Ryon's eyes were wide. "Like that creature from the old movie Predator with Arnold Schwarzenegger? They couldn't kill that fucker."
"The premise is similar," Melina allowed, "except NewLife is working with humans and shifters, not extraterrestrials, and using DNA and genes rather than technology perse. But creating a ruthless, unbeatable soldier is the bottom line."
"That's what the dead guys were trying to tell me," Ryon said, looking tired. "They're agreeing with you right now, all excited. They've been driving me crazy."
Jax felt sorry for him, and hoped he got some peace from the ghosts.
"This all makes sense, except for why Beck and Archer were in such bad shape when we found them," Kira put in. "If they're strong enough to recover so fast, then why would the bastards starve and torture them?"
Nick answered that one. "How do you produce the best warriors? By breaking them down and building them back up again and again, until nothing can stand in their way. The weak perish; the strongest are made stronger."
"That's . . . evil."
"Yes," their boss agreed. "It's horrible for the victims, unethical, and dangerous for humanity. Worse, according to Beck these aren't volunteers in an aboveboard, sanctioned program. They're being stalked and kidnapped from all walks of life and forced into being test subjects. Beck said that he and Archer were two of the few who'd survived all of the doctors' engineering so far, and had been scheduled for 'mind reprogramming.' "
"Brainwashing," Melina clarified.
Jax sat forward. "We were talking about who's at the top of the pyramid. Does Beck know who they are?"
Nick sighed. "I wish. He says Orson Chappell's name has been whispered, and from what he's managed to overhear there are at least two figures above him. And every last doctor, researcher, or other employee who's in on the program is terrified of them."
A heavy silence followed. This whole deal was more terrible, more far-reaching, than any of them had envisioned.
"What now?" Zan asked.
"We put NewLife under surveillance," Nick said. "They might lie low at the Vegas location for a while, but eventually they'll have to make a move. I want to place two of you in Vegas, and two more to watch their building in Dallas, Texas. Just document everything and everyone you see coming in and out, nothing more. We need to learn where they're holding other shifters and humans so we can plan our next hit."
"I'll take Vegas," Aric volunteered.
Ryon piped up. "I go with him."
"Zan and I will take Dallas," Jax said. He was surprised when Nick vetoed the idea.
"No fieldwork for you until your abilities return."
"With due respect, I was a human soldier before I was turned, and a damned good one."
"We can't take any chances on this one. I'm sending Kalen with Zan, since he did so well in his first run."
Aric snorted. "Hard not to do good when you don't have to do anything but stand outside and hold up the wall." That earned him a venomous look from the Sorcerer, which he ignored.
Nick shot a disapproving glare at Aric. "You know my expectations. If you're part of this team, ditch the attitude and act like it. You're mentoring a new recruit, so suck it up and teach him."
So Kalen was in. That was news, but Jax thought he'd fit in well. Whether their boss would offer a spot on the team to A.J. remained to be seen. He was human, after all.
Put in his place, Aric flushed and nodded. "Yes, sir. Sorry, witch."
"Sorcerer. Witches are female," Kalen said stiffly, expression pissed.
"Hey, couldn't tell through all the makeup. My bad."
Nick closed his eyes briefly as though he was getting a headache, and then returned his attention to group. "Tomorrow morning is soon enough to head out. Both teams, come by my office before you leave and get the city maps showing the NewLife buildings and the structures around them so you can plan where to set up surveillance. Check in with me daily whether you see anything or not. Questions? Good. Scram."
As the others guys filed out, Jax approached Nick. "Is there anything specific you want me to do while I'm hanging around here?"
"Yeah." His boss gave him a smile that seemed sad for a moment. "Get to know your mate and recover your strength. Life's too short to spend it working all the time."
Jax stared at him for a moment. It was so odd, the way he said that. But the weird feeling passed and he shrugged. "I can do that. And hopefully by the time we're ready to move, I'll be at full speed."
"I'm sure you will."
Turning, he walked to the door where Kira waited, and took her hand. "Back to the living room?"
A seductive smile curved her mouth. "Suddenly I'm not interested in television anymore."
"I love your devious little mind. And you look so sweet on the outside, too."
"It's part of the disguise."
"Let's go somewhere private so I can strip it off."
Laughing like teenagers, they stumbled to his quarters and practically fell inside, leaving a trail of clothes to his bedroom. He made love to her until they were exhausted and sated, and fell asleep wrapped in each other.
He awoke in the night, heart pounding, terrified by something. Not a nightmare, but what?
Shadows. The awful sensation of falling.
But the bedroom was quiet, only the gentle sounds of Kira's breathing next to him. Her warmth snuggled in, where she belonged.
It was nothing. Spooning, he pulled her close.
They were together, and he wouldn't let anyone tear them apart.
Holding Chup in her lap, Kira giggled, thinking if she could sell tickets to this show, she'd be rich.
Watching shifters, a handful of humans, and a faery play football-correction, make that attempting to play football-was the funniest damned thing she'd ever seen. The shifters weren't half-bad, though, and it was a good thing the NFL didn't know about them. Humans would never again stand a chance in the world of sports.
Mac blocked A.J., who tried to tackle Nick, the quarterback for her side. Nick drew back his arm and fired the ball at Sariel in the end zone. His pass was way too high, but the Fae prince spread his azure wings and leaped, catching the ball and floating to the ground in an impressive move.
"Flag!" Aric yelled, pointing an accusing finger at the receiver. "That's cheating, asshole!"
Sariel arched a brow and spiked the ball. "Whatever works."
Kira busted up laughing and got a glare from the redhead, but she couldn't help it. The whole thing was hysterical: Sariel strutting around like he'd won the Super Bowl and Aric pissed as hell, his competitive nature coming to the fore. She should've felt bad and would have if the red wolf wasn't such a pain in the butt. He had to learn to take it if he was gonna dish it out.
Jax playfully ruffled Aric's hair. "It's just a game, man. Lighten up."
"You lighten up." His friend swatted his hand away and stalked off to rejoin the game.
They watched him go, and Jax shook his head. "That guy's a trip. Always has been, even in the military."
"I can't imagine him being disciplined enough to last in the SEALs," she commented. "He's got a great sense of humor that comes through, but most of the time he's so snarky and sarcastic."
"Well, on that score he's changed a lot," Jax said quietly. "But then, we all have."
"I can only imagine." Her stomach lurched, but she put it down to being reminded of what had happened to Jax and his team.
Clearing his throat, he changed the subject, she suspected, before sadness could dampen the mood. "Don't know what we're going to do with all these displaced shifters, not to mention Sariel. Before long, we'll be running a home for wayward outcasts of the supernatural world."
They both looked to the Fae prince, who was still cheating at football, him and Nick against the doctors and Aric.
The idea had merit and she looked at Jax, wondering what he'd think when he learned she was way ahead of him. "So? Why not?"
"A home for paranormal outcasts? For real? You're kidding."
"No, and what's wrong with that? You guys go out and destroy the dangerous, evil creatures, but what about the good ones? You've already got the holding cells for those who need rehabbing, the clinic for sick ones, extra apartments, and now the personnel starting with me and Sariel."
"Why do I get the feeling you've already discussed this with Nick?"
"Because I have." He didn't appear particularly happy, and she bit her lip. Her stomach lurched again, and she started to feel hot.
"I think you're taking on a lot, especially considering we've only been mated two weeks." Crossing his arms over his chest, he tried to look stern. And failed. A smile quirked his sexy mouth. "But as long as we still have time for us, I'm all for this, if it's what you want to do."
"Whew! You had me worried for a minute," she said in relief. With a trembling hand, she wiped a bead of sweat from her brow. "I thought we were going to have our first argument."
Crouching, he peered into her face, brow furrowed in worry. "Baby, what's wrong? It's not that hot today-and you're shaking."
"I-I don't know. Breakfast didn't agree with me, and the nausea seems to be getting worse."
"You want to go lie down?"
"I think that would be-" A terrible cramp hit her gut, a fist twisting her insides. Crying out, she slumped sideways clutching her belly. Chup, dumped from her lap, squeaked in alarm and ran to Sariel.
"Kira! Baby, what's wrong?" The pain was so bad, she couldn't speak. "Melina!" he shouted, pulling Kira into his arms.
Agony shot through her jaws, her torso, arms and legs. Every inch of muscle and bone seemed to be turning inside out, imploding. Curling in her mate's arms, she screamed, clutching at his shirt.
"Oh, God, what's wrong? Melina, do something!"
The doctor's voice came as if from a long tunnel. "How long ago did you bite her?"
"Uh, two weeks. But-Oh, Jesus. She's changing."
"I believe so. Talk to her, Jax. Try to calm her down."
His rough hand smoothed the hair from her scorching face. "Angel, I'm so sorry," he rasped. "But it's going to be all right. This first time hurts like hell, but it gets better, I promise."
She nodded, wanting to believe him. But a scared part of her knew it didn't always work out. She thought of their feral teammate, Raven, still isolated in his lonely cell in Block R. The one she hadn't yet been able to reach.
And she could very well end up next to him.
Muscles, bones, and tendons began to stretch and pop. The pain was excruciating and she screamed on and on while Jax desperately tried to soothe her, to no avail. Now she knew firsthand why a wolf shifter could go crazy.
Don't let me end up like Raven. Please.
Her screams became canine yelps. The hand clutching Jax's shirt became a paw, the rest of her body following. Reshaping until she lay in Jax's lap, his fingers buried in her fur.
Fur.
"Here, baby. Let me untangle you from these clothes." He helped free her and she looked up into his smiling face. "Wow, aren't you beautiful? You're a silver wolf like me, but not nearly as big."
Everyone gathered around, beaming and agreeing with her mate, whose blue-gray eyes were shining with pride.
Beautiful? She was completely freaked. Scrambling, she climbed off his lap and stood trembling on four slender legs. Frantically, she tried looking down at herself, and behind at her bushy tail. She tried wagging it, and it worked.
Oh, shit!