by Eve Langlais
Away from it all.
The only problem was she didn’t want to leave without Luke. And now that he was deemed well enough to come and go from the clinic at his discretion, the possibility for them being together away from here was possible.
Just one problem. How could she discuss it with him? What if the dreams were done? She needed a way to speak with him. A way that wouldn’t be overheard.
Only one place didn’t have cameras. “Despite the disaster of our last one, I think we should go on another picnic.”
“Ready to get back on that picnic horse?” His lips curved. “When? Now? I’m free.”
The temptation to say yes was there; however, given the lethargy pulling at her, she wasn’t sure she could make it that far. “Not right this second. I know I slept for a few days, but I am exhausted. Tomorrow? Maybe we could take a walk around the track.”
“Sounds like a plan. After a few days lying around like a sack of potatoes, you are in dire need of some cardio.”
“Potatoes?” was her dry reply. “So you think I’m lumpy?
He laughed. “Are you fishing for compliments, Flo?”
“Of course not.”
“In case you are, then you should know you are the sexiest nurse I know even when you’re passed out and drooling.”
“I did not drool.”
His lips quirked. “Only a little. It was the snoring that was jarring.”
She hit him in the arm. “I do not snore.”
The laughter proved loud and contagious. Her lips curved into a smile.
“I see you’re feeling better. Back to beating me.”
“I did not,” she huffed. Then added a slyer, “Pussy.”
He grabbed his heart. “Did you just call my manhood into question?”
At his light banter, she giggled. This Luke reminded her of dream Luke, the more relaxed one. It was nice to see him acting the same way in the real world.
He truly was getting better.
A yawn caused her jaw to crack, and her cheeks heated in embarrassment. “I’m sorry.”
“No, I am. You’re tired, and I’m yapping your ear off. Let me escort you to your room.”
“You can’t. Men aren’t…” She never did finish the sentence. Her words trailed off as Luke placed a hand in the middle of her back and propelled her down the hall. “I don’t understand. How come the alarm didn’t go off?”
Luke snickered. “Because I filched Sphinx’s card this morning.” He held it up and twirled it.
“Why would you do that?” she exclaimed.
“Shits and giggles.”
“You’re going to get in trouble.” She tried to halt her steps and turn around, but Luke kept her moving.
“Don’t worry, Flo. It’s just a prank. No big deal.”
“But what if they get mad? They might put you back on level six.” Lock him away, and then how would they leave?
“Everything is going to be all right. I’m doing much better, and I had a talk with the big guy.”
“You prayed to God?”
At that, Luke barked a laugh. “No. I don’t pray. Jeezus, the very idea is ludicrous. I meant I talked to Chimera. Told him I’d be a good boy and do whatever I was told.”
“Taking someone’s keycard isn’t doing as you’re told,” she scolded.
“Don’t be such a worry wart. Is this your room?” he asked as she halted in front of her door.
“Yeah. Thanks for walking me.” She suddenly realized she didn’t have a card to get in. “Shoot.” She’d have to go find someone to give her a new one.
“Hold on.” He slapped the card on her reader. Given Sphinx had access to this hall, she half expected it to work.
It didn’t. The intercom however did crackle. “Unauthorized entry.”
“Hello. Is someone listening? I can’t get into my room,” she said aloud.
“State your name and position.”
“Margaret Henley. I’m a nurse on level six.”
“Voice match found.” The door slid open.
“Thank you.” Said more in relief than anything else.
As she stepped over the threshold, she turned to say good-bye, only to move back as Luke crowded her coming in, his expression determined. For some reason this made her nervous.
She watched him, wringing her hands, not understanding why she felt a little off kilter. This was the Luke from her dreams. The man she’d lain with. She knew every inch of his body.
In her dreams.
In the real world, he was so much more imposing. So much more there.
“I’m fine. You can go now. I’ll see you later. Tomorrow,” she said quickly in correction.
He pulled back the sheets on her bed before turning to look at her. He blew out a breath. “Flo. You look like a doe caught in front of the wolf. I ain’t gonna hurt you.”
“I know. It’s just…” She paused and licked her lips. “Do you realize this is the first time we’ve ever been alone with no cameras or anybody watching?”
“First time we’ve been within reach of a bed, too.” He arched a brow.
Heat pooled between her legs.
“We really shouldn’t.” A weak statement that she didn’t mean at all given she took a step toward him.
“You’re right, we shouldn’t.” He tugged her into his arms, a quick embrace that then involved him shoving her toward the bed. “You need to rest. You look like shit.”
“Um, thanks?” She wrinkled her nose.
Luke laughed. “Actually, you look delicious and tempting. Too tempting. Which is why I have to leave, or you won’t get any sleep.”
“Is that such a bad thing?” Look at her with her wanton words.
“Yes, because I’ve actually got a job to do.”
“Job?”
“Part of the conditions of my release.” He rolled his eyes.
Her lips pulled into a wide smile. “That’s great, Luke. See, I told you things would get better.”
“They will.” He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead and whispered, “I promise. See you later in our dreams.”
“You think…” She raised her gaze. “What if…” She couldn’t say it.
“We’re still connected, you and I. So don’t worry, Flo. We’ll talk tonight. Get some rest.”
Another light kiss, and then he left. But she didn’t have time to lament his absence as fatigue tugged her down.
Down…
She dreamed, but it wasn’t the nice dreams with Luke and pleasure. This was a nightmare, full of darkness and shadows. Of her running in the woods, frightened. Chased.
And when she fell, she was surrounded, the glowing eyes of predators ringing her. Drawing closer.
Hungry.
So…hungry. The green pair hungriest of all. And when they neared, she saw the monstrous face, the slavering mouth with all its teeth.
All the better to eat you with.
Chomp.
“Aaaaah!” As the nightmare closed its jaws on her, she sat bolt upright in bed, soaked in sweat, her heart pounding. The terror still holding her in its grip.
It took a moment to realize she was alone and unharmed. No monsters in her bedroom. No eyes watching.
It was only a nightmare. Not what she’d hoped for when she lay her head down. Then again, given she was napping at three in the afternoon, she couldn’t expect Luke to be napping, too.
Getting to her feet, she found herself feeling much better. The lethargy of before mostly gone. But her tummy did rumble. A glance at her watch showed the hour late. She’d slept through dinner, but there were the machines in the hall with edible offerings.
Heading to her door, she opened it and almost stepped on something in the way. A tray sat on the floor, a silver dome on it, along with a bottle of water infused with electrolytes. Bringing the tray into her room, she set it down on her desk and noticed the note tucked under the bottle.
Thought you could use something warm and filling. I’m just outside pullin
g guard duty if you want to come find me. Luke.
The fact he’d thought of her warmed Margaret to her toes.
Hungry and eager, she ate the bowl of soup under the dome. It wasn’t scorching hot, but still warm enough to fill her belly. The water proved tangy, the lemon flavoring not exactly her thing.
Fed, she thought about going to bed again. After all, it was close to her usual bedtime. However, she didn’t feel tired, and the note did mention that Luke was outside.
Doing what? Was this about the job Chimera gave him?
It surprised her the amount of freedom they gave Luke. Sure, she’d told him to be patient, that it would come; however, he’d gone from six guards to escort him outside to wandering at will.
She should be happy for him. However, suspicion made her wonder at the sudden change in heart. Why didn’t she trust his newfound freedom?
Because…
Because something strange was happening at the Chimaeram Clinic. Starting with why she remained passed out for four days? Hypothermia, and the treatment of it, didn’t take that long. Why all the lies about her falling in? Why not admit there was something in the lake?
Then there was the pink barrette. Wild animals didn’t do their hair.
What if Luke was telling the truth? What if Dr. Chimera did have secrets and the clinic truly was doing something heinous, like experimenting on people? It seemed farfetched, the kind of thing that only happened in a horror movie, and yet, once upon a time, things like cell phones and the internet appeared impossible, too.
Science kept advancing, and there were those who didn’t abide by the rules and ethics set in place. Those who might be tempted to play God with genetics and other things.
It would sure as hell explain the thing from the woods. Hybrid Sasquatch and wolf, ha! The more she thought about it, the less sense it made. Experiments on humans would explain why Luke kept claiming he was a monster. Did he fear becoming like that wild creature?
Surely not, and how could she even contemplate it? Luke wasn’t an animal. He was a man. A man she cared for.
Maybe even loved.
The latter had her blinking. Had she done the unthinkable and fallen for her patient?
Then again, in their dreams, he wasn’t broken or in need of her help. He was strong and loving and gentle.
She fell in love with that man.
A man she needed to see. She wrapped herself in a sweater before heading aboveground. Trepidation filled her at the thought of going outside, especially at night. It was dangerous.
But Luke was up there. She felt safe with him. Besides, she wouldn’t go far.
The elevator spilled her onto the main floor, empty of people this time of night. Her keycard, which she’d found on the tray along with her meal, gave her access to the outside, which wasn’t as dark as expected.
Light pooled from two caged bulbs, their incandescent illumination holding back the shadows.
Yet their glow didn’t show Luke nearby. No one appeared to be outside. No one at all.
Was he perhaps on the rooftop? He’d not specified where he’d be in his note.
A few paces took her away from the building with her keeping a wary gaze on the shadows just past the farthest border of light. She craned upwards but couldn’t really see the upper edge of the roofline. Another a half-dozen steps put her closer to the darkness than the door. She stood on concrete still, and the woods were yards and yards away.
Glancing upward, she couldn’t see anyone standing atop the building.
“Luke?” She said his name softly.
No reply.
“Luke.” She stated it louder, more firmly. Determined to leave if he didn’t answer. She wondered if his note meant he’d been outside earlier. She had no way of knowing what time he left it.
For all she knew, he was in his room going to sleep, looking for her in a dream.
This is crazy. She was about to move back to the safety of indoors when she heard it.
A soft whisper on the evening breeze. “Hellooooooo.”
It didn’t come from the building.
Turning, she frowned at the darkness beyond the circle of light.
“Luke? Is that you?”
“Luke is that you?” The words echoed back, the voice feminine. Lilting. Mocking.
Fear iced her veins. Not again. Rather than wait and see who spoke, Margaret ran for the door, only to halt and almost stumble as a figure darted into the pool of light, gangly and grinning through a mess of hair.
Much like the hybrid she’d met before, the body was human in appearance—two arms, two legs—but upright rather than on all fours. The face was where her mind had problems adjusting because the nose was all wrong, as was the jaw. But the eyes, the glowing yellow eyes, were all too human, as was the kinky blonde hair. As to the rest of the body, the smock pants and shirt were identical to those the patients wore—just dirtier.
“Who are you?” Margaret asked even as she was tempted to ask, What are you?
“Who are you?” the creature mimicked.
“I’m Margaret.” She pointed to her chest, hoping the aping was a sign of intelligence. She also hoped by stalling someone would notice and come to her rescue.
“I’m…” The head cocked. “Jennnnnnnnnny.” The creature held the consonant in her name almost singing it. Then giggled. But it was the growl that raised all the hairs on Margaret’s body.
“Hi, Jenny. Do you live around here?” How much did this creature understand? It seemed very odd to her that she’d now run into two possible Sasquatches when the Bigfoot hunters of this world couldn’t locate one.
“Hungry.” Jenny took a step forward.
“You need food? I can get you food. I just need to go inside to get some.”
“Hungry,” Jenny repeat, taking more strides toward Margaret, her eyes shining brightly as if lit from within. Her jaw unlocked, opening a mouth too wide with teeth too plenty.
“I’ll get you food. I swear.” Margaret began to back away, stepping from the false safety of light into the shadows beyond.
“Hungry.” A word said with a lilt and a giggle.
Whereas Margaret let out a scream as arms wrapped around her from behind!
Chapter Seventeen
The sharp, feminine cry cut off, sending a chill through Luke. It sounded like Margaret, which was impossible. She was inside. Asleep. Even if she had woken, surely she wouldn’t venture outside, especially not at night.
Whether it was Margaret or not, he had to investigate. He jogged around the building—Chimera’s pet soldiers following. For the past few days they’d been hunting for escaped projects.
That was what the doctors called them. “Projects” or by their assigned designation. For example, Luke was WF007. There were many abbreviations and numbers in use, mostly because the early experiments had failed.
But the clinic always found stupidly willing people. People, like Luke, at the end of their rope, looking for a miracle. And he’d found one. However, Luke remained cognizant of the fact he was one of the lucky ones. Not all the recipients of Chimera’s treatments recovered as well. Like Luke, they resented what was done to them, and revenge was never far from their thoughts. But above their need to spill the blood of those who wronged them was their desire to be free.
A batch of projects escaped awhile back. Having been put in solitary by then, Luke only heard the rumors. How the changed ones fled to the mountains. Nine in that specific breakout. Although it was possible more had fled Chimera’s tight grip since then.
Luke secretly cheered them on. It seemed the changed ones didn’t go too far and had lost what humanity they had left. Everyone thought them long gone. Either fled or dead. Until a few months ago. That was when the first person went missing. A nurse who enjoyed walks in the woods.
All they ever found was a shoe.
The next victim, an orderly this time, left behind a finger and a pool of blood.
That was when the already tight security got
tighter. Not inside the clinic, but outside.
It seemed Chimera’s pet projects had returned, and they were out for blood. Which, in turn, made all the doctors nervous. Hardly anyone went outside, and those that did were armed to the teeth.
This fear was why Chimera wanted Luke to track them. Personally, he didn’t want to find them. Let them eke out whatever existence they could. They’d been tortured enough already. However, in the guise of playing along, he pretended each day to go looking for them. And when he turned up empty-handed, agreed to do a hunt at night.
His last hunt he’d decided because now that Margaret was awake, it was time for them to flee.
A plan that would have to wait again because as he rounded the side of the building, the odors and their story hit him hard and fast.
First, the scent of the creature he’d dubbed, Doe. She’d been lurking around in the woods, watching out of sight. He caught the more fetid stench of the male who’d left behind the carcass of a deer in the woods, less than half a mile from the clinic. He called him Stinky.
More worrisome, mingled with both those odors, was the delicate aroma of Flo. His woman.
She’d come outside.
He followed the scents from the open area ringing the doorway until it moved off into the shadows.
She was gone.
Taken.
Heart pounding, Luke turned to scan the darkness, seeing more shapes and nuances in the shadows than a mere human could. But he saw no sign of Margaret.
He lifted his nose and sniffed, swiveling his head left and right to truly get a feel for the direction the scents went.
There. To his left.
With need driving him, he didn’t let the beast within slumber. He called it forth. Called on the adrenaline that took his humanity and turned him into a monster.
A hunter. Because that was what Chimera originally tried to design. Someone with better olfactory senses than a human. Improved eyesight. And the inborn instinct of a predator.
A killer.
No longer would Luke let the lost souls roaming these hills live. They’d taken his Flo.
My female.
Mine.
“Mine…” A softly growled word.
How dare they! For their transgression, they would die. And if they hurt her, they’d die painfully.
