Naturally, he didn’t mention all the men who died. “No reactions to the drug?” Like death.
“The worst thing that happens is it doesn’t work.”
She went along with it. “Are there any women who have tried it?”
“Unfortunately, the women never turned. If you do, you will be the first.”
“I’m not the least bit convinced to try the experiment.” Did these women survive? “There must be a reason the virus doesn’t work on women.”
“The trait is not on the sex chromosomes, so I don’t see why it wouldn’t work.”
“Could be hormonal.” She waved a dismissive hand. “I’ll pass.”
“Don’t worry. I wouldn’t give anyone anything I wouldn’t try myself.”
“And have you? Tried it, I mean.”
“That is my plan.”
She hadn’t expected him to actually take the virus. “I don’t need to see a demo, but send me a video. Kind of risky for us humans. I’ve seen enough horror movies to know you don’t want to be in the same room as a werewolf.”
“They may look like a monstrous werewolf, but they obey my orders.”
“Do I have a choice?”
“If you are going to work for me, you need to see their magnificent transformation.” His tone darkened and he narrowed his eyes. “If you tell anyone, and I mean even your pet cat, about SERV, my trade secret, they will hunt you down and tear you to pieces.” At least they had the need to keep all of this a secret in common.
She swallowed. “Why don’t we call Boris to see the demonstration since he volunteered to be injected with the retrovirus? Before he makes a decision.” Nik could use mind control on Bolton and possibly the two new werewolves.
“He already agreed.”
“No offense, but you were vague about what having super strength meant.”
“Come, Jane.” He used retina recognition to open a door into a large dim lighted room. The area seemed the size of a basketball court. She scanned for an exit. None. Real soil grass and pine trees occupied the space, as if designed as a wolf habitat. A monster’s private play area.
The two men, Ed and Lee, entered. They removed their boots and clothes. Behind her, Bolton sealed the door shut. A red light beamed on in front of the door, as if signaling something was about to happen. Nik, I hope you aren’t still by the pool. The entire idea of coming here solo had been plain stupid. At least there were only two of them. If things went sour, Nik might be able to fight off two werewolves. As an alpha, Nik could also shift into the monstrous bipedal stage. “Do you mind if I text Boris?”
“No, you may not. We are in a secluded area and there is no communication with the outside world.” He stuck his hand out. “Let me have it.”
“That’s okay, I’ll just put it away.”
“Now.”
She gave it to him. Rather than put it away, he threw it to Ed.
Bolton nodded to him and Ed crushed it.
“Hey, what the…”
“I’m sorry. I’ll get you another one. We can’t risk people finding out.”
Emma swallowed. “No problem.”
Bolton smiled. “Prepare to see the greatest human experiment in genetic modification.”
“Okay.”
The men went to their knees and slowly shifted. Like lycans, after the initial change, there appeared to be no pain during the transition. However, the lycans’ shift was always instantaneous. The men transformed bit by bit. Their breathing loud. First into gray amorphous forms, then fur sprung on their skin like weeds after a spring rain. Bones reshaped.