Page 104 of Feral Mates
I moved toward the sergeant, nodding my head. “It’s good to see you, Sergeant.”
He snickered. “Call me Mark, child. I’m no longer that man. It’s good to see you too. You were this big the last time I did.” After he held out his hand only three feet off the ground, he wrapped his arms around me for a hug.
All while still staring at the naked men crowding his front porch.
“I wish our visit was on better terms, but things have gotten a little crazy in my world.” I pulled back, throwing my head over my shoulder. “Mark, meet Apollo, Kai, and Roman. I don’t know what my father told you, but you’re going to need to keep an open mind when I tell you everything.”
His chuckle was as if he’d already been scratching his head. “Your father told me enough to have me wanting to take a shot of whiskey this early in the morning. We’ll talk because I need to know what the fuck is going on, but first things first. Boys, you’re going to need some clothes while you’re here. I can’t have you scaring off my animals. Come on in.”
I remained on the porch while Kai and Roman followed Mark inside.
When Apollo looked the other way, I enjoyed creating an animalistic sound of my own. “You’re hardheaded, Apollo, and that doesn’t bode well with me.”
He slowly turned his head, lifting a single eyebrow. “Be careful, little mate, or I’ll take you over my knee and give you a long hard spanking. You need one right about now.”
“Ha. Not a chance.” I flicked my braid in his direction and moved inside. Thankfully, he followed. Before I closed the door, I studied the beautiful property, the farm serene and the location safe.
For now.
We followed Mark toward the back of the house into a large family room with windows overlooking his backyard.
Even before I walked in, I knew the television was on, the morning news droning on about Blackwell Industries. I bristled seeing my company photograph plastered across the screen with a tagline in bold underneath.
Suspect Still at Large
Suspect. This time seeing the way my career was being dragged through the mud hit me hard, a lump forming in my throat.
“You’re all over the news, girl. I must admit I was shocked when I saw it the first time. I even reached out to your dad.” Mark stood staring at the television screen, scratching his head. “I assume there’s much more to the story than I was told.” He continued to eye Apollo, Kai, and Roman as if expecting them to suddenly shift into wolves.
“You have no idea what she’s gone through,” Kai said quietly, never blinking as he stared at the screen. His anger was bubbling to the surface much like mine was.
“I gathered that. I honestly don’t know what to think at this point other than I know all of you are in trouble. I promised your father I’d help you in any way possible. But I gotta admit this is something I’ve never dealt with before.”
“I know, Mark. I never wanted any of this. Once upon a time I was excited about the possibility of new life. Now I’m worried Thanatos will use the discovery against all humanity.” I could feel Mark watching me, uncertain how to react. Hell, I wasn’t certain what to think any longer.
My instinct had told me that Thanatos hadn’t been injured or killed in our escape or by the other beasts. My suspicions were confirmed when the news broadcast cut to a press conference. And he was the main speaker.
“Do you want me to turn that off?” Mark asked.
“We need to hear what the monster has to say for himself,” Apollo growled.
Mark was obviously uncomfortable with their presence but nodded.
I moved a little closer to the television, glaring at Thanatos as he began to speak. I could swear it was as if his pointed eyes were looking right at me.
“As many of you know, my laboratory was recently sabotaged by an employee I trusted. Not only did she destroy a portion of the building, but also years of research. While attempting to pick up the pieces, she and several men struck our facility again, attempting to steal confidential information. Fortunately, they were unsuccessful in their attempts, but additional damage was done.”
“Fuck that man,” I hissed under my breath.
Thanatos lifted his head, leaning forward slightly as he stared directly into the camera. “Dr. Morgan. I can only assume you’ve had a psychotic break given your odd behavior and wildaccusations. You need help, Dr. Morgan, and I encourage you to turn yourself in. I promise you that I’ll work with the authorities on getting you the help you need.”
Roman stormed toward the television and for a few seconds, I was certain he was going to pound his fist into the screen. “You changed us forever. We can never go back to what we were before.”
The tension in the room was high.
“I’ve seen enough, Savannah,” Mark said gently. “I think we all have and I can tell that man is lying. Gives you the creepiest vibes too.”
He had no idea.
