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NOAH GASPED AS HE WOKE with a start.

“Easy,” Mia said, her hand on his chest as she stared down into his eyes. Her gaze held worry, concern and something more. It eased whatever bothered him before. He rubbed his hand down her arm and took a deep breath.

“You’re here,” he said.

She smiled. “Yes, I am.” Leaning forward, she brushed her lips against his. “We have a meeting.”

He frowned. “What?”

“As we wake, we’re supposed to meet with the others. Hawke has to re-examine us, make sure we’re okay.” Her gaze locked on his. “You’re okay? Anything strange happened?”

Looking around, he realized they were still at the clinic. “We made love, right?”

She nodded. “You forgot?”

“I’ll never forget when you give yourself to me like that, it’s just I thought we were in your bedroom, at the complex.”

“Me too.” They stared at each other for a few seconds before he exhaled.

“That dream was too real,” he said and then remembered the mist and exploding rock. “The mist changed.”

“How?”

He explained what happened.

She whistled. “Definitely ask questions about that.”

He nodded, rolled off the bed, stretched his legs and arms. Everything felt the same.

“I did the same thing when I woke,” she said finger-combing her hair. “I feel the same.”

He looked down at her and froze. “You’re taller.”

“Huh?” she looked down and then up at him. “Taller?”

He nodded. “Yeah.” He stepped closer and placed his hand on top of her head. “See.” It was a few noticeable inches and her body seemed lusher. He rubbed his palm down and across her hips. “Bigger here too, firmer.”

She jerked and tried to look behind her. “Wow, really? I didn’t notice with these leggings. Like it?” She looked up at him.

He pulled her close. “Hell yeah. More cushion for the pushing.”

She blinked and then laughed. “You’re corny.”

He grinned.

“Take off your shirt so I can see if you’ve changed,” she said watching him closely.

He pulled his shirt over his head and immediately noticed it was tighter.

“Your chest is wider.” With a wicked grin, she ran her hands over his chest and flicked his nipple.

Tingles shot straight to his cock, hardening it immediately. Intrigued by her boldness, he remained still as she continued touching him.

“Sixpack right here.” She tapped his belly. “More muscular,” she said slapping his chest with approval and stepping away.

If they had more time, he’d toss her on the bed and sink deep inside her tight warmth. “I feel good,” he said replacing the shirt.

She grinned at him, understanding the double meaning of his statement.

Leaving the room holding hands, the hall seemed a bit brighter than before. The sound of his shirt ripping startled him. He stopped, looked at Mia and laughed. “Told you,” she said.

Rina greeted them before they reached the corner.

“This way.”

They followed her in companionable silence. As they turned the corner, he heard the others talking and eating. His stomach growled as spicy aromas filled his nose.

“Food,” he growled. They entered the same meeting room as before. A long row of covered trays filled a wall. The rest of the team sat at the table eating.

“I hope there’s something left,” Mia said picking up a plate and serving spoon. When no one responded, she looked over her shoulder at them.

They stared at her.

“What?”

“You changed,” Thomas said, his voice deeper and eyes lighter.

“So have you,” Mia said turning back to fill her plate.

“I think we all changed physically,” Lizzy said. “What about internally? It’s been two days since the shot.”

Noah’s head whipped up. “Two days?” How had he missed two days?

Thomas nodded. Still big, but not as compact. “Yeah, takes that long to repair and stuff. This is my first meal since the change.”

“Mine too,” Damali said tearing into a drumstick. “Starving.”

Noah took his plate to the table and pulled out a chair for Mia. Lizzy inhaled and looked at them. “How long you guys been awake?”

“In and out,” Mia said.

“Been busy,” Damali muttered.

“Absolutely,” Mia said unashamedly.

The meal continued in silence, with Noah and Mia refilling their plates twice more. When they finished they placed the dishes on the cart and returned to their chairs.

“How does everybody feel?” Thomas asked looking around the table.

The responses were positive, not much different.

“Hawke will be in soon to start post-op exams. Anything you notice that’s different now is the time to get it checked. My stuff is evolving and eventually, I’ll be able to help but talk to him for answers.”

They agreed.

“Also, within the next 24 to 48 hours I’ll start reaching out to each of you to open channels for mind-speaking. Once that connection’s in place, we can talk to each other privately.”

Mia looked at Noah. “Sounds like what happened that time we dream-walked.”

He nodded.

“What happened?” Thomas asked. Everyone looked at her.

“We were investigating the case.” She looked at Noah. “In the library and I wanted you to fast-forward.”

“Yeah, she called my name, I heard her in my mind.”

“You didn’t mention that,” Thomas said in a considering voice. “Can you speak to each other like that now? Outside of your dreams?”

“I don’t know,” Mia said. “Never tried it.”

“Definitely something to look into,” Thomas murmured.

“Mind speaking is a new skill,” Max said, bringing the subject back front and center. “Do we all have it? Or is it your skill that you’re sharing with us?”

“The way it was explained is it’s my gift to share as leader. Also, I share in all of your gifts and can boost or cancel them,” Thomas said.

“You can strengthen my gift or take it from me? Is that what you’re saying?” Tip asked leaning forward.

Thomas nodded slowly. “Yes, that’s what he said.

“Wow, that is new, didn’t expect that,” Tip said.

“What other powers do you have that affect us?” Max asked.

“I mentioned telepathy, the ability to find you, force your attendance, break your minds, and stop you from breaking the law.” He looked at them.

They stared at him for several seconds without speaking.

“That’s not what I had in mind when I asked you to be our leader,” Lizzy said.

“Same here, sounds like a judge and executioner,” Mia said.

“Definitely an executioner,” Mali said rubbing her neck.

“Did you know all of that before you accepted the position? Or took the shot?” Max asked.

“Hawke told me right before he gave me the shot,” Thomas said. He spread his palms wide. “I don’t know what to say. I hear the doubt and concern in your voices. Damali looks horrified.”

“I don’t like the idea of you or anyone being able to kill me if you don’t like something I’ve done,” Damali said meeting Thomas’ gaze.

“I agree. I don’t want to be the person to make that call, either,” Thomas said.

When he didn’t say more, Lizzy spoke. “But someone would be that person. In the past, we didn’t need it. Things have changed. I’ll admit I’m stronger, not with the extras, I don’t really know what they are yet. But my mind is sharper, keener than it’s ever been before.”

The others nodded.

“So maybe there is a need for discipline,” Lizzy said.

“Not without rules,” Noah said. They looked at him. “No rules, no discipline. Otherwise, how do we know we’re in the wrong? There are the 10 commandments and if that’s the only thing that governs this team, cool. We all know and accept that. But if that’s not it, if the rules are different or there are more rules, that has to be decided up front. Which would also include some way or person any of us can talk to if we don’t agree with your decision, Thomas.”

“I totally agree,” Thomas said. “When we return to the complex, we’ll draw up rules to live by and the consequences of breaking those rules, me included. Good point, Noah.”

The tension eased in the room.

“Any body’s gifts kick in yet?” Max asked looking around and stopping at Noah.

He didn’t say anything.

“Hawke mentioned the gifts will evolve over time. Not months but days and that we’ll need to remain in the complex to work on them. If we need help, we can ask,” Thomas said looking at them. “How’s your head, Mia? I hope you don’t lose your gift, we need our empath.”

She shrugged. “Everything feels the same. Just have to wait and see.”

Thomas nodded and exhaled. “Look. I know it’s scary. I can’t say I won’t change, Hawke told me I would because your fates, and he did use that word, rests on my shoulders. If for some unfathomable reason somebody fucks up, I’ve got to handle it or give an answer why not.”

“Who do you answer too?” Mali asked.

“Hawke or La Patron,” Thomas said. “La Patron is allowing him to help because he understands what we went through. Hawke made it plain no one wants to interfere with us but if we endanger their secrets, if our behavior starts humans to seek out dual-natureds, they will protect their way of life.”

“By eliminating us,” Tip said.

“Yes. As long as we don’t share who or what we are with others either directly or indirectly by our actions, or allow them access to the serum for unauthorized changes, they’ll leave us alone.”

“Unauthorized changes?” Max said. “Who authorizes changes?”

“I do,” Thomas said. “I’m the only person, other than Hawke with access to the serum. It’s my life if I fuck up with that.”

“Should we be writing these rules down?” Damali asked.

“Not yet. Hawke’s on his way,” Thomas said.

“You can feel him?” Tip asked.

“No, he told me. We’re already linked.” Thomas leaned back in the chair. Moments later the door opened and Hawke entered with his tablet.

“Hello, Chimeras.”