Page 85 of Rescued By Four Alphas
"Keep it running as usual," I decide. "But make sure the recording doesn't leave this facility."
"Yes, sir."
Cell 3 resembles a hospital room more than a prison cell. It has white walls, bright fluorescent lighting, and a narrow bed bolted to the floor. The only indications of its true purpose are the lack of windows and the reinforced door with its electronic lock.
Reid sits on the edge of the bed, wearing a plain gray jumpsuit. He looks smaller somehow, diminished without his lab coat and air of authority.
"Dr. Leonard Reid," I say as the door locks behind me. "We meet formally at last."
"Ah." His lips curve in what might pass for a smile. "The wild one. I was wondering when you'd show up. You know, I've studied your genetic profile extensively, Mr. Stonefang. Your Alpha markers are quite fascinating. You're primitive even by shifter standards."
I say nothing and settle into the single chair across from him. I will let him talk and let him think his words still hold power.
"Your mate's condition hasn't improved, I presume?" Reid continues when I remain silent. "Otherwise, you wouldn't be here, would you?"
The mention of Dahlia sends a fresh wave of pain through my chest. My wolf surges forward, and I allow just enough of the shift to let my eyes change color. Reid's heart rate increases. I can hear a rapid flutter beneath his composed exterior.
"You experimented on my mate," I state. "You accelerated her pregnancy and nearly killed her and our children."
Reid sighs, as if I've disappointed him with such a basic observation.
"I advanced scientific understanding of Omega reproduction. The data collected from Dr. Baldwin's case will benefit countless shifters in the future."
"The data," I repeat his words. I move faster than he can, grab him by the throat, and lift him off the bed with one hand. "Tell me how to reverse what you did to her."
Reid claws at my grip, his face reddening. I loosen my hold just enough to allow him to speak.
"There's... nothing to reverse," he gasps. "The drugs have already metabolized in her system. They served their purpose."
I tighten my grip again. "Then why won't she wake up?"
"It's… the... trauma..." He struggles for air. "Her mind is... protecting itself..."
I release him suddenly, and he collapses back onto the bed, coughing and gasping.
"How do we wake her up?" I demand.
Reid rubs his throat, glaring at me with undisguised contempt. "If I knew that, don't you think I would have told Mr. Blackthorn during his rather... thorough questioning?"
"I don't think you'd tell us anything that might help her," I reply. "Your entire career is built on exploiting Omegas for your research. Why would you help save one?"
Reid straightens, adjusting the collar of his jumpsuit with a dignity that seems absurd under the circumstances.
"My work transcends individual cases. The knowledge gained from studying Dr. Baldwin's unique multiple bonding will advance shifter medicine for decades. Sometimes sacrifices must be made for progress."
My control slips. The wolf takes over for a split second, and my claws extend, slashing across Reid's face before I can stop myself. Four parallel lines appear on his cheek, beading with blood.
"That was unwise," Reid says. He touches the scratches and examines the blood on his fingers. "Assaulting a federal prisoner will only complicate your legal situation."
I laugh out loud in the sterile room. "Legal situation? Do you think I care about laws or consequences? My mate lies unconscious while our newborn children cry for her. There's nothing you or anyone else can do to me that compares to that pain."
Reid's expression shifts subtly. Perhaps he finally realizes his usual tactics won't work with me.
"I understand…" he begins.
"No, you don't." I cut him off. "You can't understand the bond between mates because you've never experienced it. You study it in labs. You observe it through monitors and blood tests. But you don't know what it feels like to have half your soul torn away."
I step closer, lowering my voice. "Let me tell you what it feels like, Doctor. It feels like someone carved out my insides with a dull knife. I haven't slept well in days because every time I close my eyes, I feel her absence like a physical wound. My wolf howls constantly, demanding I find her, fix her, bring her back. And there's nothing I can do except sit by her bed and watch the machines breathe for her."
