“The Syndicate didn’t have Aurora’s medical resources. Or its ethical oversight.” Viktor’s voice is even. “We’ve handled recoveries like this before. We have protocols, specialists, and containment designed to minimize trauma while keeping both the subject and the facility safe.”
“He’s not a subject.”
“He’s classified as one until we determine otherwise. That’s not cruelty, Healer Marsh. We’re doing what’s best for everyone.”
“Everyone?” I repeat. “You mean the staff. The facility. The people who have to sleep tonight knowing he’s behind reinforced glass.”
Viktor’s expression doesn’t change.
“What’s best for Rafael seems to come after all of that.”
I brace for some sort of rebuke, but I don’t get one.
“I’m sure you’ll change your mind in due course.” He stands and straightens his collar. “You’ll have observation access. You can see him through the viewing window to his room. You can monitor his vitals on the feeds. If the evaluation team determines he responds positively to your presence, we’ll discuss direct access. But that’s their call, not yours.”
“And if I disagree?”
“Then you disagree. The decision is made, Healer Marsh, and I have three other situations requiring my attention tonight.”
Three other situations.
As if Rafael is another file on his desk. Another risk category. Another problem with a door between it and the rest of the building.
Viktor moves toward the door. “Nadia Frost is our evaluation lead.” He glances at Nadia, who nods. “She’ll be your point of contact. Whatever you need, you go through her.”
He opens the door. In the corridor beyond, someone is waiting.
The big man from the clearing leans against the opposite wall with his arms crossed. Tall. Massive through the shoulders and chest in a way that has nothing to do with the gym. Dark hair, dark eyes, a face that looks like it was carved from something harder than bone. He watches the door as if he’s been waiting there for a while.
His scent reaches me through the open doorway.
Musky. Dense. Familiar.
For one second, I’m back in the cave with rain beyond the entrance and Rafael between me and the dark shape filling the mouth of the den.
Bear.
He’s a bear shifter. Not just any bear, either. Grizzly. The same grizzly that came back to its den and found two wolves sleeping on its floor.
And he was in the clearing when the operatives caught us.
My fingers curl at my sides.
He found us.
Maybe he didn’t lead Aurora to that clearing himself. Maybe he only sent word. Maybe he did exactly what any Aurora operative would do after finding two fugitives in his den.
I don’t care.
Bastard!
He sees me looking. His eyes meet mine. The expression on his face isn’t hostile, isn’t friendly. Patient. Watchful.
He gives me the barest nod, which I ignore. Then Viktor is in the corridor, the door is closing behind him, and I hear Viktor say, “Decker, walk with me,” and the two of them move down the hall. Viktor’s stride is brisk. Decker matches it without effort.
I’m left in the conference room, fighting back my frustration.
“Sable?”
