by Eve Langlais
Ka-ching. Whatever it was, it paid, and she could use the dough.
As for what were they looking for?
The Bunyip Institute wanted healthy young men and women, ages eighteen to twenty-five, for some kind of scientific study. Having done this kind of thing before—sleep studies, food tasting, egg donation—she kind of knew what to expect. Several rounds of testing. Each one paid.
The Bunyip Institute proved no different at first. Round one was where she filled in the questionnaire.
Name: Nevaeh Karson
Occupation: Bartender (Which seemed better than mentioning she was a vagabond with no fixed address.)
Family: Assholes. Unavailable.
And so on… For her current address, she used the gym that she’d stolen a pass for so she could shower.
The money from the ten-page quiz—which asked detailed health questions, including the date of her last period—paid for a room above a laundromat for one month. A steady roof over her head was a fist-pump moment.
Round two was the physical portion. It involved her doing all kinds of sweaty stuff like running on a treadmill—“I’m not a bloody hamster.”—while someone measured her blood pressure. She had to do a stamina test, which she did well on mostly because she walked almost everywhere she went. Street-smart girls knew better than to hitch rides. She swam, held her breath underwater, did a paltry number of chin-ups, and squatted until her thighs burned. Not exactly her idea of fun, yet it paid enough that she could afford to eat. Good stuff, too. Not things scrounged from other people’s plates. Amazing what people walked away from in the food courts at the mall.
She passed with flying colors and made it to round three. The MRI and extensive lab work testing her blood and organs had her doctor absolutely giddy.
“You are a perfect candidate,” Dr. Guffo exclaimed from behind his owl-like lenses. The giant, blinking orbs freaked her out, as did his odd enthusiasm over her rare AB negative blood type. But his science-boner was easy to ignore when he handed her another check with several zeros. She agreed to the next and final round of their study.
All the testing led to her sitting in a pure white room within the downtown location for the Bunyip Institute, a futuristic glass and chrome building with a lobby full of television screens all showing perfect, model-type people talking about tomorrow and how wonderful it would be.
Blah, blah, marketing crap. She paid no mind to it. The institute promised to make people’s lives better. So long as they paid her, she was cool with whatever they did.
Stepping inside, she’d felt out of place with her duffel bag stuffed with clothes and personal items for what they called an “extended stay.” Because, congrats, she’d made it to the final round. The security guard in the reception area eyed her sternly, but the woman behind the desk smiled warmly.
“You must be one of our lucky candidates. Welcome.”
Finally, a winner.
About time.
I wish I’d known it was a booby prize.
Nev could still remember snapping a piece of bubblegum as she waited her turn on the sixth floor. Bored. Impatient. What was the point of making her show up at a specific time only to make her cool her heels?
It didn’t help that the room she’d been told to park her butt in had three other applicants, each of them called into the next room one at a time, until only she remained.
When this is over, I’m going to use the money I make to pay my rent for six months and go back to school. Maybe finally get a degree in something so she could get a real job instead of part-time stuff here and there. Plant some real roots. What a concept.
A muffled scream lifted her head. Odd.
When it didn’t repeat, she dipped her gaze down and kept browsing YouTube on her phone. Another item she’d splurged on with her newfound earnings, and lucky her, the institute had free Wi-Fi.
A distant shout was followed by… She frowned. Was that a roar? As in an animal roaring? Unexpected given she thought they only did testing on people.
But she wasn’t going to quibble about it. They paid too well for that. Besides, if she was willing to let them test on her, then she couldn’t very well complain about animals. The place was obviously legit. The big, shiny, chrome and glass building nestled in the heart of the city catered to the rich and famous, or so the media propaganda on the screens claimed.
The door opened, and Dr. Guffo emerged, his glasses askew on his nose, his hair tousled, his expression slightly frazzled. “Ah, there you are.”
“Where else would I be?” Sarcasm, her best friend.
“Nowhere of course. Ha. Ha.” He gave a nervous chuckle. “Shall we?”
Snaring her duffel bag, Nev followed him into a small room with a curtained cubicle and a pile of bags. Those of the peeps who’d gone before her. She dumped hers on top but kept her phone.
The doctor shook his head. “You can’t use that here. Sensitive equipment.”
She frowned as he held out his hand.
“I promise, no one will steal it.”
They wouldn’t be stealing much. She’d bought it off a guy on the street for fifty bucks. She handed it over, and the doctor placed it atop her bag.
“If you would please change.” He indicated the cubicle, and she didn’t bother grumbling. Medical places always insisted on patients, even voluntary ones, wearing those stupid tissue gowns. It didn’t take long to shed her gear and put it on, the scratchy paper making her nipples poke.
She held her clothes against her chest to hide them, but Dr. Guffo wasn’t looking as she exited. He had his tablet in hand and was busy sliding his finger over it.
She dumped her stuff on top of her phone then gripped the gown in a way that wouldn’t flash her ass to everyone.
“Ready?” he said, looking up from his screen. “Excellent. If you’ll just follow me through here.”
He placed his hand on a square, dark screen. It lit blue, and she heard a click before the door slid open giving them access.
Entering, Nevaeh immediately saw the bed, the medical type with raised metal railings. It was the straps that gave her pause.
“You going to tie me down or something?”
The doctor gave her a little shove to move her forward. She stumbled as he entered the room and the door slid shut behind him. “Just a precaution so you don’t flinch when we give you the treatment.”
“This won’t hurt, right? No one said anything about this hurting.”
“Not one bit.”
So why wouldn’t he look her in the eye when saying it?
“How long is this part of the testing supposed to take? And when do I get paid?”
“When we’re done, which should be about two weeks. Then, if the testing goes well, you’ll have the option of extending the treatment.”
“For more money, right?” Although she began to wonder if perhaps this would be the last thing she’d volunteer for. Things were getting a little freaky even for her.
“You will be rewarded for your time and effort. Now if you would please lie down.”
In retrospect, she was much like that stupid lamb that skipped willingly to the slaughter. She put herself in that bed. Didn’t struggle at all when the straps went around her wrists and then her ankles. She did begin to breathe faster when the thick one wound around her torso.
When the doctor approached with the giant needle, trepidation hit her hard.
But it was too late.
Hell, the moment she volunteered to be a test subject it was too late. They saw something in her they wanted. And what the institute coveted, they took.
When next she woke, her new world consisted of pain.
And more pain.
But it was weeks, perhaps even months, before she was lucid enough to realize what they’d done to her.
To discover the monster they’d made her into. To realize they’d removed her chance at a normal life. That they—
“Angel?” The hushed whisper startled her from her sleep
where she relived the nightmare of how she’d gotten her wings. It wasn’t as sweet or gentle as the ringing of a bell.
She crouched on her branch and stared down at the ground, the darkness pressing in on all sides.
“Angel? Are you here? Answer me if you are.”
He’d come for her? Nev had not actually believed the stranger would. She’d hidden in the woods mostly because she had no better plan.
But he’d returned. Why?
She watched as he crept through the forest, pretty quiet for a man his size. Obviously a fellow who knew how to sneak.
Who was he? In the rush of being rescued she’d never thought to wonder what his motive was in invading the laboratory. He did say he was looking for his brother. But at the same time, he was well prepared. Armed. Dressed to kill. He even had explosives. Obviously not your regular Joe Blow.
Was he part of some government agency looking to put an end to the crime happening in the lab? Or was he working for another asshole who’d just want to use her to do further experiments on humans?
She didn’t make a sound. Not a single peep, and yet suddenly he was looking right up at her.
“Hey, Angel.”
How could he see her? It was pitch-black. She could see him plain as day, part of her special modifications. Changed her eye color when they did it. Bye bye, brown eyes. Hello, purple.
Yes, purple. As if having wings didn’t make her strange enough.
“How did you know I was here?”
“Because you’re easy to see,” he remarked. “Did you know your eyes glow in the dark?”
“They do not!” she exclaimed.
“They totally do. Reminds me of Halloween.”
For some reason, this ruffled her feathers. “Are you calling me scary?”
“What? No.” Good thing she could see his genuinely appalled expression. “It’s rather pretty. And I love it. Um, Halloween that is. Because of the lollies.” The dark couldn’t hide the heat in his cheeks.
She cocked her head. “Why did you come back?”
“I told you I would.”
Her lips pursed. “But you didn’t actually expect to find me, did you?”
For a second, she thought he’d lie. Instead he sighed. “No, I didn’t. Figured you’d get caught actually.”
“If you thought that, then why are you in the woods?”
“Because they’re combing the place right now looking for evidence and survivors. Of the first, they’ve found some, but the latter…” He shook his head.
“Most of them were moved. The successful ones that is. Day before last.”
“And they didn’t take you with them?” he asked.
She shook her head, realized he might not see it and replied. “I’m not considered a success story.”
“How can you not be? You have wings.”
Which was something that had initially excited the scientists, until they realized she couldn’t do anything to hide them. Apparently, they wanted her to be like the successful stories that could flip in and out of beast mode at will.
“I was considered a failure.”
“Then they were dumb.” Vehemently spoken.
“They were right. I can’t go anywhere with these.” The wings at her back rustled. “I should have stayed in the lab to get melted with the others.”
“You don’t mean that.”
For a moment, she almost let him think she was indulging in a pity party, and then she snickered. “No. I’ll figure out a way to survive. Maybe find a doctor who can remove them.”
“Remove them?” He sounded aghast. His mouth dropped open. “How can you say that? They’re a part of you.”
“Well, I’d rather they weren’t.” She leapt down from the tree, expecting to hit the ground, only hands—big, firm hands—caught her midair.
He lowered her slowly to the ground, and she was torn about how she felt about it. How long since anyone touched her without causing pain? Had offered her help?
How long since the touch of a man made her flesh tingle?
The stranger took his time releasing her, and she proved just as slow stepping back.
“Do you have somewhere to go?” he asked. “Someone you can call?”
Her nose wrinkled. “If you’re talking about family, then no. The only one left alive is my dad, and he’s a drunk.” One with a quick temper and heavy fist.
“Surely you have friends you can call. I’ll bet ass could help you.”
Her jaw dropped. “Excuse me? What’s that supposed to mean? I’m not some kind of whore who sells her body to people.”
His turn to look aghast. “What are you talking about, Angel? I never implied that. I meant ass as in the Avian Soaring Security department. If you can’t reconnect with your flock or whatever nest you belong to, then ass could probably help.”
“Ha. Ha. Very funny.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m glad you think my having wings is a joke. Guess I should get used to being the butt of them from you normal people.”
“Us normal people?” he queried. His expression appeared confused and then thoughtful. “Angel, before the institute, could you fly?”
“In a plane.”
“So you never had wings?”
She snorted. “Of course not.”
“Beak? Feathers?”
Her annoyance grew with each stupid question. “You’re a jerk.” She whirled and began to stomp away, not sure of where she was going, barefoot, with only the hospital gown draped over her front, with cotton shorts for a bottom. But damned if she was going to stand around having him accuse her of being some kind of bird. She wasn’t a bird. She was—
“You’re human,” he stated.
“No duh, Sherlock,” she spat, not turning to look back. “What else would I be? Have been,” she amended. “And we all know how humanity treats those who are different. You being a prime example. Making jokes about my deformity.” And reinforcing her belief she’d never have a normal life again. “Maybe I should just turn myself in. Become a lab bird for the rest of my life.” Perch on a stick in a cage and chirp for crackers.
“You are not giving up.”
“What else is there to do? Live in the woods? Make myself a nest and dig for grubs to eat?”
“Why eat bugs when you can forage for edible stuff?”
“And just what is edible?” She gestured to the towering trees and the bushes. “Maybe you know how to live off the land, but I don’t. I’d probably poison myself within a day. Die of dehydration.” End up with diarrhea and wiping her ass with something that would leave a rash.
Sob.
Overwhelmed, tears threatened, and a tremor struck her limbs, striking at her confidence. She’d never been one to give up. Not even when she’d found herself a prisoner in a cage. However, now that she’d gained her freedom, she realized she missed the walls of her cell. At least there she had shelter and food. Now, she had a giant spider crawling up her leg.
“Eeeeeeeek!” She screeched and leaped into the air, flailing and kicking her legs. The hairy eight-legged monster went flying, and before she could land, the stranger’s hands were on her waist again, holding her aloft.
He stared at her, this tall and square man with the kind eyes. “You can’t stay out here if you’re going to scream every time you see a bug.”
“It was huge!”
“It was the size of my thumb.”
“You have big thumbs.”
“You’re coming with me.”
He began to walk, still holding her aloft, taking a chance he wouldn’t trip or run them both into a tree seeing as how he couldn’t exactly see around her body or wings.
“Put me down.”
“Better not. Who knows what you’ll do if you encounter a centipede.”
“Isn’t that the worm thing with legs?” City girls didn’t study the local fauna.
“I hope you’re kidding.”
Forget admitting she wasn’t. “Put me down. You can’t see anything.
”
“I’m using my outback senses to guide me.”
“You are not Crocodile Dundee.”
“Nope, that would be Uncle Kevyn. He was so pissed they went with that other fellow in the movie. He even shaved off his beard for the part.”
“Interesting family.”
“You have no idea, Angel. Now if I put you down, do you promise to not fly off?”
“Ha. Ha. So funny. I told you I can’t fly.”
“But you escaped out the window. I saw the broken glass.”
“Yeah. And that’s how I discovered it wasn’t as easy as you’d think.”
“I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it with practice.”
Practice? Was he insane? She ogled him, but only for a moment, as he set her down and moved around her body. She turned and saw him creeping toward the edge of the woods.
She followed him, but he whirled, grabbing her by the arms and forcing her to stand still. “Shh, Angel. You’re making a ton of racket.”
“I was walking.”
“Exactly. We need to be quiet. There’re people still in the building.”
“Who are those people? And who are you for that matter?” she asked.
“Shoot, I guess we never did get properly introduced. Jebediah Peril Jones at your service. And you are?”
“Nevaeh.”
“That’s it?”
“That’s all you need to know for now.”
“A suspicious gal, probably smart, but not necessary with me. You’ll soon see. I’m on your side.”
“What side is that? Who are you? Why were you attacking the lab?”
“I’m what you might call special ops.”
“For the government?”
“Not exactly. I do work for a higher authority, just not the one you think.”
“But you’re Australian?”
“Born and bred.”
“I’m not,” she admitted. “I emigrated here a few years ago from the USA for a fresh start.” Only to discover a new location didn’t always mean a fresh and better start. Not too many job opportunities for someone lacking a work visa.
“Wait here while I scout things out.” He gestured her back before striding forth, a confident swagger to his step.
With each yard he put between them, her anxiety grew. Funny how the world didn’t seem as daunting with him around.