Page 9 of Tracking the Alpha
“Don’t worry, you’ll survive, and if I’m right, this will be the trigger to unlocking your potential.” Said so matter-of-factly. The casualness with which he discussed shooting at Barrett roused a spark of anger.
“You’re a sick fuck.”
“I am a man who knows how to get shit done.” Davidson never took his eyes from Barrett as he barked out orders. “Be ready, Major. Remember, no head or heart shots. We need him alive.”
Ironic coming from the man who fired a bullet into Barrett’s shoulder.
The searing pain stole his breath, and the hot trickle of blood provided further proof of his injury. Barrett gritted his teeth and tilted his head back to look at the sky. The full moon shone, bathing his skin.
“Come on. Change,” muttered Davidson.
What the fuck was the man waiting for?
Bang.
The second bullet took him in the leg, and if not for the restraints, Barrett would have fallen.
The wounds throbbed, and he panted.
Like a dog.
Air whistling in and out of his mouth.
He kept staring at the moon, using it to ground his pain. A pain that began to sizzle as if his injuries were being seared with fire.
A fire that spread throughout his body.
Barrett grunted as he began to convulse, his body violently thrashing in the restraints.
“It’s happening!” crowed Davidson. Quickly followed by, “Get the straps off him so he can properly morph.”
Morph? The word made no sense, but he welcomed the relief of being unbound so he could hit the ground and writhe unfettered. His body bowed and cracked. His back arched, and his mouth opened wide on a silent scream.
A roaring white noise filled his head, muffling all sound but the rapid thump of his heart.
When the agony passed and he had the capacity to draw a lungful of air, it emerged in a strange howling sound.
“It fucking worked,” yelled a voice that drew back Barrett’s lip.
What made that low snarling sound? And why could he not stand upright? His body felt strange. Discombobulated. His mind fuzzy and yet his senses sharp.
Davidson dropped to a crouch in front of him and smirked. “Guess the doctor doesn’t know as much as he thinks. I knew you needed a catalyst. Now to see if the others are ready too.”
The smug tone and threat had him bristling and growling, the sound low and animal-like. What had Davidson done to him?
“Subdue him, Major,” the general ordered.
Like fuck.
Barrett lunged and slammed into Davidson’s chest. He went to punch, only his limbs didn’t move as expected, and instead of a closed fist, he saw a paw tipped in claws swipe across the general’s face, tearing open the flesh.
The pouring blood wasn’t what had him standing still, though.
I’ve got fucking paws!
The shock froze him long enough that the general heaved him off his body and rolled to his feet, snapping, “Would you fucking dart him already?”
The major aimed the tranquilizing pistol at Barrett, close enough he couldn’t miss.
