“All your memories of being human are erased and you are returned to the wild as a real wolf.”
“That would suck.”
“Yes, it would. We lycans fear that more than death.”
“I bet those memories are still there to resurface,” said Rachel.
“Hard to say. Upon return to the wild, they behave just like real wolves.”
“True, but didn’t you tell me your society was created by magic and not science?”
“Point well taken.” Lev had often wondered the same thing. Did werewolf lobotomy really erase all memories or were there flickers of being human? Perhaps in dreams or in their case, nightmares.
“How many wolves out there are former werewolves?”
“I venture to guess about a hundred globally, but they often die early due to hunting or hunger since most wolf packs shun them.”
“So why not just kill them?
“We do, but it is up to the alpha pack leader. It all depends on the severity of the crime and, unfortunately, for good or bad how closely related the offender is to the alpha.”
“Oh, so if you are a sibling, odds are you are turned back to a wolf rather than face death.”
“There is that. We also feel the wolves that manage to join a pack help the wolf populations.”
“So how does one distinguish between a wolf and a former werewolf?”
“They tend to be bigger and have a special marking, but not as big as our lycan wolf form.”
“What type of marking?”
He stood and extended his hand. “Come. Until you sign the contract, save all your questions for later.”
Rachel shivered, and took his hand.
Chapter 16
Rachel stood beside Lev as the elevator descended twelve levels before stopping. No one got on or off prior. Then again this was not a department store or hospital, but a secret underground werewolf base. The only thing missing from the creepy scene was the “muahahaha” laughter over the speakers. Her breathing grew rapid. A strong desire to run out as soon as the doors opened increased her hyperventilation.
Lev lifted her chin, and she met his eyes. “Rachel, breathe slow. You are safe.”
Rachel nodded and overwhelming calmness warmed her.
The elevator doors opened, and they stepped out. Lev narrowed his eyes. “Come.” His tone ice cold.
At least he didn’t say heel. She followed him closely. Completely overcome with relief on not seeing a pit of werewolves snarling at the edible human. Why would she think they were cannibals? Lev gave no indication they preyed on humans. This was werewolf, not zombie, central. The interior was what she’d expected of a secret agency situation room, people worked on computer panels. If said agency was located in an underground bunker. No cubicles. Big screens lined the black stone walls, some displaying videos of people walking in big cities. One circular table displayed a hologram of geographic areas around the globe. Canines living with futuristic technology. Imagine what their research facility looked like. She glanced at one screen of a man jogging along a desert trail. Who were they monitoring? Did they have their own satellites or tapped into others? Big bad wolf is watching you. Oddly enough, blue light glowed throughout, reminding her of deep ocean bioluminescence. Did the lighting have to do with their eye physiology? It would be fun to tell conspiracy nut Jim, a secret werewolf society existed in their very midst. Fun until she was executed for spilling the beans or rather kibble. Not to mention Jim and possibly Maggie being included in the death sentence. Something this big would cause Jim to blurt it out to the entire world with one send to every social network.
The men and woman briefly stopped their work, glanced at her, followed by a rather obvious sniff. Dog-like. Lev had told her, lycans sniff to identify and she shouldn’t be offended. Had nothing to do with a bad body odor. More like a greeting of sorts. A shiver crawled down her spine and she pressed her elbows against her sides. Not just from the idea of being surrounded by a new species, but because of the cold temperature. Whether with or without fur, lycans were hot blooded and nearly impervious to cold.
None of the workers made direct eye contact with Lev. They lowered their head in deference. Lev was definitely top dog around here. Not shy about showing his cold dominance either. Since leaving the plane, he no longer gave her that warm wolf-fur fuzzy look. Instead, Lev’s demeanor changed from charming sexy Russian guy to gruff feral alpha. Okay, so maybe he was done with her. Fine. The important thing was staying out of trouble or even a love life and being re-united with Howard. As long as Lev didn’t give any females wolf-fur fuzzy looks. Not that she was in love with him. It had to be lust and the aftermath of him being her hero in black shining fur. He fooled her into thinking he was interested in her. Then again, didn’t the very term wolf mean player? Wolfish behavior, wolfish smile and the ever popular wolfish whistle. The big bad wolf in a hot guy’s clothing.
She followed him down the tunnel to a hall and waited in front of a large door. Before they knocked, the door opened.
A young petite brunette, wearing a form-fitting camouflage suit, greeted them in a reception area with museum-quality paintings prominently displayed on the walls. Wolves in various scenes. Some pieces looked classical, while others modern. They must have their own Leonardo de Lycan or Puppy Picasso.
Lev sniffed the attractive woman and smiled. “Hey.”
She bowed her head, but bore a defiant demeanor on her face. Yep, a smirk. “Nice to see you again, Lev.” The woman, who was her height, shot her quick sniff and smiled. “Welcome, Dr. Becker.”