Page 105 of Feral Mates
I didn’t try to stop him as he grabbed the remote, flicking off the television.
We all remained silent.
“Your dad told me he and your mom are coming home early.”
I was already thankful my father had placed his trust in Mark. At least for the first time since the nightmare began, I had hopes we’d manage to find our way through the maze. After that, I wasn’t certain what would happen, but right now it was just about taking it hour by hour. “He told me.”
“I did some checking on Serenity,” Mark said. “They have a bad reputation and I talked to a buddy of mine who works with animal control. They’ve been called to the facility at least a half dozen times with reports of mistreatment of animals. You’re telling me your wolves escaped the refuge and were taken over by lifeforms your laboratory discovered?”
“That’s pretty much the gist of it.” I wasn’t entirely certain he believed me, but he knew that I was a person of science, not fiction.
It took him a full minute to respond. “Well, then. I’ll also guess that your wolves are much stronger and more powerful now.”
“Yes.”
He nodded several times as he rubbed his jaw. “Then this is going to be interesting. Make yourselves at home. Kitchen is through that doorway. I have a fresh pot of coffee on, water and soft drinks in the fridge. I’ll make something to eat in a little while. You must be hungry.” He glanced from Kai to Apollo and finally to Roman. “You’re growing boys. You need to eat. Even if I don’t have any fresh roadkill.”
They bristled even as he laughed.
“Just kidding, boys. Let me grab some clothes. I think I have a few things that will fit you.”
We remained quiet as he walked out of the room. Kai moved toward the window, staring out at the yard, but I sensed he wasn’t seeing anything. He missed his pack. That much I’d read from his thoughts.
Roman was no different, wondering if they were alright.
Apollo was the angriest of all of us. The electricity and heat coming off his skin was tremendous.
I took his hand. “Come with me. Okay?”
He gritted his teeth until his jaw was clenched, but nodded. I took him into the kitchen. The scent of freshly brewed coffee was very welcome. I was exhausted and needed a caffeine boost.
“Do you drink coffee?” I asked. “Jesus. Of course you don’t. Do you want to try?”
His snort at least allowed me to know he wasn’t too lost in his bitterness and rage. “Why not.”
“Okay. Good. Maybe we can relax a little.” I knew better. As I searched for cups, I felt his closeness, the same desires that I’d felt in the lab still lingering underneath the surface, but that had to be shoved aside for now. We’d need to use our time wisely. It was apparent Thanatos’ lies were believed by the public and by members of law enforcement.
“Thanatos is trying to hide the fact he experimented on wild animals.”
“I know.”
“And he’s going to get away with it. Isn’t he?”
I threw him a look over my shoulder. “Maybe not. I promise you I’m going to do everything in my power not to allow that to happen.” My hands were shaking and coffee sloshed over the rim of one mug. Then I almost dropped the pot.
Suddenly, Apollo was right behind me, taking the coffeepot from my hand while pressing the full weight of his body against mine. “No one will ever hurt you again, little mate.” He poured the second cup, then slowly slipped the pot onto the coffeemaker.
“It’s not me I’m worried about.” The feel of his cock pushed against my back gave me a waterfall of shivers. “If anyone knows of your existence, any scientist, doctor, or member of law enforcement, you’ll be locked away and studied for years to come. I will not allow that to happen. You deserve to be free.” He pulled away enough to spin me around so I faced him. “MaybeI’ll find a way to free you completely one day in the future. From the lifeform inhabiting your body. From the ability to shift. So you can become a pure wolf again. I know that’s what all three of you want. Then you can return to your packs. That’s the way it’s supposed to be.”
Apollo was a brutal man. I could only imagine what he was like as a pack leader: completely dominant, alpha through and through. That’s why when he gently eased a tiny strand of hair from my face, taking his time to brush his fingers across my cheek, I was slightly surprised.
Although at this point, nothing should shock me any longer. Both our worlds had been turned upside down. What had been based on good intentions had altered so many lives.
There was no telling how many animals had died because of a madman’s determination to create a new form of life.
Even the looks on the faces of the beasts that had helped us escape haunted me. They were suffering both physically and emotionally.
I pressed my hand against his chest, marveling at how much doing so grounded me. Every time we’d touched before, primal need had been the reason. There was much more in the embrace, a rush of feelings surfacing that almost brought tears to my eyes.
