Chapter 2

 

 

In wolf form, he lifted his head and blinked. Confused. Still caged? By humans? The man in charge had gone, but the beautiful brunette with compelling green eyes remained. Her scent, alluring. Had he known her? A lover, perhaps? She seemed familiar. Someone he could trust. A mate? They claimed they didn’t know his identity, and worse, he didn’t either. They appeared shocked about his ability to shift from wolf to man. Though he had no memory, his ability seemed natural. Were there others like him or was he the only one? Odd, he understood their language and equipment. Although, everything prior to waking up here drew a blank. Why? Who was responsible? His hackles rose.

He stood. His legs trembled from the effort. Muscles weak. How long had he been unconscious? Weeks or months? Didn’t the man from earlier say the sedative would bring his memories back? He steadied his body, shook his fur and stretched. He drank from the bowl of water and felt rejuvenated. Healed. No more headaches. Just hunger. No doubt they’d feed him, soon. If he shifted to human form, he could communicate with them.

The wolf considered the young woman studying him. He wagged his tail at her. He couldn’t help it. The twenty-something brunette had a slender build, long legs and shapely in the right places. Luscious shoulder-length brown hair with hints of gold. She turned to pick up a tablet and her round ass singed him with burning desire. Her sparkling jade-colored eyes complemented her beautiful face. Her essence soothed his nerves. The connection strong. Regardless of how he felt about this beautiful woman, to learn more about this place and her, he willed himself to shift from wolf to man. Heat traveled through his spine and in seconds, he stood. Naked.

She gasped. Staring at him as if she saw an apparition rather than gawking at his body as he hoped.

He smiled. “You always stare at naked men?”

She blushed and turned. “No…but…sorry.”

He grabbed the sheet, covering the area below his abs. “I’m decent now.”

She slowly turned and blew out a long breath. “I’ll get you some clothes.” She picked up her cell phone.

“Wait. Not yet.”

He sensed her quickened heartbeat. She held the phone tight. “I’m not in charge. Director Giles is.”

“I don’t trust him.” The man reeked of deception. He gazed at her. Damn, he trusted her despite the fact he remained locked in a cage. After all, she worked for Giles.

She tilted her chin toward a camera. “By now, our security guard has told him you are human, again.”

Fur lined his arms and large canines emerged. He growled and shook the cage door.

She flinched and jumped back.

Crap. I scared the shit out of her. He slowly released a breath. His fangs receded. “What is this place?”

She remained frozen, but sputtered, “An animal behavior lab.”

Sounded legitimate, but he knew better. Not a civilian lab. Instead the place felt like a military bunker. The cameras, codes he heard punched to get in and out, and the damn cage. The man in control was no university scientist. His white lab coat didn’t hide his military bearing or top intelligence status. This place was some sort of secret lab facility. He caught the scent of other canines as well as apes, monkeys, big cats, rats and a variety of other animals. Not sure why, but this type of facility seemed familiar. He rubbed his neck. “Figures.”

“Who and what are you?”

“That’s the thing. I don’t know.” He looked at her confused face. “By the what, I assume you mean my ability to shift.”

“Yes. You’re a werewolf. I mean, you morph into a large wolf.”

Of course, I am. He frowned. “Why am I here?”

“I haven’t been briefed on how to answer your questions. Director Giles will return soon.”

I was right. Government lab or she'd be more open to discuss the location. “I’m sure he knows my identity.”

“No, he doesn’t.”

His gut tightened. Even if he knew his identity, he wouldn’t tell Giles. Or did Giles already know? They could tell him anything. Let them try. My wolf sense differentiates between truths and lies.

Her phone barked. Literally. Like a yappy dog. Cute.

She listened. “Yes.” She gave him a nod. “Okay, if you say so. Got it.” She turned it off. “Director Giles won’t be back until tomorrow. But he says I can tell you everything we know.”

“Why don’t you start by telling me who you are?”

“Gaby. I work here as a handler, but normally with canines and other predators.” She looked away. “Never people.”

He expected her or rather wished she’d said they were mates or at the very least a girlfriend. No last name. Intentional or her way of describing herself without mentioning rank? Interesting. He scoffed. “I’d introduce myself, but I don’t know who the hell I am.”

She gazed at him and raised a brow. “You really can’t remember?”

“Not a clue, except being a werewolf is normal.” He chuckled. “At least to me.”

She puckered her lips. Her green eyes sparkled. “How about I call you Kane, with a K? Close to Canis as in Canis lupus or rather Canis lupus sapiens.”

“That’ll work, until I find out my real name.”

Gaby regarded him. “Your skull was crushed and you suffered cranial bleeding, which explains your amnesia. Should be temporary, though.”

He felt his head as if he’d find where the bones had been broken. “Seems intact.”

“You also sustained multiple broken bones. Two broken legs, a broken clavicle, and a bruised spine. Yet, according to the records, your bones healed within a week. You happen to be the most unusual specimen I’ve ever seen.”

Specimen? He didn’t like the sound of that. Lover would have been better. Yet, quick healing didn’t surprise him a bit. A given. “How did I get injured?”

“You were aboard a helicopter that exploded over the Atlantic. You were either part of the CIA special operations group or with ISIS terrorists carrying out an attack.”

He furrowed his brows. He recognized the CIA and even terrorists, but not because he worked for them, but rather as random information about the world. “Doesn’t ring a bell.”

She sighed. “Maybe you weren’t even on the helicopter?”

“I just happened to be in the middle of the ocean, broken as you say?”

Gaby bit her lower lip. “That doesn’t make sense.”

“Why not ask the CIA?”

“Giles will look into it, but we told the CIA you died of your injuries. At least that the wolf died.”

“Was I the only survivor?”

“Yes.”

“And I was brought here because…?”

“You fall under the auspices of Project Sabertooth.”

He smirked. “I do feel like a caged tiger.”

“I’m sorry. We don’t know how dangerous you are as a mindless enraged wolf.”

“Don’t worry. Even as a wolf, I think like a human.”

“You looked dangerous when you shook the cage.”

“Can you blame me?”

Gaby almost smiled. “I suppose not.” She narrowed her eyes on his right arm. “Do you recall where you got that tattoo?”

He glanced at it. “Nope.”

She stared at his tat and then looked away. “Of course, you don’t.”

“So why bring me here, exactly?”

“You’re considered an asset.” Gaby stared at him as if assessing his body and then looked away. “Giles would love to have a wolf shifter on our team.”

“Team?” Did I work for this project and they tested me? Without memory, they’d consider him a security leak if he broke out of here. Seemed logical.

“Giles will explain.” She grabbed her cell phone and dialed. “Hey, Doc. He’s awake and human.”

Kane interrupted. “And hungry.”

Gaby nodded to him and spoke on the phone. “Have cook make him a couple hamburgers.” She put the phone away. “Dr. Tomlin, the surgeon who saved your life, is coming down.”

“With hamburgers, I hope.”

“He says he’ll get the cook to bring your meal as soon as he can.”

“Raw is fine.”

“Next time.” She smirked. “When you are in wolf form.”

“Do you think he’ll let me out?”

“Not sure, but he’ll have armed guards watch you during the physical exam.”

“I’m not going to bite the hand that feeds me.” He rubbed his beard. “Especially since the doc saved my life.”

She smiled. “I’ll be going.”

His chest tightened. “You’re not staying?”

“I only work with animals and clearly at the moment, you are very much human.”

He met her eyes. “Stay or I’ll shift.”

Gaby blushed and lowered her gaze. “Why?”

Why is she so damn shy? “Something about you makes me feel like I’m with my own kind.” Plus, you are so hot. Mine. Why the hell would he think that?

The door opened and the doctor entered followed by three armed guards.

 

Gaby stood back, holding her breath as Dr. Tomlin unlocked the cage. Interesting. This close, and in human form, she sensed the wolf in him. A fleeting, but clear aura of a gray wolf. Who knew? Her ability had the curious affect of detecting werewolves, monsters that shouldn’t exist. The three guards stood armed with powerful tranquilizers and a taser. The stoic security men poised to shoot if he so much as twitched. Kane stared at the men and though they looked like linebackers on steroids, they averted their gaze to the floor. Even Tomlin looked down and gave him a wide berth. Yep, the mystery man radiated alpha wolf dominance. It appeared her so-called charm worked on him even while in human form. Why else would he insist on her staying?

“Please, put it on.” Dr. Tomlin handed him a hospital robe.

He smiled and draped it on, with his ass exposed. “You can call me Kane.”

Dr. Tomlin’s eyes widened. “You remember?”

“No. Gaby thought Kane fit better than specimen.”

He nodded absently. “Oh, yes, of course.” He turned to her. “Good idea, Gaby.”

She looked up from the tablet, doing her best not to ogle him. “No problem.”

Tomlin gave her a dismissive nod. “I’ll record the name for Director Giles.”

Kane glared at the guards and met Tomlin’s eyes. “I promise to cooperate if they leave.”

Dr. Tomlin swallowed and turned to the men. “Leave, but guard the door.”

Odd. Dr. Tomlin obeyed Kane just like that. It seemed their prisoner took charge. The guards nodded and did as told. Her hair lifted on her nape and arms. If Kane went wolf, how could they defend themselves? He could easily rip off their heads before the guards came back in. How long would it take the tranquilizer to knock him out before he tore them to pieces? Yet, wasn’t it her job to reason with a maddened wolf? Fortunately, Kane sat on the examination table like a willing patient.

Dr. Tomlin gave him a physical exam, which included blood work. Gaby took copious notes on his behavior, keeping focused on not feeling so awkward. Was his Adonis-like body turning her into putty? She squirmed in her chair. Why did he stare at her the entire time? He must know she was different. Maybe a werewolf could detect her supernatural gift.

Tomlin sighed. “Despite your recent injuries, you appear completely healed. I will run your DNA and maybe get clues on your nature.”

Kane furrowed his brow. “What about my memory?”

“Amnesia is usually temporary, but in your case because of your—species— might take longer. Unless...” Dr. Tomlin shook his head. “Never mind.”

Both she and Kane asked at the same time. “What?”

Tomlin frowned. “It’s possible you are the product of some human/wolf hybridization and you have no prior memories.”

Gaby blurted. “You mean like a clone?”

Kane shook his head. “That wouldn’t explain how I know certain things.”

“They may have programmed you to have working knowledge of our world,” suggested Dr. Tomlin. “Hence, no memories of a past.”

“Pure science fiction,” snorted Gaby. Then again, her kind shouldn’t exist either.

Kane frowned. “Who would do that and then put me up in a damn helicopter?”

“Just a hypothesis,” said Dr. Tomlin. “I’m sure Director Giles will learn more.”

The hybridization labs in New Mexico were a well-guarded secret, but she knew such things were possible. Their experiments dealt with animals. Chimeras often didn’t survive long. Maybe Kane was the exception. Injected with wolf DNA. Perhaps used as a weapon.

“Doesn’t feel like I’m a clone.”

“You’re probably right.” Tomlin handed him a tote bag. “Here’s some clothes.”

“Thanks.” Kane dressed. Cargo pants and black t-shirt. The clothes didn’t hide his ripped body. His muscular physique looked like he worked out 24/7. After weeks of being in a coma, he should have appeared gaunt with no muscle tone. Not ready to join the Olympics.

A man walked in with a lunch tray and bottles of water. A turkey sandwich, three huge hamburgers, and a big bowl of fries.

Dr. Tomlin smiled. “I’ll give you an hour to eat lunch then I’ll return and run more tests.”

Kane closed his eyes and sniffed, reminding her of a cat basking in catnip. “Maybe eating will bring back my memory.” Kane bit into the hamburger and ate the entire thing in seconds.

Tomlin interrupted. “Retrograde amnesia is rare. I think viewing a variety of images might jog your memory.”

“When can I start?”

“Soon. After we run physical tests.” Dr. Tomlin turned to Gaby. “You are in charge of taking him to your office and letting him view images. Start with geographical pictures, people at work, objects, and then work up to images he might have seen before the explosion.”

Gaby almost choked. By office, he meant her apartment. She swallowed. “Wait. I’m trained in animal not human behavior.”

“I can return to wolf form if you prefer.” Kane smirked.

Dr. Tomlin raised a brow. “Excuse us while I have a word with Gaby.”

Kane shrugged. “Take all the time you want, but I’m not working with anyone but her.”

Gaby sighed and followed Dr. Tomlin out the door. She muttered, “I’m not good with people.”

“He is a wolf shifter of unknown origins, and you, my dear, like it or not, are a wolf charmer. Who better to work with him?”

“Kane in human form makes me feel…awkward.” No need to mention she detected the wolf in the man. That would only encourage him to keep her as his handler.

Tomlin smiled. “It’s obvious he’s bonded with you. You are attractive and he is constantly watching you, even when talking to others.”

Her cheeks heated. That didn’t help. “Men like that only want…you know.”

“Don’t get me wrong, but other than your looks, your innate wolf-segen charm is why he wants to work with you.”

Nope. I was wrong about my charm. He wants to get in my pants. Or is it me that wants to get in his pants? “He is too alpha. Better I stay out of it.”

“What if he turns into a wolf?”

Gaby rolled her eyes. “Sedate him and wait until he shifts to a human.”

“I’ve seen you turn vicious attack trained dogs into sweet lapdogs. A wolf charmer can calm any beast.”

Gaby mostly worked with dogs and big cats. She’d practiced her charming skills with real wolves only once when she led a group of wolves back into a national park to protect them from being hunted. “Not sure it will work with someone who is only part-time wolf.” Not to mention so good looking she lost her rationality. Truth was she feared her heart would be broken if she got too close. He might have a wife or a pack of pups waiting for him. Falling in love with a married man had nearly broken her. And even if he didn’t have a significant other, a hot hunk like him might want another flavor by next week.

“After you help jog his memory, I’ll let Giles know you deserve a two month break.”

He already reneged on giving her time off. Could Tomlin convince Giles to keep his word? If she got time off, working with the sexy werewolf would be worth it. She sighed. Time to paint her wildlife scenes. Maybe adopt a new puppy. She’d never been without a dog. “All right, you had me at two month break.”

“Good. Let’s go back in.”

They returned. Kane had wolfed down his lunch. Healthy appetite. She furrowed her brow. “Do you want more?”

“I’m good for now.” He stood and pointed to her sandwich. “Finish yours so we can get the damn tests over with.”

She sat. “Okay.”

“Sorry, I ate all the fries.”

“It’s okay. I’m not a big fan.”

“Gaby, bring him down to our gym in an hour or so.”

“Okay.” She returned to finish her sandwich, aware of Kane’s feral amber eyes on her.

Dr. Tomlin winked and left. Apparently, he trusted her wolf charm to keep Kane in check if he turned wolf. Although, last time he was in wolf form, he appeared as friendly as a loyal dog. His only outburst, growling and shaking his cage, happened in human form. When she was alone with him. No predator had ever acted aggressive toward her. Could he be the one creature her charm did not work on?

He scrubbed his light beard. “While you finish eating, where can I shave?”

“There’s a bathroom over there. The cabinet has a razor and deodorant.”

He drank his water, got up and narrowed his eyes at her. “Don’t even think of leaving.”

Compelled to obey, Gabby nodded. Wait, shouldn’t I compel him? She snapped out of the I’ll-do-anything-for-you-master submission. “Actually, if anybody considered escape, it would be you.”

He smiled. “Escaping. Now there’s a thought.”

“Impossible on this level.”

“Sounds like someone who has tried.”

“Why would I? I work here.”

“My wolf intuition tells me you are not thrilled about your job.”

Gaby stiffened. How did he know? The last time she escaped, many people and animals died. She had not gotten far and paid dearly for it. Torture and isolation nearly killed her. Outside these walls, she didn’t exist. She had no social security card or driver’s license. She received a false passport, depending on where she travelled for the project’s assignments. Her online college degree was in the name of Katy Giles, an infant who died at birth. It took Giles three years to trust her again. With permission, she could now travel locally and even abroad as long as security accompanied her. She took a napkin and wiped her mouth. “I enjoy working with animals so it suits me.”

“Not people?”

She stood and poured coffee in a mug. “I’m not a people person.”

He smiled. “A lone wolf.”

“That’s accurate.” She glanced at her watch. “Go ahead and shave. I’ll finish my notes.”

Kane stood and gave her a probing stare. “Are you sure we don’t know each other?”

Should she pretend she was his girlfriend as Giles suggested? She met his eyes. Mesmerized by them. Couldn’t lie, even if it meant life or death. “No, we’ve never met until today.”

“Too bad.”

“I might remind you of someone, perhaps a sister or wife?”

“Not a sister, that’s for sure.” He winked and left for the shower.

Gaby waited for him to close the door and then sighed. She almost told him everything. Why risk her limited freedom? She lived alone and rode her bike to the nearby town. Giles knew she wouldn’t risk others by hitching a ride with a well-meaning stranger. Supervised while on missions, she’d been to many countries. Even attempted to fit in at parties with people her age. Awkward shyness had been her real downfall. She’d even rationalized what she did helped national security and the good of mankind. Still, what she wouldn’t give to never step foot in here again. Find a place far away, rescue some dogs from the pound and spend her days painting and selling her wildlife art online. She hoped, someday, to trade the bloodstains on her hands for paint stains. Perhaps, train dogs on the side. Could this werewolf help her escape?