Lev’s heart broke as he mentioned her name. Lev hated leaving her after the bombing, but better Rachel think he was dead or an ass who took off without an explanation. He’d respect Howard’s wish to keep her out of werewolf society. One more second with her might have tempted his wolf beyond reason.
Selene squeezed his hand. “Shh. My love. I promise, I’ll tell them everything.”
Howard spoke. “Stallo’s marker.” He gazed at Lev. “Keep her…” His eyes rolled back and he fell out of consciousness.
Selene kissed his forehead and turned to the nurse. “Let me know when he awakens.”
The nurse nodded and monitored his heart rate.
Selene turned to Rylee. “Ma’am, I have important information.”
They left Howard and followed Selene to her lab office in the research center beneath the hospital. In the elevator, Selene bowed her head. “I’m sorry I killed her. I lost control.”
“I can’t say I blame you,” said Rylee. “He is your mate.”
Lev heard Rylee had liberal ideas. Most packs considered human lovers, property or pets, but by calling Howard her mate, Rylee confirmed her belief beloved humans should be considered equals. After the change, Lev’s only contact with other werewolves was with his father. Most of his life he spent around humans, yet with the exception of the general, who kept his true nature a secret. Lev had little regard for pack dynamics, though if he took such status seriously, he’d be the superior alpha. Strength, his enhanced shifting and mind control abilities should make him king. Mutation or not.
“Howard wanted me to talk to you immediately. When he first woke and could speak, he told me what the mole had been looking at. He fears she might have sent vital information to her contact.”
“As in about our lycan DNA?” Rylee asked.
Selene nodded. “That and our new discovery, the Stallo gene marker. The shifter mutation he’d been working on.”
“All werewolves have that gene, but if she shared this information with humans it could mean trouble,” said Rylee.
“The gene is also found in a few type O-negative females,” said Selene.
Lev furrowed his brow. “There are millions of such women.”
“No, only a rare number of O-negative women carry the Stallo gene marker. Mia is one, our former enemy Svetlana, and Rachel, Howard’s daughter.” A woman mated with an alpha werewolf could give birth to a hybrid child. A child that would never have to suffer the change of a wolf becoming human, and never risk their high mortality rates.
Lev’s hackles rose. “Are you saying Mia and Rachel’s safety might be compromised?”
“We have their genome, family tree and other vital statistics on them, but not where they live on our research computer.”
Lev curled his hands into fists. “Any fool can find Rachel’s current location.”
“I’ll have Jesper run a search for any unusual communications with outside sources.” Rylee threw him a scolding look. “We don’t know if the mole got that information out, only she was caught looking at it.”
“Her scent is everywhere, even on Howard’s computer, but she often stepped into our office to report data.” Selene threw her hands up in frustration. “Who knows how long she’s been sneaking in?”
“I’ll let Dominic know. Mia could never be in any danger with Dominic’s vigilance.”
“What about Rachel?”
Selene sighed. “Howard wants to talk to her as soon as he can, but in the meantime he wants her guarded.”
Rylee nodded. “I’ll send a nearby warden and assign a security team.”
“With no disrespect, ma’am, Howard wants Lev to go.”
“Of all werewolves, Lev may not be the best candidate.”
Selene smiled at Lev. “He knows nothing will happen to Rachel while under Lev’s protection.”
“Good. I know her exact address,” said Lev.
Rylee frowned. “Hold on. We might be jumping to conclusions.”