Page 1 of Feral Mates (Ruthless Instinct #1)

S avannah

“This needs to work,” I said to no one since almost everyone in the laboratory had left for the day.

The weeks of research and testing only to be hit with one failure after another had me wondering if the long hours had been worthwhile.

Even still, for two weeks, I’d believed I was this close to configuring the photon laser system.

I’d seen minute glimpses of hope, vibrant energy pulses indicating positive results.

That had kept me energized, even excited about the possibility of confirming new life in a parallel dimension.

And not just basic molecules similar in composition to amoebas as most the other scientists working on the project believed. I’d even gone out on a limb suggesting I could prove my theory.

Every time I’d gotten my hopes up, I’d been disappointed.

A vast array of high-dollar computer screens held my rapt attention as my pulse ticked higher. I could feel a breakthrough in my bones. Five seconds passed. Ten. Twenty. When the energy levels remained flat, I threw back my head and groaned.

“Fuck.”

Maybe another cup of coffee was needed.

No, that would only add to the jittery feeling pooling in my stomach.

Patience.

My mother had always told me I needed to improve my patience. Unfortunately, I couldn’t will the testing process to move any faster. Now it was another waiting game, crossing my fingers that the latest results would provide the one inkling of proof I craved.

I had a feeling my job as a research scientist with Blackwell Industries depended on coming through with promises made.

Please. This had to work.

The seconds ticked by and as usual, I fell victim to my nervous habit of pacing the floor.

A flash drew my attention seconds later and my heart skipped several beats. Instead of returning to the expansive console of computers, I moved toward the pane of glass securing the team from the possibly damaging effects of the laser system.

I remained mesmerized, trying to tamp down the giddiness I felt inside.

While the subtle pulses shimmering in vibrant colors might be overlooked by my fellow scientists, I could feel the energy level deep inside.

Tingling sensations vibrated through me, tiny pricks of electricity overheating every inch of my body.

I placed my hand on the glass, flexing my fingers and for a split second it felt as if my fingertips had been seared by explosive heat. When I sensed a presence, I fisted my hand, backing away. Some might say my fascination was unhealthy.

“While I admire your intense dedication, you do realize you’re the only one here, right?”

Smiling, I turned my head as Carl Wheaton walked closer.

While I was still in my lab coat, he was ready to leave for the night.

“I know. I’m almost finished for the day.

I just wanted to perform one last test. I can feel life in my bones.

” He was a good friend and fellow scientist, almost as dedicated as I’d become.

“It’s Friday night, Sav. You deserve time off. Go do something fun with your friends instead of spending your free time locked in this place. How about this? Go on a date for a change.”

“I do spend time with my friends.” A lie since I had very few of them. “Besides, I enjoy my work. I’ll have you know I’m excellent with maintaining a work/life balance.” I also couldn’t remember the last time I’d been on a date.

“Ri-ight. Sure you are,” he said, laughing.

“The problem is that you’re taken. If you weren’t…” I winked, and for a few seconds I felt a hint of jealousy. He’d found the love of his life in Brian, their close relationship something I envied.

“Nice attempt at dodging the subject. I know the project is important to you, but don’t get your hopes up the portal means a direct pathway to other living beings.” He followed my gaze toward the glass, shaking his head. “You really do believe the portal is a gateway.”

“Maybe,” I said, throwing him a look. “I think we as scientists owe it to ourselves to consider the possibility. If you look at the change in the energy level, it’s as if they’re responding to human stimulation, their molecules expanding, doubling or tripling.”

“From what I’ve heard from the upper echelon of scientists, there is no sign of intelligent life. What you’re seeing is simply like a response to stimuli.”

I shook my head. “I just don’t buy it.” The upper echelon scientists were handpicked by Dr. Blackwell to handle top-secret aspects of the projects that as lower-level employees, we weren’t privy to. However, there were always rumors within a company.

Word had gotten out that the government oversight committee wasn’t happy with our progress, threatening to shut down the project.

If that occurred, the portal would be closed permanently.

The thought annoyed the hell out of me since I was certain we could learn a great deal from what we’d already discovered.

Imagine the future findings if the portal was kept open.

I was still furious from hearing the news. Of course I knew billions of dollars had already been spent, but why not embrace the opportunity of a lifetime?

As if hearing the anger in my voice, the energy modules lit up in neon shades of pink and blue, moving and resizing. Almost violently.

He glanced over his shoulder, crowding closer. “Did you hear the latest rumors? They can’t close the portal.”

Turning my head, I studied Carl’s eyes. He was serious. “You’re kidding me?” Now my tone held a hint of excitement. The modules pulsed vibrantly. I could swear the reaction was based on what they felt and heard.

“Nope,” he said, popping the ‘p.’ “But you didn’t hear that from me. Do you need anything before I take off? I don’t think there’s another soul here.”

At that moment we both heard footsteps and turned, knowing exactly who was left lurking in the building.

“Correction, Dr. Death is still here,” he said under his breath.

When the owner of the lab walked by with precise footsteps, I found myself shivering.

Marcus Blackwell was a brilliant scientist with an incredible reputation, and I was thrilled to be working with and for him, but the man was strange.

He’d been one of my professors my freshman year in college, his tutelage luring me into expanding my career in science.

“I swear that man is like a vampire. I never see him eat.”

I laughed. “You’ve been reading too many of your horror books.”

“Hey. We work with strange creatures from another world. What are you talking about?”

“Not proven. Now go home. Snuggle up with Stephen King.”

“At least I’m snuggling with someone.”

“You are such a terrible friend.”

“But you love me,” he grinned as he headed for the door.

As soon as he left, I returned my attention to the energy source. While I wasn’t privy to every aspect of the top-secret project, I sensed the team was onto something incredible.

A bit later, I checked my watch. Somehow another thirty minutes had gone by while I’d stood mesmerized. Sighing, I returned to the computer screens. The test had proven inconclusive. Damn it. I made a promise to myself that my work would continue. I’d prove my theory. One way or another.

After stretching my back, I realized almost every muscle was sore from so much tension. Maybe it was time to go home.

“Goodnight,” I whispered, as if there was a lifeform inside the colorful quantum strands that could hear me.

I took off my jacket and headed for my locker to grab my things. While I’d brought a change of clothes, I was too exhausted to bother. I’d enjoy relaxing with a nice glass of wine. The snuggling would be in my soft jammies.

Just before leaving the room, I took another look. Perhaps it was my imagination, but I could swear the field of energy was growing, more humanlike shapes forming. That was crazy. I laughed softly, my heels clicking on the tile as I headed for the exit.

The brisk air captured my breath as I walked to my car while stealing a quick glance at the full moon.

While the parking lot was well lit, the bright orb gave me comfort since there was only one other vehicle left at the facility.

The owner himself. I was beginning to think Dr. Blackwell slept at the lab.

After starting the engine, I was relieved. My poor little Cruze needed to get me through another full year before I could even think about purchasing another car. I pulled from the lot, flicking the switch on the satellite radio. The heavy metal music was exactly what I needed after a long day.

I headed down the only road leading from the laboratory where Blackwell Industries was located, the rural location in the middle of nowhere.

While I knew there were supposed to be security guards watching over the property twenty-four/seven, I’d never seen one outside the building itself.

They were armed, but their job was to protect the lab, not watch out for employees on their commute home.

With a nervous laugh, I flicked on the high beams, singing to my favorite song as I flew by the dark forest. The massive trees on both sides created an eerie atmosphere during the day, but at night, demons and monsters practically leapt from the shadows. The thought created shivers.

I had to remind myself that monsters didn’t exist. Not in this world anyway.

Clunk.

What was that?

Was the sound in the music?

Turning down the volume, I listened intently. After a few seconds of hearing nothing, I had my hand on the knob when I heard it again.

Louder this time.

Then the car was jerked slightly to the left.

“No. no, no, no!” This just couldn’t be happening. Not here. Not now.

Yet the clunk turned into ker-thunkety clunk, which morphed into the front end being somewhat unresponsive. Which led into the ugly realization I had a flat tire.

Great.