Chapter 38: Creating the Counteragent
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As soon as my hands were free, I rushed to Jackson's side. "I need yarrow extract and willow bark," I instructed the nearest scientist. "And whatever you have that contains calcium channel blockers."
To my surprise, they complied, bringing me the materials I requested. Working quickly, I prepared a mixture that I hoped would counteract the forced transformation.
"Hold on, Jackson," I murmured as I administered the counteragent. "Just hold on."
For several agonizing minutes, nothing changed. Jackson continued to convulse, caught between forms. Then, gradually, his tremors subsided. His features returned fully to human, though he remained unconscious.
"Remarkable," Richard said, watching the process with clinical interest. "You truly do have a gift with these compounds."
"He needs medical attention," I insisted. "Real medical attention."
"He'll receive it," Richard assured me. "He's far too valuable as a test subject to let die."
Guards took Jackson away, presumably to some medical facility within the complex. I remained standing in the laboratory, my mind racing with what I'd just witnessed—and what it meant for Liam and the pack if Richard's plan succeeded.
"Now," Richard said, turning to me with renewed purpose, "I think you understand what's at stake. Help us perfect the formula, Charlotte. Make it stable, make it effective. Or the next test subject might not survive."
"And if I help you?" I asked, already knowing the answer.
"Then perhaps we can reach an accommodation regarding your friends," he said smoothly. "Cooperation has its rewards."
It was a lie, of course. Once I gave them what they wanted, we would all be expendable. But I needed time—time to think, time to plan, time for Liam to find us if he was indeed coming.
