Page 26 of Honey Heat
“Not directly. But I overheard things when they thought I was unconscious.” Ethan’s voice grew quieter. “They talked about ‘collection sites’ and ‘harvesting.’”
A cold feeling settled in Lucio’s stomach. “Harvesting what?”
“Blood, tissue samples, bone marrow.” Ethan shuddered. “I think they’re trying to develop something using shifter biology. Something they can sell.”
“Like a serum?” Lucio remembered the needle marks on Ethan’s arms, the way his pupils had been dilated when they found him.
Ethan shrugged. “I think they might be targeting different shifter species for different traits. What if the hyenas are trying to use all of this on themselves? To make them superior to the rest of the shifter species?”
“Shit.” Lucio ran a hand through his hair. “This is worse than we thought.”
“There was one man who seemed in charge—not a scientist, more like a businessman. Expensive suit, always on the phone.” Ethan’s fingers twisted in his lap. “He came in once, watched them... work on me. Seemed pleased with the results.”
“Would you recognize him if you saw him again?”
“I’d never forget his face.” Ethan’s expression hardened. “He had these cold eyes, like he was looking at a lab rat, not a person.”
Lucio pulled out his phone, bringing up the image he’d recovered from the warehouse security system. “Is this him?”
Ethan flinched visibly, his breath catching. “That’s him. Where did you get this?”
“From the warehouse cameras before they were cut.” Lucio set the phone down, wrapping an arm around Ethan’s shoulders. “We'll find him, osito. I promise.”
Ethan leaned into him, exhaustion evident in the slump of his shoulders. “I should call my dad.
“Tomorrow,” Lucio said firmly. “You need rest now.”
“But—”
“He knows you’re safe with me.” Lucio pressed a kiss to Ethan’s temple. “Let’s get you to bed.”
The bedroom was similarly modest—a queen-sized bed with navy sheets, a dresser, and nightstands. Lucio dug through his drawers for something Ethan could wear to sleep.
“These might be big on you,” he said, holding out a soft T-shirt and flannel pants with a drawstring waist, “but they’re comfortable.”
“Thanks.” Ethan took the clothes then hesitated. “Um, could you...”
“Help you change?” Lucio finished for him, noting the blush spreading across his mate’s cheeks. “Of course.”
With gentle hands, Lucio helped Ethan out of his clothes and into the borrowed sleepwear. He tried to keep his touch clinical, respectful, but the sight of Ethan’s bare skin—even bruised and healing—sent heat coursing through him.
“There,” he said, voice slightly rough as he finished tying the drawstring. “All set.”
Ethan looked up at him, those hazel eyes reflecting the soft lamplight. “Will you stay with me tonight?”
The question hung between them, loaded with meaning. Lucio cupped Ethan’s face in his hands. “I’ll stay as close as you want me to, cariño. No more, no less.”
“I want you next to me,” Ethan said softly. “Just holding me.”
“Then that’s what you’ll get.” Lucio pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead. “Let me just lock up.”
After securing the house and changing into his own sleep clothes, Lucio slid into bed beside Ethan. His mate immediately curled against him, head resting on Lucio’s chest, one bandaged hand splayed over his heart.
“This okay?” Ethan murmured, already sounding half-asleep.
“Perfect,” Lucio whispered, arm wrapping protectively around his mate’s shoulders.
He lay awake long after Ethan’s breathing had evened out, mind racing with everything he’d learned. Someone was targeting shifters, harvesting their biological material for profit. They’d hurt his mate, shot his packmate, and were likely planning more attacks.
