Merfolk's Deep Haven

He's Hiding

"This is a female Alpha and male Beta," the male beta exclaimed in a peculiar scream upon seeing Ann. "Asian?"

His tone was discriminatory, and his eyes darted wildly.

"Ansel, shut up," the female Alpha intervened.

She possessed blond hair, piercing blue eyes, and rich red lips. Tall and slender, she wore a military uniform. The badge on her shoulder closely resembled Rick's, and her demeanor mirrored his coldness.

As the male Beta approached and secured Ann's handcuffs behind her back, his manner remained frosty.

A hint of irritation flickered within Ann. Flicking her handcuffs, the chains emitted a dissatisfied clatter. "Is this really necessary?"

"Rick mentioned you're proficient with a gun," the female Alpha stated impassively.

Recalling the previous day's events, Ann nearly laughed in exasperation. "Perhaps you should ask Rick whether he should thank me for that skill."

However, the woman didn't release her hold, and Ann found herself bound, resembling a prisoner.

Most military biotechnology bases, such as this one, remained isolated from the outside world.

Surrounded by desolate, empty areas, the island harbored a deep canyon. The environment was harsh, thick fog pervaded the surroundings, and a lighthouse stood silently atop a high vantage point.

Blindfolded, Ann was ushered into the base.

All she discerned was the passage through a lengthy tunnel. Cold winds and the salty scent of the sea accompanied her, while thick moisture filled her lungs.

After several twists and elevator rides, Ann's vision is restored.

To replicate an underwater environment, the lighting emitted a serene, ethereal blue with ever-changing soft flashes.

Numerous large cylindrical petri dishes, extending through the ceiling, lined the laboratory's artificial glass curtain walls. Inside these containers dwelled various deep-sea creatures, swimming in schools above observers' heads.

As Ann walked by, a shark slammed into the glass wall, creating a resounding impact. Yet, it remained motionless, only releasing a stream of bubbles.

Researchers in white coats conversed amongst themselves. Amidst the crowd stood Rick, donning a dark military uniform. He gestured towards her and proceeded deeper into the laboratory.

Contained within a water tank, the mermaid remained alone.

Huddled in a corner near the glass curtain wall was a young boy with platinum curly hair. Lifting his head, he observed the mermaid submerged in the artificial seawater. Ann surmised he was a little Omega, as even she sensed the pervasive scent of creaminess enveloping the entire laboratory.

Startled by the commotion, the young Omega hurried over. After scrutinizing his surroundings, he exclaimed in disbelief, "Is she the Omega who's better than me?"

Ann noted his light curly hair, resembling a rabbit's tail.

The young master raised his chin, sniffing the air around her and expressed disappointment, "Did you get a Beta to deceive me... or someone of color?"

This rabbit was quite racist, Ann observed.

Rick's eyebrows remained furrowed ever since he saw the boy. "Master Davis, it's time for you to return."

"You whisked me away from the birthday celebration and made me endure ten days on that ship! If it wasn't for the promise of meeting the mermaid, I wouldn't have come at all!"

"You've met the mermaid," Rick responded.

The young master felt slighted. As a proud Omega among the nobility, he couldn't tolerate being brushed off with a mere "return."

A mermaid... No Omega could resist awakening to such a fantastical creature.

Moreover, that mermaid was strikingly handsome and mysterious.

"Rick!" Master Davis was agitated, pointing at Ann. "Unless you can prove she's capable, why should I leave? She's been here for so long, yet the mermaid hasn't responded at all?"

"Bourne Davis," Rick stated impassively, "This is Siren Headquarters. If you can accept numerous tubes inserted into your internal organs, a daily extraction of pheromones from your glands by syringe..."

Rick paused, meeting the young master's gaze, and slowly articulated, "Or even entertain the possibility of frontal lobe surgery... you're welcome to remain."

The implication sent shivers down the young master's spine. He stammered with little confidence, "My father wouldn't approve of what you're doing..."

"Your family boasts many Omegas like you. However, the mermaid's active cells are a significant scientific endeavor that surpasses species and even the boundaries of life and death. By sending you here, Mr. Davis has made his choice."

With reddened eyes, the young Bourne rabbit looked helplessly at them.

"Alright, let's return, Bourne," the female Alpha effortlessly guided him away, closing the thick glass hatch.

As the laboratory fell silent and emptied, Ann remarked, "Colonel Rick seems adept at handling Omegas."

Turning to face her, Rick responded, "It's merely revealing the reality."

Removing his hat and donning a white coat, Ann posed a question that had been gnawing at her. "Why do you believe mermaids will react to a specific Omega pheromone?"

Rick provided a concise response, "Based on experiments."

"You conducted experiments on him?"

"Yes."

Mixed emotions swirled within Ann. Maybe she shouldn't have fired that shot last night.

But amidst the sea, devoid of oil, fuel, routes, or sailors, and herself held hostage, she couldn't afford sympathy for anything else.

Suppressing the useless anger within her, Ann peered up at the immense transparent curtain wall, as though navigating through an underwater tunnel. Handcuffed, she pressed her face against the thick glass. She glimpsed a slender silhouette for a brief moment before it swiftly vanished, followed by a trail of fine liquid flowing down with bubbles.

In a hushed whisper, Ann muttered, "He's hiding..."