by Eva Gordon
“Even if I accept the so-called gift, obviously the SERV gene doesn’t work on all women. Didn’t take in Nexus and it killed the others.”
Nik’s tone turned severe. “She will not be your guinea pig.”
“The risks from earlier experiments are practically non-existent. Why else would I have taken the drug?”
“Practically does not mean absolutely,” she scoffed.
Nik stood. “Let Emma leave the island and I will be your most loyal soldier.”
“See, the problem is, it’s not smart to let a CIA agent go, with the knowledge of how to get to my secret lab facility.”
I’m screwed, and so is Nik if we aren’t careful. Emma surmised Bolton intended to kill her, whether she became a shifter or not. If she changed, he’d have her caged and dissected for further study. If he got that far. Most likely, Svetlana would simply want her executed. She turned to Nik. “Actually, Boris, I think the idea has grown on me. I will give it some thought.”
Bolton smiled and put his glass down. “Good. In fact, why don’t you two stay here for the night?” Bolton winked at Nik. “The bathroom has toiletries and bathrobes.”
Emma frowned. “Boris and I are not lovers.”
“Regardless, enjoy the place.”
“No problem, I’ll sleep on the couch,” said Nik.
Bolton opened the door to leave, but turned. “Escape is impossible. Though you’ll have an evening of privacy, understand that my men are guarding the island. Any move to escape and they’ll go werewolf. I told them to get used to human flesh.”
“I don’t think they’ll consider humans the new chicken,” Emma said.
“In the beginning, they might have protested, but the longer they are werewolves, the more they will crave all flesh, even human.” Bolton laughed and left.
Emma regretted not having her vaporo. Even if she did, how would it help? She was still visible. Besides, they knew of no way off the island.
Chapter Twelve
Nik smelled the werewolves. In human form, Bolton’s men patrolled the premises. Good thing they had not shifted. Was it because they were too dangerous or because their time in werewolf form was limited? A question that had to wait since his first priority was saving Emma. “I can try to take out each guard before he has time to shift.”
“They are probably paired up. And remember, once they turn into werewolves, they’ll scent you then kill you.”
His protective wolf took over. His fangs extended and his voice turned fierce. “I need to get you out of here.”
“Not so fast. We have two days before Svetlana returns.”
The woman showed no fear, although her adrenaline spiked. “That’ll be too late.”
Emma sighed. “Find us a boat or another way off the island.”
“Agreed. But it’s not like they won’t follow us.”
“Once I return to my room, I can get enough vaporo to hide my scent.”
“I’ll get you off the island and distract them so you can get away. I’ll take the drug if I have to.”
Emma lifted her chin. “I’m not leaving you. Who knows what that chimera drug will do to a lycan?”
Her big blue eyes reached the depth of his soul and her luscious lip blindsided him with lust. Nik drew her in and held her tight. “My life is not important.”
She poked him, an alpha, in the chest, her tone that of a cross school teacher. “It sure as hell is. No way will I let you sacrifice yourself, not for me.”
He smiled. “I’m glad you care, Sparrow.”
Her heart drummed in his ears as her voice softened. “Of course I do, we are partners.”
Nik released her and swallowed. “I understand we are comrades, nothing more.”
“Yes, better to keep our relationship professional.” Her response, as much of a lie as his, an attempt to keep his desire under control.
Nik smelled her desire. Although she sounded in control, aloof even, she couldn’t hide her need from him. Worse, his wolf as well as his erection stirred into action, needing to claim her as his. He could no longer hold back. How could he resist the ebb and flow of his desire? They were alone in a romantic cabin in the middle of an island paradise. Perhaps Bolton wanted him to seduce Emma, to keep her from leaving or trying the drug. Like hell he’d let her be their lab rat. The only alternative was to shift and perhaps wash away his lust by jumping in the surrounding waters. He braved a smile. “Better if I sleep outside. Keep guard.”
“You don’t need to stay outside. It’s not like we will share the same bed. There is a nice sofa.”
Didn’t she understand how turned on he was? Then again she wasn’t a mind reader. Although, if she glanced at his bulging hardness, she’d grasp the reason he needed to leave now. If she were a one-night stand, like the other women he’d had sex with, there’d be no problem. But he wanted to make love to her every night of his life. As a werewolf, he could not commit to that, not unless he wanted her as his pet as allowed by lycan society. Doubtful she’d agree to such an arrangement. She was strong willed and an important member of the LIA. “The balcony is nice.”
“A lounge chair doesn’t sound very comfortable.”
“I’ve slept in worst places. Besides, I can search for a boat.”
“They’ll see you.”
“I’m stealthy, not only from humans but other weres.”
“It goes against my better judgment, but…” Emma went up on her toes, held his face and kissed him with a bold desire that surprised him. No, blew his mind.
Nik’s eyes widened and then narrowed. He splayed his hand over her soft bottom and lifted her as he returned her passion with his kiss of hungry urgency. Her lips tasted so delicious. He carried her to the bedroom, slamming the door shut behind him. The aroma of her moistness took him close to the edge.
Emma moaned, her desire harmonizing with his. Her tender breasts pressed against his chest.
Nik released her mouth and bit her plump, rosy lips. He gently sat her on the bed and stepped back. “Please, woman, it’s not too late to send me away before I do things we’ll both regret.”
Emma appeared to come to her good senses. “You are right. What are we doing?”
He grinned. “I do that to all the women.”
“Says the hot werewolf.” She frowned. “Humph. Whatever then.”
“Why are you mad?” He laughed. “It is not my fault women find me attractive.”
“I’m not. I just thought…never mind. After seeing you cozy up with the pool bimbos, I should have realized you are a wolf who likes more than one sheep.”
Nik flinched. “Those women or any other woman mean nothing to me.”
“I get that. You are the player.”
He smelled her sudden jealousy. “I play piano, but I don’t play women.”
“I apologize for coming on to you. I don’t know what came over me.”
He sat next to her. “Apology not necessary.”
Emma put out her hand to shake. “Okay, so we’re on the same page, comrade.”
He took her hand and kissed it. “No. Not the same page. You are more than comrade.”
“Oh?”
Nik thumbed her lips. “Emma, it’s you and only you I desire.”
“You do know the rules between an alpha werewolf and a human, right?”
He crinkled a smile. “Fuck rules.”
Emma took off his shirt, and he helped her out of hers. He released a low rumble of desire as he gazed at her round breasts and peaked nipples. He gently suckled a nipple, while squeezing the other. He gazed up. “Krasivaya.”
Emma threw her head back, closed her eyes and moaned in satisfaction.
His fingers drifted toward the soft folds of her dampness.
She mewed, “Don’t stop.”
“Not until I send you to the moon and back.”
Emma couldn’t believe she broke her new rule of never getting involved with a partner, especially one of the wolfish persuasion, but here she was, about t
o have sex with a hot werewolf. Werewolves, by nature, were easily aroused and far more sexual than humans. She’d opened the floodgates and after all was said and done, it was her fault. With all her training, she knew better. She blamed the intoxication of being on an island paradise in a shitload of danger with the hottest werewolf she’d ever laid her eyes on. His fingers squeezed her tender folds, and her rationalization went out the window. “Oh, Nik.”
He gently pressed Emma on her back over the silk blankets on the bed. He stood over her. His ripped six-pack, broad chest, muscled thighs, and toned arms had to be every woman’s wet fantasy. Not to mention his gorgeous eyes that gazed over her naked body as if searching for what part of the meat he should bite into. Hungry like the predator he was. “You are so beautiful.”
She sat up on her elbows. “Remove your shorts,” she ordered.
Nik slipped out of his shorts. His blatant arousal, so deliciously masculine, demanding her attention. His chest heaving, a hint of fur on his arms, told her she played with fire, a forest fire. His eyes glistened in the dim light. At five feet four inches, she had never felt so small against his six foot five inch frame.
“My, what a big shaft you have,” she quipped.
“The better to make love to you.” Nik climbed on top and held her arms up in a vise grip.
Emma spread her legs to accommodate him, enjoying his pure masculine dominance. She had only experienced vanilla sex, but now, with a werewolf lover, she desired to experience what making love to a strong beast would be like. A desire she’d never thought she’d fulfill, at least not with a forbidden lycan.
Nik gently nibbled her neck, sending a shiver through her core. Helpless, she wanted him to plunge his erection into her, but instead, it pressed against her belly as if teasing her. “Please, I need you.”
He growled. “I like that you are not a patient woman.”
“I am, except for now,” she rasped.
Still holding her arms above her head, he eased into her. He mumbled in Russian and then rumbled something that sounded more wolfish.
She accepted each thrust. So close. So close. And then—she convulsed into spasms of ecstasy. Was that me screaming his name?
Nik stiffened and joined her in bliss. Together they rode out the intense spasms until they dissipated into tender pleasure. He kissed her and drew her against his broad shoulder.
Emma sighed in satisfaction. Temporary as it might be, it felt good to lay against such a masculine man.
Nik kissed her head. “Sleep, my beauty.”
Like she woke up from the most pleasant dream, Emma suddenly realized this had not been the best use of their free time. “What about our escape plans?”
“After I take a nap, I’ll find us transportation.”
“About tonight…”
“Shh.”
Too late to close the floodgates, Emma closed her eyes. Might as well rest because she’d need every bit of focus to escape and warn the LIA. Emma drifted to sleep.
A distant howl alerted them something had happened. She sat up just as the sun rose. “Did you hear that?”
Nik stood by the window, completely dressed. How long had he been awake? Had he gone out to look for a boat? “Yes. A distress howl.”
“You mean the chimera wolves are in danger?”
“A female. She has undergone the change.”
“They must have tested one of the women from the pool party.”
“You slept through the most agonizing howls.”
The howl pitched louder. “Is she getting closer?”
“Yes, she somehow ran away and now Bolton and his men are following her.”
“In werewolf form?”
“No, human. Perhaps they don’t want to scare her.”
“Surely, she must have known what she was getting into.”
Nik stiffened. “I know her.”
“Who?”
“Nexus just became a wolf.”
“You mean werewolf.”
“No, a real wolf.”
Emma wrinkled her brow. “Like the monkeys, the females never turned into a full werewolf or monkey wolf, whatever. They remained in some screwed up canine form.”
“Stay here.”
Emma hastily dressed. “Wait, don’t go out there.”
The sound of the door crashing down explained why.
Chapter Thirteen
Nik dashed to the living room. A normal-sized black and grey wolf, but with floppy ears like a dog, plopped on the floor. Two tranquilizers darts had penetrated her rump and shoulder. Men ran toward the cabana.
Emma joined him. “What kind of wolf is this?”
Bolton and his men arrived. Bolton stared at the canine. “Sorry about the disturbance.” He signaled Ed and Lee. “Bring her to the lab. I’ll meet you there with our guests.”
Nik pretended he had no clue of her identity. “Is this a dog-wolf hybrid?”
Bolton scratched his head. “Must have been the extra dog DNA.”
Emma frowned. “Dog?”
“We thought this might keep her from being too aggressive.”
“Somewhat related,” said Emma.
“Actually, we are experimenting with various species of mammal and bird.”
Ed lifted the knocked out canine and Lee followed him out.
“Another experiment gone wrong?” Emma asked. At least Nexus had not sprouted feathers.
Bolton turned to her. “That creature was Nexus, a good month after the she took the SERV.”
“No offense, but I don’t think we’ll ever consider taking the virus,” said Emma.
“Don’t worry. I’ll find out what went wrong.”
“Wait, you’re not going to dissect her?” Emma asked.
“My best computer hacker? Absolutely not.”
Good answer, no way would Nik let anyone harm the poor girl. Their focus on Nexus could be the distraction they needed to escape. Once again, Nik tried to enthrall Bolton. “Let us leave.”
Bolton shook his head. “I thought you agreed.”
Nik shrugged. “I don’t want to end up an overgrown puppy.”
“This has only happened with females.”
“Fine. We’ll leave. When you get it right, we’ll reconsider it,” said Nik.
“No.” Bolton opened the door. Six armed men, wolf chimeras, stood on the balcony. Odd. Why did they remain in human forms? “You come with us.”
Emma smirked. “Only six men. A pack of werewolves?”
“Yes, actually seven if you count me. We are ready to shift to convince you to obey my orders.”
Nik gave her a look as if asking if he should risk a confrontation. Emma met his eyes, then turned to Bolton and shrugged. “So what’s for breakfast back at Frankenwolf’s lab?”
“Trust me. You will enjoy our buffet style breakfast, especially the fresh Mimosas.”
“Lead the way,” she said.
Nik frowned, but Emma discretely shook her head.
They jumped into a jeep and headed for the main facility. The driver nodded, and they drove on, followed by four other jeeps. Bolton winked at her. “Did you two sleep well?”
Emma nodded. “Not bad, considering.”
Nik only gave him a menacing stare. Probably his old-fashioned sense of protecting her honor.
Emma finished breakfast and, along with Nik, they were invited to the lab where they kept Nexus. Two armed men escorted them to the lab section titled Chimera Facility. Part of her wished Nik had left, but knowing him he’d gladly sacrifice his life for her. Their sexual encounter last night had sealed his devotion. No way would he love and leave them. More like make love to them, save them, and then leave them, she suspected.
When they entered the elevator, Nik once again tried his mind control on the two men. “Put down your weapons,” he commanded.
The two men looked at one another and laughed. One smirked. “What are you stupid or something?”
The elevator opened into the lab area. Bolton faced th
em. “Welcome.”
They followed him down the hall to the same room where they had caged Emma. Inside the large cage in the corner sat the black and gray wolf with the floppy dog-like ears. She stood, her hackles up, and growled at them.
Emma quipped. “The wolfdoodle won’t be much of an emotional support pet.”
“Wolfdoodle.” Bolton chuckled. “Nexus will be disappointed she never turned into the bipedal werewolf form like us men.”
“Or a real wolf,” said Nik.
“Does she understand you?” Emma asked Bolton.
Nexus cocked her head and barked what sounded like, “I do.”
Emma studied her. Interesting that she tried to use human speech. She was definitely aware of her humanity.
Nik knelt by the cage. Immediately, Nexus lowered her head and then sat, in complete submission. Did his mind control work on her but not the male werewolves? The effect of the drug seemed unpredictable.
Bolton laughed. “Looks like you are a wolf whisperer.”
Nik smiled. “I worked with sled dogs.”
Bolton turned to Nik. “Nexus was supposed to have become a wolf, not a dog/wolf hybrid.”
Emma furrowed her brows. “The floppy ears indicate her phenotype retained the juvenile wolf puppy features. It’s called neoteny.”
Bolton hissed. “I know what it’s called. I just don’t understand why females are not shifting the way males do.”
“Nice pup,” said Nik.
Nexus wagged her tail. As a canine, she appeared to have a better temperament than as a human. She couldn’t be plugged into technology in wolf form. “Did the other females have floppy ears?” asked Emma.
“No. It appears Nexus is the exception,” said Bolton.
Emma tapped her finger over her lip. “I wonder if she’ll shift back or if she knows how?”
“That’s the problem.” Bolton’s brows creased. “I don’t know if she ever will.”
Bolton looked more worried than annoyed. Nexus was their best techie. What would Svetlana, the real boss, think? “I take it that means I’m off your guinea pig list?” Emma asked.
“That is up to Svetlana. She may decide having you as her wolfdoodle is a better idea than killing you, Agent York.”