Page 41 of Feral Mates (Ruthless Instinct #1)

“You’re all over the news, girl. I must admit I was shocked when I saw it the first time.

I even reached out to your dad.” Mark stood staring at the television screen, scratching his head.

“I assume there’s much more to the story than I was told.

” He continued to eye Apollo, Kai, and Roman as if expecting them to suddenly shift into wolves.

“You have no idea what she’s gone through,” Kai said quietly, never blinking as he stared at the screen. His anger was bubbling to the surface much like mine was.

“I gathered that. I honestly don’t know what to think at this point other than I know all of you are in trouble. I promised your father I’d help you in any way possible. But I gotta admit this is something I’ve never dealt with before.”

“I know, Mark. I never wanted any of this. Once upon a time I was excited about the possibility of new life. Now I’m worried Thanatos will use the discovery against all humanity.” I could feel Mark watching me, uncertain how to react. Hell, I wasn’t certain what to think any longer.

My instinct had told me that Thanatos hadn’t been injured or killed in our escape or by the other beasts. My suspicions were confirmed when the news broadcast cut to a press conference. And he was the main speaker.

“Do you want me to turn that off?” Mark asked.

“We need to hear what the monster has to say for himself,” Apollo growled.

Mark was obviously uncomfortable with their presence but nodded.

I moved a little closer to the television, glaring at Thanatos as he began to speak. I could swear it was as if his pointed eyes were looking right at me.

“As many of you know, my laboratory was recently sabotaged by an employee I trusted. Not only did she destroy a portion of the building, but also years of research. While attempting to pick up the pieces, she and several men struck our facility again, attempting to steal confidential information. Fortunately, they were unsuccessful in their attempts, but additional damage was done.”

“Fuck that man,” I hissed under my breath.

Thanatos lifted his head, leaning forward slightly as he stared directly into the camera.

“Dr. Morgan. I can only assume you’ve had a psychotic break given your odd behavior and wild accusations.

You need help, Dr. Morgan, and I encourage you to turn yourself in.

I promise you that I’ll work with the authorities on getting you the help you need. ”

Roman stormed toward the television and for a few seconds, I was certain he was going to pound his fist into the screen. “You changed us forever. We can never go back to what we were before.”

The tension in the room was high.

“I’ve seen enough, Savannah,” Mark said gently. “I think we all have and I can tell that man is lying. Gives you the creepiest vibes too.”

He had no idea.

I didn’t try to stop him as he grabbed the remote, flicking off the television.

We all remained silent.

“Your dad told me he and your mom are coming home early.”

I was already thankful my father had placed his trust in Mark. At least for the first time since the nightmare began, I had hopes we’d manage to find our way through the maze. After that, I wasn’t certain what would happen, but right now it was just about taking it hour by hour. “He told me.”

“I did some checking on Serenity,” Mark said.

“They have a bad reputation and I talked to a buddy of mine who works with animal control. They’ve been called to the facility at least a half dozen times with reports of mistreatment of animals.

You’re telling me your wolves escaped the refuge and were taken over by lifeforms your laboratory discovered? ”

“That’s pretty much the gist of it.” I wasn’t entirely certain he believed me, but he knew that I was a person of science, not fiction.

It took him a full minute to respond. “Well, then. I’ll also guess that your wolves are much stronger and more powerful now.”

“Yes.”

He nodded several times as he rubbed his jaw.

“Then this is going to be interesting. Make yourselves at home. Kitchen is through that doorway. I have a fresh pot of coffee on, water and soft drinks in the fridge. I’ll make something to eat in a little while.

You must be hungry.” He glanced from Kai to Apollo and finally to Roman.

“You’re growing boys. You need to eat. Even if I don’t have any fresh roadkill. ”

They bristled even as he laughed.

“Just kidding, boys. Let me grab some clothes. I think I have a few things that will fit you.”

We remained quiet as he walked out of the room. Kai moved toward the window, staring out at the yard, but I sensed he wasn’t seeing anything. He missed his pack. That much I’d read from his thoughts.

Roman was no different, wondering if they were alright.

Apollo was the angriest of all of us. The electricity and heat coming off his skin was tremendous.

I took his hand. “Come with me. Okay?”

He gritted his teeth until his jaw was clenched, but nodded. I took him into the kitchen. The scent of freshly brewed coffee was very welcome. I was exhausted and needed a caffeine boost.

“Do you drink coffee?” I asked. “Jesus. Of course you don’t. Do you want to try?”

His snort at least allowed me to know he wasn’t too lost in his bitterness and rage. “Why not.”

“Okay. Good. Maybe we can relax a little.” I knew better.

As I searched for cups, I felt his closeness, the same desires that I’d felt in the lab still lingering underneath the surface, but that had to be shoved aside for now.

We’d need to use our time wisely. It was apparent Thanatos’ lies were believed by the public and by members of law enforcement.

“Thanatos is trying to hide the fact he experimented on wild animals.”

“I know.”

“And he’s going to get away with it. Isn’t he?”

I threw him a look over my shoulder. “Maybe not. I promise you I’m going to do everything in my power not to allow that to happen.” My hands were shaking and coffee sloshed over the rim of one mug. Then I almost dropped the pot.

Suddenly, Apollo was right behind me, taking the coffeepot from my hand while pressing the full weight of his body against mine. “No one will ever hurt you again, little mate.” He poured the second cup, then slowly slipped the pot onto the coffeemaker.

“It’s not me I’m worried about.” The feel of his cock pushed against my back gave me a waterfall of shivers.

“If anyone knows of your existence, any scientist, doctor, or member of law enforcement, you’ll be locked away and studied for years to come.

I will not allow that to happen. You deserve to be free.

” He pulled away enough to spin me around so I faced him.

“Maybe I’ll find a way to free you completely one day in the future.

From the lifeform inhabiting your body. From the ability to shift.

So you can become a pure wolf again. I know that’s what all three of you want.

Then you can return to your packs. That’s the way it’s supposed to be. ”

Apollo was a brutal man. I could only imagine what he was like as a pack leader: completely dominant, alpha through and through. That’s why when he gently eased a tiny strand of hair from my face, taking his time to brush his fingers across my cheek, I was slightly surprised.

Although at this point, nothing should shock me any longer. Both our worlds had been turned upside down. What had been based on good intentions had altered so many lives.

There was no telling how many animals had died because of a madman’s determination to create a new form of life.

Even the looks on the faces of the beasts that had helped us escape haunted me. They were suffering both physically and emotionally.

I pressed my hand against his chest, marveling at how much doing so grounded me. Every time we’d touched before, primal need had been the reason. There was much more in the embrace, a rush of feelings surfacing that almost brought tears to my eyes.

“Wolves are not like humans, little mate. No matter what alterations were made in our DNA, we are wolves. When wolves find their mates, they do so for life. Wherever you are is where we’ll be.

Together, we are a pack and one day, it will increase in numbers.

We will not leave you behind. You belong to us. ”

If any human male had declared I belonged to him, I would have told him to go fuck himself. But with Apollo, also Kai and Roman, as strange as it still seemed to me, I wanted to belong to all three of them.

There was something even more explosive about his touch. White-hot heat swept through me, searing every nerve ending. The sensations were entirely different, the connection stronger than ever. The moment he lifted my chin with a single finger, I shuddered audibly.

“Do you understand?” His question was deep and throaty.

“Yes.” I rose onto my tiptoes until our lips were touching.

His tenderness began to ebb and he wrapped one arm around my waist, yanking me against him. As he crushed his mouth over mine, I mewed into the kiss. My body molded perfectly with his and the way he was holding me was completely possessive.

The intimacy was explosive, my heart racing as he explored my mouth. For a being who’d only recently become human, the man could kiss. He thrust his tongue inside and I was grateful for the few beautiful seconds of being able to forget everything we’d gone through.

And what was yet to come.

We both felt a presence seconds later and I pushed away, biting my lower lip before shifting so I could see across the room. Mark stood in the doorway with clothes over his arm.

“Sorry to interrupt. I have some things for Apollo.” He was clearly amused. Maybe he was thinking the little girl he used to call butterfly had grown up.

“Thank you, Mark. We’ll be right there.”

He nodded, giving Apollo a quick onceover before walking from the room.

“Let’s have some coffee. We need to make a strategic plan.” The air continued crackling with electricity and Apollo’s silence meant he had something else on his mind. “What is it?”

“Whatever happens, little mate, you will be protected. Even if that means sacrificing myself, which I will happily do. It’s vital you remain alive and unharmed. For the future.”

I could tell by the dark look in his eyes he was keeping something from me, but unlike before, I was unable to read his thoughts.

Yet when he turned to walk away, I sensed he was right. What the four of us had shared would change the future.

I only prayed for the better.