7 Raptors Bite Hard
Bree wasn't sure what was driving her but quickly she ran after the soldiers toward whatever danger laid ahead. The men quickly ran up the metal staircase, somewhere already there with their guns pointed down into the compound. Without missing a beat Bree was right there up on the catwalk where the soldiers stood ready to kill.
A foul smell rose up from the cage. It wasn't the usual stinky animal smell that you would normally find at a zoo. This smell was of blood and decay. Bree's eyes frantically searched the scene below.
It was horrifying. It looked like a scene from thriller slasher type movie. Lines of blood was everywhere. Pieces of pink flesh could be seen scattered about the cage. Bree's stomach did a flip while she covered her nose and her mouth trying not to gag.
None of the raptors were present. Bree searched the foliage but didn't see one hint of the raptors. Where were they? Obviously, they were still in the compound because the men are here but where? What happened here? Whose flesh was in the compound? Were they dead? They are probably dead.
Another screech pierced the air. It was so close it sent a chill down her spine and for the first time Bree felt scared. No not scared, terrified. Bree could feel her knees start to buckle. Her heart was pumping so fast and so hard she couldn't move.
"Do we shoot now?" a soldier asked nervously.
Bree looked at the person who spoke. He was a bald man and his entire head was covered in sweat. From the heat or the intensity of the situation, it was probably both.
"Not yet men, not until the signal," Another one responded.
Bree then realized the men were trained on a specific target. They had their guns pointed toward the east side of the compound. Bree couldn't see their target and not knowing the compound very well, she had no idea what was there.
Slowly Bree made her way around the men to get a better view. Even though she was stepping carefully to her own ears her footsteps sounded too loud in this setting. Finally getting around the men Bree looked toward the front of the compound and her eyes went wide.
There was a cage connecting to the compound. Inside of the cage, all four raptors were present. Three, however, were locked in what looked like heavy-duty harnesses. A screech rang through the air as one of the harnesses shook. Bree quickly pulled out her video camera and began filming focusing her attention on the raptor that was free.
She huge! Bigger then Bree imagined. Dr. Grant told her they were taller than a person when they stood up straight. These were bigger than Dr. Grant's description. Bree already estimated this raptor is about 4 meters long! Bree then noticed the striking blue streak on her back. The other raptors growled and shrieked but this one was quiet. She walked around the inside of the cage paying no attention to her trapped counterparts. Instead, she looked like she was searching for something.
Bree's mind went into overdrive. All the stories Dr. Grant said about these creatures are true! The raptor wasn't behaving like some wild animal. There were intelligence and purpose to her actions. A goal in her mind. A goal to escape Bree realized with horror.
Suddenly loud clicks went off behind Bree. Bree turned around to see what was making that sound. To her horror, Owen appeared out of the foliage with a clicker in his hand. Blood covered Owen as he cradled one of his arms. Three long gashes were on his injured arm. The blood was soaking into his shirt.
"Hey Blue!" he called out. "I'm not done with you yet."
Bree turned back to the raptor. Whatever the Raptor had originally intended to do was now lost as her focus was now on Owen, inside her compound. The other raptors screeched with angry anticipation.
"Yea that's it, girl. Come to get me!" Owen taunted.
"NO!" Bree screeched out unintentionally.
Fear gripped her as she watched this horrifying scene play out before her. Owen's eyes darted toward her for a second but quickly his focus was on the raptor again.
"Someone please, restrain her before she does something stupid," Owen ordered.
"What?" Bree got out before someone grabbed her from behind. "Hey!"
Bree looked towards Owen. What is that stupid idiot doing? Was he crazy? Bree looked around to see if anyone was going to help him. No one was moving. The raptor behind Bree screeched again. Owen was about to die.
"Don't give me that shit. Come on Blue! I'm right here!" Owen taunted.
"NO!" Bree screamed again but it was too late.
In a flash, Bree saw Owen disappear into the foliage with a raptor on his tail. Bree heard a loud metallic thud then silence. Everyone stood in silence, watching hoping. Then another loud screech pierced the air.
"Close the gate!" Someone called out.
Metallic clanking was heard. The other raptors screeched in frustration. Then Blue appeared out of the foliage growling at the closing gate. Out of frustration, she ran back into the foliage back to towards her meal. The soldier released Bree and she slumped down in the catwalk. Did Owen just die right there before her eyes?
Everyone was walking around her back to business as usual. Did nobody care? Has this happened before? If so how many raptor trainers have there been? For the first time, Bree began to understand the power and danger that lies in this park.
Suddenly, cheers erupted. Bree looked up her heart thumping loudly again. Owen appeared up on the catwalk. He was a bit bloody, but he did seem entirely intact and alive.
"That better not happen again gentlemen or else next time you will be in the cage," Owen barked out, clearly annoyed.
Different reactions came out in response to that comment. Some laughed others their faces paled at the thought, but everyone gradually went back into their normal routine. Owen caught sight of Bree and made his way toward her through the crowd that was congratulating him.
"I've got her, thanks, Erik!" Owen ordered as he finally reached Bree. Bree didn't realize the soldier who had restrained her was still there standing watch over her.
"Yes, Sir!" the soldier saluted before leaving them alone. Owen kneeled next to Bree.
"Are you okay sweetheart? Do I need to send you home?" he asked softly.
"Don't you need a doctor?" Bree asked in return.
Who was this crazy man? He just nearly got eaten by a velociraptor and here he is checking up on her. Is he an Animal Behaviorist? Bree didn't think so. There is so much more going on here. The way all the men greet him all the time. Risking his life for the sake of others. Owen is a soldier.
"Yes, I do actually, that's why you're taking me to the clinic," Owen grunted as he got back up. He extended a hand towards Bree. Bree took it and got back up on her feet.
"Actually, if you have a bathroom around here I can stitch you up. I have my medical tools right here in my bag," Bree offered.
"You carry a medical kit with you? For what?" Owen questioned as they made their way back to the offices. Bree could feel her face redden a bit.
"Well just in case this career didn't pan out I prepared. Took a second major in the medical field," she explained.
"Well, anything beats explaining these injuries to the company and my medical insurance. Come on you can stitch me up inside."
Bree hadn't noticed how hot it had gotten outside until the fresh cool air of the office hit her face. Barry was already there writing up an incident report.
"Well someone is getting fired today. I can't believe you went and stuck your neck out for that guy. I would have just let him get eaten," Barry commented as continued writing out the report.
"And that's why I'm the boss and you're not," Owen thru back at Barry.
Barry then exclaimed something in French that Bree did not understand. Owen turned around and pointed his finger that Barry.
"Watch it man or I can fire you too," He said with a stern look.
Barry however laughed and waved Owen away. Owen smiled before he opened another door that finally leads to the bathroom. As Owen entered he then proceeded to take off his vest and his shirt. A long, fresh gash appeared on his back.
"Oh my gosh hurry up and sit down, I have to take care of this one first," Bree informed Owen as she pulled out her medical toolkit. Thank goodness her professors made her buy her own equipment. She hated it at the time (broke student) but she glad to have it now. She pulled out the rubbing alcohol wipes and began dabbing the wound. Owen hissed in pain and pulled away.
"Sorry, but it could be infected. I have to clean it up first," Bree tried to explain.
"I know just wasn't prepared for it yet. Not my first injury. Okay, I'm ready now. Stitch me up Doc." Owen groaned out. He hissed again when Bree continued to disinfect the wound but this time he did his best to stay still.
It was silent as Bree worked on him. She was too focused to talk. Checking the wound making sure it didn't need a professional Doctors to help, Bree quickly began working on the stitches. This part she was best at. Her hands are very steady. She was nearly finishing up when Owen spoke.
"Will I live Doc?"
"Hmm, unfortunately, yes. You will live another day, Mr. Grady," Bree responded still very focused on her stitching.
"Hmm, that's not how you sounded like up on that catwalk," Owen hinted.
That, of course, broke Bree's concentration and she accidentally pokes him too hard with the needle.
"Ouch, Hey!"
"Sorry, sorry! Never interrupt during a procedure please," Bree cautioned.
She finished with her last knot and stood back to admire her work. That's when she realized how many scars Owen already carried on his back. Dozens of them. Even bullet wounds. Owen stood up and checked his back with a mirror.
"Hey that's the best stitch I have ever gotten," he complimented. He went to put his shirt back on but hissed when he tried to put his arm over his head.
"How about some button up shirts for a while," Bree suggested. As she began to wash her tools in the sink.
"I don't have one on hand with me right now," Owen complained. "Well, it looks like you're going watch me be half naked all-day Sweetheart!"
Bree rolled her eyes as she tried to keep herself focused on her tools. Yes, she was aware that she was in the presence of a half-naked Owen but she didn't want to give into his advances and look.
"Are you going to explain to me what happened?" Bree asked as she finished up and grabbed a few paper towels.
"Explain what?" He tried to play off.
"The compound just now. Does this kind of thing happen often?" Bree questioned.
Now, she was facing him. She needed answers right now. Owen however, didn't respond immediately. He studied her for a second.
"You're scared, now aren't you." He didn't state it as a question. He stated it as a fact.
"No, I just need to know what I'm getting myself into. I didn't understand until now what kind of a trip this was going to be. I am now realizing maybe I was just like everyone else here on the island. I didn't have enough respect for these animals until now." Bree admitted. Here she was silently critiquing everyone else when she was doing the exact same thing. Dr. Grant would be ashamed of her right now.
"Well, I have to admit that's good to hear. Maybe you do have a little common sense in you after all," Owen responded. He looked at his shirt and clearly became upset.
"Man, this was my favorite shirt!" he commented. Bree rolled her eyes and snatched his shirt from his hand.
"I clean you talk, deal?"
"Deal!" Owen accepted. Bree turned on the water to its cold setting.
"So, what happened?" Bree questioned as she began to wash.
"Well let's see," Owen thought for a moment. "All hell broke loose when one of my new guys accidentally lets a pig out too early. Blue wasn't in her harness yet and she chased the pig into the open cage. Tore it to pieces along the way as I'm sure you saw."
Bree nodded remembering clearly that murderous scene.
"At least she didn't actually escape," Bree added on. Owen shook his head.
"She could have if we would have let her stay in there long enough," Owen informed. Bree paused and looked at him. She was right, and she did not imagine it. When she saw Blue in that cage, that raptor was looking for a way out.
"She can open doors," Bree observed. "She intelligent."
Owen raised his eyebrow.
"How did you know that? You haven't even met them yet," he questioned folding his arm across his chest. Bree had to focus and not stare at his prominent muscles he was showing off without realizing. She laid out his shirt out to dry.
"Well, I have been studying velociraptors for quite some time. Plus, my mentor is Dr. Grant, the first person who got the first-hand experience with velociraptors, and third I'm a scientist and this is what I saw for myself this morning," Bree grabbed her camera from her bag. It had a new memory card and since this was her first video it was quick to play.
The beginning of the clip began to play. Bree more closely watched Blue this time. The way she walked around the cage, searching, concentrating, obviously having the ability to focus on her task despite the distractions around her.
Bree then looked toward Owen to see what he thought of this behavior. His face was stern as he studied Blue. Bree paused the video when Owen came into frame. Owen stepped back pondering about the things he observed.
"Well, I hope you continue to make more footage like that. I think this will be very helpful for our training," Owen complimented.
"Training for what?" Bree questioned.
"Training the raptors. You have just been promoted to training assistant," Owen said opening the bathroom door, taking his exit. Bree followed.
"Wait a minute, what? Wait you haven't even finished explaining what happened this morning!" Bree exclaimed behind him.
"Clearly I am interrupting something here. So, does this mean I have to come back later? You guys can have more time if you need it just leave a sock on the door next time please," Barry laughed as he came in.
"Whatever man," Owen sighed as he began to rummage into his desk. Bree blushed at the insinuation Barry was making.
"The girls are ready," Barry continued informing. Owen pulling out another shirt from his desk put it on. He showed no hint of the pain that must have caused him. Men.
"Are you ready to see them?" Owen asked.
"The Raptors? I've waited for my whole career, yes!" Bree exclaimed. Excitement and fear filled her chest. This was it she was going to get her first look up close to the raptors.
"Come on," Owen motioned for her to follow. Together they walked out of the offices and toward the compound.
Screeches could be heard but this time it sounded slightly muffled. Still terrifying, however. Coming close to the cage, Bree could see all four raptors in their muzzles. It was obvious it was made with a reinforced steel. The Raptors however still could shake it whenever they let out another screech. Bree felt her muscles start to freeze up as fear began to overwhelm her.
Owen continued forward, probably use to this by now. He pressed a code into a keypad before pressing another button that opened the door of the cage. Owen walked in toward the raptor closet to the door. Gently, Owen placed both hands on the raptor and began soothing her. Bree was amazed to see this side of him. A gentle side she would never have guessed was there. Owen was just so… masculine.
The raptor appeared to calm down and lower its screech to a low growl or was that a purr? It almost seemed like a purr now.
"It's okay, everything is okay," Owen reassured the raptor; gently caressing her. Again, Owen looked like a completely different person to her now. He had a different look in his eyes as he caressed the raptor; a look of kindness? Love? Bree couldn't pinpoint but it was clear that these raptors are important to him.
He then looked up at her, making her heart skip a beat. He was now giving her the same look he had for his raptors. Owen motioned for her to come over.
"Are you going to come in or are you too scared now?" Owen taunted. Normal fun teasing Owen is back.
Bree fake glared at him before bravely entering the cage with him. As soon as she was in all her bravo was gone again. The four raptors screeched at her presence, shaking their restraint with all their might.
"It's okay, that's their normal introduction to strangers. Come here," Owen gestured Bree toward him. He held his hand out toward her. Bree carefully walked toward Owen trying not to offend the raptors, when she reached him he took her hand and began guiding her. Bree's senses rose to a whole new level as Owen guided her in front of him to touch the raptor.
Bree noticed how calloused his hands were despite that they were still warm and comforting. Owen was close behind her. Carefully Owen put his other hand on her back to nudge her forward toward the raptor. If it wasn't for the scary carnivore in front of her she probably would have enjoyed that a little more. Fear gripped Bree but for what she wasn't sure. The raptor or the feelings that were beginning to surface for Owen.
Owen stood so close to her she could feel his body heat radiating from him. The raptor growled again causing Bree to focus on the raptor instead of Owen.
"Don't let her scare you. Now pet her gently. She will get used to you." Owen instructed as he guided her hand toward the raptor.
Bree nodded because she couldn't speak out of fear. Too many strong emotions were building up inside her. Then her hand touched the raptors skin. Bree let out a laugh as she reached with her other hand the raptor. She had expected something rough and scaly like an alligator's skin but no. This was much smoother and softer then she expected.
"She's real, she's real!" Bree couldn't help but say smiling like a kid at Christmas.
Her whole childhood she dreamed of seeing a dinosaur and here she was petting one. There was so much more power and strength in this dinosaur than she expected. It's as if this raptor was just humming with power and influence. Bree then looked at her in the eye. Again, she was taken aback. This raptor wasn't looking at her like a delicious meal to eat. The raptor was intently watching her, Bree could almost see the thought process the Raptor had. The velociraptor was studying her just as Bree was studying her in return.
"Steady," Owen whispered into her ear.
Owen's body then pressed up against her as he reached out to pet the raptor too with his other free hand. He was still holding her hand that he guided toward the raptor. Bree wasn't sure what was going on. This felt intimate, this felt special, it felt dangerous for her feelings.
Trying to refocus her attention Bree tried to come up with a question.
"What is her name?" Bree asked.
"This one is called Echo," Owen informed her.
"Echo," she whispered.
Echo's eyes darted between her and Owen before growling again. She knows. Somehow Echo knows what's going on with Bree and her feeling with Owen. Bree knew she was in trouble now. She really was falling for Owen and she was falling hard.
