Page 133 of Unhinged Alphas

I may not be the biggest fan of Wraith, but my heart sinks at the sight of him chained to the wall like an animal. His massive frame is slumped, diminished with defeat, his muscular arms spread above his head. The sheer number of chains and shackles seem unnecessary, considering his state. His damp black hair hangs forward, obscuring his face, and other than the steady rise and fall of his broad chest, he isn't moving. Certainly isn't responding to the world around him. A dangerous amount of blood blooms through the side of his gray uniform, painted with an ID number. 0663.

Is he even alive?

I've never seen him so… broken.

Thane's Adam's apple bobs, but his face remains a mask of cold indifference. Good. We can't afford to break character now.

But even I wish I could offer some small comfort to let Wraith know we're here. But no. It's better he doesn't know. Better he can't give us away, even unintentionally.

A familiar manic laugh echoes down the corridor, making the beta jolt visibly. Valek. His shouting echoes off the sterile walls, edged with that distinctive Vrissian accent. Sounds like our resident psychopath is having the time of his life.

No surprise there.

"Thank you. You are dismissed," I say to the beta, who looks like she'd rather be anywhere but here anyway.

She gives me a curt nod. "I'll leave you to your work," she says in a tight voice, wasting no time walking briskly back up the hall before I can change my mind.

"Excuse me, Doctor?"

I turn, coming face to face with another white-coated scientist. His brow furrows as he studies me. "I believe we haven't met. Are you new to the facility?"

I slip into character, adopting the clipped tones of a Vrissian accent. "I am. I came as soon as I heard you brought in two rogue assets from the Vytoskyk lab. It's the perfect opportunity to examine how years of being on the run can affect our assets' physiology."

The scientist's eyes narrow. "I see. And your keycard?"

Shit. He noticed.

I jerk my head toward Whiskey, letting disdain drip from my words. "This idiot managed to bend it. They always send us the most utterly useless barbarians as guards, don't they?"

The scientist's face softens with understanding. He nods, commiserating. "Ah, yes. The quality of personnel has certainly… declined. It's a constant struggle."

A low growl rumbles in Whiskey's chest.

"Down, boy," I say to him. "Or I'll have you neutered."

Whiskey's eyes flash with irritation, but he keeps his mouth shut. Smart move.

The scientist chuckles, clearly enjoying the show of dominance. "Well, I won't keep you. The assets are in high-security containment. You'll need a higher clearance than either of us have to open any of these doors."

I cock an eyebrow. "We are doctors," I say incredulously.

"Yes, well, considering one of the rogue assets was responsible for the total destruction of the Vytoskyk lab, command is taking no chances," he replies stoically.

I nod, my mind already racing.We'll need to find a way around that. "Thank you for your assistance. I'll be sure to include your name in my report to command. Doctor...?"

"Kolavev," he supplies, preening at the implied praise.

"Dr. Kolavev," I repeat, committing the name to memory. It might prove useful later. "I appreciate your professionalism."

As he walks away, I take a deep breath. We're one step closer to our goal. But the real challenge is just beginning. Somewhere in this labyrinth of pain and suffering, Ivy is waiting. And we're going to find her.

No matter the cost.

Chapter

Twenty-Nine

THANE