Captured by the Chimera Zombie-Master by Veronica Sommers

Author:Veronica Sommers [Sommers, Veronica]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-06-01T05:00:00+00:00

15

Finley

When we entered this bunker, I expected us to collect some half-starved researchers and their materials and then immediately trek back across the Hordelands to the wall. I definitely didn't expect to be in a standoff like this—Atlan, Chandra, Sergeant Perez and I against Reuel, Dr. Corbin, the other two doctors, and several lab technicians and research assistants.

They're all armed, and Darius sits on his haunches beside Reuel, licking his triangular teeth. I'm not sure why he's taking their side. Atlan told me that yesterday Darius seemed eager to get revenge for what had been done to him; but the minute he saw Reuel, his attitude changed. He became docile, subservient. A weapon in the hand of the monster prince.

Reuel's crew could capture us again, easily. Right now.

My tentative connection with Reuel, his vulnerability with me yesterday—those are the only reasons he's even talking to us, willing to negotiate. Sergeant Perez warned me that I need to feed that connection, to foster it, for the good of the whole team. She said it firmly, quietly, but without apology—a commander giving orders that are unpleasant, but necessary.

Reuel's face brightens at the sight of me, and I move forward, offering my hand. He takes it, and I squeeze his fingers lightly.

"Were you able to sleep?" His question is stiff, unwieldy, as if he's not used to caring about someone else's wellbeing.

"Yes, thank you." I smile broadly at him, a reward for his thoughtfulness.

He fixes me with a look so intense it singes my very soul, and his voice drops to a whisper. "Are you scared of me right now?"

"No." My own voice comes out a little breathless. There are so many eyes in this room, so many motives and emotions and variables. A powder keg waiting for a match, and I need to be the water that drenches any sparks. "No, I'm not scared of you, Reuel. I trust that you're trying to be a better person. That's what we're working toward here, right? Achieving goals without doing terrible things to each other."

"Ah, attempting the impossible," he says, smirking. "My favorite pastime. Well, one of my favorites." His gaze dips to my mouth, then to the lab coat I wear. He traces a talon from the notch between my collarbones down into the groove of my cleavage, showing through the V neck of the coat. "This looks good on you. But I imagine anything would, really."

My stomach twisting, I manage a "thank you," and with another light squeeze of his hand, I let go and step back toward my group. I risk a quick look at Atlan; he stands with a smile frozen onto his face. I know it must have taken all his will power not to growl, not to challenge Reuel or attack him for daring to touch me. But he knows as well as I do that this must be endured. It's part of the plan.

"With your permission, I will speak for my team," Perez says to Reuel, stepping forward.

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