Page 40 of Savage Mates

“You should learn manners, little human.”

Why the hell did the one wearing pants continue to call me a little human? I threw the other men a look, trying to shake off the electric sensations from being around them. Even my pulse had increased since walking out the cabin door and seeing them.

“Don’t worry, Thor. She’s just being a brat.”

As soon as the dark-haired god made the statement, I glared at him. At least I had one name. “Thor? Fascinating name.”

The blond sighed. “That’s Zeus and I’m Titus. Still fascinated, little human?”

I don’t know why I was taken aback by their names, but they seemed odd. I mean they were perfect for three ruggedly handsome beasts of men, but odd. Also, the fact they continued to call me a little human hadn’t gone unnoticed. What if shifters did exist?

I bit my lower lip, fearful I’d vocally express my thoughts.

“Your name?” This time, Thor demanded, his eyes narrowing.

“Why should I tell you?”

He took a step closer and I lifted my weapon by a few inches until the barrel was pointed right between his luminous eyes.

“Because you will tell us everything we want to know.” His deep voice penetrated the darkest parts of me, exposing twisted cravings that had no place here.

At that point, I knew I was at a distinct disadvantage. What could I do? I counted nine of them and one of me.

“Talk,” Zeus snarled.

“Lauren. Dr. Lauren Radcliff.”

Thor smiled. “See? That wasn’t so difficult.”

“A medical doctor,” Zeus said, but I sensed he was baiting me.

“A veterinarian and scientist.” Suddenly, the scar on my arm ached, the old injury throbbing.

“Why are you here?” Titus took a step closer. As soon as he did, I took one myself, pointing the barrel of the gun directly at him.

“Don’t come any closer. I know how to use this.” The second I glanced toward the woods on my right, Thor laughed.

“Don’t try and escape, little human. You won’t like what happens if you do.”

“You know my name, so use it.”

When the three looked at each other again, I had another uncanny moment in which my instinct screamed they were communicating. The possible reason behind the thought defied all rationality.

Anyone else in this position would be terrified and rightfully so, but between the rush of improbable thoughts and the jolts of inexplicable current, I was more intrigued than anything.

Besides, panic wouldn’t do me any favors. At this point, it could get me killed. Just like… “What did you do to Rory? Did you kill him? Did you?”

Okay, so panic was starting to creep in just a teensy bit as the kiss of reality began to settle in. I was far away from the makeshift laboratory and even if the others were beginning to wonder where we’d gone, they certainly wouldn’t come out at night to search for us.

Lions were excellent nighttime hunters given their keen eyesight.

Sighing, Thor moved closer, holding up his arms when I pointed the barrel at his chest. “We did what was necessary to keep you safe.”

Safe. Was he kidding me? It took a few seconds for the news to settle. Another cold chill drifted down my spine from his casual admittance. “You did kill him. Why?”

“Because he was the one who shot you with a dart gun.”

I slowly glanced at Zeus. While I shouldn’t believe him at all, a little tick inside my head told me I could.