Page 49 of Savage Mates (Ruthless Instinct #2)

It wasn’t about playing God as much as it was about savoring the creation of life. No matter what size or shape.

Did I want the project shut down permanently? Yes, I did. However, as a scientist, I realized that nature had a way of dealing with life and death that no human or beast could alter.

If shifters were meant to survive, there would be more cubs, pups, and calves born in the wild.

Somehow, I had a feeling their creation was already flourishing. All throughout the world.

As my three mates surrounded me, still protecting me, I had a sense of peace for the first time in several years. This was my destiny and one I’d savor, never forgetting the beauty coming from all walks of life.

The lions sensed the approach of the plane before the humans, but it wasn’t long before the ground beneath us seemed to vibrate from their approach. I was eager, but also anxious, worried that the shifters wouldn’t be happy with the new life purposely carved out for them.

However, once they were safely secured in their new home, they’d create their own rules.

The new shifters were understandably wary, but the same alpha lion who’d given the command to leave us alone so they could be saved had convinced them staying on this island wasn’t in their best interest.

They remained a tight group, protecting their own, curious and finally beginning to ask questions, some of which I’d had no idea how to answer.

However, my mates had calmed them, giving them enough information to help their fears and concerns.

For now.

Time would tell how they’d adjust.

How the world would adjust.

Carrie flanked my side, looking more content since before we’d arrived. “You know what I was thinking?”

“Hmmm… Should I dare ask?” We both laughed.

“I was thinking I wouldn’t mind working and living in Africa. I mean if there might be a position open for a very hardworking research assistant and one day soon large animal veterinarian.”

“That wouldn’t have anything to do with one tall, rather good-looking yet brooding blond lion who just can’t keep his eyes off you.”

She shrugged and took a sip of whatever she was drinking. “I don’t know about that.”

Shaking my head, I squeezed her arm. “You have a position with me anytime. What about Peter?”

We both turned toward him. “According to him, if he never sees another lion again, that will be just fine by him. He also mentioned he’d be skipping horror movies from now on.”

A part of me couldn’t blame him. “Make sure you’re packed up. I’ll save a seat for you next to Alexander. Just don’t fight like cats and dogs. Okay?”

Carrie rolled her eyes. Still blushing when his name was mentioned. Budding true love.

I walked closer as the plane came into view, taking a deep breath as the pilot made the approach. The sun was bright and I shielded my eyes, trying to put everything into perspective. My mind was still full of questions, but hopefully, the answers would come with time.

“Are you certain this is what you want?” Titus asked.

Tipping my head, I offered a smile. We’d scoured what was left of both the military compound and the burned-out buildings where the mercenaries had been living, finding enough clothing for everyone. However, he refused to wear a shirt. I had no doubt that was on purpose to keep me enticed.

“I’m very sure.” I’d already typed up my resignation, sending it via email. I’d also sent a personal note to Pamela, asking her to care for Simba, who I’d miss terribly. However, this was the right thing to do.

The cubs were healthy, with no sign of injury in the lioness. Who still needed a name. She’d suggested Lauren, but while we shared the same memories and life experiences, I wasn’t about to have a carbon copy of myself around. What if the lions liked her better?

I suppressed a laugh. She was always displaying differences, which was another reason to believe that while molecules could be altered, the various lifeforms had minds of their own.

And even in our little world where strangers were dependent on each other, love could bloom the weirdest places.

Titus wrapped his arm around my waist as the plane touched down, the warmth of his body providing the comfort I needed.

Moments later, my three mates walked with me toward the plane while the others remained behind. I sensed their emotions woven deeply with my own. My mother’s gift was alive and well and living inside. For that I would be forever grateful.

As soon as the ladder was dropped, a single man walked down the steps. A little older. Perhaps a little slower. But to me, he would always remain the most powerful man in the world.

My father.

Breaking free, I raced toward him, throwing my arms around his neck. “Daddy.”

“Ah, baby girl. It’s so good to see you.”

“You have no idea how good it is to see you. I’ve missed you terribly.” His hug was as strong as I remembered. When I pushed back, I had to fight the tears.

He winked, something he’d done since I was a small child. His eyes opened wide as he stepped slightly away. “These are the lions you mentioned.”

“Shifters, yes. Oh, and the two over there are my research assistants. Entirely human.”

His laugh was deep and he scratched his head. “You’ve obviously kept yourself busy.”

“To some degree. You need to meet my…”

“Mates?” When I opened my eyes wide, he laughed. “I’ve been reading up on Blackwell Industries, finding some very interesting pieces of classified information.”

“Oh, you have?”

“You knew I would. I don’t mind telling you that you’ve found yourself tangled with a very powerful group of individuals. Including the attorney general, who by the way denies any connection.”

“You asked.”

“No, my little girl. I demanded to know what the hell is going on and why our military has been used for inappropriate purposes.”

“Did you get a response?”

“Not one I believe. Let’s not worry about that right now.”

Which meant he likely had a plan in mind.

I glanced at Thor and the other two, beckoning with my eyes. And my mind. They might as well get used to my commands. I shivered from hearing Thor’s response, his promise of a spanking later. “Are you sure they won’t come after us?”

“Trust me. They’ll stay far away. Now I can have another investigation started, but that will drag you and your mates into the limelight. I’m not sure that’s what you want.”

“Neither am I. At this point, I’m just eager to get home.”

The pilot appeared on the top of the steps, giving me a nod of respect. “Brigadier General, we’ll be ready to leave when you are.”

“Thank you, son,” my dad said. My father, a very important man in the Army in his early career, had kept his contacts.

That’s how I’d known he could swing getting us out of here by making a couple of phone calls.

And if he wanted, he could call for a special investigation into whatever form Blackwell Industries remained.

Thor and Titus approached, Zeus as always remaining stubborn and uncertain.

“Thor, Titus, Zeus. This is my father, Brigadier General Daniel Radcliff. Otherwise known as Dad to me.”

As expected, my father threw out his hand, demanding respect in his own little way.

With my lions all being alphas, I’d wondered how they would react. I’d need to stroke their manes later to give them credit. They all shook his hand, even offering him a nod of respect.

“Firm handshakes. I like that in the men courting my daughter.”

Titus was amused. “Courting. Old-fashioned word.”

“Watch out. My dad is very old-fashioned,” I told him.

“Thank you for coming,” Thor said.

“Of course, son. My daughter means the world to me. I’ll always do what I can to be by her side when she needs me. Although now I understand I’m passing the torch along to the three of you.”

Zeus had the nerve to growl and I gave him a hard look. “Back down, big boy.”

Titus chuckled, obviously listening in on my private conversation.

My father was unfettered. “You three boys better take care of my daughter. I’ll be watching.”

“We promise to protect her with our lives. Sir.” Titus puffed out his chest and I’ll be damned if he didn’t salute my father.

It would seem I’d learn something new about my mates almost every day.

My father grinned, half laughing, but gave him a salute as well in return. “You about ready to get going? Long flight.”

“We’re ready, Daddy. All of us. It’s time to go home.”