Page 1 of Savage Mates
PROLOGUE
Newsweek
Blackwell Industries, once considered the most respected research facility within the United States, has filed for chapter seven bankruptcy. At one point attracting the finest scientific minds throughout the world, their doors were closed permanently after the discovery of horrific experiments being performed on predatory animals. While rumors of finding life within a parallel universe leaked, all attempts to prove the theory have been inconclusive.
While still under investigation, members of the board of directors as well as several scientists assigned to the project who were arrested in connection with what has been called an abomination of science have been released on bond. Unfortunately, the animals who were used for testing purposes either tragically died from their horrific ordeal or were humanely euthanized.
Marcus Blackwell, a renowned molecular geneticist as well as astrobiologist and owner of Blackwell Industries, was reportedto be killed in a horrific explosion leveling the facility. To date, his remains have yet to be found.
CHAPTER 1
Lauren
“Run!”
The single word screamed faded quickly, drowned out by the incessant howling wind. I bolted through the trees, my heart hammering.
My pulse skyrocketed, the sound pounding in my ears.
Sheets of rain pelted every inch of my body.
I could barely make out anything in front of me.
Panting, I swung the flashlight, trying to find a place to hide.
Crack! Boom!
A scream erupted from my lungs as the earth vibrated beneath my feet. Trees crashed down on two sides, narrowly missing us. I bolted to the left, feeling their presence surrounding me.
Protecting me.
Hungering for me.
I could feel their thudding hearts, could hear their thoughts.
Instructions. Calculations. Anticipation.
The four of us against the world.
Against nature.
I pressed forward, every shadow more ominous than the last. I took another step and slipped, going down hard into the mud and muck. A moan slipped from my lips, the pain biting.
Thor pressed his muzzle against my face, dragging his long tongue across my skin.“Get on my back.”
His instructions were clear, ringing in my mind with no words spoken.
Another boom and I screamed, scrambling to my feet. As I peered at the late morning sky, I could see a strange ball of orange. We were coming into the eye of the storm. Grabbing his mane, I slipped across his back, immediately hunkering over and wrapping my arms around his huge neck.
Suddenly, I felt warm and safe, shielded from the whipping wind.
He took off running, Zeus and Titus following. We were headed to the cave they’d mentioned, a safe place and a location where the other lions had gone earlier.
Seconds later, the wind slowed, no longer howling yet still spinning the leaves in the trees. I closed my eyes, pretending we were safe, praying we’d make it through.
And needing them.
Always needing them, longing for the three of them.
