Free Werewolf Academy 07 Chosen by Cheree Alsop Page A

their necks.
    “ Machine guns?” Terith noted quietly. “That’s a bit much.”
    Her brother gestured to the liquid silver that dripped from one of the bullet holes marring the beige wall. “They’re armed for werewolf.”
    “ Is that silver?” Brock asked over their earpieces. “Terith, get a closer look.”
    She complied, angling her head so the camera attached to her earpiece could capture the view.
    “ Get a sample,” Mouse said. “I’d like to know what concentration they’re using.”
    Terith dipped a swab in the liquid and put it in a bag in her pouch.
    “ They definitely knew we were coming,” Jericho said quietly.
    “ Be careful,” Alex told them. “Jaze?”
    “ Clear,” the werewolf said. “Let’s move on. Brock?”
    “ The other six are on the next floor,” the human told them.
    “ There are some strange readings at the end of your floor, though,” Siale said. “Someone should check it out.”
    “ Will do,” Alex replied. “Jericho, Terith, cover us.”
    He and Trent made their way down the wall to where the guards had fallen. Alex kicked the machine gun free from the closest guard’s hand even though the dose from the dart would keep him out for hours. It paid to be careful. He fought back a smile at the thought. Siale would be proud of him.
    “ What is that smell?” Trent asked quietly.
    The door they stood in front of was made of thick metal and sealed all the way around. Alex stepped closer and took a sniff of the scent that shouldn’t have been able to make its way through, yet a faint smell touched the air. Alex’s stomach twisted.
    “ This isn’t going to be good,” he said, his voice tight.
    “ What did you find?” Siale asked.
    Alex touched the doorknob. Trent set a hand on his arm. “Maybe we should let someone else go first.”
    Alex shook his head. “Let’s do this.”

Chapter Eight
     
    Alex tried the doorknob, but it was locked. He used his werewolf strength to force it to turn completely. A metallic pop sounded and the door swung inward.
    The smells rushed out, surrounding them in death and decay. Alex fought back the urge to stumble outside and never look back. Instead, he forced one foot in front of the other. Memories attempted to swarm him, but he pushed them down. Alex blinked in the dim lighting. His eyes focused and the knot in his stomach turned into a burning pain of dismay.
    Bodies strapped upright to tables lined the walls. I.V.s with empty bags protruded from withered limbs. The bodies looked mummified as if they had been drained completely of blood.
    “ What is this?” Trent asked.
    “ Alex, what did you find?” Siale demanded. Concern for her fiancé filled her voice.
    “ Uh, I’m not sure yet,” Alex answered honestly, his voice rough.
    He steeled his nerves and made his way to the first body. Alex avoided looking at the hollow-cheeked face. Plugs had been removed from the human’s arms and legs where the major arteries ran. He could smell Drogan’s scent in the room. His half-brother had definitely drained their blood, but Alex couldn’t fathom why.
    Alex’s hands started to shake. He reached for a chart on a nearby table, but hit the side of it, sending both the chart and a tray of operating tools crashing to the floor.
    Trent was immediately at his side.
    “ Steady,” his friend said quietly.
    “ Are you guys okay?” Terith asked. “Oh my goodness!”
    Alex rushed to the doorway the same second that Siale’s gasp of dismay sounded through his earpiece. He covered the camera at the side of Terith’s head and turned her back to the hallway.
    “ Wait outside,” he demanded, his voice words gruffer than he meant them to be.
    “ O-okay,” Terith replied quickly. Jericho took her arm and steered her down the hall.
    “ We’ve reached the third floor,” Jaze said over their earpieces. “Hold up. We’ll take care of things and call you if we need you.”
    “ Ten-four,” Alex replied.
    Spots showed in his vision. He