Cats Meow

by Nicole Austin

  “Oh shit! Shift back, Micah. Hurry!” Becca cried.

  If the rapid change from man to beast and back again within the span of several moments hadn’t been enough to steal his breath, the expandable strap tightening around the lion’s thick neck certainly had been. Micah cursed, ripping at the bag even once he could breathe again. “Jesus Christ. I won’t have to worry about Nanotech anymore if I succeed at strangling myself.”

  “Oh my god! Are you okay?” She grabbed the bag and began working the buckle to lengthen the strap. “You scared the hell out of me.”

  “Scared you?” He shook his head. “Took about ten years off my life.”

  After she had the strap extended as far as it would go, she placed it around his neck again. Micah rubbed at his jaw, trying to decide whether stupidity or desperation compelled him to give it another try.

  He focused on the image of the lion in his mind, pleased to still be breathing when his body reshaped itself. Unfortunately his relief was short-lived. Becca threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck and hugging him tight enough to cut off his air supply. His deep growl had her stepping back, a sheepish grin on her flushed face.

  “Please be careful. I’ll kick your ass later if you do anything stupid.”

  Hah! He was more worried about her impetuous streak getting Becca into a boatload of trouble. With him stuck outside, he wouldn’t be able to help her. At least with his technical skills he’d been able to fashion a listening device from materials he’d had her pick up in town. Regardless of the safety measures in place, his heart clenched as she got in the SUV and headed down the private drive.

  The lion’s powerful legs ate up the distance across the mountain terrain between the cabin and the lab. From his vantage point high on a tree limb, hidden behind the colorful leaves, he had a great view of the grounds surrounding the facility.

  Waiting didn’t bother him under normal circumstances. He had the patience and calm of a great hunter. Too bad these weren’t normal circumstances and he was anything but calm. The lion’s keen hearing picked up the sound of Becca’s vehicle before she drove into view. Once she made it past the gates, he jumped down from the tree, shifted and got dressed.

  He turned on the receiver and heard her take a deep breath, followed by a metallic bang as she closed the car door. No sooner had the she made it through the front doors than the hair on the back of his neck stood on end and all his instincts screamed that she was in trouble.

  * * * * *

  Approaching the main entrance of the top-secret laboratory, Rebecca rubbed her sweaty palms on her slacks, held her breath and placed her hand on the scanner plate. Blue light glowed around the edges of her hand, which grew warm from the sensors. She didn’t breathe again until the door issued a series of electronic clicks and slid open.

  Cool as a cucumber, her father’s voice coached as she walked down the hall to the echo of her heels clacking on the tile floor. She nodded to a white-coated technician, turned the corner, almost making it to her office before being intercepted by Kyle Slater.

  “Hello, Dr. Southerby,” he greeted. Kyle wrapped his long fingers, firm yet gentle, around her biceps and guided her down a connecting corridor toward the examination rooms. “We weren’t expecting you today.” His voice sounded tight as if he were stressed. “You’re alone?”

  Keep your answer short and sweet. Don’t give him anything.

  She nodded. “Yes. I just stopped by to go over some files.”

  When he didn’t say anything else, butterflies took flight in her stomach. Her hands itched to rub her abdomen, but she didn’t give in to the impulse.

  “Where are we headed, Mr. Slater? I have a great deal of work waiting back in my office.”

  “This will only take a moment. Weltman wants an update on your progress with Lasiter. He will also want to know where Lasiter is and why he’s not with you.”

  Then why were they headed in the opposite direction of Weltman’s office?

  Kyle stopped before a steel door, swiped his identity card and placed his palm on the scanner. When the door slid open, he drew her into a small room with a table and two chairs at the center. The far wall held a large mirror she presumed to be a one-way window.

  “What’s going on? This looks like one of those interrogation rooms from a TV cop show.”

  He didn’t answer the question. “Please have a seat. Mr. Weltman will be with us in a moment.” Kyle positioned himself next to the entrance, back against the wall, staring blankly toward the mirrored glass.

  Rebecca sat straight, hands folded in her lap, schooled features not reflecting the jumbled thoughts racing through her mind.

  Did they suspect something? Had she somehow given herself away? Had they discovered Micah was on the property?

  She didn’t have to wait long for answers. The door whooshed open and her red-faced boss stepped into the room.

  Don’t panic. Hold your tongue.

  “Well, if it isn’t our missing zoologist. We’ve been searching everywhere for you, Dr. Southerby. Imagine our surprise when you strolled through the front door.”

  She bit her tongue, remained silent.

  “Would you mind telling me where you’ve taken my test subject?”

  “I—”

  Weltman held up a hand, cutting off her response. “Don’t say he’s at the house I provided for you. We’ve already checked.”

  Don’t say anything, her father’s voice advised.

  Weltman glanced at the guard then nodded toward the door. “Let’s introduce the doctor to our latest success, Slater.”

  Turning on his heel, he didn’t wait to see if they followed. Kyle once again latched on to her arm and led her to one of the exam rooms. She knew Micah heard every word, and prayed he didn’t do anything rash.

  She blinked a few times as her eyes adjusted to the bright lights of the room. Then Weltman moved to the side.

  “Oh. My. God!” Her hand flew up to cover her throat as horror filled her.

  A tall, dark-haired man struggled against the restraints holding his naked body to the examination table. Freshly sutured surgical incisions riddle his tan skin. “What have you done to him?”

  “Dr. Southerby, this is Crosby, our latest subject in the Predator Project. He’s been injected with Panthera tigris.”

  Sweet Jesus, they’d screwed with another man’s DNA. And he didn’t appear to have volunteered for the project. First a lion, now a tiger. What will they do next, create a bear? The whole thing was turning into some surreal, screwed-up fairytale.

  The man’s wild gaze shot around the room. Perspiration broke out on his brow. “No! No more doctors. No more drugs. No more procedures,” he cried. “I can’t take any more, you sick fuckers.”

  “We’ve discussed this before, Crosby,” Weltman said in a cold tone. “If you don’t calm down, we’ll have to sedate you.”

  His gaze locked on Weltman and the man’s struggles immediately stopped.

  Weltman nodded. “Good.” He turned to face her. “Crosby has not yet managed to shift. We don’t know what the problem is, but you will begin working with him today…”

  His dramatic pause had her heart rising into her throat as panic tightened her chest. She knew whatever he said next wasn’t going to be good.

  “Soon as you return Lasiter to his cell. Slater will escort you to retrieve my shifter.”

  Nope, not good at all.

  She opened her mouth to say…something, she wasn’t sure what, but the words died on her lips as shrill alarms began shrieking and red lights flashed in warning. “Security breach, sector four,” an electronic voice repeated several times.

  “Ah,” Weltman exclaimed. “My guess is that would be Lasiter arriving to rescue the fair damsel.”

  No, Micah. Don’t put yourself at risk for me.

  Kyle spoke into a handheld communicator, issuing orders rapid-fire. A few moments later the alarms were silenced.

  “Slater, bring Rebecca to my of
fice. We’ll wait for Lasiter there. I don’t want him to meet our newest creation yet.”

  Kyle reached for her arm and Rebecca bristled. “Don’t touch me,” she muttered. “I’m perfectly capable of walking on my own.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Kyle shot her a wicked grin and Rebecca’s hope rose. Could he be an ally?

  “Are you wearing a transmitter?”

  Caution, she reminded herself. “Why would I admit it to you if I was?”

  “Because I’m trying to help. I served with Micah. He pulled my ass out of the fire more times than I can count. I’m finally getting a chance to return the favor.”

  There was something reassuring in his eyes. An indefinable quality that had her trusting him. Wary of his intentions, she nodded. “Yes, Micah can hear everything so if you’re setting me up, he’ll come after you.”

  “Where is it?”

  “Left lapel.”

  His smile grew. “I almost feel sorry for him. You’re gonna give him a run for his money. You’re absolutely perfect for the lucky bastard.”

  “Umm…” she hesitated. “I’m going to take that as a compliment and let it slide.”

  Kyle laughed. “Priceless.” He drew her into the hall but turned down a side corridor she was unfamiliar with.

  “Where are we going?”

  “Security breach was sector four, the loading docks. Micah will be long gone from that area by now. I suspect we’ll find him near the security control room.”

  He held her shoulders, leaned forward, moist lips parted, and for one startling moment Rebecca thought he intended to kiss her. Instead, he spoke into her collar. “I hope you got that, Lasiter. I cleared the control room. We’ll meet you there.”

  He’d barely finished speaking and lifted his head when white smoke billowed through the corridor and Micah’s deep voice echoed around them.

  “You’re slipping, Slater. I already hit the control room, armed myself and tripped the alarms from there to throw off the hounds.”

  Rebecca shivered. His voice sounded different—cold and detached.

  Kyle laughed and raised his hands, palms outward. “You sneaky spook. Always were a step ahead of everyone else.”

  “Step away from her, Slater.”

  Kyle took two measured and deliberate steps backward, but his sharp gaze remained locked in the direction of Micah’s voice.

  Her knees wobbled as he suddenly materialized from within the dense smoke looking every inch the hardened warrior she’d first pegged him as. His body vibrated with a dark menace she felt rolling over her, paralyzing her with fear that snaked along her spine. She didn’t dare take a breath or make even the slightest movement.

  She detested her reaction, but the man before her was not the sweet lover she’d fallen head over heels in love with. He’d gone into full Rambo mode, promising violent retribution for anyone who dared to cross his path.

  “Micah?” He didn’t acknowledge having heard her.

  “Unfasten your weapons belt, Slater.”

  Kyle took his time working the clasp with one hand then let it dangle from his fingers.

  “Drop it and kick it over here.”

  “You’re wasting time,” he protested while following Micah’s instructions.

  The belt skittered across the floor, zooming past her, holding her focus until Weltman’s nasally voice cut through the tension-filled silence.

  “Dr. Southerby’s not going anywhere, Lasiter. Not until I test the fetus.”

  “Oh shit,” she gasped. How had he found out about the baby?

  No one uttered a word for what was surely only a few seconds, but the silence seemed endless to her. When Micah spoke, his voice was colder than solid ice.

  “I won’t buy into your mind games so hurry up and spill whatever toxic swill you’re trying to sell.”

  His maniacal laughter rang out, constricting her chest and making it difficult for Rebecca to breathe.

  “She didn’t tell you.” He nodded. “Venomous bitch, just like all the others.”

  Others? What on earth was he talking about? Had the man lost his mind?

  “We were watching her house. When she didn’t show up with you, I sent a team in to search the place. Found not one but three positive pregnancy tests in the bathroom trash can.”

  Rebecca had no problem visualizing her movements. Crumpling up the boxes, tossing in the instructions, staring at the three test sticks lined up on the counter. Picking them up with numb fingers and dropping them into the wicker basket, intending to carry the trash outside but her scrambled thoughts had distracted her from completing the task.

  “Is it yours?”

  Weltman’s wretched voice broke the images. Her gaze shot to Micah, who appeared unaffected by the news. She looked only at him, pleaded with her eyes for understanding. “I only found out the day they brought me to see you. The day I found out…” that you turn into a lion. She kept the last part to herself.

  There was no way to justify not telling him about the baby.

  To her horror and disbelief, he never even blinked or spared a glance in her direction.

  “Slater,” Micah growled, “don’t even think about it.”

  Other than making sure his open hands could be seen, Kyle remained still.

  “Rebecca,” Micah said in that lifeless tone. “Pick up the weapons belt and bring it here.”

  She did as he commanded, moved to his side, placing the belt into his hand. His arm wrapped around her waist and jerked her against his side. His fingers dug painfully deep into her hip and she flinched. Rebecca prayed he hadn’t noticed, but when she met his hard glare she knew he’d seen the involuntary reaction.

  The same eyes that had showed such warmth and emotion for her a mere hour before were now empty and lifeless. He looked at her as if she meant less than nothing.

  Her heartbeat pounded in her ears and she stumbled along as he dragged her down the hallway. Arrogant, macho jerk, issuing orders to her as if she were some green Army recruit incapable of figuring out anything for herself. Passing judgment on her actions and treating her like crap.

  She kept her mouth shut, bided her time. Let the impervious idiot think he had all the power and control over her. He’d learn the truth soon enough.

  The baby didn’t need him. She didn’t need him.

  Want him, yes.

  Love him, absolutely.

  Need his holier than thou attitude, hell no!

  “Give me your keys.”

  Becca didn’t say a word as they exited the facility, which surprised and relieved Micah. He did a quick scan of the surrounding area and stripped some branches from a nearby shrub, using them to jam the entry door shut. It wouldn’t stop the security team but should buy him a few precious minutes.

  All his concentration narrowed down to the task at hand, getting them both out alive. He’d sort everything else out when they were safe. Or better yet, when he could breathe again and the vise grip clamped tight over his chest eased up.

  In all his years working covert operations and high-level security he had no trouble keeping his mind on the job until it was completed. He had not suffered heart palpitations or sheer terror when under heavy fire or when things went to shit. Not until he heard Becca describe the room she’d been taken to as an interrogation room.

  The lion roared in frustration, demanding to be set free to protect its mate. The sight of Slater holding Becca close, his head leaned into the curve of her neck—

  Murderous rage beyond anything he’d ever felt almost had him releasing the lion. He had longed to shift and then slowly rip Slater and Weltman apart, piece by bloody piece.

  Reaching the SUV, Micah yanked the passenger door open. “Get in. I’m driving.”

  Becca did so without a peep, her expression unreadable. He was tempted to lock her in the car and go back inside but knew he wouldn’t feel better while she remained on the premises.

  Once they cleared the main gate, his thoughts turned to the
confrontation with Weltman.

  Dr. Southerby’s not going anywhere, Lasiter. Not until I test the fetus.

  Rebecca’s reaction had given the words validity. All the color had drained from her face. Their gazes had met and he’d seen the truth in her eyes.

  Becca was pregnant.

  Weltman had radiated maniacal glee at having spoiled her secret. She didn’t tell you. Venomous bitch, just like all the others.

  He had hoped it was some screwed-up fantasy from the man’s delusional mind. Then Weltman dropped a bomb that had torn through Micah’s heart.

  We were watching her house. When she didn’t show up with you, I sent a team in to search the place. Found not one but three positive pregnancy tests in the bathroom trash can.

  Is it yours?

  His mind had reeled with the possibility and he’d almost let down his guard, catching Kyle’s slight movement just in time.

  Becca’s frantic words had ripped out the remaining pieces of his heart.

  I only found out the day they brought me to see you. The day I found out…

  The day she’d found out he now shared his body with a lion.

  I’m going to be a father.

  The very idea sucked the air right out of his lungs. He took his hand from the steering wheel long enough to rub the ache building in his temples.

  He glanced at her from the corner of his eye. Becca sat rigid and quiet, staring out the windshield. She looked like a cold stone statue—distant and immovable.

  Fuck!

  He really couldn’t blame her for not telling him. What woman in her right mind would want some fucked-up science experiment to be the father of their child?

  His life was such a mess. During their night in Asheville, he’d walked on air, thinking he’d found what he had not even know he’d been missing in Becca. Then she’d left him.

  For a second time his life had taken a stunning new turn—fatherhood. The woman of his dreams, pregnant with their child.

  Her habit of rubbing her flat tummy, the changes in her body, all the pieces fell into place. He imagined the cute little house with a white picket fence, a couple of bicycles lying in the yard.