Primitive, p.9
Primitive, page 9
Because of need.
Because of what had been done for years to our women.
I was still in the process of accepting my new station in life, uncertain of my place. A scarred creation. I’d heard her name. Cassia. The lilting sound would forever ring in my ears. Even now, my cock was at full attention, the raw ache in my balls more intense that the single touch from before. I crooked my fingers, fisting my hand. I could almost taste her delicate flesh.
Another vision so powerful flashed in front of my eyes and by the startled expression on her face, I could tell she was experiencing the same thing.
“On your knees, Cassia,” I demanded.
She shuddered but didn’t hesitate, dropping to the floor. I followed, crowding her space and cupping her face.
“You belong to me,” I said with absolute authority before dragging my thumb across her lips. She didn’t respond verbally, but her body agreed, her nipples swelling and the tips extending. The scent of her desire wafted between us. She was everything.
“Yes, sir,” she muttered as she allowed the covering to fall to the floor. She was glorious in her naked form, porcelain skin that glowed in the light of the fire, lips full and ready to suck my cock. Her breasts were like sweet melons, her nipples the color of pink roses.
Fuck. I remembered something from before. Bittersweet memories of my former life filtered in, the images startling. Blinding rage corrupted every rational thought for a few seconds, my mind swirling with the need for retaliation.
Cassia...
As quickly as the vision appeared, it was gone, replaced by instinct and brutal desire. I licked my cracked lips in appreciation, growling under my breath. Everything about her was perfect.
My obsession.
My possession.
However, she would learn to obey and I would become her master.
Or so I hoped. Only Steen could decide her fate as well as mine.
Three of the other clan members advanced, flanking my side. They’d gathered not only a whiff of the seductive woman they’d been allowed to taste but also the scent of our comrades, held prisoner by the tyranny of the human monsters inside. If they weren’t freed, they would be killed, just like many of the others, dying for a cause.
A human cause.
“It is time, brother,” Dak muttered, nodding toward the compound.
“Yes.” I hissed the single word, my throat parched from the harsh wind. Rage billowed into my system, my heartbeat increasing to the point I was blinded with my emotions. I’d vowed never to set foot in this shithole again and here I was, ready to invade. “We protect the woman at all costs.”
“After freeing our brethren,” Dak answered.
I tilted my head, snarling, “The woman first.” The crunching of ice gave the others away, their presence a necessity for raiding the compound. The humans were no match. The hunter had become the hunted.
Dak knew better than to challenge me, but there was no trust amongst the others from our clan. Why should they trust me? I was still human, capable of violent acts. However, I’d been placed in control of our people on the day I escaped the compound. I was the only man our leader trusted implicitly since his second in command had also been captured. I didn’t take the position lightly.
“Agreed,” he said reluctantly.
“You enjoyed tasting her, Dak. Don’t lie to me.”
He huffed, finally nodding. “Yes, but she is also dangerous to us. She is one of them.”
“No, she is our destiny.”
“And you know this how?”
I mulled the answer, spitting it out with vehemence. “I just know.”
“Fine. You are the current and very temporary leader, but you must report this to Steen. If he dies, you will be executed.” Hissing, his words were stated with disdain, even hatred. I would never truly be part of the clan.
I motioned for the others. There was no need for further instruction. They knew exactly what to do. I took giant strides toward the entrance, hesitating only long enough until they were positioned strategically. Throwing my arms into the air, I bellowed. When the beasts began to howl, an eerie vibe settled across the lands. There were no others who would challenge us during this particular attack, no animals or creatures from the forest who dared walk into our path. They scuttled away, petrified with fear.
But they would be back.
And they would feast on the remains.
A single explosion was followed by a second, smoke immediately billowing into the air. A chain reaction ensued as the beasts attacked, the sheer bulk of their mass breaching the outer hull. I took several gulps of air, fighting the vicious side of me that had been created in a lab.
The Earth scientists would never know the anguish I’d endured, the brutalization of every aspect of my humanity until there was nothing left.
But hunger for revenge.
Then we advanced, kicking down the entrance door with ease and storming inside.
“To the left,” Dak instructed the first group of men. I nodded in acceptance as Brexin and I guided the others through the main portion.
Within seconds, the screaming began as others swarmed the expansive space. Flames erupted, the smoke turning acrid. I issued another battle cry as I tossed tables and chairs, heading deeper into the facility. I knew every inch of the catacombs, the hidden rooms and prisons, labs that forced men into beasts. No one was safe from my wrath.
The others moved with sheer precision, tossing the crew of Facility 22 like rag dolls, relishing in their brutality. The screams multiplied, horrific bloodcurdling cries for help.
There would be no salvation for the human species.
Another series of explosions rocked the entire facility, debris shifting, crashing down from the ceiling.
“What the hell?”
I had no idea which human had issued the cry, but within seconds, fire erupted from one side, consuming everything in its path. Chaos ensued as smoke rolled into the space, thunderous noise penetrating the dense space. Several of the beasts advanced, taking control of the security room and securing the weapons. Even as gunshots rang out, cutting through the cataclysm, it seemed my brothers had everything under control.
“Where are they being kept?” Brexin asked, swinging his weapon from side to side.
“There are several floors beneath us.” I kicked in another series of doors, their automatic security system having locked them down. The air was much cooler, devoid of smoke. “This way.”
“Let’s get them.”
Brexin followed behind me and we both descended into the bowels of the steel space, our boots thumping against the metal surface. I knew exactly where to take us, heading in the direction of the prison.
Her face was never far from my mind, the beautiful woman who’d captured my sense of decency. The sense of urgency was powerful, driving me to the point of madness. Lights and sound muddled together, my need to take every part of her bursting in my mind.
Throwing out my arm, I forced us to stop only feet away, taking a deep whiff. The female was inside. My cock twitched, my desire skyrocketing.
“You can sense her,” Brexin whispered.
“Yes, but she’s not alone. The leader of this fine establishment is inside.”
“Caution, brother. Use caution.”
I had no intention of being cautious. Taking and holding a breath, we closed the distance, stopping short as we both were able to hear a nasty exchange. I clenched my fists, my entire body shaking. Kevin. I’d once considered him a friend, a man I could trust. And now? He’d not only betrayed me, but every person working at the facility. Every human being. He’d sold out from greed and his hunger for power. I pressed my hand against the door, able to sense her indignity.
And also her fear.
If the man had threatened her, I would kill him with my bare hands, but information was useful.
Brexin inched closer, his keen hearing picking up on every word.
“You’re lying to me and my other companions. In fact, you’ve been lying all along. Haven’t you?” Her voice was rattled.
“You have no rights here, Cassia. You are merely a guest and your privileges can be revoked. I suggest you do as you’re told,” Kevin barked. “If not, I’ll lock you up with these animals. You can finish your examination up close and personal.” He laughed, the same gut-wrenching sound I’d heard the moment he stood over me with a syringe in his hand.
The day my life ended.
“It seems they’re coming for you, Dr. Fields, and they’re not animals. You’re the monster here, not them. Look at them. Take a good look. Is this what you call humanity? Is this what you call evolution? You’re not God. But you are a fucking pig!”
Another massive rumble shook the entire corridor, sheets of metal slinging down all around me.
Brexin snarled, snapping his head in the direction of the noise. “We need to get this over with. I don’t think the compound can withstand another blast.”
“Another minute. We need to know if she’s one of them,” I told him, an ache continuing in my heart.
“How dare you. You come into my environment passing judgment, as if you understand what is occurring on Earth. Well, you don’t, sweetheart. Our experiments could mean the difference between extinction and creating a new life as well as keeping people alive. If these fucking beasts destroy what we’ve worked so hard for, then there is nothing left. Nothing,” Kevin snorted.
I held my breath, trying to fathom what he was saying.
“Extinction. Oh, my God. What you’re really doing here is against all human nature, creating beings from splicing DNA. I should have known better than to come here. Those poor creatures don’t need a psychiatrist. They need someone to rescue them. Including the ones outside. From you! They’re frightened. And they’re angry,” she spat. “Unlock their cages now.”
I’d never expected to hear such empathy in her voice. I faltered, what little remained of my human nature fighting the beast growing from within. What she needed I was terrified would never happen, but I would die trying. I locked the weapon into fire mode, the grip white-knuckled.
Brexin gripped my shoulder, shaking his head.
“Do you really believe this is all there is? You’re a fool, just like I was told.” Kevin laughed.
“What?” she demanded.
“Yeah, something special I heard. Well, you’re nothing to this facility or to our work. These beasts can try to eliminate what I’ve done, but they can’t stop us.”
What the hell was the asshole getting at? Rage rushed into my system, my blood boiling. The only way to disengage the lock was by kicking in the door. I planted my foot against the cold, hard steel, whamming against it.
“What is going on here?” she demanded.
“You’re right. They’re coming, Cassia, and they’re not frightened of anything. Don’t you get that? They are killers. I’m fighting just to keep us alive in this wretched place.” Kevin laughed bitterly.
His lies had destroyed everything. Who was he protecting?
“You want everyone to believe that for what? To keep your little project secret? I know what’s going on here and it certainly isn’t what we were told before we left on this mission. I saw the beasts outside. I came close to one of them. They feel dishonored. And those creatures outside are exactly like the ones in here. What. Have. You. Done? Slaves. That’s what you’re creating. You never had any intention of bolstering human DNA. You’re creating a hybrid race. Aren’t you? So many humans disappeared from Earth and nobody questioned. No one. Where are they? Are they here? You abducted these creatures, you horrible fuck!”
“Shut up!” Kevin snapped.
Electrodes implanted in my brain reacted, memories flooding the forefront of my brain. Horrific experiments. Months of abuse. Locked away in darkness.
And other humans, one ship arriving after another.
“Now,” Brexin hissed. “Now!”
I slammed my foot against the door over and over again, both of us firing our weapons at full throttle.
“What the...” Kevin paled as he stumbled backward, his back hitting the wall. “Erik.”
Cassia scuttled away, her face pinched. There was recognition in her eyes as well as fear. “You’re both here.”
“You are an asshole,” Brexin said, snorting as he pointed the weapon at Kevin. “I will enjoy destroying everything you created.”
“And you’re responsible for the deaths of our visitors. Aren’t you?” Kevin snarked, limping forward as he laughed.
The same ugly laugh I’d heard so many times.
I snarled an answer for both of us, taking several long strides closer, twisting my head until I could look directly into his lying eyes.
Cassia stared incredulously, her body trembling. “You were in the forest with the others. You... I wasn’t dreaming.” Her look, a mixture of horror and confusion, was followed by a sharp cry. I could see she was trying to fathom what had occurred in the cave, perhaps her mind pushing away the fact we’d captured her. She would soon remember every detail.
“You weren’t dreaming, beautiful lady.” Brexin inched closer, brushing the tips of his fingers down her face. “We will protect you.”
“What is happening?” she asked.
Kevin bolted toward the door, attempting to escape. With a single hand, Brexin yanked him by the collar, pitching him across the room.
“We can’t have you leaving just yet,” Brexin snarled.
Boom!
Another loud crash echoed in the chamber. It was only a matter of time before the fire reached the areas below.
“You have no reason to be afraid of our kind, but we must leave,” I managed, rage forcing bile into my throat. Everything had changed, my desires and needs, my thinking patterns, hunger that had become ravenous.
A slight smile appeared on her face, the connection we shared electrifying once again. Then confusion returned, her chest rising and falling as she took gulping breaths. She reached out, touching Brexin, her mouth twisted.
“I am Erik. I will protect you.”
“Brexin,” he stated.
“Run, Cassia. This isn’t about protection. These monsters will kill you. Mistakes were made and Erik is one of them,” Kevin hissed through clenched teeth as he sneered at me. “He is a killer, vile and wretched, no different than when he was on Earth. A bastard criminal. I should have eliminated you when I had the chance. Dr. Forrester is a damn fool for sending me the dregs of society.” He lunged toward me, kicking out, his foot catching me in the gut.
Rage turned my blood into fire.
“I was right about everything,” she whispered, her hand shaking as she lifted her arm in my direction. “I fell for this. Dr. Forrester lied to me. This isn’t what was supposed to happen.”
A snarl left my lips, but Kevin’s maneuver was futile. He tried again, his body twisting as he kicked out with both legs, his training in martial arts doing him little good. I caught his ankle, flipping and tossing him with ease. I wrapped my hand around his throat, lifting him off the floor several inches. The joy I had in squeezing was far too intense, the longing to snap his neck delicious.
Brexin moved to my side, pointing the weapon at Kevin’s head. “Just say the word, brother.”
“No!” she yelled. “Don’t hurt him, either one of you. He’s not worth it.” She touched my arm and instantly the electricity flared again, roaring into every cell in my body. I swallowed hard, still able to taste her.
I snapped my head in her direction. There was such concern in her eyes, her own pain mixed with fury. Willing the anger to shut down, I dropped Kevin like a rock, roaring my frustration.
“He’s a lying pig. I will find a way to change this. I promise you,” she said with such conviction. “Release them. Save them. Please.”
“She is wise,” Brexin said, laughing. “But it would feel damn good to send him into space.”
I lifted my hand, wanting nothing more than to touch her. My fingers were only inches away, but I pulled back. “You cannot change this, Cassia. But my people can.”
“Your people?” she managed seconds before another thunderous explosion. Another series of rapid gunfire. Smoke began to fill the room, the stench almost overpowering.
“Let me find out what’s going on.” Brexin shifted the gun away, heading toward the opening.
I sensed Kevin reaching for his primitive gun. The asshole had no understanding that he was no match for the Galerians. My backhand was swift, catching him across the neck. He was pitched against the glass, groaning as he slid down the cracked surface.
Cassia crouched lower, keeping her distance. “I don’t understand any of this. We need to get them out of the cages.”
You will.
She half dragged me into the long corridor. I said nothing as I smashed the electronic locks, one after the other, freeing the creatures. As Steen stormed out of the prison, he moved into the outer room, standing over Kevin and issuing a series of growls.
“Your time will come, Master Kevin,” Steen hissed, adding a savage snarl. “When it does, I assure you that what you will be required to endure will be much worse.”
Steen’s second stood by Steen’s side, surveying the room.
“You’re alive. Klar. Steen,” Brexin returned, gripping both of Steen’s arms. “We weren’t certain.”
“Never underestimate the power,” Steen chortled.
“You’re right.” Brexin nodded out of respect. “Certain portions of the compound are failing. We don’t have much time.”
“The steel will hold for a period of time,” I added.
He lifted his head, taking a deep whiff. “You’ve been busy, my friend. Tell me, how does she taste?” He laughed and patted me on the back. “For everything you’ve done for our clan, you certainly deserve it.”
I nodded out of respect. I could see her mind reeling, trying to make sense even still. I wanted to comfort her, to explain, but now wasn’t the time.
“Erik.” The husky voice gasped for air. “You’re alive.”
I barely recognized my former colleague, the change since I’d left more dramatic. He’d taken my place in the testing arena after my escape, something I hadn’t considered. David wasn’t like me or the other men brought in shackles to this planet. He was merely an original worker in the facility, far too curious for his own good, caught in Kevin’s deceit. I was thrown into a moment of horrific guilt. “David. What have they done to you?” I gripped his arms as he swayed back and forth, ducking as a sheet of metal hurtled down from the ceiling. “We need to get out of here. Will you be able to walk?”
