by Eva Gordon
“Nothing. No tag. No chip. Just that wolf tattoo in his human form.” Giles rubbed his chin. “Then again, if he was one of ours, he’d be in our top secret files. He’s not.”
Gaby scrunched her face. “You are joking, right?”
“I don’t joke.”
True. He didn’t have one drop of humor in his cold blood. “I’m sure the CIA can identify him.”
“We kept his transformation a secret. I informed U.S. intelligence the wolf died of his injuries. As far as they are concerned, the wolf was an anomaly. The report states everyone onboard died in the explosion. No mention of a wolf.”
According to the CIA and other government agencies, Project Sabertooth didn’t exist. Nor did she, at least not since she came here. “I can’t believe it.”
Giles fast-forwarded the video. “Watch.”
The man, still unconscious, shimmered into a half-man-half-wolf hybrid and then into wolf form.
“That’s fake.” Hollywood special effects; well done, but no way real.
“I witnessed the transformation myself. Three nights ago, he morphed to human form. Again, he demanded to know who he was and why he was here. I told him the sedative would let him rest and possibly return his memory. Early this morning, he returned to wolf form and while still sedated, we ran the second MRI. No clue why he claims amnesia.”
“I guess there was no point calling me last night since I can’t influence a sleeping animal.” Had a terrorist nation manipulated DNA to create such a creature? Were the rumors about animal-human hybridization experiments at the Dulce lab true? “He looks American.” One with a creepy wolf aura.
“The intel on the ISIS terrorist group states they never worked with canines or any other animal. We hope when he wakes this time, he’ll remember who he worked for.”
If he refused, they would certainly persuade him one way or another. “Hope so. He probably wants to get home, wherever that might be.” Maybe Transylvania with Count Dracula.
“He’s not going anywhere.”
“What? Why?”
“He’s an asset to Project Sabertooth.”
“Just like me.” Meaning the poor man would never leave.
“Precisely.” Director Giles used a remote and lowered the gurney to the floor. “Dr. Tomlin said the cranial bleeding has stopped. Once the tranquilizer wears off, he should regain consciousness.”
“Should I come back?”
“You stay here until he wakes up.” He handed her a tablet. “Read up on everything we have on Specimen Zero W. Including all his severe injuries that miraculously healed. When he wakes, keep notes on him.”
The name Specimen Zero meant this creature did not exist elsewhere. Gaby took the tablet. “Here?”
“Yes. I’ll have a cot brought down.”
She’d slept over to tend to an animal in the past, but never a creature from the horror genre. “Wait, you want me to stay here when a werewolf wakes up?”
“You are a wolf charmer, are you not? Besides, the cage was built for a grizzly bear.”
Her ability to charm not just canines but also other animals earned her title as a wolf-segen. Such people with her gift once existed in Europe where they received payment to lure away wolves and other predators from farming communities. Having animals do her bidding was the reason she’d been brought to the facility from the last abusive foster home. After what she had done. Would her charm really work on a bona fide werewolf? According to myths and legends, it should work on any beast. “He is just as big as a bear.”
Giles paced in short spans. “I must find out his true identity, no matter what it takes.”
“You mean shoot him up with truth serum?”
“He might cooperate since we know his secret.” He threw her a sinister smile. “If he doesn’t remember, perhaps you can fill in his memories. You can be a girlfriend or better yet his wife.”
Lie to a possibly dangerous man/wolf? “No way.”
“Why not? You do find him attractive.”
Boy did she ever. Not just his hot over-the-top masculine body. Something about the tormented man appealed to her. Yet, her experience with romantic relationships sucked. She wasn’t a virgin, but the men she’d dated were limited to scientists and animal handlers who worked in the lab. None had panned out. The one man she slept with turned out to be married. The man on the video was out of her league. With his good looks, he was married, taken, or more likely played the field. Although, how would one tell his significant other his propensity to turn into a wolf? Either way. Totally awkward. “That’s beside the point. For one, how can I fake loving him? And two, eventually, he will regain his memory. Imagine how pissed he’ll be then.”
“Good point. However, I’m not opposed to you seducing him.”
Her cheeks burned. “I’m not seducing a wolf or werewolf, period.” Gaby stepped closer to the cage and knelt. “Hey, buddy.”
The wolf whimpered.
Giles frowned. “How is that possible? We gave him enough tranquilizer to sedate a much larger beast. He should sleep for another hour or two.”
She scoffed. “Someone gave him the wrong dose.”
The massive wolf rose to a sitting position and cocked his head. Confused, like a puppy trying to figure out where the ball went. Was it because of his confinement in an unknown place or because he was a wolf? One who still suffered amnesia? He turned his attention to her. Feral amber eyes.
A clear alpha stare. The kind that penetrated one’s soul and demanded submission. Shivers crawled up her spine. No animal had ever challenged her for dominance. He must be more man than wolf. Gaby lowered her gaze.
Director Giles smiled. “Good. Ask him to return to human form.”
“I’ll try.” Her charm compelled an animal to submit to her, or worse, kill for her. Gaby concentrated. Not sure if I can influence a wolf to become a man.
The wolf continued to focus only on her and then collapsed on his side. He groaned and closed his eyes.
“How injured was he?” Gaby asked.
“When he arrived, he had a crushed skull. A severe concussion and bleeding in the brain. Surgery relieved the pressure, but we don’t know how much mental damage he sustained or how long his amnesia will last. The interesting thing is he healed faster than man or wolf after such an injury.”
“When he regains consciousness, he may not be so cooperative.”
“Whether you seduce him or not, use your wolf charm.”
“Only if he stays in wolf form. As you know, I can’t influence humans.” Nor did she want to deal with such a good-looking one.
“I’ll leave you alone. When you get hungry, let the cook know.”
“Fine. But what if he gets hungry?”
“We have plenty of meat, raw or cooked.”
“And if he prefers human meat?”
“No wolf has ever attacked a wolf charmer.”
“Yeah, but what about the man?”
Director Giles and the medic left.
Gaby turned on the tablet and read the medical report. Huh? She re-read it, slowly. No wolf healed that fast. Not from such substantial injuries.
Chapter 2
In wolf form, he lifted his head and blinked. Confused. Still caged? By humans? The man in charge had gone, but the beautiful brunette with compelling green eyes remained. Her scent, alluring. Had he known her? A lover, perhaps? She seemed familiar. Someone he could trust. A mate? They claimed they didn’t know his identity, and worse, he didn’t either. They appeared shocked about his ability to shift from wolf to man. Though he had no memory, his ability seemed natural. Were there others like him or was he the only one? Odd, he understood their language and equipment. Although, everything prior to waking up here drew a blank. Why? Who was responsible? His hackles rose.
He stood. His legs trembled from the effort. Muscles weak. How long had he been unconscious? Weeks or months? Didn’t the man from earlier say the sedative would bring his memories back? He steadied his body, shook his fur and stretched. He
drank from the bowl of water and felt rejuvenated. Healed. No more headaches. Just hunger. No doubt they’d feed him, soon. If he shifted to human form, he could communicate with them.
The wolf considered the young woman studying him. He wagged his tail at her. He couldn’t help it. The twenty-something brunette had a slender build, long legs and shapely in the right places. Luscious shoulder-length brown hair with hints of gold. She turned to pick up a tablet and her round ass singed him with burning desire. Her sparkling jade-colored eyes complemented her beautiful face. Her essence soothed his nerves. The connection strong. Regardless of how he felt about this beautiful woman, to learn more about this place and her, he willed himself to shift from wolf to man. Heat traveled through his spine and in seconds, he stood. Naked.
She gasped. Staring at him as if she saw an apparition rather than gawking at his body as he hoped.
He smiled. “You always stare at naked men?”
She blushed and turned. “No…but…sorry.”
He grabbed the sheet, covering the area below his abs. “I’m decent now.”
She slowly turned and blew out a long breath. “I’ll get you some clothes.” She picked up her cell phone.
“Wait. Not yet.”
He sensed her quickened heartbeat. She held the phone tight. “I’m not in charge. Director Giles is.”
“I don’t trust him.” The man reeked of deception. He gazed at her. Damn, he trusted her despite the fact he remained locked in a cage. After all, she worked for Giles.
She tilted her chin toward a camera. “By now, our security guard has told him you are human, again.”
Fur lined his arms and large canines emerged. He growled and shook the cage door.
She flinched and jumped back.
Crap. I scared the shit out of her. He slowly released a breath. His fangs receded. “What is this place?”
She remained frozen, but sputtered, “An animal behavior lab.”
Sounded legitimate, but he knew better. Not a civilian lab. Instead the place felt like a military bunker. The cameras, codes he heard punched to get in and out, and the damn cage. The man in control was no university scientist. His white lab coat didn’t hide his military bearing or top intelligence status. This place was some sort of secret lab facility. He caught the scent of other canines as well as apes, monkeys, big cats, rats and a variety of other animals. Not sure why, but this type of facility seemed familiar. He rubbed his neck. “Figures.”
“Who and what are you?”
“That’s the thing. I don’t know.” He looked at her confused face. “By the what, I assume you mean my ability to shift.”
“Yes. You’re a werewolf. I mean, you morph into a large wolf.”
Of course, I am. He frowned. “Why am I here?”
“I haven’t been briefed on how to answer your questions. Director Giles will return soon.”
I was right. Government lab or she'd be more open to discuss the location. “I’m sure he knows my identity.”
“No, he doesn’t.”
His gut tightened. Even if he knew his identity, he wouldn’t tell Giles. Or did Giles already know? They could tell him anything. Let them try. My wolf sense differentiates between truths and lies.
Her phone barked. Literally. Like a yappy dog. Cute.
She listened. “Yes.” She gave him a nod. “Okay, if you say so. Got it.” She turned it off. “Director Giles won’t be back until tomorrow. But he says I can tell you everything we know.”
“Why don’t you start by telling me who you are?”
“Gaby. I work here as a handler, but normally with canines and other predators.” She looked away. “Never people.”
He expected her or rather wished she’d said they were mates or at the very least a girlfriend. No last name. Intentional or her way of describing herself without mentioning rank? Interesting. He scoffed. “I’d introduce myself, but I don’t know who the hell I am.”
She gazed at him and raised a brow. “You really can’t remember?”
“Not a clue, except being a werewolf is normal.” He chuckled. “At least to me.”
She puckered her lips. Her green eyes sparkled. “How about I call you Kane, with a K? Close to Canis as in Canis lupus or rather Canis lupus sapiens.”
“That’ll work, until I find out my real name.”
Gaby regarded him. “Your skull was crushed and you suffered cranial bleeding, which explains your amnesia. Should be temporary, though.”
He felt his head as if he’d find where the bones had been broken. “Seems intact.”
“You also sustained multiple broken bones. Two broken legs, a broken clavicle, and a bruised spine. Yet, according to the records, your bones healed within a week. You happen to be the most unusual specimen I’ve ever seen.”
Specimen? He didn’t like the sound of that. Lover would have been better. Yet, quick healing didn’t surprise him a bit. A given. “How did I get injured?”
“You were aboard a helicopter that exploded over the Atlantic. You were either part of the CIA special operations group or with ISIS terrorists carrying out an attack.”
He furrowed his brows. He recognized the CIA and even terrorists, but not because he worked for them, but rather as random information about the world. “Doesn’t ring a bell.”
She sighed. “Maybe you weren’t even on the helicopter?”
“I just happened to be in the middle of the ocean, broken as you say?”
Gaby bit her lower lip. “That doesn’t make sense.”
“Why not ask the CIA?”
“Giles will look into it, but we told the CIA you died of your injuries. At least that the wolf died.”
“Was I the only survivor?”
“Yes.”
“And I was brought here because…?”
“You fall under the auspices of Project Sabertooth.”
He smirked. “I do feel like a caged tiger.”
“I’m sorry. We don’t know how dangerous you are as a mindless enraged wolf.”
“Don’t worry. Even as a wolf, I think like a human.”
“You looked dangerous when you shook the cage.”
“Can you blame me?”
Gaby almost smiled. “I suppose not.” She narrowed her eyes on his right arm. “Do you recall where you got that tattoo?”
He glanced at it. “Nope.”
She stared at his tat and then looked away. “Of course, you don’t.”
“So why bring me here, exactly?”
“You’re considered an asset.” Gaby stared at him as if assessing his body and then looked away. “Giles would love to have a wolf shifter on our team.”
“Team?” Did I work for this project and they tested me? Without memory, they’d consider him a security leak if he broke out of here. Seemed logical.
“Giles will explain.” She grabbed her cell phone and dialed. “Hey, Doc. He’s awake and human.”
Kane interrupted. “And hungry.”
Gaby nodded to him and spoke on the phone. “Have cook make him a couple hamburgers.” She put the phone away. “Dr. Tomlin, the surgeon who saved your life, is coming down.”
“With hamburgers, I hope.”
“He says he’ll get the cook to bring your meal as soon as he can.”
“Raw is fine.”
“Next time.” She smirked. “When you are in wolf form.”
“Do you think he’ll let me out?”
“Not sure, but he’ll have armed guards watch you during the physical exam.”
“I’m not going to bite the hand that feeds me.” He rubbed his beard. “Especially since the doc saved my life.”
She smiled. “I’ll be going.”
His chest tightened. “You’re not staying?”
“I only work with animals and clearly at the moment, you are very much human.”
He met her eyes. “Stay or I’ll shift.”
Gaby blushed and lowered her gaze. “Why?”
Why is she so damn shy?
“Something about you makes me feel like I’m with my own kind.” Plus, you are so hot. Mine. Why the hell would he think that?
The door opened and the doctor entered followed by three armed guards.
Gaby stood back, holding her breath as Dr. Tomlin unlocked the cage. Interesting. This close, and in human form, she sensed the wolf in him. A fleeting, but clear aura of a gray wolf. Who knew? Her ability had the curious affect of detecting werewolves, monsters that shouldn’t exist. The three guards stood armed with powerful tranquilizers and a taser. The stoic security men poised to shoot if he so much as twitched. Kane stared at the men and though they looked like linebackers on steroids, they averted their gaze to the floor. Even Tomlin looked down and gave him a wide berth. Yep, the mystery man radiated alpha wolf dominance. It appeared her so-called charm worked on him even while in human form. Why else would he insist on her staying?
“Please, put it on.” Dr. Tomlin handed him a hospital robe.
He smiled and draped it on, with his ass exposed. “You can call me Kane.”
Dr. Tomlin’s eyes widened. “You remember?”
“No. Gaby thought Kane fit better than specimen.”
He nodded absently. “Oh, yes, of course.” He turned to her. “Good idea, Gaby.”
She looked up from the tablet, doing her best not to ogle him. “No problem.”
Tomlin gave her a dismissive nod. “I’ll record the name for Director Giles.”
Kane glared at the guards and met Tomlin’s eyes. “I promise to cooperate if they leave.”
Dr. Tomlin swallowed and turned to the men. “Leave, but guard the door.”
Odd. Dr. Tomlin obeyed Kane just like that. It seemed their prisoner took charge. The guards nodded and did as told. Her hair lifted on her nape and arms. If Kane went wolf, how could they defend themselves? He could easily rip off their heads before the guards came back in. How long would it take the tranquilizer to knock him out before he tore them to pieces? Yet, wasn’t it her job to reason with a maddened wolf? Fortunately, Kane sat on the examination table like a willing patient.
Dr. Tomlin gave him a physical exam, which included blood work. Gaby took copious notes on his behavior, keeping focused on not feeling so awkward. Was his Adonis-like body turning her into putty? She squirmed in her chair. Why did he stare at her the entire time? He must know she was different. Maybe a werewolf could detect her supernatural gift.