Primal Law (Alpha Pack #1)(57)

"It's totally f**ked up. If they can figure out how to mass-produce shifters, bypassing natural methods like mating or biting and clawing, which don't always work, just think how that would affect the world as we know it."

"And if they're imbuing them with any other special talents, like your Psy abilities, or if the targeted humans already possess those abilities . . ." Dr. Mallory let the statement hang, the meaning ominous.

Nick stared at her. "The entire human race could be in real danger within a matter of years. They'd be the low rung on the hierarchy of intelligent beings. My God."

Jax pushed away from the wall. "We can't let that happen, but to stop them we have to know for sure if the doctors at NewLife are the ones responsible, and how high up the food chain this project goes-whether or not Orson Chappell is aware of it, and if so, who's involved along with him."

"Chappell must be heading this and I'll bet he has partners outside the company," Nick said. "Something of this magnitude needs big backing, bigger than he can pull off by himself."

"First we have to find out where they're holding the captives, assuming the participants are unwilling. Or become unwilling once they realize what torture they face." Jax paused. "I'm thinking they must have more than one facility. Kira's samples came from the NewLife building in Vegas, but these four bodies were dumped a long way from there."

"I'll get on finding out where their facilities are located," Nick said. "If there's one here, that might explain why these men were discarded nearby. But even if the Vegas building is the closest, it's only a day's drive by car or two hours by plane. Not a difficult trip if our lackeys were sent to dispose of the bodies in a forested area."

"That would make more sense," Kira speculated. "I doubt they'd dispose of the bodies in their own backyard."

Jax looked at her. "I'd say Las Vegas is the place to start. Plus, Henry Ward told Kalen the men were in a blue van. I think they either drove out here with the bodies, or brought them in a private plane and then rented the van, and returned to Vegas afterward."

Nick agreed. "All right. I'll check, and if NewLife has no building here, we'll assemble and head to Vegas." He paused thoughtfully. "Where are they getting the shifters for the experiments? I wonder. They have to use shifters to make the changes in the humans work. And why haven't any of their bodies been found?"

"We heal faster," Jax reminded him. "We can take a lot of abuse before we succumb."

Well, that wasn't a comforting thought. Kira felt sorry for the victims on both sides.

Nick sighed, and glanced at one of the bodies. "I hate to ask you this, but can you see about getting a reading?"

"Sure. Let's do it."

He sounded so casual, but Kira had seen firsthand how much this took out of him. And today, though sexy as always, he appeared tired, like he hadn't been sleeping well. He was scratching every now and then, too, really digging at his arms and stomach. She frowned, unable to spot a rash.

He moved to the oldest of the corpses, touching only the wrist without the benefit of latex gloves, which could hamper his ability. He concentrated for several minutes, but shook his head and moved on. "Nothing. He's been gone too long, with the elements working at him."

Kira hid her revulsion as he went on to the second victim. He had the same bad luck with that one and the third. It wasn't until the latest victim that the tide turned.

Closing his eyes, he took the abraded wrist and breathed slowly and deeply, settling himself. After a few moments, his head tilted back and his body tensed. As the minutes passed, the color drained from his face and he began to shake. That was frightening enough, but the agonized scream he suddenly let out nearly made her heart explode.

"Nick!" Frantic, she looked to the boss, who'd taken a step toward his friend.

But before he could intervene, Jax moaned, "Oh, God, no. Please don't . . ."

Then his knees buckled and he hit the floor, sprawled on his back.

"Oh, my God! Jax!" Everyone converged on him, but Kira reached him first. Dropping to his side she patted his cheeks, shook him. "Jax!"

He didn't respond, but his breathing was steady, she noted in relief. Mac pushed in next to her and took his pulse. Next, she opened an eyelid and shined her penlight, testing the reaction.

"Has this ever happened to him before?" Kira asked the group anxiously.

"No," Nick said, voice rough. "It's never easy on him, but he's never passed out."

Dr. Mallory's voice cut through the rising panic. "We need to get him into an exam room. Nick, get his shoulders and I'll take his feet."

Between the two of them they managed to pick him up and maneuver his big body out, down the hall, and onto one of the clinic's exam tables. Kira tried to ease into the room, but Dr. Mallory wasn't having it.

"Everyone out so we can see to our patient. Either Mac or I will come as soon as we have news."

From nowhere, a powerful emotion hit Kira hard. How dare that woman keep him from me? The fierce rage swelled in her chest, strangling her lungs. A low sound emerged from her throat that very much emulated the noise Jax had made at the idea of others touching her. That reaction from him had pissed her off, and now she was doing the same thing.