Page 10 of Reconditioning the Wolf

Even as the thought popped into Ishmael’s head, he wondered why he cared. Maybe it was because Madagascar was talking about soul mates. That was a term for partner, right?

Ishmael was becoming more confused by the second.

“Easy, Ishmael.” Madagascar rested his free hand on Ishmael’s chest and rubbed over his pectoral. “They’re good guys. You’ll like them.”

Before Ishmael could tell Madagascar that that wasn’t his concern, he spotted Kontra roll up the back door of the box truck. “Okay, guys,” the big man stated, taking a step back. “If you can get down on your own, feel free. For those of you too injured to make the step, we’ll help. Just give us a minute.” Kontra actually smiled warmly as he took a step back. “I know the trees look inviting, and you’d probably love to go for a run, but try to restrain yourself. I know it sucks,” he continued as if the animals inside could actually understand his words. “But we do need to take blood samples and check your vitals. That way, we can figure out what shit those scientists have been pumping into your system and help your body heal from it.”

Then a large bobcat carefully hopped from the back, followed by a tiger and a fox.

Gaping, Ishmael shook his head. “He doesn’t have any leashes or anything.” Fear rushed through his veins for a new reason. “W-What if they attack him?” Ishmael snapped his attention to Madagascar. “Or us?”

Madagascar smiled even as he sighed. “Ishmael, they won’t attack him or us,” he told him, rubbing his chest again. “Those are shifters. They understand every word Kontra said.”

Ishmael returned his attention to Kontra and the animals, surprised to find them all lying around docilely as a very tall, very slender man approached with a bag in hand.

“Wha?” Even as Ishmael watched the animals allow the men to touch, poke, and prod, disbelief at what he watched filled him. “H-How?”

Feeling completely overwhelmed, Ishmael couldn’t stop it when he felt his eyes roll to the back of his head, darkness taking him, and he dropped.

Chapter Five

“Ish!”

Madagascar barely managed to get his arms around Ishmael in time to keep the huge male from dropping to the ground and possibly hitting his head. Even with his shifter strength, he didn’t think he could swing his mate into his arms and carry him. Ishmael was just too large.

Easing to his knees, Madagascar positioned Ishmael beside him. He rested his mate’s head against his chest. Madagascar held Ishmael tightly with one arm while threading his fingers through the other shifter’s hair with the other.

“Mads,” Congo called, picking up a jog toward him. “What happened?” His brother squatted next to him. “Who’s this?” Picking up Ishmael’s wrist, Congo appeared to be checking his pulse. “His pulse is steady and strong.”

Madagascar met Congo’s concerned expression with a smile. “This is Ishmael Cartwright,” he told his brother, pride filling his tone. “And he’s my mate.”

Congo’s eyes widened, and Madagascar noticed similarly shocked looks on the faces of the others. His cousin Valentine snapped out of it first. The other brown bear shifter grinned broadly.

“Hell, yeah, Mads!” Valentine clenched a fist and thrust it in the air in a show of triumph. “Congratulations!”

The others exchanged looks. Then, as one, the five brown bears tipped their heads back and roared, expressing their happiness for him. Zhaul laughed, grinning, while Evan smiled shyly from where he was tucked close to Shannon’s side.

When the noise quieted—Madagascar was a little surprised that their roars hadn’t woken Ishmael—he grinned up at the group. “Thanks, guys.” With a scoffing laugh, he admitted, “Sure didn’t expect that to happen when I went on this assignment.”

“I’m signing up for the next one,” Valentine declared, lifting his hand in the air as if volunteering for something.

Zion laughed as he patted Eurik on the stomach, exchanging a look with the other shifter. “We all will, right?”

Eurik nodded. “Totally.” Reaching forward, he patted Madagascar on the shoulder. “Lucky bastard.”

Madagascar nodded. “I really am.”

Resting on one knee before him, Congo eyed Ishmael. “What happened to him?” he asked, worry replacing his elation. “Should I get Eli? He’s dressed as opposed to the others being in animal form.”

“Well, there’s a bit of a story there,” Madagascar admitted. Then he took a few minutes to explain everything that had happened and what he’d learned about Ishmael.

“Damn,” Evan mumbled, his cheeks taking on a pinkish hue. “Another brainwashed mate. Between the witches and scientists, I don’t know who’s worse.”

“A definite draw,” Shannon agreed, dipping his head to press a kiss to Evan’s temple. “Want help getting him into the house?” Eyeing Ishmael’s bulging muscles, he mused, “I wonder if that’s how he looked before they did whatever to him.”

Congo shook his head slowly, his black brows furrowing. “What really concerns me is... why did they keep him alive in human form to work as a janitor?”

Madagascar shrugged. “I’m just grateful they did.”

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