“This whole time.” Dax’s shoulders slumped. “She could track me wherever I went.”
“Of course!” Reaper snapped. “You think Dr. Shaw would let her prize cyborg wander away without a way to find him?” He let out a snort.
Dax flinched as his shoulders fell another inch.
Oh, hell no! No one hurts my cyborg and gets away with it!I stepped out from behind Dax, not caring one hoot if Reaper mounted my head on his god damn wall!
I started to advance on Reaper. “Now you listen here, you overgrown hunk of bolts-”
Dax grabbed my arm. “Poe, don’t.”
I tugged my arm free. I would not hide behind Dax and let him be hurt over my actions. I had been hoping for more time, but it seemed like fate had a different plan in store for me. I sang around and tapped my chest. “If Reaper wants to be pissed at someone, Dax, it should be me. You would have never done what you did if it weren’t for me. I accept responsibility for my actions. I started this, let me end it.” I rose up and planted a soft kiss to his cheek.
“But-”
“No buts, Dax. My mess, remember?”
Dax’s eyes narrowed. “Fine, but if they attempt to hurt you, I will not stand back and allow it.”
I flashed him a soft smile. “Deal.” I turned my attention back towards the two towering cyborgs. While Dax and I had been having our discussion, they had both taken the opportunity to step inside the bedroom. Their massive frames blocked any chance at making a run for it, not that I would have tried anyway. Despite the circumstances, I currently had not only the cyborg of my dreams in the room with me, but Reaper and Viper as well.
My inner thirteen year old girl squealed. All three cyborgs in this room were legendary. Reaper and Viper’s files had been goldmines of information. They had defied odds and become the top of their model classes. If pure terror mixed with determination weren’t racing through me at the moment, I would probably be attempting to hug them.
Live today, Poe. Fan girl later.I moved away from Dax and closer to the scowling cyborgs. Reaper’s arms were crossed over his chest, his eyes revealing no emotion except pissed off. Mind you that was a Military Model’s default setting, but knowing that and having it all directed at you were two different things. He turned slightly and I caught the hint of something metallic hanging from his back.
I let out a rather undignified snort. “Well, that rumor is true.” I slapped a hand over my mouth. Knowing that Reaper did in fact have what I guessed was a battle axe strapped to his back should have tripled my terror, but nope. The curious and obviously chatty side of my brain had decided to take over. Yay me.
“What rumor?” Reaper growled.
I pointed at his back. “That one. The one where you carry a battle axe. Questioned Dax about it but I stopped him before he could confirm it. Kind of didn’t want to know.” I shrugged. “Guess the cat’s out of the bag now.”
Reaper stepped closer to me. Dax released a snarl that had Reaper crack the hint of a smile. “Didn’t think you had it in you, Science Model.”
“Not every cyborg needs a battle axe to take care of business, Military Model,” I hissed.Not smart, Poe. Just had to poke the bear, didn’t you?I slammed my mouth shut.
Reaper’s eyes roamed over me from head to toe and then quirked an eyebrow. “You know who I am, right? You must. You seem to know about me and the cyborg rebellion. Why is that?” As quick as lightning, his hand shot out catching me around my neck. He gave a squeeze and I let out a frightened squeak.
Dax released a sharp cry. “Don’t hurt her!”
Reaper added a bit more pressure and I had to bite down on my lip to stop the whimper threatening to escape. I knew Dax would do something stupid if he thought Reaper was causing me pain. My eyes swam with tears, but I blinked them back.
“I won’t have to hurt her Dax, if she starts talking.” A bright blue flash lit up the room. “No more games female! I am not the type of cyborg to play them.”
A sad laugh bubbled up. “I don’t like games either. I always lose.”
Reaper bent his frame until his blue eyes stared directly into mine. “Tell me, how did you find us? Why were you attempting to breach cyborg rebellion headquarters? Who sent you?” His hand tightened a bit further.
This time I couldn’t hold back the whimper of pain as a fresh wave of tears gathered to spill down my cheeks.
Dax let out roar behind me. “Let her go!”
“And if I don’t Science Model? You really think you can take me?” Reaper looked back at Dax and grinned. “My frame isbuiltforwar.”
“Boss, you might want to dial it back a bit. She’s terrified and Dax looks ready to kill. I’ve never seen him so angry.”
Dax released another roar and no one needed to tell me that shit was about to hit the fan. No matter how angry or determined Dax was I knew in a fight Reaper would win. The size of his frame alone gave Reaper a massive advantage. Not to mention the training Reaper possessed. The Military Model would wipe the floor with my cyborg and I would be forced to watch.
No cyborg was getting hurt today, not if I could help it. And since words were the only weapon I needed to use them to make Reaper see I wasn’t a threat. I swallowed past the lump of fear in my throat. “No one sent me.” The grip Reaper had around my neck make speaking almost impossible. I reached out and pounded my fist against his chest the pointed to the hand wrapped around my throat. He must have gotten the message and his hold relaxed enough for me to speak. “Asshole,” I sputtered. “Next time you want answers may I suggest you don’t almost cut off someone’s air supply?”