Ch. 261..270

Chapter 261

Sasha swallowed hard. "Okay, fine," she said when she could trust her voice. "I want to stay alive. I want to be with Zev. I want to have his babies—eventually. I want to help the Chimera. I want to get the other females back to Thana so me and Kyelle have more than a handful of girls to hang out with. You tell me how we make those things happen, and I'll do whatever you want. But I won't lie to Zev. And I won't betray them. I didn't see much of Xar, but what I did see was… fucked up. I'm not taking steroids or whatever they were handing to him. That man was losing his mind."

"That man was deep in the loss of his mate, terrified of losing his kids, and living with a near-constant sense of inadequacy. We had to juice him just to keep him from falling apart."

"Why not let him fall apart? Why not let Zev go back—the people love him! All you've done by keeping him away was create more conflict for them. Do you just not care?"

"Of course we care—happy people are healthy people. You think we want the Chimera dying after everything we've invested in them? No, we don't. But there's logistics at play that you won't understand yet. We had to be utterly certain about Zev. We had to be certain he was truly bonded to you. And that he couldn't mate with others. That sort of testing takes time, Sasha."

"Three years?"

"It should have been five."

Sasha shook her head in disgust. "You people are sick."

"Exactly. That's what I'm saying, Sasha. Own your life. Own your choices. Own your goals. If you do, we're all going to get along fine."

Sasha was stunned by his seeming complete lack of concern. He was a sick individual and… okay with that? Then why try to pretend he cared about Zev? And what was that bullshit about never lying—hadn't Nick been the one to tell him he'd go back to Thana? Then that he had to stay away for the safety of the others?

She stared at the back of his head wondering if she was going to walk out of this alive. She prayed she would. She needed Zev to keep walking this earth. Or the other earth. Whatever.

"Fine, then tell me. How do I get them to listen to me? How do I reach my goals?"

"You tell them exactly what you just told me: What you want, and where your lines are."

Sasha huffed. "I have a feeling setting boundaries with these people doesn't do a helluva lot of good."

"It will if you can prove to them that by sticking to your boundaries they're going to gain something. These are smart people, Sasha. You think they haven't had to work with others who have integrity before?"

Sasha doubted it, but she wasn't about to say that.

Nick continued to provide advice for how she should handle herself as they drove. When they finally turned off the highway on what appeared to be a rural exit her heart began to pound. The exit had no named location, only a "WARNING, NO THOROUGHFARE" sign before they rolled off the highway. The connecting road was single lane and hugged first by fenced pastures, then by thick forest. In the distance beyond, foothills and mountains rose out of the trees. But except for the roads and the fences that had been on the pastures when they first turned off the highway, Sasha couldn't see any sign of any kind of habitation.

"How long until we get there?" Sasha asked quietly when they'd been driving for a couple minutes.

"Just a few more minutes, so listen up." Nick continued, his voice seeming almost to drone as he listed all the ways she needed to watch herself. Then he gave her more caution against lying—she was better to admit where she resisted than try to hide it. "They have behavioral scientists and every kind of technology you can imagine, Sasha. You aren't a pro. You aren't going to deceive these guys. Not for the long term. Be up front and name your goals. Name your boundaries. If you do have wiggle room, still fight for your ideal. Don't let them sway you quickly or you'll start sliding down the slope before you know it…" One and on he went. By the time he slowed the vehicle and turned onto a muddy, rutted dirt road with trees thick and branches making a tunnel overhead, his words were echoing in her head in loops.

She expected to see buildings, or something. She wasn't sure. Just some kind of indication of the lives and people that Nick was driving her into. But there was nothing. Just dirt road, and trees. If she hadn't been crammed into the back seat of a vehicle filled with equipment, the roar of its engine making everything shake, she would have felt like she was in the middle of nowhere.

A nowhere that just kept going. Sasha was surprised when the big suburban continued to rock and jolt over ruts and bumps for several more minutes, until finally the road took a sharp turn around a thicket of trees that stopped suddenly so the afternoon light blazed through the windscreen of the car.

Sasha had to blink until her eyes adjusted to sudden shift in lighting. Then, as the vehicle rolled to a stop in front of a massive wire fence and Nick opened his window to touch what Sasha first thought was a mailbox, but she realized there was only space underneath the black metal hood, and a screen.

Out here, in the middle of nowhere, Nick placed his hand on the screen and something beeped, and lit up underneath it.

A moment later there was a clang, and the massive, functional gate in front of them began to slowly roll back to reveal the space beyond.. Sasha's mouth fell open as the space was revealed and she realized that this forest was nothing more than a screen to keep eyes away from this place.

 

Chapter 262

It was as if the forest had been simply removed—as if it had never existed in this space. There was no trees, no stumps, nothing. Just grass and weeds and flowers for what appeared to be miles. The space slowly being revealed in front of the car and stretching off to her right reached almost to the foothills of the mountains—so far away her eyes couldn't make out the detail beyond more thick trees at ground level.

Nick's voice intruded on her nervous assessment. He'd turned in his seat to look at her over his shoulder. "Are you certain about this, Sasha? We can still go back to Thana and bring Zev through instead."

"No. Absolutely not."

Nick nodded. "Okay, then this is your last chance. Once we roll through these gates, you're one of us, Sasha. Whether you want to be or not. The number of human beings that have been through these gates, that even know this place exists, is only numbered in the dozens. Once you've walked inside the complex, you'll be tied to us forever. We already have signed non-disclosure agreements with you. Even if you managed to escape and try to bring charges, we'll simply take you to court. This is place is technically in that strange, gray area—not technically owned by the government, but protected by its oversight. You walk in here, you're playing with the big boys, and they don't let you go until they're done with you," he said frankly.

Sasha almost choked. "You forged my signature?"

"We didn't have to. You signed the forms as part of your financial aid in college, then a further set within your employment contract."

"I… what? You—how?!"

"Your financial aid forms, signed digitally in the office of the University, included some additional pages. As the woman who helped you outlined what you were signing, you didn't read. You just signed. You likely don't remember, but she told you that you were agreeing not to reveal any information about the institution, its processes, or those affiliated with it without express permission. You nodded and signed."

"I… but…"

"And you'll remember your employer required a physical contract. You were given a digital copy to review, but when you came to the office, they had it printed and ready, with those little tags for where you sign. A couple of those sheets pertained to our operations, and your requirement to remain publicly mute about any engagement with us, or our operatives—which includes Zev, and the rest of the Chimera, by the way. If you say a word about any of them to anyone, you can be executed for treason against the state."

"What?!"

Nick sighed. "I told you, Sasha, the people I work for are the most powerful people on earth. Their fingers extend everywhere."

"But you just said only a few dozen people know—"

"People don't know about this place, but I assure you, the web of power that spreads across the world is extremely organized. My bosses have many, many people in their grip. And the power and money they receive allows them to hold others, who in turn have leashes on others… Trust me, Sasha, you can't get around these people when they have a need for you."

Sasha gaped at him. "Then what choice is there?"

Nick tipped his head. "You know, you're right. If you aren't letting us take Zev instead… yeah, there really isn't one. Well then…" he turned back, put the car in gear, and rolled through the huge gate that immediately began to close behind them. "Welcome to The Team, Sasha. We've been waiting for you."

*****

~ ZEV ~

By the time the Alphas were ready to leave, Zev was sitting up in the bed, tension making him jittery. His body was healing, he could feel it. Finally some of his strength returning. He was hungry, and despite the meal they'd all shared together in tradition, he had asked for a second helping. Now he was tempted to try a third.

While the Alphas milled around, discussing details and which Chimera from their own clans they believed would fulfill roles that would be needed for the intrusion—that's what they were calling the plan to cross the gateway in the following week—Zev rolled his head on his shoulders, then called for the healer.

It was a different male this time, bigger, gruffer than the first. But he only nodded when Zev asked for more food and trotted off with reassurances that they would add certain herbs and nuts to the plate that would further assist his body in healing.

As Zev watched Lhars, his head lowered to speak quietly with one of the other wolves, Dunken approach and he and Zev clasped forearms. Dunken leaned in to share scents in farewell—and murmured in his ear, "Don't even think about it."

Zev pulled his head back to look at his friend. "What?"

"I can almost hear your thoughts, Zev. You have to be strong. You cannot do this sooner. If she's not returned to us, we can't lose both of you. It will be the end of the Clans, and you know it. The battle for Alpha would consume us—you have to see that Zev!"

"I do," Zev growled. "I didn't even say anything about—"

"I know you and I know your scent. You're agitated and impatient. I know what you're thinking. The answer is no, Zev. For the good of everyone—including Sasha—you can't do this. If you don't wait until you're completely strong, you will lose, and she'll remain in their hands. None of us know enough of them and there ways to navigate this without your leadership. You have to wait."

"I know!"

"Do you?" Dunken said, his voice low, his eyes fierce and protective. "Because I cannot imagine if I had mated and my mate was torn from me like this. It was hard enough losing the females when I cared only for their wellbeing as sisters and friends. I'm asking you to be smart, Zev. And not to give in to the selfish urge to run to her. She's strong. Stronger than even these pricks realize. You know that. Let her handle her people while you handle yours."

"I am," Zev said through his teeth, though the niggle in the back of his mind wanted to scream something different.

"Good. That's all we ask, brother," Dunken said, then patted his shoulder. "I'll see you for dinner."

Zev gaped as his friend winked, then walked quickly out of the building without looking back.

Why did he feel like he'd just been cornered? The word triggered a rush of anxiety and he looked up the low ceiling, taking a deep breath.

He could do this. He would do this. Whatever it took.. As long as it got Sasha back.

 

Chapter 263

When Lhars turned from speaking with Skhal about gathering a dozen of the best trackers and hunters, it was to find Kyelle just farewelling her own second and started for the door. He excused himself quickly, nodding to Zev with a hurried agreement in their minds to return in a couple hours, and followed.

Outside, she was already beyond the building and into the clearing, heading towards her own home.

"Kyelle!" he called, "wait!"

She turned, surprised, but smiled when she saw him trotting up to fall in step with her. "What's going on, Lhars?" she asked easily.

She'd always been easy with him—even at the worst of his conflicts with Zev, Kyelle had always remained a friend. Though she had an uncomfortable habit of trying to get them both to see each other differently.

And he'd had to avoid her whenever her scent began to drench in her desire for his brother. It was just too painful.

But there was none of that now. Kyelle's eyes were on the forest at the other side of the clearing.

"Can I talk to you? It might take a few minutes," he said, his voice too tight. She was going to notice. But he hoped he could play it off as tension for Sasha and Zev.

Kyelle's brows popped up and she glanced over her shoulder, back towards the building where Zev lay, making it very clear she understood that whatever he wanted to say wasn't to be overheard by the others.

"I'll make time for whatever's needed, Lhars. If it's urgent… I'm about to go bathe. I have a meeting with my Clan Council in an hour and I'd like to preen before then, but if you need—"

"No, no. I need to bathe as well. But why don't we visit the spring? There's less likely to be others around."

Kyelle shrugged. "Sure. I don't mind."

Lhars' heart beat faster. They'd bathed together countless times—he'd bathed with every Chimera in Thana at some point, except Sasha. But in recent years, seeing Kyelle naked had become a tantalizing pleasure—and torment. He hated himself for not being able to separate his feelings from this simple function. But every day his body ached for her more. He feared she might never accept the bond. Seeing her might be the only pleasure he ever enjoyed.

They gathered towels and soap from Kyelle's house, then walked quickly through the forest, beyond the usual bathing pools that would be so busy at this time of day, and further towards the Spring that was left for Alphas and officers, though few used it at this time of year because it was much cooler than the mineral pools.

Chimera lived in Thana sharing bathing and sleeping quarters as family groups and clans. There was no shame associated with nakedness in their culture—and it was the job of any Chimera who felt sexual attraction to another to keep themselves in check when the object of their interest was vulnerable. The Chimera sought the bond instinctively, but would not join their bodies until an agreement had been reached.

As they reached the bank of the Spring and Kyelle began to remove her clothing—quickly, efficiently, with no guile—Lhars knew she thought nothing of him seeing her naked. He knew it hadn't crossed her mind that his body might burn for her. But if he allowed himself to think about her skin revealed, his desire would spike and she would smell it on him.

It wasn't uncommon for males to become aroused during bathing, but among their people it was viewed as simple function of their bodies. As long as the male made no unwanted advances—or if he displayed first, if he was requesting the female—no one would think twice about it. Including Kyelle, even though she was the only female present for him.

Perhaps because she was on the only female present.

Unable to resist looking just a little, he turned in time to find her folding her leggings. His eyes followed the line from her shoulder—the skin paler there where it had been covered by her furs all winter, than on her face which still saw the sun. As always, she stole his breath with her simple elegance—her movements soft and feminine in a way that he couldn't describe or identify, only… feel the difference.

Watching her folding her clothing, put him in mind of his own den, and if she were there. He tried to imagine the simple, stylish touch she would add to his home. To him. His heart ached again.

Then Kyelle turned to place her clothing on a tree stump and he noticed her holding them carefully over the scars on her lower abdomen. Saw her hesitate before she put them down. It was a moment for her, every time. To reveal those scars to the light.

His stomach clenched in grief and compassion.

Kyelle knew she was a beautiful female. But she also knew most males would choose a fertile female as their mate. It hurt her every time she thought of it.

But she was also strong. So it was only a moment before she placed the clothing on the stump and turned for the water, her skin already pebbling with goosebumps in the cool air. Lhars rushed to get his own leggings off and tossed them onto a bush along with his jacket, following her quickly as his body began to twitch and reveal itself, praying he'd get under the water before she noticed.

The water was much colder here. The spring fed on one end by a small waterfall, and on the other by mineral springs boiling up from under the earth. The mix of fresh and mineral water was a touch too cold for winter, and a touch too warm for summer. But Lhars didn't care. As Kyelle waded into the deeper water and her body responded to the warm-but-not-hot water, her nipples prickling to fierce peaks, he knew he needed a moment, so dived into the water completely, hearing Kyelle shriek at the splash. But he stayed under, stroking along under the surface several times before popping up almost on the opposite bank.

Kyelle had sunk down to her shoulders in the water, but there was drops of water sparkling in her hair where he'd splashed her. She smiled, her cheeks pink with the cold.

"What are you up to?" she laughed. But when Lhars didn't smile, just stared, her face suddenly became very serious. "Lhars? What's wrong?"

Lhars swallowed.. Hard.

 

 

Chapter 264

Everything in Lhars' head said to step carefully. Not to push. To find every reason to discuss with Kyelle that had nothing to do with him… but he couldn't think clearly. His entire body vibrated with barely concealed panic.

"Lhars, what—?" she started swimming towards him and he did panic then. He couldn't let her touch him or she'd discover exactly how his body responded to her!

"I talked to Zev," he blurted, then his heart sank as her eyes lit for a moment before the flare in them faded.

Stupid, stupid, stupid male. When was he ever going to learn to believe that her face would never light that way for him?

"Oh?" she asked carefully. "About what?"

"We… reconciled, I suppose you could say," Lhars said. "I think… I think we've made peace. I think he'll let me help him now."

Kyelle beamed. "Lhars, that's wonderful! Why did you look so serious?"

He shrugged uncomfortably.

Kyelle gave a small laugh. "Well, I think that's wonderful news. And as you know, we had our own reconciliation, you could say. So I know how hard it is. You did well, Lhars. Thank you for not giving up."

Lhars' heart wanted to crack in two. Kyelle had briefly cried in front of him after her last attempt at taking Zev. And she didn't cry in front of anyone. It had torn his heart from his chest. He'd admired her courage and strength in the same moment he wanted to weep—and he'd yearned to slam Zev into the dirt for turning his back on her, though Lhars understood she hadn't given him much choice.

How could his brother not see the beauty in the gem he'd been offered?

But then, Zev felt for Sasha the way Lhars felt for Kyelle, so perhaps he could forgive some single-mindedness.

"Look at us all, growing up and taking control of our lives," Lhars said quietly.

Kyelle smiled and nodded. She'd brought a cake of soap with her into the water and began to lather her hands and skin.

Watching her made his chest tight. "Do you think," he asked uncertainly, "I mean was Zev… do you think he was your One? Or do you—"

Kyelle's eyes dropped to the water and her hands stopped moving as she frowned. "I don't think… I have to pray he wasn't my One. I don't know. It's possible he can bond with more than one female, after all. But… I pray he isn't. Because he said no. That must mean I was wrong." Her voice had trailed off to a whisper by the end. The raw pain on her face made Lhars want to hold her. And to punch something. "I hope I was wrong. I hope he wasn't the only male who… who isn't hung up on my… my state."

Lhars brows popped up. "What state?" he asked tightly.

She pressed her lips together. "The fact that I can't have offspring," she said flatly. "Zev always understood because the humans interfered with his life as well. But I can't see how any normal Chimera could see me in that light when I'm so broken."

"Broke—what?" Lhars stammered.

"You know what I mean," she muttered, unhappy that he wanted her to talk about it. But Lhars wasn't having it.

"Is that why you're so focused on him, Kyelle?" he barked, far too aggressively. But Kyelle knew him well by now. She raised an eyebrow.

"You want me to sing of your brother's praises, Lhars?" she asked dryly, trying to break the tension. But Lhars was having none of it.

"No, I want you to stop referring to yourself as if you're a tool to be used or discarded. Answer the question, Kyelle, is that why you were so focused on Zev? Because you think he's the only one who'll look past that?"

Kyelle rolled her eyes and turned away. "See, you don't get it at all."

"No, I don't. You're a strong female—the Alpha of your Clan for the Creator's sake. Explain to me how you are broken? Or why any male wouldn't—"

"Look past it?" she seethed.

Lhars snapped his head back. "Yes. Why do you say that with such anger?"

"Because a female doesn't want to be looked over, Lhars. She wants to be seen and valued for exactly who and what she is. I don't want males convincing themselves that I'm still "worth it" when their hearts yearn for fledglings."

"Still worth it? Kyelle, you are more than enough—why do you speak about yourself like this?"

"For exactly the reason you just raised. This… thing is out of my control. And not my fault. And yet for most, they would have to look past it. To wrestle with it and determine that my lowered value was still high enough. Zev was the only male who never even considered—"

"Bullshit! That's bullshit!"

Kyelle's mouth dropped open. "Why are you yelling at me?"

"Because what you're saying is stupid and wrong and—"

"I am not stupid, Lhars!"

"No, you aren't, that's my point. Don't devalue yourself this way, as if this is the only thing you offer—"

"Since the females left, do you know how many males have approached me to display?"

Lhars froze. Did he want to know? He swallowed. "No."

"None. Zero. There is literally no competition, Lhars. Apart from Aurelia, I am the only unmated female left in Thana, and not a single male has ever displayed for me. It is… humiliating!"

Her face crumpled and she turned away from him quickly, the water rippling out from her beautiful skin. Lhars was immediately apologetic. He'd handled that poorly. But how to tell her without proving it to her?

"I'm sorry," he said quietly. "I shouldn't have made you explain that… I'm sorry. I didn't intend—"

"No. I know," she said softly, but her back was still to him. "But I also know that males seek females for two things, love, and offspring. I can only offer one of those. And that… I'm not even sure about that…" her voice trailed off.

Lhars took a slow step towards her. "What do you mean?"

She lifted her hands to her face and he feared she was wiping away tears, but he couldn't see and she was swallowing, breathing deeply, calming herself so he wouldn't see her upset.

"Kyelle," he breathed. "I'm sorry, I—"

"Don't be. That's why we reconcile, or… whatever, right? So we can face the truth and move on. And that's all I'm doing, Lhars. My truth is that the only male I've ever felt truly saw me was Zev, but his heart was already taken. No other males have shown any interest in me, and I can understand why. So I need to learn to live with that. My work is fulfilling, and my life is… almost complete. I shouldn't complain. I'm sorry that I gave that to you. I should have plucked the feathers of it already, but clearly I haven't. So please, forgive me, and let's move on."

"But—"

"Please, Lhars. Please." she turned around to face him, her eyes bright but clear. And so beautiful, he wanted to pull her into his chest and never let her go. "Let's change the subject," she said quickly. "Was that the only thing you wanted to talk to me about? Or was there something else?"

Lhars went very still.

 

Chapter 265

Sasha was silent as Nick drove the Suburban across the wide expanse of land. It seemed to stretch endlessly off to their right, the north from there, wide clear land, grassy with a few stands of rocks here and there that felt like it followed the foothills of the mountains for miles. But straight ahead, a little over a mile away if Sasha guessed correctly, the trees encroached back into the cleared land. A thick, dense bunch of forest that ended in the clearing a little too perfectly to be natural.

The closer they got, the easier it was to see a handful of tall buildings under the cover of the trees, but from the distance she hadn't been able to see them and Sasha was again reminded how strategic these people were.

As they got close enough to see the buildings in detail she could see that the trees here were extremely tall, and their branches had been shaved low on their trunks—to two or three stories on the building, so the peaked rooves of the buildings remained under the branches. Searchers looking from above would likely only see trees.

The buildings themselves looked like massive lodges—not unattractive, but very utilitarian. And the entire building was natural wood, or painted a dark brown that seemed to sink into the shadows of the trees.

Camouflaged. The buildings were camouflaged.

"Yes. You're sharp to pick that," Nick said as they finally rolled into a space just in front of the first building where a glass door was the only nod to anything contemporary. The rest of the building looked like it had been erected as a barn, or some other kind of functional space.

As the Suburban rocked to a stop and Nick pushed out of his door, Sasha stared at the building in front of her.

She was here. She was in the headquarters—or whatever these people called this place. She was here. She was going to see what they had, what they did, and how she might get the females out.

The door clunked, then opened with a creak and Nick stepped back to give her space to get out. Sasha tried to move quickly, but she couldn't stop staring. There were at least three buildings here. She could see one directly behind the building they parked in front of, and another across the gravel, leaf-strewn driveway that continued past the parking area and deeper under the trees.

"I'll show you those later. Right now we need to get you inside," Nick said pleasantly, like she was an employee who was being shown around.

Sasha nodded and made herself concentrate as they walked from the vehicle to the building—how many stories was it? Two. Though there might be a third, attic level up under that roof, she realized. There was little metal and glass on the exterior, as she'd observed, it was mainly wood. Whatever hadn't been left bare was painted in brown or gray.

Nick trotted ahead of her to get the door, then turned as he opened it. "Are you ready?"

"Not even close," Sasha said honestly as she stepped inside, praying frantically that she could figure out how to get herself—and the other females—out of this place. Nick laughed, but followed her through the door, then darted around her again to lead her towards a very normal looking reception desk.

Apart from the very tall, double-height ceiling, to Sasha, the reception area looked a lot like a doctor's office—light brown carpet, a tall desk directly ahead from the door. Pastel colored paintings on the walls. For a large space it was, however, almost shockingly empty. Not even a rug on the floor. And it smelled almost new. As if it was barely used.

But Nick strode up to the reception desk and the heavyset woman who sat behind it, with brown hair and a gray stripe only on one side, clearly knew him. She smiled brightly.

"Hey, Nick!"

"Hi Alice. This is Sasha."

"Sasha…? Oh! Sasha! The Sasha?!" the woman said, her voice shocked and hushed, as if she were meeting a celebrity.

"Yes, that Sasha," Nick said with a wink.

Sasha's stomach twisted as the woman stood up from behind the desk and reached over to shake her hand. "It's really wonderful to meet you, Sasha. Is Zev here?" the woman leaned around and over the desk to look behind them.

"N-no," Sasha said, suddenly filled with the urge to grab the woman's hair and slam her face into the desk.

She'd been spending too much time with Chimeran males.

"We've had a change of plans, Alice. Can you please contact the Board and tell them that Sasha is now Alpha and is here to speak with them? Make sure they're here no later than dinner. And Sasha's going to need a couple changes of clothes—something comfortable. No need for formality."

"Will do, Nick."

"Thank you. Sasha, if you could just sign in here, we'll head out to the back and I'll show you around some."

Sasha had a small book placed in front of her on the desk where she was asked to enter her name and phone number, the time of day, and to sign.

She balked for a moment—until she remembered that these people had been following her, and interfering in her life for years. It was a little late to be holding back personal details.

After she signed, Alice handed her a small envelope with a chip card slid into a little pocket, like the room keys at a fancy hotel. She looked at it, and frowned, but Nick just told her not to worry, that he'd explain.

A moment later she was following Nick up a narrow staircase on the side of the room to a door that stood just below the ceiling. Through the door and down the hall—another plain, functional space—and then there was a little alcove on the side with two doors on the sides. Nick urged her to open the one on the left and when she did, Sasha discovered that her thoughts about the hotel hadn't been too far off.

 

Chapter 266

It was a small suite. The main room included a couch, coffee table, and television, the sitting area separated from the small kitchen by a long, thin island. Beyond both was another wall with two doors.

"Bathroom on the left, bedroom on the right," Nick said, walking deeper into the little suite. "There should be enough in the pantry to throw together a snack if you need one, but we have a restaurant for staff here, and that's where you can eat unless you just don't feel like it. That key will get you into the building, into that hallway at the top of the stairs, and into this suite, but it won't open anything else. So don't go exploring. Security are armed," he said casually, as if it was completely natural to warn a person that they might get shot if they stepped into the wrong room. "We've got a couple hours until dinner. Did you want to have a shower and then I'll show you around?"

She looked at him, startled. "How… how did you know?"

Nick grinned. "Everyone reacts to Thana differently, but one thing is always the same. Anyone who's been there more than a day is dying for a shower when they get back."

"That… that would be good."

"Good! Okay, well I have an office downstairs. Why don't you clean up. By the time you get out we'll have some clean clothes up here for you, and then I take you around for a bit of a tour before dinner. How does that sound?"

He was acting like an Air BnB host, and it was creeping Sasha out, but she agreed just to get him to stop talking, then walked into the bathroom.

As she pulled her furs off—she hadn't even noticed she was still wearing them. She must have looked so strange to Alice—the conversation in the car came back to her in a flash. The way Nick had made sure she didn't say certain things.

Sasha looked around the room as she pushed her leggings down and kicked them off. She couldn't see any cameras, but she'd heard the stories.

She kept her jacket on until the water in the shower heated up, then flipped it off quickly and darted into the shower, pulling the shower door closed quickly.

Of course, there was no guarantee that there wasn't a camera inside the shower, she realized. But she also knew there was nothing she could do about it.

So she put her head under the spray and sighed, rubbing the spot on her chest where the bond had taken, that was still aching.

Letting the water spill over her hair and face, down her body, Sasha prayed and prayed that Zev was safe and healthy, and not doing anything stupid.

And she prayed she'd be able to figure out these people and this place so she could get herself back to Thana before Zev snapped.

If a couple tears trailed down her cheeks amongst the shower water, she ignored them. Now wasn't the time to give in. There was a strange man downstairs who might be helping, or might be deceiving her. And other men coming who would definitely deceive her if they could.

She had to be smart.

And she had to get back to Zev. She had to.

*****

Twenty minutes later Sasha stepped out of the shower to find a pile of clothing waiting around the corner, on the little sink counter. A handwritten note sat on top.

We have other sizes. If you need

them, just let me know!

- Alice

How had she gotten the clothing in there without Sasha hearing her? Sasha kept the towel pulled around her body until she had the hoodie pulled all the way over her body, covering her to the thighs.

A few minutes later with her wet hair twisted into a bun, she walked back into the living room to find Nick sitting on the couch.

"Ready?" he said, walking back out into the hall without waiting for her to answer.

Sasha followed him down the hall in the opposite direction from the reception area, all the way to the other end of the building and a door marked FIRE EXIT.

"Ignore that," Nick said, pulling a little card from his pocket that he held in front of the black square on the wall next to the door. It beeped and the door clicked, then he pushed the bar on it and they walked out.

Just like that they were in the forest again—some kind of metal grate under their feet that had thin lines cut in it, big enough to see light and colors through, but not thick enough to catch a shoe or a toe. Their footsteps plinked on the grate as Nick led her across the suspended platform with thick, wooden railings on each side, to another, identical door on the other end. It led into another building, just as large. Sasha's head was beginning to spin.

"Okay," Nick said as he used the card on the little sensor next to the door until it clicked too. He pulled it open in the effortless way men had when something was heavy, but not a struggle for them, and held it open, gesturing for Sasha to go first.

Sasha stopped dead when she caught a whiff of the disinfectant, medicinal smell that came out of the building and caught sight of the linoleum floor and light gray walls.

Like a hospital.

"What is this?" she asked, her stomach twirling.

"This is one of the labs," Nick said, apparently not alarmed that Sasha wasn't going inside.

"Why are we here?"

"I'm going to introduce you to some of our residents," Nick said with a little nod when her eyes widened. "We've got an hour or two before the Board are here and ready to… chat.. So I thought you'd like to see some of the females and be able to tell Zev and the others that they're okay."

Chapter 267

"Was that what you wanted to tell me?" Kyelle asked quietly. "Or was there more?" Her eyes were a little too wide, shining, but with a hint of grief, not the heat he wanted to see there. Even so, Lhars had to swallow the sudden urge to take her chin in his hand and pull her into a kiss.

Blinking away from the mental images, he shook his head. "I… no. I just…" He trailed off, frustrated with himself. She'd just told him she was giving up on finding a mate! She'd just told him she was letting go of Zev and didn't believe another male would ever take her.

"Lhars?" Kyelle said, more gently this time, as if she'd gathered that she wasn't the only one struggling.

Lhars' breath whooshed out of him like he'd been punched. He clenched his hands to fists beneath the surface of the water, met her eyes, and forced himself not to tuck his tail between his legs.

"I want to ask you not to go through the gateway. Not to join the pack going to the human world."

Whatever she'd expected, it wasn't that. Her head jerked back and her brow furrowed.

"Why not?"

Lhars' courage failed him at her clear disapproval and he looked down at the water. "I just feel like it's not really safe for you," he murmured. "If the males have to run, if there's an attack… you won't be able to keep up."

She tilted her head. "I'll just shift and fly instead," she said carefully. "I know it's not ideal, but even though I'm large as a bird, humans still just see a really fucking big bird. Zev said—"

"It doesn't matter," Lhars growled, not wanting to turn her mind back to Zev. "The point is, it's dangerous. The humans are interested in our females. If there's any kind of conflict or face off, you'll be their first target after Zev himself, because you're female."

Kyelle's frown lines deepened. "Lhars, where is this coming from? They know I can't have offspring. They're not interested in me, that's why I'm still here! I'm the perfect person to go because we already know they don't care about me!"

Lhars gritted his teeth in frustration. She wasn't thinking. She wasn't listening! "You're Alpha of a Clan," he said gruffly. "You should stay here and be here for your people. Send someone from your flock so that if anything happens we don't lose more leaders in the hierarchy. I mean who knows what might—"

"Weren't you about to volunteer before Zev told you he needed you to stay here?" she asked suspiciously.

Lhars bristled. "That's not the point!"

Kyelle shook her head, and folded her arms, pressing the top of her breasts up out of the water. Lhars had to force himself to hold her gaze and not look down at those beautiful, soft mounds. But before he could come up with another argument, Kyelle sighed.

"What's this really about Lhars?" she asked gently, her knowing eyes locked on his. Lhars' stomach twisted with nerves. Was he going to be honest with her? After that conversation, he wasn't sure if she'd be comforted to learn of his feelings, or think he was just trying to prove a point.

"Lhars?"

His stomach fluttered like a butterfly on the wing, but he was so, so tired of hiding himself from her. And she was right there, her body soft and warm under the water… Lhars raked a hand through his hair and growled. Then he looked up and locked eyes with her, letting himself feel… everything.

Kyelle's nostrils flared and her eyes widened.

"I don't want you to go," he said slowly, "Because I don't want anything to happen to you."

Kyelle blinked, then her startled gaze flattened. "Fucking Alpha Males, are we not past this yet, Lhars? Are you for fucking real? It's okay for the males to walk into danger, but not me?"

"No, that's not—"

"Then what is it? I can't provide anyone with young, so what possible difference is there between me and any other Alpha? If I could have babies I'd understand. I'd need to protect that. But this is something I can actually do—and I wasn't lying about why. The females need to see other females. If they've been harmed by males and they're going to be surprised by a sudden rush of Chimeran Alphas come to free them, there's every chance that they'll shut down and refuse to leave with a male. And what if Sasha's not there or something? We need to have females on the team."

"I just think that you're… there must be other females who can—"

"Bullshit, Lhars. Did Gheet put you up to this? Or Dunken? Who thinks I can't do this?"

"No one! My concern was for your safety—"

"Don't lie to me! You've never tried to hold me back from anything dangerous. You've never shown even the slightest concern about me handling myself before. What happened? What do you think I'm not strong enough to do?"

"It's not that, I said," Lhars growled.

"Then what is it? I mean, it just doesn't make sense, why wouldn't—" Then she sucked in hard and her eyes went wide. Lhars' stomach jangled with fear. Had she realized, and she was horrified by the idea of him?

"You think I'm going to try and approach Zev again?!" she whisper-screamed. "Is that it?"

"What?! No! Kyelle—"

"All this talk about Zev first, were you just trying to feel me out and see if I was going to try for him? For the Creator's sake, Lhars, I told you once he was mated, that was it for me. I would never—"

"Kyelle, that's not what's going on here!"

"Then why would you—"

"I'm afraid you'll get hurt and I'll lose you!" he bellowed. Then he slapped both hands down into the water in frustration as Kyelle froze, gaping at him. Shit. That was all wrong. He sighed. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean…" he said, then buried his face in both hands. "I'm terrified, Kyelle. So scared that something will happen to you before your heart's healed. And I can't stand the idea… the idea of never getting my chance to show you."

"Sh-show me what?" she breathed.

He lifted his head and locked eyes with her so she'd see he was telling the truth. "Show you that everything you said before was so utterly wrong.. Don't you get it, Kyelle? I've wanted you for years."

Chapter 268

Kyelle stared at him silently, her jaw slack. She kept blinking and closing her mouth as if she was going to say something, then it would drop open again. If he wasn't so terrified it would have been comical.

Instead, Lhars stood in the water in front of her, stomach churning, his chest heaving fast enough to make the water ripple as he waited to see what she would say. But when she spoke, it was to question him.

"Lhars… What are you saying?"

He swallowed hard, but didn't drop her gaze. "I'm saying… I'm saying that everything you said a few minutes ago is absolute bullshit, because if you cross the gateway without me and something happened to you over there it would… eviscerate me."

She blinked, then blinked again. Shook her head in disbelief. "Is this… some kind of joke? A ploy? Are you just trying to be right—trying to be the good guy and to prove to me—"

"No." He laid the word before her like an offering—and a command. Conviction was heavy in his tone. The weight of it underlined with every ounce of alpha authority that Lhars possessed. Which matched as hers. And yet… she wavered and almost submitted.

There was a heavy, pregnant pause then as they stared at each other.

Then Kyelle's mouth closed and she shook her head again, her jaw going tight. "I don't believe you," she said, her voice shaking. "This makes no sense. We've been friends for years. Together all the time… You've never spoken to me about this. Never even—"

"Because your heart was already spoken for," he said sadly.

"What?"

The water rippled as Lhars pulled another hand up to claw it through his hair, leaving water droplets trickling down his face and shoulders. "Don't you get it, Kyelle? You're my Zev."

She blinked several times as if he'd flicked water in her eyes.

He inhaled her scent to read her because she was so still he couldn't figure out if she was shocked, or angry, or sad.

Then her throat bobbed. "You're serious."

"Yes, I am."

He knew he was being intense, staring down at her, his brows pinched and jaw tight because he was so afraid she'd reject him. But her expression was still open, stunned. Her eyes grew even wider, and for the first time, she looked at him.

Really looked at him.

He saw it in her, in the way her pupils dilated. In the way she dragged them down from his eyes to his jaw, to his neck, then his chest and shoulders.

Her throat bobbed again and hope bounced in his heart.

He took a step closer and she didn't move. He waited, but she was still staring at his chest, her eyes so beautiful.

He took another step, and now they were almost chest to chest. She looked up to his face again and her head was craned back. Their eyes locked, and a tiny whine crawled out of his throat.

Slowly, so slowly, he lifted his hand out of the water. A strand of hair had fallen forward and stuck to her cheek and neck. With a silent prayer that she wouldn't recoil, he trailed one, shaking finger from her temple, down the side of her cheek, to her jaw, then combed the hair back over her shoulder.

Tension drained out of his body as his fingers trailed over her skin, warm beneath the cooler water.

"Kyelle?" he rasped.

"Yes?"

"I've waited so long… so long. And… and I'll keep waiting. As long as it takes for you to… to be free. But the idea of you going over there and facing those people, walking into danger… the fact that you believe you're unwanted—it's just a pure lie. And I can't… I can't let you do that. I don't want you to do that. I don't want to lose my chance."

Her jaw dropped again.

Lhars rushed in before she could say what he feared was coming. "Kyelle, do you hear me? If something happens to you, or to me, I need you to know. It's not true that you aren't desired. It's not true that you're unseen. I've always seen you. Always wanted you. You're my mate.

There was a tiny, sharp intake of breath and her shoulders rose. But her eyes never left his.

"Lhars, I… I never realized…"

"I know."

They stared at each other and Lhars' hope bloomed. She wasn't pulling away. She wasn't staring at him like he was repulsive.

Barely breathing, he began to lean in, his eyes searching hers as he entered her space. He hesitated, his mouth just an inch from hers.

Kyelle didn't move to close the space, but she didn't recoil either.

Praying for strength, Lhars lifted a hand to cradle the back of her head and closed the space, his lips brushing hers as he whispered, "Kyelle, I lo—"

Kyelle burst to life, one hand shoving on his chest, the other stroking backwards in the water to pull her back, away from him, her entire body twisting, the water around them churning as she struggled to move because of the weight of the water.

"Too soon," she whispered. "I can't, Lhars. I'm sorry, I can't!" she twisted out of his hands and turned, scrambling out of the water, pulling at it like a lifeline to take her away from him.

Lhars breathed her name, his voice breaking as she did everything in her power to run from him—she tripped as she hit the shallow water, but caught herself and was back on her feet, running, then bursting into her owl and flapping hard, her wings snapping the air with the force she used to pull herself through the air.

Away from him.

Then she disappeared over the trees, and Lhars slumped his hands falling back into the water, his shoulders rounded, carrying the weight of every disappointment, every pain he'd always feared for this moment as he slowly, slowly dragged himself out of the water, got dressed, and left.

Alone.

 

Chapter 269

Sasha stepped inside the sterile hallway that smelled like a hospital and even though the place was perfectly pleasant with bright lighting and clean walls, her skin began to crawl. The hallway was long, broader than the hallway in the office and housing building they'd just come from. Broad enough for hospital beds and wheelchairs to pass each other, Sasha realized. She had to stifle a shudder.

Then on her left the wall gave way to a long window, the length of a large room and Sasha caught sight of people inside it in lab coats and safety goggles, working at different machines that circled the work benches all the way around the room.

At its center was a long table with many, many test tubes, microscopes, tools that Sasha had never seen before, papers, and folders, and various jars and containers holding differently colored liquids. A woman stood at the center of the table, a long syringe in her hand that reminded Sasha of a turkey baster. She was counting drops of liquids into a tray of test tubes on the table in front of her.

She didn't know a lot about medicine, but she knew that all those machines and pieces of equipment added up to a helluva lot of money. And that the four staff she could see would be expensive, too.

"This is just one of the several lab buildings we have here," Nick said, pausing next to her with Sasha stopped to look at the room.

"Several labs?" she asked quietly, horrified.

Nick nodded. "Plus, the actual project headquarters, staff quarters, the stables, and the sanctuary. This is a massive project, Sasha, and our work with the Chimera is all undertaken here, out from under the eyes of the public. The internet and cellphones only work through secure connections in the buildings. This land is secure and even the airspace is monitored. You're safe here."

Safe? That didn't make her safe. That made her utterly alone. That made them utterly without accountability for the atrocities they were committing here.

But she knew she couldn't say that. So she nodded and followed Nick further down the hall, only glancing at the door into the room they'd just passed with it's fire red WARNING: SECURE LAB. STERILE ENVIRONMENT. DO NOT ENTER WITHOUT PERMISSION.

This place made her skin crawl, but she kept her chin up and made listening noises as Nick rattled off stats about the things they'd achieved here—including accidentally discovering a vaccine that was currently in human trials.

"No matter what you might think, Sasha, the Chimera we have here are genuinely helping the human race. We aren't here to find ways to make better make up or keep aging heiresses looking young. We're solving problems. We're making people. Bigger, faster, stronger, healthier people. And once we nail this, the things we learn from them will make everyone else stronger and healthier, too."

They passed two more labs, one on each side of the hall before they hit a wall blocking their path and a set of double doors marked, SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIRED.

Nick thumbed a button on the wall that buzzed, and the doors clicked, then one opened and a massive man in a gray uniform stepped through. When he saw Nick, his face relaxed and he stepped back without a word, opening the door to let them in.

Sasha followed Nick through the door to find a guard station on its other side. Blinking computer monitors showed a dozen different rooms in black and white, including the labs they'd just passed. But before Sasha could look at all the images, Nick tugged at her elbow and led her forward as the Guard checked behind them before closing the door and locking it. Nick didn't even greet the guy beyond a nod, just led Sasha deeper into the building, letting go of her elbow after a few steps.

Sasha forced herself to relax, but she felt like she was walking into the belly of the beast. Seeing the guard there, noticing the security cameras high on the walls with their blinking lights, it all added together to a place where she had no control, and her every move was being watched. Nick, too, though he didn't seem to care, just walked casually down the long hallway.

The lighting here wasn't as bright, and the walls looked more worn. As if the first half of the building had been renovated in recent years, while this one was allowed to weather.

It felt more… lived in. And yet, it raised the little hairs on the back of Sasha's neck. The hospital-like smell was less pronounced here, but still present. But something else prickled her skin as well. Sasha would have sworn she smelled the tang of fear. Telling herself that she was just letting her mind run away with her, she forced herself to focus on what Nick was saying.

"…might not be excited to see you until they've checked you out. But don't worry, they're not violent."

Sasha blinked. "I'm sorry, who are you talking about?"

Nick stopped at a door on her left. This hallway was darker, she realized, because there were no windows here. Just walls and doors, also without windows.

"The ladies," he said, with a smirk, as if the word made him want to laugh, but he was trying to be professional. "These were made here and haven't ever left, so they won't be familiar with Thana. Just be aware of that."

Stunned, Sasha opened her mouth to ask, but Nick held his card in front of the sensor and the door beeped, then clicked, then he was walking through, beckoning Sasha to follow. She hurried in behind him, her head spinning, as they walked into what looked like a long dorm room.

At its center was massive, L-shaped sectional couch, large enough to seat eight or ten normal sized people. There was a kitchenette on one end, and several large, single beds around the rest of the space, each with its head to the wall and its foot sticking into the room.

But Sasha couldn't do more than vaguely register the surroundings, because as they stepped into the room, several women that had to be Chimera turned and looked at them.

Chapter 270

Sasha swallowed convulsively as two of the tallest of the women stood without speaking or even gesturing to each other. As if there'd been some silent signal, they briskly stepped around the furniture to place themselves between Nick and Sasha and the rest of the women. Both of them watched Nick warily, but their eyes slid back and forth to Sasha as well. Sasha recognized the stance. Zev often adopted it when he felt like she was in danger. He'd done the same thing when they got to the City and the twins appeared.

It was a casual stance with arms at their sides, that said I mean no threat. But the tension and poise they held in the body made it clear they were ready to take action if it was needed.

Sasha prayed they never felt like it was needed.

The two women that had moved in front of the others had to be six feet tall, and those on the couch and beds behind them didn't seem like they were much smaller. Sasha felt like a child next to them. Kyelle was tall too, but hadn't seemed like it next to all the males who were massive. This was the first time she'd stood near several Chimeran females at the same time.

No wonder Zev joked about her being light as a feather despite her jiggling ass. These women were Amazonians.

Each of them wore simple, normal clothing—sweat pants, hoodies, one was in a soft cotton dress that went to her ankles. Their skin was pale—as if they hadn't seen the sun in years. But their eyes were bright, their hair shiny. They were wiry, but in the way that appeared fit, not gaunt.

They stood with their hands at their sides, seeming relaxed, but Sasha had spent enough time with the Chimera now to see the tension in them, the suspicion lighting behind their eyes.

"Bayley, Penny, it's good to see you," Nick said softly. The two women nodded, but didn't say anything. As if it were just a meeting of friends, Nick scanned the room. "You all should come closer, you'll want to scent her. Don't be shy Nicole, Adrien, she won't bite, ha ha. Harriet, it's okay. You're safe. We just want to talk. You too, Dani and Victoria. Come on. Come greet her."

The women got up, one by one, as Nick named them. As if they wouldn't have moved until he called for them. The entire exchange felt very strange to Sasha, but they women didn't don't afraid as much as wary, and each got up from their seat to walk over and stand behind the two that had approached as soon as they walked in.

Sasha could see the hierarchy at work very blatantly in this group, in the way they positioned themselves, and the way they looked at each other.

And in the way they looked at her. As if they didn't know where she fit.

"Ladies, this is Sasha. She's Alpha of those in Thana now."

There was a sharp snort from one of the women. "You said Zev had taken Alpha."

Nick nodded. "It turned out our information was only partially correct. Zev is the Alpha of the wolves, and Sasha's second. But the males all submit to her, I saw it for myself."

The female Nick had referred to as Bayley tilted her head and scanned Sasha. "You're very small to be Alpha. Perhaps what they said about female alphas is true after all. But I think I could eat your throat."

Sasha blinked. "I have no doubt that you could," she said, trying not to let her voice shake. "I hope you won't, though. I want to work with you, not against you."

The woman's brow furrowed as the one named Penny spoke up. "You are Zev's chosen mate?"

Sasha nodded and turned to smile at the woman whose expression was much friendlier. "Yes," she said.

"And you took Alpha from him?"

"No," Sasha almost laughed. "I killed Xar. He attacked me during a fight for Alpha with Zev, and when I killed him instead… everyone submitted."

Sasha was hit then, for just a moment, with how entirely odd this conversation was. If someone had told her weeks earlier that she'd be in a secret lab, talking to half-human women about taking Alpha of their clan…

Was it possible she really was out of her mind and none of this was real?

"Welcome, Sasha-don," Bayley said suddenly. "You are human… do you share scents?"

Sasha swallowed. "I mean, I'm happy to. I've seen it done. But I've never… the males were giving me a lot of space. It was kind of weird… there was a lot going on."

Bayley looked surprised, but stepped forward, offering an arm to clasp. "We lean into each other's hair and rub our faces."

"Oh. Okay," Sasha said, clasping forearms with her and leaning in to meet the woman as if they would give a European kiss. But as Bayley rubbed her face in Sasha's hair, and Sasha did her best to return the gesture, she found her cheeks heating.

What the hell had become of her life?

When they parted, Bayley looked more relaxed. "She scents of Zev."

The others all murmured, then wanted to come forward and share scents as well. Sasha felt like she was getting a crash course in becoming Chimera, and yet, at the same time, there was a strange sense of stiffness about the women and their movements as well. As if they, too, didn't do this naturally.

When she'd been rubbed by each of the women in turn, Sasha had to step back and find some space. Her heart was beating too loudly, and Nick's eagle-eyed gaze on her wasn't helping.

But apparently, she wasn't done after all. Because Bayley stepped forward again, offering her arm once more. "Welcome, Sasha-don," she said, dropping her chin and eyes to the floor, then leaning in again. And as they rubbed cheeks once more, Sasha froze, because the woman whispered, "You have to help us. They're killing us."