Page 34 of Savage Mates (Ruthless Instinct #2)

Smells were entirely different, stronger than before. Every brush of a leaf against my skin tingled more than it should. There was a deep burning inside, something even stronger than the grasp of raging desire.

It was as if my molecular structure was being altered by the length of time I spent around the lions. My… mates.

Up to this point, they’d remained human while guiding me through the trees, but I was completely aware they were hyper-vigilant of the surroundings. Heat resonated from their bodies, the same current I’d felt before keeping me trembling.

“We’ll need to shift soon, little mate,” Titus said quietly from beside me.

“Why?”

“Because of rough terrain. One of us will carry you.”

Carry me. As in riding on one of their backs? Was he kidding me?

Seconds later, I heard rushing water. When we broke through a dense patch of trees, I realized why Titus had insisted. The river was raging, water tumbling over rocks. No wonder the lions felt mostly safe where they were. The encampment was protected. Then who’d lived there?

“A road leading from the military compound was washed out long before we arrived.” Zeus answered my question.

“Don’t keep doing that,” I said in return.

“Doing what?” He grinned, another rarity.

“Reading my mind. I like to keep a few things private.”

Thor shot me a look. “Being able to know what you’re thinking just might save your life.”

His words reminded me of how difficult the next couple of days would be.

I had no idea how I was going to pull off pretending that I gave a damn about whatever experiments the scientists were here to perform.

From the equipment I’d seen, the various instruments could be used to test DNA components and molecular strands, isolating weaknesses that led to disease.

By using samples obtained in a noninvasive way.

Just like I’d done with cutting fur from the cub.

Nothing I’d hoped to accomplish would permanently injure or cause death.

But the single crate that had yet to be unboxed troubled me more than anything.

I’d need to get Abbott and Douglas to trust me enough to view the contents.

“It will be alright, little mate,” Thor said, although I’d sensed every minute we’d drawn closer to the makeshift laboratory their rage was matching mine.

The earth beneath my feet began to vibrate and I knew they were shifting.

Seeing it before had blown my mind.

Seeing it a second time, I wasn’t nearly as caught off guard or surprised.

I was even more in awe. I wouldn’t suggest the transformation was beautiful, but it was a gift nonetheless.

I hated Blackwell and everything he’d done, but the lifeforms used in the experiments had certainly provided them with beautiful bodies.

Zeus pawed the ground, issuing a slight growl. Maybe someday I’d be able to read their minds as clearly as they did mine, but right now, I certainly didn’t need to.

He wanted me on his back.

Moving toward him, I realized my actions were tentative and I stood a couple of feet away. All three were huge men, but in their lion forms, they were even more impressive.

Thor nudged me with his muzzle, pushing me against Zeus.

“Fine. I’ll climb on.” Zeus even did the gentlemanly thing, crouching down with his front paw so I could easily grab his mane and slide onto his back.

The moment I was secure, they took off running.

At first, I was terrified, but within seconds, the rush became incredible. They easily maneuvered the rocky area leading to the water’s edge. They knew exactly where to cross, perhaps where the water was the shallowest.

Still, the water was turbulent, even more so because clouds were rolling in as if a storm was approaching. It was typical in the Philippines and perhaps would prevent the mercenaries from attacking. What I needed was a little time. Twenty-four hours should be enough.

If I was that lucky.

Although I had to admit that I was so enraged it would be difficult to control my mouth with Abbott and Douglas.

My lions moved through the water as if the depth and heavy current didn’t bother them in the least. My heart was racing, the boost of adrenaline providing me with some courage.

As soon as we were on the other side, I took a deep breath. They took off running again and this time, I was allowed a thrill almost as if seeing the world through their eyes.

When we were close, every inch of my body felt weak. I could see two of the buildings between the trees. My heart was doing palpitations, my pulse weaker than before.

All three slowed, Zeus stopping so I could slide from his back. The military compound was only a couple hundred yards away.

“You need to go,” I said a few seconds later. The truth was I didn’t want to be away from them. I continuously felt the pull we shared, the need that made absolutely no sense, but right now it was all about being uncertain what would happen from here.

Their bodies hummed and I almost thought they were shifting again, but Titus moved my hand. I turned and looked at him. There was no need for communication other than what we were sharing at that moment.

I nodded and backed away, hugging my duffle bag against me. In a few moments, I’d need to pull off the finest acting job I’d ever accomplished.

They waited where they were, the light breeze blowing through their manes, their eyes glistening even in the dim lighting. All three were truly the most beautiful creatures I’d ever seen and my body tingled from simply being around them.

When they’d disappeared into the forest, I took a deep breath and turned to face the last trees I’d need to head through. It was now or never.

I was barely halfway up the gravel road when I heard a squeal.

“She’s here. She’s alive!” Carrie’s voice rang out as she raced toward me, stopping a foot away with her eyes open wide. “Oh, my God. Are you okay? You’re bleeding.”

I bent over, placing my hands on my slightly bent knees feigning exhaustion. “I’m fine. I didn’t think I’d make it back.”

As soon as I stood, she wrapped her arms around me. “We thought we’d lost you. Kyle went after you. In fact, he’s out looking now.”

When I looked up at the group of buildings, I noticed Dr. Abbott was talking with the pilot, both watching me. Peter said something to them and jogged down to meet us.

“Jesus. You look terrible,” he said.

“Thanks. I had a long night.”

“What happened?” Carrie pressed.

“Rory and I were attacked. Then I was knocked out. I have no clue what happened to him.”

Peter whistled. “Who attacked you, the mercenaries?”

“Yes. Then the lions came. I think they protected me. I felt them right by my side while I slept and tried to find my way out. That’s about all I remember.

Fortunately, I was able to get some DNA samples.

I don’t know how good they are since I had to make my way through a river.

” I glanced at the two men, the pilot finally walking away and Dr. Abbott heading in our direction.

“You must be starving. And thirsty,” Carrie said, completely buying my story. She started to walk away, but I gripped her arm, pulling her back.

“Hold on. Listen to me, both of you. I doubt I’ll get another chance to say anything privately to you. Whatever is happening here isn’t what we believe. There were experiments performed years ago by a true monster.”

“What?” Carrie asked.

Peter looked over his shoulder. “You’re talking about Marcus Blackwell. We know all about him.”

“You don’t know the whole of it or what he’s capable of.”

“I know enough to realize what you’re thinking is about to occur here, I would agree.”

Whatever Peter had seen was vital for me to know.

“Are you suggesting Doctors Abbott and Douglas are working for the same group?” Carrie whispered.

“Maybe,” I answered. “Why are you so certain, Peter?”

“Whatever they brought in that crate is using exorbitant power. We were in the black for hours last night and it wasn’t about wind or rain. I saw something glowing coming from under the door.”

“You’ll need to show me. But we need to run some tests quietly. Act as if nothing is wrong.” I glanced up at Dr. Abbott as he approached, trying to smile while wincing as if in pain.

“Dr. Radcliff. You had us so worried. We were all afraid the very lions you seemed to covet had eaten you.” His smirk was already boosting my fury.

“I’m heartier than that, Doctor. Besides, as I told you, they won’t hurt me. I’m the lion whisperer. Remember? I can talk to them and you know what? They don’t mind following my directions.”

Was I being caustic, perhaps shooting off my mouth when I shouldn’t? Yes, but at this point I didn’t care. What had already been set in motion was everything I abhorred about science.

But for once and for a short time only I would try to embrace it.

I had to so I could keep the lions safe.

Including the men who electrified me.

My lovers.

My mates.