Page 1 of Feral Mates
CHAPTER 1
Savannah
“This needs to work,” I said to no one since almost everyone in the laboratory had left for the day. The weeks of research and testing only to be hit with one failure after another had me wondering if the long hours had been worthwhile. Even still, for two weeks, I’d believed I was this close to configuring the photon laser system. I’d seen minute glimpses of hope, vibrant energy pulses indicating positive results. That had kept me energized, even excited about the possibility of confirming new life in a parallel dimension.
And not just basic molecules similar in composition to amoebas as most the other scientists working on the project believed. I’d even gone out on a limb suggesting I could prove my theory.
Every time I’d gotten my hopes up, I’d been disappointed.
A vast array of high-dollar computer screens held my rapt attention as my pulse ticked higher. I could feel a breakthrough in my bones. Five seconds passed. Ten. Twenty. When the energy levels remained flat, I threw back my head and groaned.
“Fuck.”
Maybe another cup of coffee was needed.
No, that would only add to the jittery feeling pooling in my stomach.
Patience.
My mother had always told me I needed to improve my patience. Unfortunately, I couldn’t will the testing process to move any faster. Now it was another waiting game, crossing my fingers that the latest results would provide the one inkling of proof I craved.
I had a feeling my job as a research scientist with Blackwell Industries depended on coming through with promises made.
Please.This had to work.
The seconds ticked by and as usual, I fell victim to my nervous habit of pacing the floor.
A flash drew my attention seconds later and my heart skipped several beats. Instead of returning to the expansive console of computers, I moved toward the pane of glass securing the team from the possibly damaging effects of the laser system.
I remained mesmerized, trying to tamp down the giddiness I felt inside. While the subtle pulses shimmering in vibrant colors might be overlooked by my fellow scientists, I could feel the energy level deep inside. Tingling sensations vibrated through me, tiny pricks of electricity overheating every inch of my body.
I placed my hand on the glass, flexing my fingers and for a split second it felt as if my fingertips had been seared by explosiveheat. When I sensed a presence, I fisted my hand, backing away. Some might say my fascination was unhealthy.
“While I admire your intense dedication, you do realize you’re the only one here, right?”
Smiling, I turned my head as Carl Wheaton walked closer. While I was still in my lab coat, he was ready to leave for the night. “I know. I’m almost finished for the day. I just wanted to perform one last test. I can feel life in my bones.” He was a good friend and fellow scientist, almost as dedicated as I’d become.
“It’s Friday night, Sav. You deserve time off. Go do something fun with your friends instead of spending your free time locked in this place. How about this? Go on a date for a change.”
“I do spend time with my friends.” A lie since I had very few of them. “Besides, I enjoy my work. I’ll have you know I’m excellent with maintaining a work/life balance.” I also couldn’t remember the last time I’d been on a date.
“Ri-ight. Sure you are,” he said, laughing.
“The problem is thatyou’retaken. If you weren’t…” I winked, and for a few seconds I felt a hint of jealousy. He’d found the love of his life in Brian, their close relationship something I envied.
“Nice attempt at dodging the subject. I know the project is important to you, but don’t get your hopes up the portal means a direct pathway to other living beings.” He followed my gaze toward the glass, shaking his head. “You really do believe the portal is a gateway.”
“Maybe,” I said, throwing him a look. “I think we as scientists owe it to ourselves to consider the possibility. If you look at thechange in the energy level, it’s as if they’re responding to human stimulation, their molecules expanding, doubling or tripling.”
“From what I’ve heard from the upper echelon of scientists, there is no sign of intelligent life. What you’re seeing is simply like a response to stimuli.”
I shook my head. “I just don’t buy it.” The upper echelon scientists were handpicked by Dr. Blackwell to handle top-secret aspects of the projects that as lower-level employees, we weren’t privy to. However, there were always rumors within a company.
Word had gotten out that the government oversight committee wasn’t happy with our progress, threatening to shut down the project. If that occurred, the portal would be closed permanently. The thought annoyed the hell out of me since I was certain we could learn a great deal from what we’d already discovered. Imagine the future findings if the portal was kept open.
I was still furious from hearing the news. Of course I knew billions of dollars had already been spent, but why not embrace the opportunity of a lifetime?
As if hearing the anger in my voice, the energy modules lit up in neon shades of pink and blue, moving and resizing. Almost violently.
