Therian Prize(60)

“The sanctuary was private for the first decade. Mom didn’t want to let the public in, but publicity brings in money and generous sponsors allow us to expand. It’s a necessary evil.”

They passed through a large observation deck with a snack shop in the middle and headed back toward the education center.

“Are the animals ever returned to the wild?”

Heather’s curiosity was understandable. He’d had a million questions when he’d first seen the operation. And Heather had only seen the portion of the complex that was aboveground. The rebel command center and an extensive series of tunnels connecting the surrounding properties branched out beneath their feet. In fact the sanctuary had originally been established as a front for what went on beneath. Erin had never imagined that the “front” would take on a life of its own and expand far beyond her original intentions.

“Most of these animals were born in captivity,” Devon explained. “They’d starve to death if we turned them loose in the wild.”

“Then they’re tame?”

Devon paused and shook her head. “Not even close. Regardless of their upbringing, these are still wild animals. They will attack if they feel threatened. We approach them with caution and respect. Always.” She led them through a classroom situated just off the walkway then down a spiral staircase. They emerged in a circular room around which ten wedge-shaped pens were located. “She’s over here.”

Jake followed her to one of the pens then waited for more information. When she said nothing, he asked, “What’s wrong with her?”

Devon arched her brows and took a step back. “You tell me.”

Unsure why she thought he would have a greater insight than anyone else, he turned his attention to the tigress. She was curled up in the back corner of the enclosure, head averted from the barred access door. His tiger surged suddenly, forcing Jake closer to the bars. A low rumble vibrated his throat and the tigress raised her head. How odd. He’d never seen a tiger react to a Therian vocalization.

“Is she…”

“I’m not sure.” Devon grinned. “Is she?”

Jake crouched in front of the cage, more or less eye level with the tigress. She met his gaze with obvious caution, her body still curled into a tight ball. “How long has she been here?”

“A little over two weeks. She responded to Ian but she ignores me. I thought it was a man thing, so I had Kyle and Payne try. No luck.”

“Kyle is newly mated and Payne terrifies everyone.”

Devon gave his shoulder a playful push. “I’m not sure you’re any less scary, but at least you’re a tiger. See if she’ll talk to you. Make sure she knows we’re no threat to her. And I’d love to know how she’s maintaining that form without energy infusions.”

Rocking to his knees, Jake looked at the tigress. She’d unwound her body and crept forward as he spoke with Devon. As soon as he looked at the tigress she stopped moving and placed her chin on her front paws. “You’re safe here. No one will harm you.”

Emotion seeped into his mind, barely discernible at first. He located the path she was using and responded with warmth and encouragement. I’m Jake. We are like you. He drew Therian energy upward, savoring the burn as his eyes began to glow.

She was using the telepathic link common to tigers, not the universal connection accessible to all Therians. Was this why she hadn’t spoken before? Perhaps she could only transmit along the tiger link.

He felt uncertainty deepen to fear and then hope sparked within the darkness. Ser… Serra. The keepers gave us numbers, but my mother called me Serra.

The keepers? Where had she been kept and how had she escaped? Rather than bombard her with questions, he smiled. I’m pleased to meet you, Serra. He sent another wave of warmth across the tiger link.

Serra crept closer, keeping her body close to the ground. Why do you feel familiar to me?

Myriad questions branched off within his mind as he thought about the possibilities. Was it just that they both manifested as tigers or was the connection more substantial? If she was a victim of the backers, which was almost inevitable, had his bloodline been used in their experiments?

Knowing she’d sense deception, he answered honestly. I’m not sure. We are called Therians and we are all able to transform into animals. Like you, I transform into a tiger. Perhaps that’s why I seem more familiar than the others.

I know they have tried to mind-speak with me, but I cannot understand them. Her golden gaze shifted to Devon then filled with hostility. My new keeper is able to transform?

That’s Devon and she is not your keeper. You are not a prisoner. He turned to Devon and urged, “Unlock the cage.”