You see, when your father impregnated your mother, his DNA had been changed just enough to make you into something not altogether human. The injections the labs continued to give you over the years made sure that particular anomaly would manifest later on.” Caitlyn tried to keep up while forcing the ripple inside her to abate. “So I’m some kind of experiment? A product of my dad’s army days and Pearson Labs?” A freak?
“Exactly,” Doc said gently. “You’ve met Circs like yourself in Roane and the others.
Like your father, they underwent experiments in the military. Even though they volunteered, they couldn’t know what they were getting into. They, and now you, can change. Your body will grow -- you’ll get taller and develop more muscle mass. Your skin will harden, like an organic armor. You’ll grow fangs and claws, have the ability to see, hear, and smell better than you ever have before. Your instincts will be sharper and faster. The ultimate soldier, if you will.”
Caitlyn stared in shock. “Are you kidding me?”
“I’m afraid not.” Doc patted her leg. “Don’t you remember shifting in the alley? Or about your time at Kelly’s? That house you visited before coming here?”
“No, I don’t.”
“Interesting.” He turned and scribbled something in a notebook. “Caitlyn, you have no reason to trust me. But the PPA is not a good group to have after you.”
“That I believe.” She shivered, recalling the vile touch of Vincent and Simon. “Who are those guys, anyway?”
“The Project’s Protection Agency. They work for Pearson Labs, and they do whatever Elliot Pearl tells them to. Including murder.” And rape. She didn’t want to think about that. “So what now? Why does the lab want me now, after all this time? They’re the ones who told me to leave. They could have asked me back, and I would have gone, at least to see what they wanted. Why the PPA?”
“I don’t know, yet. But the squad is working on it.”
“The squad?”
“Circe’s Recruits, the squad. Roane, Hale, Derrick, Zack, and Ace. Five ex-military men who work with me to make sure Elliot and his lab play by the rules.” Caitlyn studied him with more than her eyes, using the very extra senses he mentioned. She listened to what the strange awareness inside of her wanted to do.
Leaning forward, she grabbed Doc by the shirt and brought him to her. She sniffed him, then set him back on his stool. Aware claws had sprung from a hand not her own, one twice the size of her palm, she stuttered, “You’re telling the truth. I’m not sure how I know that, but I know.” To her relief, her hand shrank, turning normal once more. Holy shit.
“It’s okay, Caitlyn. This is a lot to take in. Why don’t we start with some basic blood work while you ask me whatever it is you want to know? It won’t hurt. I promise. And once I get some samples, I can give you more answers.”
She eyed the medical paraphernalia on a steel side table. What could it hurt, especially if Doc answered her questions? The more she knew, the better. Unlike the PPA, he and his guys hadn’t hurt her. Yet.
“Okay, Doc. Do your worst. But don’t even think about tying me down while you do it.”
Doc grinned, slapped his hands together, and rubbed them. “You got it. Now lie back while I recline the table and ask away.”
Caitlyn frowned. What did she want to know first? “Tell me about Roane.”
Chapter Four
“Ace, give me back my phone.” Kelly glared at Ace and Zack as she stood before the stove wearing a “Kiss the Cook” apron. “It’s none of your business who I talk to on my own time.”
“Ace, leave her alone,” Zack warned.
“Who the hell is Stephen Folsom? You called him three times yesterday, and he’s in your address book.”
“Let me see that.” Zack caught the phone Ace tossed him. “Answer him, Kelly.” Roane sighed and shared an exasperated look with Hale and Derrick. “Guys, leave her alone.”
“My
1796-1874 Agnes Strickland, 1794-1875 Elizabeth Strickland, Rosalie Kaufman