo.”
“I’m just asking questions, Jax. Tell me this. Do you have any knowledge of a scientist who took a Breed as his mate?”
“Doesn’t ring a bell, but since the Breeds have their freedom, they can take any mate they choose, human or otherwise. Why?”
Jax was far too nervous. What was he hiding?
“That was something that happened years ago. The man I’m talking about is much older. He’s the one who led me to the zoo. He gave me a fake identification, a Dr. Rhodes, although I certainly wasn’t able to find out if the persona is real or fake.” Who the hell was the caller? Red flags were flying very high. I was missing something. “Evidently, the caller is now incapacitated, his mate dead because of a horrific accident. He was insistent that I help the Breeds, even enabling me to find a particular compound for a serum I’m working on.”
He narrowed his eyes, a slight look of shock in them. “He called you?”
“Yeah, and he knows all about the Condor too.”
“You’re working on the serum,” he whispered, glancing away.
“What the hell do you know?” I didn’t like his sallow expression or the nervous tic appearing on the corner of his mouth.
Swallowing hard, Jax shifted back in his chair. “I have to go.”
“We’re not finished yet.”
“I left you some information that may be helpful, Raven. Don’t call me again. I’m sorry, but I have a new life.” He stood quickly, attempting to move away.
I snapped my hand around his arm, yanking. “Tell me who this person is. You owe that much to me.”
“That’s not fair, Raven.”
“Oh, I think it’s entirely fair since you didn’t bother to tell me that our facility was likely to be compromised. I was lucky to get out of the place alive.” I glared into his eyes, refusing to give in.
Sighing, he looked away. “His name is Mitchell Carter. He is or was a renowned scientist, one of the original men who worked with the early teams in attempting to determine why the chemicals used in the last war had such a reaction on the animals. Dr. Rhodes does exist. She is a well-known doctor out of DC, one with a reputation of not being very fond of the Breeds. Her identity as well as her work is protected, which is why you couldn’t find any information about her. Mitchell took a huge chance in providing that identity, even though the Revolution would love nothing more than to have her blessing. He must know time is running out.”
The information was far too convenient as far as I was concerned.
“Wait a minute. Mitchell worked for the Condor. Didn’t he?” Now Jax was trembling, his entire face glistening from sweat.
“For a time after he was tossed out of the scientific community for his love of the Breeds. If you honestly think not a single freaking scientist gave a fuck about them all these years, you’re wrong. Mitchell started making accusations, including toward the previous president. He became a liability. While working for us, he was attempting to develop a serum to enable the Breeds to return to their animal form permanently. In other words, freeing them.”
“But the g
overnment at the time didn’t want that to occur.”
Jax snorted. “Of course not. They had free labor by using the Breeds, pretending they were making their lives better.”
“What happened?”
He leaned over, his face only a few inches away. “I told him to stop, at least until the damn heat was taken off us but he refused. We got into one argument after another. Finally, I tossed him out of the Condor. By then, he’d fallen hard for a Breed. Sadly, by that point he’d drawn attention to the Condor because of his carelessness. That’s when things got ugly. Mitchell was nearly killed in a horrific explosion at one of the laboratories he worked out. I learned that he survived but he was horribly disfigured in an attempt to save his mate. That was the last I was heard about him. In truth, I thought he’d died from heartache.”
“Jesus Christ. Why do I have a feeling you’re not telling me something? Spill it, Jax.”
He hesitated, closing his eyes briefly.
“What I know is that he’s a bitter man. I wouldn’t trust him, Raven. Not for a second. While I’d like to believe his intentions were good, everyone has a price.”
“Wait a minute,” I half whispered. “You honestly want me to believe that he sold out his soul to this Revolution? In exchange for what?”
Jax took several deep breaths. “Our world is fucked. The rich get richer, the poor fall into utter despair. We all lived like paupers during the time we spent in the Condor, you included. Don’t you think it’s reasonable to assume that he’d sell his great serum to the highest bidder for the right price?”
“At the price of losing his mate? I heard the anguish in his voice. That doesn’t make any sense.”
“Don’t be naïve. Maybe he did care about her or maybe she was his willing testing ground. Since he wasn’t entirely reliable, my guess is that whoever is behind the planned extermination of the Breeds attempted to clean up the loose ends.”
I shrank back, trying to rationalize what he was telling me. “Oh, my God. You’re saying he was using me to get back in their favor.” Jesus Christ. I was an idiot, falling into the asshole’s trap. No wonder I had zero issues getting into the zoo, including being given the code to Jabari’s cage.
