45

ORCHID

"Son?"

The interior of the transport is eerily calm and dark, while the landscape of sunny hills runs through the exterior. The vehicle rocks and pitches as Bishop strangles us across the lot.

"It is true." The Doctor. Lucian speaks through that fake, too-perfect smile. "You're pregnant, Orchid. Congratulations. You don't know how happy I am to be the first to tell you.”

The vehicle hits a spot, and Dr. Lucian sways precariously.

In the driver's seat, Bishop takes off his helmet and tosses it aside, revealing his black beard and sweat-scarred face.

"That was pretty close to here," he pants as he looks in the rearview mirrors. "If we had calmed the

Alpha, like I said—"

The Doctor. Lucian waves his free hand dismissively.

"No need for all that," he laughs. “Our little guest is carrying something far more valuable in her belly. An Alpha child. Maybe an entire brood.”

I shake my head in disbelief. He's bluffing. He must be.

"There's no way you could know that," I snarl.

Dr. Lucian