Page 72 of Savage Mates

Both would be easy to accomplish by hacking into medical databases and by taking a lock of hair from a hairbrush. Would Zimmerman go to that extreme? Or was it even necessary given lifeforms had created the hybrids? There was one way of obtaining at least some primitive answers.

“I need to see the cub,” I told them, which surprised all three.

“Why?” Zeus growled.

“Along with other shifters, several female lions that hadn’t been experimented on were also dropped here with you. They conducted a more natural experiment while they were putting the pieces back together after the arrests were made. Once they learn a cub has been born, they will come for him and will kill you if you try and stop them. I need to take some DNA to discover if the cub had special qualities, mutated DNA. That will go a long way in determining what could happen. I promise the baby won’t be hurt. Have you seen any sign the cub can shift?”

Zeus sighed. “None.”

“That could come with puberty. As if I know what I’m talking about. But that makes sense.”

I didn’t bother admonishing them for communicating between themselves. They were dealing with something that they couldn’t understand. What we were all facing didn’t have easy answers.

“We’ll take you to the cub. Then we’ll guide you back to the laboratory. Make no mistake, there are locked locations within the compound you likely were not shown. They include prison cells. We explored every inch of the facility before coming here.” Thor was very insistent.

My mouth went dry although it made sense. “You took some things for this camp.”

“Yes, we did. That’s how we know.” Titus took a deep breath. “You were brought here in a plane.”

“The storm caused electrical issues. We can’t leave.” The lightning strike had been real. Was it possible the plane was flyable? Something to think about investigating.

“I know what you’re thinking, little mate. However, you need to be very careful,” Thor continued. “We understand what you’re trying to do, but this is much more dangerous than you realize. We will protect you the best we can. Do not fight us on this. We won’t allow it.”

“I won’t fight you.”

But I would discover as much information as I could about what the hell was going on. I owed it not only to the lions, but also to myself.

CHAPTER 15

Lauren

The moment the cub was placed in my arms, I was in love.

Beautiful and perfect, the furry little creature was a ball of energy and fluff. While still a wild animal, there was extreme intelligence in his eyes. I could feel his sensitivity and understanding of what was going on all around him in my bones. I’d spent my entire life surrounded by animals and could sense the cub was different.

Or maybe a part of my scientific mind had finally begun to accept the reality that life as I’d known it had been altered forever.

“What’s his name?” I asked, trying not to make any sudden movements. I could sense anger and uncertainty from the members of the small pride.

“Phoenix.” The man’s voice was deep and full of anger. My presence hadn’t been well received. Conall wasn’t happy I’d been allowed into camp let alone touching his cub.

I lifted my head toward him.

“A perfect name. Rising from the ashes.” I wasn’t certain my analogy would go over well. At least Conall nodded. His entire massive body hummed from continued distrust.

His mother, a beautiful golden lion, stood a few feet away. Predictably anxious. Undeniably curious. Even with her wariness, I sensed she knew I would never hurt her baby. We’d connected eyes the day before. Maybe my mother’s gift was alive and well.

“Her name is Skye,” he continued.

After answering, Conall, still in human form, paced the area near where the mother waited, upset that I’d been allowed to hold his child.

“Let it go, Conall,” Thor commanded, giving his fellow pride member a sideways glance.

“She’s not one of us,” Conall insisted. “She’s one of them.”

“She’s here with us as our guest and it’s possible she can find answers.” Titus’ insistence was met with grunts from the others. They surrounded us in a complete circle, ready and even eager to attack me if required.

Yet I didn’t fear them.