Page 19 of Mated to the Vikings

Shit. What was I thinking? I forced my mind back to the conversation, wincing as the clothing shifted across my ass. At least he’d admitted that the tests his scientists performed included the creatures as well as humans.

However, the man had chosen his words carefully, just like Dr. Forrester.

“And just who are these creatures?” Shane asked.

Another look shared. Bastards.

“The creatures out there aren’t technically human, Dr. Bloom, although they can alter their appearance from what I’ve seen. They are indeed a product of this world or maybe other planets and something we are attempting to control. They live in extensive clans and are very primitive in their actions. They hunt. They feed. They fuck and little else,” Dr. Fields said far too casually for my liking. The man was lying. “As you can imagine, colonization will already be difficult enough. Our work is vital in order to provide a suitable place to live for the thousands of humans chosen. Time is of the essence.”

Chosen. Only the most elite would survive. That had long been my suspicion, only a few thousand would be selected from a criteria created by the government. The powerful. The pretty. The wealthy. They would be chosen. The rest of society? Left to fend for themselves. I knew better than to utter my concerns. Too many people had already disappeared in the middle of the night. We were on our own up here. Where had true humanity gone?

“That’s bullshit and you know it,” Samuel finally piped in. “What scientific studies are you performing here? We were told we’d be able to study altered samples eager to help create our new world. Humans. Not animals. We were never warned that we could die because of some savage monsters. And when were you planning on telling the Republic about these clans?”

“This is the planet that we are taking over. The simple reason? Humans need a new home. There are certainly species that don’t like the fact we’re kicking them out of their natural habitat, but we are superior. They are limited in intellectual capabilities,” Kevin retorted, laughing. “We’ve done some tests to see how compatible we could be together. I think you know the answer. The work we’re performing is on humans. We have… specific criteria.”

“I’m curious. Didn’t these beasts kill before and if so, what makes you think they aren’t intelligent enough to realize what’s happening to them and hungry to save their world?” I asked, daring him to answer.

“Let’s just say they are dangerous, Cassia, but our scientifically perfect samples will be able to handle them. Now, the sooner we get started the better. We’re all on a deadline.” Kevin’s tone held a hint of anxiety.

Translation: They were terrified of what these beasts could do.

“Gonna need to search through your equipment room. The shuttle is in bad shape,” Greg piped in. “You know how I feel about staying at this shithole for too long.” He stopped laughing when Kevin shot him a nasty glare.

“Take whatever you need. I suggest you wait to attempt a repair until the storm has stopped.” Kevin shifted his attention back toward me, searching. Did he think I knew more than I was telling?

“Hell, I’m looking forward to a juicy steak and a cold bottle of tequila. Shame there aren’t any real women here,” Greg snickered, darting a glance in my direction.

Jesus Christ. They were all Neanderthals.

My inquiry was cut short when a woman walked into the room, dressed as any typical general practitioner, her long chestnut hair in a tight bun. She appeared just as pissed off to be here as we were. “Dr. Fields.”

Kevin sighed, shaking his head before acknowledging her presence. “I’ll tell you everything you need to know but first, please remove your clothing. Dr. Rowena Marcus is our compound physician. She’s going to perform a basic check on your vitals. Then I’m certain you are hungry after the tragic events.” He walked toward the door. “Food will be served in the great room.”

I studied Kevin and the way his hand hovered over his pistol. Had we been brought here under false pretenses?

“And just why are we being checked?” I asked, the words hanging. I noticed Dr. Marcus didn’t bother attempting to answer the question. In fact, she was sheepish but obviously angry with the situation.

Kevin stopped short, tipping his head slowly. “There are many dangers on this world, Cassia, and soon you will learn just how treacherous they can be. Please follow my orders. I won’t ask you again. Everything will be explained to you as necessary.”

“I want to see the samples, the human men you have locked away, prior to having any food. That is why we traveled this distance.” I had a feeling my demand wasn’t going to be received with anything but animosity.

He shifted again, closing the distance. I could smell his anger. “I assure you that the samples we have secured in their own quarters are being treated with care, but you are certainly welcome to take a tour prior to consuming nourishment. Dr. Marcus can arrange that for you.” His gaze was long, taking his time to glance all the way to my scuffed boots, settling on my breasts then finally my eyes. “It will be interesting to hear what you have to say, Doctor.” A snide look on his face, he backed away.

“Are you certain about this, Kevin?” Dr. Marcus asked, her voice trembling.

He chuckled darkly. “She came here to perform a job. Why not let her get her feet wet?” He glowered at her, his body language demanding.

They were hiding more than I originally thought.

“Thank you,” I said, keeping a smile plastered on my face. The man was a true bastard and my guess was he would become an issue.

The door opened and Kevin stormed out, Greg following, both men taking long but even strides down the empty corridor.

And they were conversing.

Because you are worth saving…

“What in God’s name have we gotten ourselves involved in?” Shane half whispered. “I knew this place was bullshit. I was right about what I wrote in my last article. Experimenting, my ass. They’re creating new humans. I bet you these clans are the aliens I’ve read about and studied and if so, they’re not primitive, just resourceful.”