She held perfectly still, pretending to be shocked and terrified. In reality memories were swirling through her mind. It had been decades since she’d allowed herself such excess. Situations were easier to control while she held the dominant role, so she generally played it safe.
“I don’t want that,” she whispered, but the thought alone had her teetering on the brink of orgasm. Three men all at once? Six rough hands, three hungry mouths and three hard cocks thrusting, filling, using her?
“Are you sure?” He found the zipper to her skirt and lowered it. “A lovely flush just spread across your shoulders and you’re breathing really fast.”
“I’m afraid.”
He pulled her up off the desktop and turned her around then pushed the loosened skirt down her legs. She was naked except for her high-heeled boots, hands bound behind her back, and he paused to enjoy the display. Her nipples tingled and heat flooded her sex. Why had she denied herself these pleasures for so long? Yes, she was playing a role, but even the pretense was intoxicating.
“It’s not fear I see in your eyes. It’s hunger.”
How the hell would he know? He was staring at her boobs. She wiggled, making her breasts sway. His gaze narrowed and he licked his lips.
Then he picked her up and set her on the desktop again. “We’re back where we started.”
“Except I’m naked and my hands are tied.”
“The point is,” he pinched her nipple until she gasped, “you have a decision to make. You can obey my commands or I’ll summon two of my men and we’ll teach you how to be obedient.”
Could she maintain the illusion while three men overwhelmed her senses? She only hesitated because her levels were so low. No matter how much she wanted to indulge herself, the risk was too great. She would let Nate think he’d won this round. She’d carefully feed while obeying his every command. Then, when her strength returned, she’d do something outrageous to piss him off. He’d have no choice but to call his guards.
Leaning back, she steadied herself against the desktop as she drew her knees up then out. His gaze slid down along her body as her legs opened and she found the edge of the desk with her heels.
“Good choice.” He moved between her wide-spread legs and pushed his fingers deep inside her passage. “Let’s make sure you’re good and ready so I don’t hurt you—too much.”
Chapter Eight
Sunlight bathed the cloudless sky, promising a hot, dry summer day. Jake and Heather strolled along the raised walkway that stretched on for over a mile into the distance. The entire sanctuary felt open, expansive and free, nothing like a traditional zoo. Spacious habitats lined each side of the walkway, providing rescued carnivores with plenty of room to roam, relax and play. The raised walkways offered breathtaking views of the majestic animals while ensuring that they remained safely segregated from the steady stream of visitors.
“This place is much bigger than I realized.” Heather paused, staring out over one of the wolf habitats. “I thought it was a retirement home for circus cats.”
Jake chuckled. “It started out that way thirty-some years ago but Erin’s a crusader. Saving captive animals has become her purpose in life.”
“When she’s not guarding the history of the Therian nation, starting a revolution or resurrecting the Omni Prime?” She looked up at him with eyes every bit as blue as the summer sky. “Where does she find the time?”
“Kyle has taken over leadership of the rebels and Devon is gradually taking over management of the sanctuary. Erin is still actively involved in both but she trusts her children enough to step back.”
“What a novel concept.” Heather made a dismissive sound and shifted her gaze back to the wolves.
Jake tensed. She’d been sort of prickly all morning. “Do we need to talk about last night?”
“What about it?” She casually moved off down the walkway, trailing her fingers along the upper railing.
“You’re obviously upset.” He lengthened his stride and easily caught up to her. “Are you angry because we had sex or because I tried to instigate a mind link?”
“I’m not angry.”
“Grumpy. Sullen. What should I call this change in your mood?” He caught her wrist and stopped her escape. “Talk to me.”
“I don’t regret sleeping with you.” She looked at him without pulling her hand away. “I do regret—”
“There you are!” Devon waved as she rushed up to meet them. “I’ve been looking all over for you two.”
Erin had warned them that three school tours were scheduled back-to-back, so Jake had brought Heather to the sanctuary before the official day began. “We’re hiding in plain sight,” he told Devon with a smile.
“I know Heather has an appointment with Dr. Garran in a little while, but I’d like you to take a look at one of my tiger females.” She motioned for them to follow her without waiting for his consent.
“This place is amazing.” Heather fell in step beside him as they retraced their path along the walkway. They passed bears, lions, tigers and more wolves. “I had no idea it was this big or that you accepted so many different types of animals.”
“The sanctuary was private for the first decade. Mom didn’t want to let the public in, but publicity brings in money and generous sponsors allow us to expand. It’s a necessary evil.”
They passed through a large observation deck with a snack shop in the middle and headed back toward the education center.
“Are the animals ever returned to the wild?”
Heather’s curiosity was understandable. He’d had a million questions when he’d first seen the operation. And Heather had only seen the portion of the complex that was aboveground. The rebel command center and an extensive series of tunnels connecting the surrounding properties branched out beneath their feet. In fact the sanctuary had originally been established as a front for what went on beneath. Erin had never imagined that the “front” would take on a life of its own and expand far beyond her original intentions.
“Most of these animals were born in captivity,” Devon explained. “They’d starve to death if we turned them loose in the wild.”
“Then they’re tame?”
Devon paused and shook her head. “Not even close. Regardless of their upbringing, these are still wild animals. They will attack if they feel threatened. We approach them with caution and respect. Always.” She led them through a classroom situated just off the walkway then down a spiral staircase. They emerged in a circular room around which ten wedge-shaped pens were located. “She’s over here.”
Jake followed her to one of the pens then waited for more information. When she said nothing, he asked, “What’s wrong with her?”
Devon arched her brows and took a step back. “You tell me.”
Unsure why she thought he would have a greater insight than anyone else, he turned his attention to the tigress. She was curled up in the back corner of the enclosure, head averted from the barred access door. His tiger surged suddenly, forcing Jake closer to the bars. A low rumble vibrated his throat and the tigress raised her head. How odd. He’d never seen a tiger react to a Therian vocalization.
“Is she…”
“I’m not sure.” Devon grinned. “Is she?”
Jake crouched in front of the cage, more or less eye level with the tigress. She met his gaze with obvious caution, her body still curled into a tight ball. “How long has she been here?”
“A little over two weeks. She responded to Ian but she ignores me. I thought it was a man thing, so I had Kyle and Payne try. No luck.”
“Kyle is newly mated and Payne terrifies everyone.”
Devon gave his shoulder a playful push. “I’m not sure you’re any less scary, but at least you’re a tiger. See if she’ll talk to you. Make sure she knows we’re no threat to her. And I’d love to know how she’s maintaining that form without energy infusions.”
Rocking to his knees, Jake looked at the tigress. She’d unwound her body and crep
t forward as he spoke with Devon. As soon as he looked at the tigress she stopped moving and placed her chin on her front paws. “You’re safe here. No one will harm you.”
Emotion seeped into his mind, barely discernible at first. He located the path she was using and responded with warmth and encouragement. I’m Jake. We are like you. He drew Therian energy upward, savoring the burn as his eyes began to glow.
She was using the telepathic link common to tigers, not the universal connection accessible to all Therians. Was this why she hadn’t spoken before? Perhaps she could only transmit along the tiger link.
He felt uncertainty deepen to fear and then hope sparked within the darkness. Ser… Serra. The keepers gave us numbers, but my mother called me Serra.
The keepers? Where had she been kept and how had she escaped? Rather than bombard her with questions, he smiled. I’m pleased to meet you, Serra. He sent another wave of warmth across the tiger link.
Serra crept closer, keeping her body close to the ground. Why do you feel familiar to me?
Myriad questions branched off within his mind as he thought about the possibilities. Was it just that they both manifested as tigers or was the connection more substantial? If she was a victim of the backers, which was almost inevitable, had his bloodline been used in their experiments?
Knowing she’d sense deception, he answered honestly. I’m not sure. We are called Therians and we are all able to transform into animals. Like you, I transform into a tiger. Perhaps that’s why I seem more familiar than the others.
I know they have tried to mind-speak with me, but I cannot understand them. Her golden gaze shifted to Devon then filled with hostility. My new keeper is able to transform?
That’s Devon and she is not your keeper. You are not a prisoner. He turned to Devon and urged, “Unlock the cage.”
“But—”
“Do it. She’ll never trust us if she thinks she’s a prisoner.”
Devon pulled a keychain out of her pocket and found the appropriate key. “You are our guest, not our prisoner.” She opened the bars and stepped aside.
“You’re free to leave whenever you like,” Jake reinforced, “but we hope you’ll let us help you.”
After a long, tense minute, the tigress sighed. I have nowhere else to go.
Then relax and let us help you. Is there anything you need?
Serra ignored the question and looked at Heather. What is she?
A friend. Her name is Heather. She will not hurt you.
Obviously unconvinced, Serra returned to her corner and curled up. At least she faced them this time.
Are you able to return to your human shape or do you require assistance?
The keepers call forth my other self. I have nothing to do with it.
He nodded. That’s what he’d feared. When one of the backers’ formulas had trapped Dhane in his animal form, it had taken a second formula to release him.
Serra cocked her head, apparently intrigued by the question. Are you able to transform without the keepers’ help?
There are no keepers here and yes, we control when we shift. Jake waited for her to react to the fact, but she said nothing more and he felt no emotion flow across their link. Either she didn’t believe him or she refused to even consider the possibility. May I tell the others what you told me?
If you like. She sounded bored and her eyelids drifted shut.
He wasn’t fooled by her nonchalance. Her heartbeat was still racing.
Pushing to his feet, he dusted off his jeans. “This is Serra and I suspect she escaped from one of the backers’ research facilities.”
* * * * *
Zophiel paused on the balcony of her borrowed apartment and savored the sweet aches and stiffness a night with Nate had left behind. Feeding gradually enough so he didn’t feel the drain had been seriously challenging, especially while he commanded her body with surprising skill. Despite her provocation, he hadn’t called his guards. However, he’d used his belt on her bare behind, which had been almost as thrilling. Next time she’d make sure—next time?
The thought sent lust crashing over her but logic immediately banked the fire. She’d siphoned more than energy out of Nate during their sexathon. She’d learned that Milliner had contacted Nate and offered to trade Dhane for Heather. Which meant Nate wasn’t a traitor, just a detestable father. She really should wait and see how it all played out before she even considered seeing Nate again, but last night had been incredibly entertaining.
Distracted by the conflict, she slid open the door and stepped into the apartment.
“You selfish bitch! I’ve been trapped here for hours, without water or food, or even a goddamn toilet!”
Sean’s furious tirade made Zophiel smile. She hadn’t intentionally tortured her pet. His needs had simply slipped her mind. Reinforcing the compulsion that kept him in the bedroom had been a safety precaution. She hadn’t planned on being gone all night. Still, why in the world did the human think she’d be moved by a temper tantrum?
She strolled into the bedroom and looked around. “You’ve been busy.” He’d trashed the place, smashed every breakable object within reach and torn the pictures off the walls. The television was on the floor and the small table she’d been using as a desk was upturned and broken.
“Kill me or let me go.” Hopelessness replaced his anger, making him look even more pathetic. “I cannot go on like this.”
She’d been thinking the same thing all morning. Sean had become bothersome, besides it was past time for her to find a new hideout. “As you wish.” Guiding her destructive thought with a sharp hand gesture, she broke his neck and watched unmoved as he collapsed on the bed. The mess he’d made would have the investigators debating the true nature of the crime. Had a murderer tried to cover his tracks by ransacking the room or had the victim interrupted a violent burglar? She didn’t care what the humans concluded as long as nothing connected her with the crime.
A focused cleansing pulse dissolved any trace evidence she might have left behind. It had taken centuries to perfect the technique but the skill became more important as DNA testing advanced. Satisfied that the apartment was clear, she cloaked herself in an invisibility shield and returned to the balcony. She needed to find a new location, but it was even more important that she contact Tias. It would be interesting to find out if Tias knew Milliner was making deals with Nate Fitzroy.
For decades the backers had operated separately, each overseeing a specific element of the program on a different continent. Roberto ran Europe, Tias focused on Asia and Milliner governed North America. But as the program advanced and more direct interaction between the departments became necessary, the logistics of a multinational system proved impractical. So the backers began looking for the perfect location to bring everything together under one roof.
The backers had searched their territories, hoping to control the final location, but Milliner’s military contacts proved most valuable. He learned of an army hospital that would soon be decommissioned on the outskirts of Aurora, Colorado. Though larger than the project required, the hospital had far more advantages than drawbacks, so Milliner moved ahead with the negotiation. The backers were in the process of retrofitting the hospital with modern surveillance and security when Therians attacked the mountain complex, forcing the consolidation to take place several months ahead of schedule.
Zophiel had been curious to see the central location ever since she learned about it from Roberto. She also needed to speak with Tias. Might as well kill two birds with one stone.
Cloaked in invisibility, she jumped off the balcony and unfurled her wings. The air was cool despite the bright sunshine. She soared across the sky, focused on her destination rather than the scenery below. Denver became a blur of cluttered high-rises and reddish-brown rooftops as she headed southeast toward the backers’ headquarters.
The hospital easily dominated its surroundings. The main building was six stories high while matching wings only had four floors. Th
ere were two sublevels, which had undergone significant changes since the backers took over the property.
Roberto’s mind had been filled with plans and computer mock-ups. Apparently he’d only actually been inside the hospital a few times before Zophiel took control of him. Still, if his information was accurate, Zophiel was in for a treat.
She glided to a stop on the front lawn not far from the entrance. Judging from the vehicles in the main lot, there were forty or fifty employees inside. She had no idea how many “test subjects” were being held captive but she was about to find out.
Humans couldn’t detect her as long as she was shielded and Therians tended to shrug it off even if they did sense her lurking about. She could move soundlessly and remain invisible but she couldn’t pass through walls or teleport. Guards were posted at the entrance and surveillance cameras were everywhere, so she needed someone to open the door and let her in.
She didn’t have long to wait. A man in a dress shirt and pants with the jacket folded over his arm walked briskly toward the exit. He waved at the guards as he passed but didn’t let them distract him from the conversation he was having on his cell phone. He shoved the door open and departed. Zophiel ducked through the opening before the door swung shut and then hurried across the wide lobby.
According to Roberto’s information, only the first two levels were in use. The rest of the building had been cordoned off and several sections had been completely sealed. She found a stairwell away from prying eyes and jogged up to the second floor. There was no way to avoid creating anomalies on the surveillance cameras, but lesser used areas tended to be ignored by security.
Drawn by voices and light, she easily located two large laboratories. The workers on one side of the hall wore protective clothing, gloves and masks, while the workers on the other side were dressed casually. Zophiel didn’t know enough about microbiology to even guess what they were doing. The corridor looped around and brought her up on the other side of the casual laboratory. Apparently there were no patients on this floor.
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