by Anne Kane
Chapter Eighteen
“I don’t need you to tell me how to conduct security at my facility.” Dr. Kvordic glared at the dark-haired man sitting across from him. “The werewolf problem has been taken care of, and I’ve also taken steps to secure Belgarius within the confines of an electrically charged containment field. If he even touches it, the shock to his system will put him out of commission for days. I don’t need your extra staff.”
He’d suspected for some time that his backers had ulterior motives. They’d never questioned any of his financial demands, but now they wanted to put their own people in his facility, to help with security on his most-prized captive, Belgarius. They said they were just being helpful, but he knew better. They were up to something.
He’d caught Gerhart skulking around the locked gate to enclosure twenty-one last week. The electronic containment system had just been recharged after Belgarius’s disastrous clash with the guards. They’d had to dispose of the bodies of the two guards who’d been unfortunate enough to take the brunt of the creature’s wrath, deep down one of the deserted mine shafts. Belgarius had fried them from the inside out, as if they’d taken the full brunt of a lightning strike.
He would never admit it to the Consortium, but the attack had left him shaken and questioning the wisdom of even keeping Belgarius alive.
Gerhart crossed his arms on his chest, a frown creasing his brow. “The Consortium doesn’t wish to upset you or your program, but we are concerned that all of the creatures you acquire are adequately housed. We don’t want to have to explain this facility to the locals if there is an escape. We know the werewolves almost succeeded in freeing the selkie despite your security measures. And the nature of the creature you have locked up in pen twenty-one, the one you refer to as Belgarius, concerns us. The fact that you refuse to identify its species in your reports points to it being dangerous, or worse yet, an actual human. We cannot condone any testing done on human subjects. That would be totally unacceptable.”
Dr Kvordic let out a dry laugh, the sound devoid of mirth. Did they really think he was that stupid? “I assure you that the creature in enclosure twenty-one is far from human. I haven’t identified it in my reports because I’m not entirely sure what its genetic background is.”
Actually, he had a very good idea, but he wasn’t about to let this corporate busybody in on his wonderful find. “I have a team working on that question around the clock, and as soon as we manage to quantify it, I will give you a full report. In the meantime, all you need to know is that it is very dangerous and the measures we have taken to isolate it from the rest of the compound are a result of that. I’m not trying to hide anything.”
Gerhart pursed his lips in that annoying way that always made Kvordic want to slap the other man. He thought his money and his background made him better than the rest of the Consortium. Better than him. Stupid, shortsighted pig.
When he’d completed phase one of his research and brought the creatures in this facility under his express control, he would show the Consortium who was more important. He let a small smile play across his face as he splayed his hands out on the desk and pushed himself to his feet. “If you don’t have any further questions, I have work to do.”
“Not so fast, Gruener.” The smirk let the other man know that he had used the hated first name deliberately. “We have a few other concerns.”
Dr. Kvordic considered ignoring the request, but for now he still needed these men no matter how silly and narrow-minded they were. His research must continue. Once he managed to breed himself an army of supernaturals, he could control the entire world, keeping it safe for normal humans. These abominations needed to be contained before they used their supernatural skills to the detriment of the human race.
He sighed loudly, sinking back into his chair. “Other concerns?”
“Yes, these creatures that you’ve collected and house here for your research. What do you plan on doing with them once you’ve concluded your studies? You can’t just let them go.”
“Good heavens, no. Of course, I wouldn’t turn them loose. They will stay in the compound or similar facilities where the public can come and observe them for themselves.”
The banker raised his brows. “Sort of like a zoo for supernatural creatures?”
“Well, yes.”
Gerhart shook his head. “We were afraid of that. Not a good idea. We can release video to show the world, but the creatures are too dangerous to place in close proximity with the human population. We feel it would be best if you turned them over to us at the Consortium. We can ensure that they are kept under strict control.”
Dr. Kvordic stared. “You can’t be serious.”
“Very serious. Is that a problem?”
“Yes.” He took a deep breath and squelched the urge to jump up and grab the other man by the throat. “This is my research, my life’s work. Those creatures are my specimens. Without them as proof to back up the data, I have nothing. I’ll be laughed at by every scientist in the world.” He shook his head emphatically. “You are not removing them from my keeping.”
Gerhart cocked his head, his eyes narrowing as he watched him. Gruener had the uncomfortable feeling that this was what the creatures felt like when he studied them. Trapped.
“Perhaps we can come to a compromise. It will be some time before you are ready to release your findings, yes? We can discuss the best way to handle the specimens before that happens.”
Dr. Kvordic nodded slowly. They were up to something, but what? If they managed to gain access to his collection of supernaturals, they could have any one of a number of scientists finish his research and claim the credit for themselves. He simply would not let that happen. “I’m sure we can. The important thing is to finish the research.” And figure out how to cut the Consortium out of the picture before they had time to spring whatever they had planned. “Was there something else?”
Gerhart smiled, and it did nothing to inspire confidence. “Nothing that I’d want to bother you with right now. I know you can’t wait to get back to your research, and I’ve already taken up a good portion of your time. If you could make sure that we receive a full report on Belgarius once you manage to decide what he is, I’d appreciate it.”
“Certainly.” Dr. Kvordic stood and extended his hand. “It’s been good to see you. I’ll have one of the guards escort you to your vehicle.”
Gerhart took his hand in a firm grip and gave it a perfunctory shake. “Thank you. Wouldn’t want to become the victim of one of your escaped inmates.” He gathered the reports that Dr. Kvordic’s secretary had typed up and shoved them into this briefcase. “I look forward to our next meeting.”
* * * * *
Wolfe eased his back up against a tree where he had a good view of the compound below. Just having the place in sight made him feel closer to Nikki. Looking around to make sure he was invisible from the road, he fingered the cell phone in his pocket and fixed his gaze on the habitat on the far left.
That must be the one where they were keeping Nikki. There was a pond and a small waterfall barely visible from his hiding spot. Strive as he might, he couldn’t make out a lot of detail. The lush foliage within the walled enclosure formed a thick canopy overhead, blocking his sight of the grounds.
Nikki? You there? He felt like he was holding his breath, afraid of what he might do if she didn’t answer. The thought of losing his mate so soon after discovering her didn’t bear thinking about.
Where else would I be?
He smiled at the wry note in her voice, letting out the breath he hadn’t been aware of holding. I thought that maybe you caught a ride in to town to see the symphony. Heard they were doing a salute to show tunes this month.
Couldn’t get a balcony seat, and you know how I hate to sit down on the floor with the rest of the commoners.
Apparently, incarceration hadn’t hampered her wit. I’ll keep that in mind when I plan our next date.
Do that. Any idea when you’ll be
coming to get me out of here? Because right now I’d be willing to sit on the floor in row one just to get away from these damn security monitors.
Bad?
They threatened to cut my meals in half if I used the big bath towel to block their view of the bathroom again. I guess they like to make sure I pee in an appropriate manner for a nonhuman.
Wolfe clenched his hands into fists, wishing he had the perverts right there in front of him. Not allowing a girl to use the bathroom in privacy was just wrong on so many levels. Then again, they didn’t think of her as a girl.
The thought didn’t do anything to lower his blood pressure.
Trina and Jack have called in the Druid Council. There’s a military arm that specializes in getting us out of delicate situations that are a threat to the security of the council as a whole. They should be here within the next twenty-four hours, so maybe you could just skip the showers until then.
Don’t think that’s going to work for me. The image she sent him showed her jogging on the biggest damn treadmill he’d ever seen, her beautiful hair wet with sweat and plastered to her body as she gasped for oxygen. Rivers of sweat poured from her body, leaving damp trails marking their progress on her clothing. I don’t get to lie around my cage all day looking pretty. They want to see how much I can take, or else how long before I drop dead on them. Right now I’m not sure which it is.
Wolfe felt the stirrings of a homicidal rage swelling within him, and he clamped down on it hard, his teeth grinding at the effort. Now was not the time to lose control. There were too many of those damn guards for him to try a lone assault, and Nikki needed him. He was her only connection to the relative sanity of the outside world. He needed to concentrate on doing what good he could do. Time to change the subject so he could try to calm down a bit.
Okay, so you really need to shower. What is your contact with the other prisoners like? Can you get messages to them?
They try to keep us apart, but we all use the same gym, and the cafeteria seating is random. The doctor wants me to play stool pigeon and convince the others to play along with his insanity, so the guards let me talk to them as long as the security cameras can record what’s going on. Not sure why, but he thinks I’m more gullible than the rest.
That could work to our advantage. The guys who are coming are something like the Navy SEALs guys you see in the movies. Maybe a dozen guys who are really good at what they do, and rescuing supernaturals from nasty situations is exactly what they do. If you can coordinate the escape from the inside, maybe set up a diversion so the team can get in that would be a big help.
Ooohhh, why didn’t you tell me that before? SEALs are so sexy!
Yeah well, don’t be getting any ideas. He loved the fact that she could still joke. At least, she’d better be joking. We’re bonded so you’re stuck with me. Thought I’d mentioned that part. And what’s so sexy about a seal anyways? They’re not nearly as cute as, oh say, a river otter.
She stuck her tongue out. He could see it as clearly as if she were right in front of him, and he could feel a smile tug the corner of his mouth. He needed to get her back. Soon. To fill the aching void left by his missing heart.
He closed his eyes and concentrated, building a picture of the tree house in his mind. The windows to the master bedroom were open, and a cool breeze wafted through the open spaces. Nikki lay upon the bed, her head cradled in the crook of his arm. The setting sun was visible through the window to the west, streaks of gold painting a gorgeous picture in the evening sky. He lifted his hand to stroke the silken mass of her hair from her face, uncovering the slender column of her neck.
Nikki took over the image, opening her eyes to stare up into his face. You scare me, you know. This scene. It’s too peaceful, too tempting. She raised one finger to trace the line of his jaw. I’m afraid I’ll be hooked and I won’t be able to cope when it ends.
It doesn’t have to end. In the shared vision, Wolfe rolled over and raised himself up on his elbows above her, one hand on either side of her head. He lowered his mouth slowly to cover hers, barely brushing her soft lips with the tip of his tongue. Her lashes fluttered down to cover the soft sparkle of her eyes, and he teased her lips until she opened them willingly to accept him.
The kiss went on for an eternity, feeling almost real. Wolfe felt her sudden inattention, and sent a mental query.
Ssshhh. Someone’s coming.
Who is it?
I don’t know yet. I can hear footsteps outside the barrier, and there’s more than one person.
Wolfe could feel the tension rising in her, and frustration formed a tight knot in his belly. How much more of this was he supposed to take?
Getting down on his stomach, he squirmed his way to the top of the ridge and focused his binoculars on the compound. A movement to the right caught his attention. Two guards moved along the path from the main building, a slender girl between them. The girl looked to be in her early twenties, with long blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail. She wore the same shapeless robe he’d noticed on the rest of the inmates, marking her as a supernatural.
As the trio passed in front of the forest enclosure, a wolf stalked to the barrier and lifted his muzzle toward the sky. An eerie howl lifted the hairs on the back of Wolfe’s neck.
That’s Jackson making that god-awful noise. He’s the alpha of the werewolf pack, the one who tried to get Sasha free. She was pregnant with his child but something happened. I think the doctor terminated the pregnancy, and Sasha’s been having a tough time. Jackson wants her safely out of here, even if he doesn’t make it.
Wolfe zeroed in on the one fact that might be important to their plans. Did the werewolves have a way to get out of their compound unobserved? How did the alpha manage to get together with the selkie long enough for her to get pregnant?
Nikki didn’t answer right away. He could feel her mulling the question over in her mind. She looked around her enclosure, seeking some weakness in the barrier or the security. I’m not sure. I’ll have to ask Jackson if I see him again. She paused for a moment. They’re getting closer.
Chapter Nineteen
Nikki watched the trio as they approached. These see-through walls were good for something. They let the guards and other staff observe her at all times, but they also made it hard for anyone to sneak up and surprise her. Good old Mrs. Simmons was on one side and her sidekick Stan was on the other. Presumably, the girl in the middle was the missing Sasha. Cute, with long blonde curls, she looked…fragile. Pain lurked in the depths of her blue eyes, but she walked proudly erect, as if daring anyone to offer to help her.
Nikki swung her legs over the edge of the bed but stayed where she was. Can you see them from there?
Yeah, I’ve got the binoculars.
Right. Guess I better play good little selkie and meet them.
You could just close your eyes and pretend you’re asleep.
For a second, she was tempted to take his suggestion. The partial wall of her sleeping area blocked her view of the entrance. She heard the footsteps stop, and the horrible squealing sound as the door swung inward. Really. One good shot of WD-40 could fix the squeak in no time. The maintenance crew around here needed serious help.
“Hello. You awake, Nikki? We have some company for you!” Mrs. Simmons’s voice dripped with that annoying saccharine tone that set Nikki’s teeth on edge.
“I’m just in the back.” Nikki stood and ran her fingers through her hair. A little notice before they sprang stuff on her would be nice. She stepped out into the main area and plastered a smile on her face. She had to remember not to give away the fact that she was in contact with someone on the outside. “Company?”
“This is Sasha. She’s a selkie just like you.” Mrs. Simmons beamed as if she’d just discovered nuclear fusion.
Sasha met her gaze, a wry smile curving the corner of her mouth despite the lingering sadness shadowing her eyes. “I’d say happy to meet you, but this isn’t a place I’d wish on my worst enemy.”
“Ditto.” Nikki had a feeling they were going to get along famously.
“Now, girls.” Mrs. Simmons tsked disapprovingly, holding up the scanner to Sasha’s collar. “You know Dr. Kvordic takes every precaution to keep you safe and happy. You should be more grateful.” She motioned Stan out of the enclosure. “We’ll leave you two to get acquainted now. If you need anything, just holler.”
“And the Peeping Guard will make notes.” Sasha waggled her brows.
The guard smiled as if she thought they were kidding. “They’ll send me a message. I’ve been assigned to you for the time being. I’ll be back in the morning to take you to your appointments.”
She was halfway out the door when she turned, an ugly frown on her face. “And don’t even think of trying to contact your lover, Sasha. Dr. Kvordic is already considering putting him down. The rest of the pack will be easier to handle without their leader.”
Nikki watched the blood drain from Sasha’s face. “No.”
She couldn’t help the gasp of horror that escaped her own lips. Murder. They were talking about murdering Jackson.
She reached out to wrap her arms around the other woman’s shoulder. “They won’t do that, she’s just trying to scare you. If they take out the alpha, the rest of the pack will go berserk and then they’ll really have a problem.”
“You think so?”
“Of course. Everyone knows that it’s the alpha’s influence that keeps the pack under control. Without that, they’d just go berserk.” Nikki was far from sure she was right, but there was no point in worrying about something they had no control over. If the doctor and his crew thought he was necessary to control the rest of the pack, it might help keep him alive.
