Peter looked over his shoulder. “You’re talking about Marcus Blackwell. We know all about him.”
“You don’t know the whole of it or what he’s capable of.”
“I know enough to realize what you’re thinking is about to occur here, I would agree.”
Whatever Peter had seen was vital for me to know.
“Are you suggesting Doctors Abbott and Douglas are working for the same group?” Carrie whispered.
“Maybe,” I answered. “Why are you so certain, Peter?”
“Whatever they brought in that crate is using exorbitant power. We were in the black for hours last night and it wasn’t about wind or rain. I saw something glowing coming from under the door.”
“You’ll need to show me. But we need to run some tests quietly. Act as if nothing is wrong.” I glanced up at Dr. Abbott as he approached, trying to smile while wincing as if in pain.
“Dr. Radcliff. You had us so worried. We were all afraid the very lions you seemed to covet had eaten you.” His smirk was already boosting my fury.
“I’m heartier than that, Doctor. Besides, as I told you, they won’t hurt me. I’m the lion whisperer. Remember? I can talk to them and you know what? They don’t mind following my directions.”
Was I being caustic, perhaps shooting off my mouth when I shouldn’t? Yes, but at this point I didn’t care. What had already been set in motion was everything I abhorred about science.
But for once and for a short time only I would try to embrace it.
I had to so I could keep the lions safe.
Including the men who electrified me.
My lovers.
My mates.
CHAPTER 17
Lauren
Dusk had fallen, crawling in through the foggy window in the medical facility. The entire compound was just as eerie as I’d remembered.
The two scientists had been concerned about my absence, cagey as fuck, but they’d mostly left me alone. I’d tried to remain calm and act normal when my skin had continued to crawl.
All I could think about were the lions.
My lions.
Including my mates.
Still incredulous.
Still in awe.
And the tingling hadn’t stopped even for a few seconds. That meant they were close, keeping an eye on me when they should be worried about the pride.
Zeus had been right about the typhoon. Although several of the meteorologists disagreed on the storm’s path and whether the outlying islands would take a direct hit, they were certain at minimum Tortola Island would receive a glancing blow. Being at sea level, any effects could spell devastation.
I remained in the medical facility, awaiting the test results. While both Dr. Abbott and Dr. Douglas had kept their distance, I could sense they were keeping a close eye on our activity. I’d hidden the weapon and would use it if necessary.
I’d been forced to share with the two scientists that I’d gotten samples, which had prompted questions. I’d done my best to act like what I’d gone through had been harrowing, but that the reward was worth it. They were quite eager to see the results.
“Where is the room where the crate was put?” I whispered to Peter since he was standing very close to me, adding cells to another Petri dish for another test. The program on my laptop was already analyzing various samples.