Page 84 of Savage Mates

He also had purposely ignored my comment about the crated mystery equipment. At this point, I needed to stop while I was ahead.

“That will be fine. I’ll have everything, including samples from our beautiful lioness.”

His smile waned and his eyes narrowed, turning to walk away. “By the way, Dr. Radcliff. Try and remember that these are beasts of the wild. We can indeed learn from them. If you’ll open your mind to the possibilities. Science isn’t perfect, nor is it always black and white. Sometimes, discoveries are for the greater good even if at the expense of lives.” His words had been chosen carefully.

Was he testing me and my loyalty? My scientific values? Was he trying to determine if I could be trusted? At this point, I just didn’t care.

As Dr. Douglas walked away, heading to a different part of the building, I gritted my teeth. Keeping my cool had been ridiculously difficult.

Unable to shove aside my curiosity, I moved against the wall and trailed behind him until he disappeared around a corner. I’d purposely not demanded to see the piece of hidden equipment again. That might draw questions from them that I’d need to deal with later.

Right now, the lioness needed my help.

With quick steps, I headed back to the medical facility. At least with Carrie’s veterinary background, she’d known exactly what to do so as not to waste any time.

“I’ve set up an IV with fluids. Her heart rate is approaching ninety.”

“Shit,” I hissed. “She’s under significant duress. I’m going to guess from internal injuries. Let’s get some bloodwork donequickly.” Moving closer, I pressed my hand against her muzzle. She was out cold, which she needed to remain. I’d seen her tortured look of pain. “I promise you, baby girl. I’ll find a way to heal you and save your cubs.”

Whether or not I could follow through with my promise would depend on too many variables, some of which I couldn’t control. But I was determined to try.

The three of us worked together, Carrie drawing blood and testing while I worked on the DNA. Hours had passed with no conclusions.

Now, with night having fallen, the same eeriness had created a strong series of emotions and fears that I hated to admit.

The lioness was given something for her pain and given a full examination. Fortunately, there were no broken bones and the lacerations would heal.

At this point, the blood tests only confirmed two things. One, the lioness was pregnant and two, she was suffering from internal injuries. How bad the latter were remained to be seen.

Fortunately, she was still resting comfortably, her blood pressure and heart rate somewhat normal. But I couldn’t keep her sedated but for so long. She needed true medical attention.

“Go to bed,” I told Carrie and Peter. We were all exhausted and on edge.

“Are you sure?” Carrie asked. She looked more ragged than I felt. “You’ve yet to rest since being lost in the jungle.”

“You know me, and how my mind processes things. Sometimes I like to work by myself.” The results of the DNA test were waiting on my laptop and I wanted to have the opportunity to know whatwe were dealing with. Proof of what I’d witnessed with my own eyes.

“She’s right. You know how the doctor is,” Peter said, trying to smile. All three of us had felt Kyle skulking around. I’d also overheard him talking to someone, although the conversation had been too hushed for me to hear what he was saying.

If I had to guess, I’d say he was communicating with Dr. Zimmerman.

Given everyone knew about the potential typhoon, my guess was that the whatever plans Zimmerman had laid in place were being expedited.

“Try and get some sleep.” Carrie’s gaze was imploring, but sleep was the last thing on my mind.

I’d yet to tell them about the lions other than I’d had an amazing interaction with them. I could sense they knew I was holding back, but right now I was doing so for their safety and that of the pride.

As soon as my colleagues walked out, I returned to the makeshift laboratory, taking a deep breath before finishing the last tests.

Why did I know in my heart that when I confirmed what I already knew, my life would be changed forever?

CHAPTER 18

Titus

Hours had gone by.

Hours of waiting.