Chapter 41: The Next Phase

279words2026-01-19 05:17

For three days, I maintained the charade—working in the lab, visiting Jackson, gradually earning more freedom of movement within the facility as Richard became convinced of my cooperation. All the while, I was preparing for whatever rescue attempt Liam and the pack were planning.

On the fourth day, Richard summoned me to his office—a luxurious space that seemed out of place in the underground complex.

"Your progress is impressive," he said, reviewing my latest report. "The modified formula appears stable in preliminary tests."

"It needs more work," I said carefully. "The molecular structure is still prone to degradation under certain conditions."

"Nevertheless, we're ready for the next phase." Richard set down the report and fixed me with a calculating look. "A field test."

My blood ran cold. "What kind of field test?"

"We've identified a small werewolf enclave about fifty miles from here," he explained. "Nothing to do with your Alpha's pack. A perfect testing ground for our new detection method."

"You can't," I protested. "The formula isn't ready. It could kill them."

"A regrettable but necessary risk," Richard replied dismissively. "Science requires sacrifice."

"These are people," I insisted. "With families, with lives."

"They're monsters wearing human skin," he corrected coldly. "Don't let your time among them cloud your judgment, Charlotte. Remember who you are. A Hayes."

"I am a Hayes," I acknowledged, standing taller. "But I'm also a Grey. My father wasn't a monster—he was a man who loved my mother enough to risk everything for her. And I won't dishonor either of them by helping you commit genocide."

Richard's expression hardened. "I had hoped you would embrace your heritage, your true purpose. It seems I was mistaken."