by Piper Stone
“I’m telling you that it’s a distinct possibility. Be smart about this. Mitchell can’t perform his experiments any longer. He needs help and you’re working on the same damn thing he was. The money is still on the table. I have no doubts about that.”
While a part of me wanted to believe otherwise, someone had tipped off the assholes at the zoo. Maybe he needed proof that my serum would work. “That’s crazy.”
“Think it through. The Revolution is very powerful. I honestly don’t see a way the Breeds will be able to survive, not unless they get the fuck away from civilization. If you were smart, you’d keep your distance. A war is brewing.”
He turned away from me, stopping short when I issued a last statement.
“You’re right, but you might be surprised that this time, the Breeds will come out the winner and I have every intention of helping them.”
Chapter Fifteen
Jabari
Hunting.
There was nothing better than the empowering sensations of hunting for prey. The exhilaration while in my panther form was always rejuvenating, foraging through the forests maintaining my control of the beast dwelling within. Today, the hunt was all about gathering information.
It was risky to hunt in the day, especially in the city limits, but if what I had guessed about the governor was true, he’d be required to up his game. I had no doubt that we would soon be facing an outright war, every alpha within the area threatened. If Raven’s suggestion was correct, there was no way to determine how the chemical would be released.
I crept through the woods, enjoying the peaceful moment, the earth underneath my paws soothing. As I neared the edge of the city limits, I held back, taking a deep whiff. There was no sign of immediate danger. While the governor’s compound was guarded from almost every angle, the single area of dense forest allowed for possible access onto the grounds. As long as I could clear the fence, I would be able to gather what I needed.
Growling, I crept closer, finally able to study the massive steel beams surrounding the series of buildings. While the effects of the drug had worn off completely, neither Raven nor Shannon knew what the alteration in my DNA would entail.
Or when I’d begin to lose my abilities.
However, this was something I had to do.
I allowed my mind to create visions of Raven’s face, including the change in her eyes. Whether or not she was completely aware that she would soon have the ability to shift, I couldn’t be certain. When she did, I could only assume she would fight the first transformation, the experience extremely painful.
I was determined to be by her side when that happened.
I took off running, allowing my keen eyesight to grasp onto the task at hand. The moment I left the ground, a clear round of euphoria rushed into my system. I landed with ease on the slender rail at the top, able to peer down onto the manicured landscaping, the main building only a few yards away.
There were very few guards walking the area. Within seconds, I was able to catch the tone of the governor’s voice. He was outside. Calculating the risk, I jumped to the ground, immediately padding toward the building and in the direction of the sound.
As I rounded a corner, I was able to see him clearly, the pompous asshole holding court with a member of law enforcement, their conversation hushed.
“I understand your concern, Officer. I simply need to ensure that my regulations are upheld.”
“I’ll make certain the new requirements are relayed to my superiors.”
The governor patted the officer on the back. “I could use another man on my detail. I think you’d make a fine addition. I’ll have a word with your superior to see if I can make that happen.”
“I’m not certain about that, Governor.”
“Don’t worry. Your help with this matter will ensure that you are given a significant raise.”
The officer smiled, holding out his hand. “I’ll think about it, sir.”
“You do that, son. You just do that.” The governor waited until the officer was several feet away before snorting.
I couldn’t help but issue a low growl, my hunger to rip out his neck increasing.
He turned in my direction, narrowing his eyes. While I knew the sun was in his eyes, I could swear he detected my presence. When he adjusted his cuffs and laughed, it took every ounce of control to remain where I was.
As he turned, he muttered two words, both of which I caught.
“Damn animals.”
I followed behind him as he left the compound, realizing within seconds where he was going. To see his mistress. I trailed behind, easily able to keep the pace as he headed in the direction of her house. I crouched low to the ground when he pulled into the driveway, merely watching as he climbed out of the vehicle, a huge smile on his face. I was surprised as she walked outside her door to greet him. The kiss they shared was telling.
Every part of me hungered to attack, but I remained in the shadows, studying both as they conversed freely. It was as if neither had a care in the world. Meanwhile, he’d laid down his plan of attack, including preparing his preferred members of law enforcement for whatever plan he had in mind. Freeing the other captured Breeds was going to be even more difficult if not impossible.
I waited until they retreated inside the dwelling, contemplating whether I would leave them a warning.
No, I would continue to bide my time, waiting for the right moment.
Then I would rip out his heart, feeding it to the wolves.
The thought brought me joy.
* * *
Raven
I stood in the shadows of the concrete and steel facility where I’d been working at for over a year, the anger and frustration building. While Degan was nowhere to be seen, it certainly wouldn’t be long before he realized something was amiss. I’d spent far too much time already in my attempt to find answers.
I couldn’t wait to discover whatever the hell was on the disc. Everything I’d learned was difficult to process, my mind reeling from the basic accusations Jax had tossed out. Was it possible that President Wilkes was in the process of attempting to hunt down the members of the Revolution?
Or was he simply a front man? I wanted to believe in the good of mankind, refusing to believe that the majority of humans would stand for the termination of the Breeds. However, perhaps I was a fool.
If Mitchell was playing a game with me, I’d have to turn the tables somehow. Whatever I did, Jabari would be pissed.
My thoughts drifted back to what my grandfather had told me, a pang of heartache forming a weight in my chest. Believe in everything I’ve learned. If that was the case, then all humans were not evil creatures capable of doing something so horrific. They believed that humans and Breeds could coexist, even thrive together.
I needed to hurry, a list of what had to be taken already in my mind. Just as I walked toward the back door, I heard footsteps behind me and quickened my pace.
“Wait. Raven.”
Hearing Daniel’s voice, I breathed a sigh of relief and turned around. I could tell by his face that something was terribly wrong. “What’s going on? Why are you here?”
“Look, we need to talk, but not here,” he said, antsy as hell. “I want you to come with me.”
“You could have sent me a message or tried to call. Whatever you found we need to talk about right here. I have work to do.” Eager to hear more, I walked closer.
“There are certain security issues. I tried to catch you at your apartment. This was my last resort.” He raked his hand through his hair, more nervous than I’d ever seen him. “You’ve stumbled onto something and I need to know where you learned the information. I’m telling you that it’s not safe to talk about it out in the open.”
There was something off about him, but I couldn’t waste any additional time. If he knew something, I had to know what. Time to push the boundaries.
“Christ. I’ve never seen you this way. Is this about the Revolution?”
&nb
sp; He huffed, shaking his head, the look on his face incredulous. Lowering his voice, he hissed the next questions. “What the hell are you doing? Are you back with the Condor? Do you know how unsafe that is, how dangerous?”
“The Condor? Of course not, especially since the Revolution made certain the organization was destroyed.” When his eyes opened wide, I laughed. “Yeah, I know all about it, Daniel. What I don’t know is how far reaching the Revolution’s grip is. Maybe you can tell me.” I gave him a harsh look, realizing my statement came off as an accusation. At this point, I had no idea who to trust.
“Wait a minute. You think I’m involved with attempting to harm the Breeds?” With obvious exasperation, he gripped my wrist, dragging me closer.
“I don’t know what to think any longer.” I yanked my arm away, shocked at his behavior. I didn’t like this at all. I calculated the time it would take to get to the door. There was definitely something off about him. “I don’t know what’s going on with you, but I don’t like this.”
“Christ, Raven, you don’t get it. You need to tell me everything.”
“Why should I?”
He rolled his eyes. “You suddenly come up with a conspiracy theory that smells of your involvement with the Condor and—”
“It’s not a theory and you know it,” I snapped. “The government doesn’t give a shit about the Breeds. All they care about is finding a cure for the humans. Well, guess what? I have the distinct feeling that there isn’t a scientist on this planet who will figure it out in time.”
“Why in the hell would you say that?”
I’d never felt so uncomfortable in my life. I shot a look at the building, my instinct telling me we were being watched. The only person who could have figured out what I was working on was my boss. Now that I knew Mitchell Carter was likely one of the bad guys, I couldn’t be too careful. “Did you ever stop to consider the concept that human molecules are breaking down at a faster rate than any of our esteemed scientists want us to believe?”
He seemed taken aback, a look of horror crossing his face. After shaking his head, he glared into my eyes. “You mentioned you were working on something to help the Breeds, just like you did with the Condor. While admirable, that won’t win you any points with our governor. I’ll repeat. You need to talk to me.”
“How would you know what the governor gives a damn about?”
The demand in his tone was something I hadn’t expected, nor was the way he clenched his jaw. He was involved somehow. I’d been a fool. All the years I’d trusted him; even sharing aspects of my earlier work as well as my involvement with the Condor was likely one of the dumbest things I’d ever done in my life. When he reached out, attempting to grab my arm a second time, I tried to remember exactly what I had told him as I took a long stride away.
Then a horrible realization settled in, visions of his happy face as he jabbered on about his fiancée rushing into my mind. I was suddenly sick to my stomach, reaching out to Jabari in my mind.
“We can settle all of this if you’ll come with me,” he said under his breath.
Not a fucking chance in hell.
“What’s her name?” I asked in as calm a voice as possible.
“Who the hell are you talking about?”
“Your fiancée. Your goddamn fiancée.”
He narrowed his eyes, taking a long stride in my direction. “What does she have to do with this?”
I shook my head as I threw my arm out, a cold shiver running down my back. “Her name!” When he remained quiet, bile crept into my throat. “Oh, my God. You’re one of them. The Revolution.”
“That’s crazy. You’ve known me for years. I work for the Breeds, not against them.”
“When do we ever know anyone? What. Is. Her. Name?”
“Gretchen. I already told you that. Now, explain what the hell you’re accusing me of.”
“Her last name. What the hell is her last name? Rawlings. Her name is Gretchen Rawlings, the owner of the zoo where several Breeds were captured and detained, used for horrific experiments. The same Gretchen Rawlings who has plans on aiding the members of the Revolution in order to exterminate the entire Breed population!” I snapped, wanting nothing more than to wipe the look of horror off his face.
“What in the hell are you talking about?”
“You know exactly. You used me. You were the one who suggested my employment at Brexton Scientific Laboratory in the first place. How long did you have this planned, Daniel? I never told you I was working on a serum while serving with the Condor.”
He looked even more uncomfortable, forcing me to laugh.
“You must think I’m a damn fool. Dr. Mitchell Carter. Ring a bell? Is he really alive or did you simply hire someone to impersonate him? I am curious how you knew I was Jabari’s mate. My God. Who else have you been working with, the governor? The president?”
“Whoa. This is insane. Just listen to me. Please. Okay?”
“Get the fuck away from me.”
I had one chance to get myself out of the dangerous situation. I threw a hard punch, catching Daniel off guard. When he was catapulted back several feet, I rushed toward the building, my hand shaking as I held it in front of the console.
“Wait! Raven. I’m your friend. You just don’t understand.”
He was getting closer. Closer. Fucking open. Goddamn it! When the door finally opened, I rushed inside, using all the strength I had to help the heavy piece of steel close. I noticed the same horror in Daniel’s eyes only seconds before I heard the solid click, the door locking shut. My entire body shaking, I took two steps away, yanking out my phone. There was no additional time to waste. As I made a connection to Jabari, I slunk into the shadows of one of the hallways, trying to keep from freaking out.
“Jabari. I think I know who’s helping to execute this plan. I thought he was a good friend, a member of the Integration Task Force, but he fooled me. I know who G. Rawlings is. Gretchen is his damn fiancée. There’s so much to tell you.” Laughing bitterly, a rush of electricity shot through me like wildfire. Suddenly, I felt a presence behind me and sucked in my breath.
No. No. No!
“Well, well. You are one tenacious woman; however, you’re also very stupid.”
I heard the voice and froze, my heart racing, my mind reeling from the shock. “Oh, my God.” As I turned around, almost everything fell into place. “Why?”
“We all have our reasons for making the decisions we do in our life. Now, don’t we? It’s time to ensure the human race will always be the... king of the jungle.”
The laugh was one I would never forget, eyes that held nothing but pure evil. And before I could react, I felt a sharp prick. Within seconds, I had difficulty moving my arms, my mind fuzzy and... “You were my... friend...”
* * *
Jabari
There was nothing that could soothe the rage deep inside. While I could still feel a certain limited connection with Raven, leaving her had gone against every instinct that had kept me alive. There was no doubt the governor was involved, likely gathering his masses to begin the final phase of his fucking plan of extermination. Proving it would be something else, but that was going to happen.
Even if I was actually dying.
An ugly feeling had pooled in the pit of my stomach, a nagging that refused to go away. There were too many factions that I had no control over, enough so that I remained on edge. What I knew for certainty was that Raven was in even more danger than I originally believed. After this meeting, I refused to allow her to remain in the city. There was far too much at stake.
I also had several concerns about the loyalty of my soldiers, especially Micah, although confronting him wasn’t in my best interest. Only a few of my soldiers had known I was leaving the village on the night of my attack.
Including Micah.
I loathed the thought, but I would keep him close. Traitors always showed their true colors.
“Why the fuck didn’t you free the other
Breeds, Jabari?”
I glared at Rollins, the alpha of the tiger Streak out of DC. I’d anticipated the rage; however, I was surprised that Luca had taken the chance bringing another alpha with him. While they’d brought several soldiers along on the trip and we had two dozen of my finest men watching every access point around the village, the risk was still high that they could be captured.
“He’s already answered that, Rollins. They wouldn’t have survived.” Luca tipped his head in my direction, giving me a nod of respect. “The plan for their rescue is on point, likely doable, but the dissidents will anticipate our arrival at this zoo. We must be prudent in our actions.”
“That is why none of the alphas can be involved,” Traeger stated. I’d allowed him to remain by my side. His knowledge of the various access points near the zoo would prove to be invaluable.
Sighing, I thought about the options, none of them ideal. Luca was right. However, we handled the retraction would likely be a setup.
“We could attack during the daytime. That will be unexpected,” Rollins suggested.
“Unfortunately, that will draw the attention of our great governor. If my instinct is correct, he could be behind the desired extermination. We do not want to tip our hand until we have solid evidence. This is also not an attack, unless we are provoked. We must maintain our civility, or our behavior will give credence to our possible extermination.” I wasn’t entirely certain I felt strongly about my statement. I wanted nothing more than to rip out his throat.
Luca took a deep breath, his intense blue eyes glazing over with his beast. “Reconnaissance at night is the only method that will work. Humans have a disadvantage, especially if the power source is eliminated. The darkness will always be our friend.”
I nodded. “Agreed. As far as the alpha males, it should be a consideration.” The nagging remained in the pit of my stomach, as if the danger was intensifying.
“Do you have absolute proof that is what is likely to occur?” Luca asked. “While all of us have heard the rumors for months, I would hesitate to initiate a war unless there was solid evidence. President Wilkes has been true to his word thus far.”
