Page 56 of Rescued By Four Alphas
"Testing? On whom?" I demand, though I already suspect the answer.
Reid remains impassive as the technician injects the blue substance into my IV line. "Other Omegas, of course. Pregnant ones. Though none as valuable as you."
I feel the drug enter my system as a cold sensation spreading up my arm. "The missing Omegas Dr. Marianna mentioned. You took them, too."
"Excellent, Dr. Baldwin. Your mind remains sharp even in your circumstances." Reid stands, straightening his jacket. "Unfortunately, our previous subjects failed to survive the accelerated labor procedures. Their bodies couldn't handle the stress of premature delivery."
"You killed them?"
"They died advancing science," Reid corrects. "But you're different… you're stronger, more genetically stable. Your multiple bonds contribute to greater resilience. We believe you can survive the process and continue producing offspring for future experiments."
"Future...?" My voice fails me as the implications sink in.
"Indeed." Reid's eyes gleam with enthusiasm now. "Once we've harvested this initial set of specimens, we'll put you on a carefully controlled cycle of breeding and delivery. You could produce up to three sets of experimental subjects per year with the right hormone treatments."
Tears burn my eyes, but I refuse to let them fall. I won't give him the satisfaction. "My mates will tear you apart. They'll burn this place to the ground."
"Your devotion to those Alphas is quaint but ultimately irrelevant." Reid checks his watch. "The bond you share with them is precisely what makes you valuable, and your children will inherit those bonding capabilities, heightened strength, and enhanced sensory perception. Imagine an army of hybrid shifters that can be psychologically controlled throughmanufactured bonds, deployed anywhere in the world, and recalled with..."
"You're a monster," I whisper.
"I'm a visionary," Reid corrects. "Monsters act on impulse. I, on the other hand, have principles. Every procedure you undergo has been meticulously planned to maximize data collection while preserving your reproductive capabilities."
One of the technicians hands Reid a tablet, which he studies briefly before nodding.
"The accelerant is already taking effect," he observes. "Your hormone levels are rising appropriately. We'll conduct the first amniotic fluid extraction tomorrow morning."
"You can't do this," I say again, hating how weak my voice sounds. "Please. These are my children."
"No, Dr. Baldwin," Reid says, his voice softening to something almost gentle. "These are the next generation of America's military superiority. Your contribution, while involuntary, will change the course of human history."
He gestures for the technicians to follow him toward the door.
"Wait!" I call after him. "What about Dr. Marianna? Was she working for you the whole time?"
Reid pauses at the door. "Dr. Vasquez provided valuable information, yes. However, she became...squeamish when she learned the full extent of our work. People often struggle with the necessary sacrifices scientific advancement requires."
"And what did you do to her?" I ask.
"The same thing I do to all liabilities," Reid says with a shrug. "I neutralized her."
My stomach lurches. "You killed her?"
"As I said, that information isn't necessary for you to know." Reid adjusts his glasses. "Rest now, Dr. Baldwin. The accelerant can cause discomfort as it takes effect, and you'll need your strength for tomorrow's procedures."
He turns to leave again, but I can't let him go without asking the question burning in my mind.
"Why are you doing this? Don't you see how wrong this is?"
Reid considers me for a moment, his head tilted slightly. "Wrong? I'm ensuring America's dominance in a world where shifters exist. Do you think other countries aren't conducting similar research? China, Russia, North Korea…they'd gladly harvest your children for their military programs. At least here, they'll serve a noble purpose."
"There's nothing noble about torture," I say through gritted teeth.
"Science often appears cruel to those who can't see its ultimate benefits." Reid's voice remains maddeningly calm. "Your discomfort is temporary. Your legacy will be eternal."
I feel a strange fluttering that's more intense than the babies' usual movements. The accelerant is already affecting them. Tears well in my eyes at the thought of what it might be doing to their development, their health.
"Please," I try one last time. "Whatever you want to know about Omega biology, I'll tell you. I'm a geneticist. I can help with your research voluntarily. Just don't hurt my babies."
