Chapter 36: The Laboratory
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"To better exterminate a species?" I asked bitterly.
"To protect humanity," he corrected. "Look here."
He led me to a workstation where a familiar plant was being analyzed—my moss samples.
"Your research was quite thorough," Richard commented. "Our scientists were impressed. With a few modifications, we've managed to isolate the compound that affects werewolf physiology."
Horror washed over me as I realized how far they'd advanced. "You can't do this."
"We already have," he replied coldly. "The first batch is ready for testing. All we need now is a test subject."
As if on cue, the laboratory doors opened, and two more guards entered, dragging a familiar figure between them.
"Jackson!" I gasped, lunging forward only to be restrained by my guards.
Jackson looked terrible—bruised and bloodied, with silver chains binding his wrists and ankles. His eyes widened when he saw me.
"Charlie? You're alive!" Relief flooded his face despite his own predicament.
"How did you find him?" I demanded, turning to Richard.
"He found us," Richard said with a cold smile. "Or rather, he found the trail we deliberately left for him to follow. Werewolves are so predictable when someone they care about is threatened."
My heart sank. "It's a trap. You're using me as bait to catch the pack."
"Not the entire pack," Richard clarified. "Just one particular wolf. The Alpha."
"Liam," I whispered, fear gripping my heart.
