Page 54 of Mated to Team Shadow

"I perceive what you're thinking, Ryker," said Melkot. "You are working every sense you have to divine your location. But I've planned things so you can't, so just sit down and relax. I'd like to have a little chat with you."

I stood with my hands behind my back at parade rest.

"I'll stand." I left off the "sir." He did not deserve that honorific.

He shrugged. "Please yourself."

Melkot twisted his desk chair to face me. His face carried more age lines the last time I saw him, and his dirty blond hair had thinned. His eyes were less bright as if something washed the light from them. Melkot was a dispirited man.

"So, I've been reviewing our files on you and your team. You have the highest mission success rate of any SEAL team. Do you realize that?"

"I guessed, yes."

"And you appreciate that you and your team are the only four jaguar shifters in the service?"

"I suspected."

"The brass would want more."

This time it was my turn to shrug.

"Since we can't find more like you, the brass wants to breed more of you."

It takes a lot to horrify me. I'd seen and done terrible things, the kind which can shrivel a man's soul. But this? This idea sent a shiver of disgust through me. One does not breed soldiers.

"We've lined up female volunteers—"

"No."

"Your participation would be minimal. The military will take superb care of the women and the children."

"And I said 'no.'"

"You'll receive a hefty bonus for each child. If you just wish to give your contribution in a cup, we'll take that, but conception is easier if—"

Was this man insane? What caused him to assume I would go along with a bizarre plan like this? Breed Jaguar shifters to spin them into soldiers?

"More than one child is optimal. And if the bonding you share with your teammates works the same as with the children, then we need four from each man—"

"Does 'hell, no' convey the depth of my feelings in this matter?"

Melkot looked up at me with disbelief.

"I don't understand your reluctance. Neither you nor your team is monks."

"That's different. That's recreation. You're talking about taking my child and making it into a weapon from birth."

"I still don't see the problem. The military has given you a home, a purpose, and a way to contribute to your country. You should be proud if your progeny serves."

I leaned over his desk and growled which startled him. I had never displayed aggression against him until now.

"Fuck, no. Does that cover it?"

"You can run the gamut all the swear words in the dictionary. Hell, you can add the Urban Dictionary too, but you are not leaving this facility until we get your compliance. Consider it an order from the highest levels."

I stood again at parade rest.

"That would be an illegal order. You cannot compel me or any of my team to take part in this crazy scheme. Go ahead. Keep us locked up. Keep us away from each other. You know what will happen if you do."

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