I kept still even as I wanted to roll over and glare at their words, at them discussing using shades as lab rats as if we weren’t really alive.
“I’ve heard such ideas are more welcome in some places—such as the North Tower.” The doctor said that with a conspiratorial tone, as if in on something with the other voice.
“I like your drive. Perhaps we’ll discuss your future sometime soon. I believe your skills could benefit the North Tower. There are a number of projects there that could use fresh eyes, that have stagnated for too long due to a lack of imagination.”
“I look forward to that,” the doctor said. “I think I’d be a good fit.”
“We’ll see.” The unknown person walked toward the exam table, her footsteps clicking against the tile floor, telling me she wore heels. “Given the trouble this siren has been, I’ve had people suggesting she go to the North Tower immediately.”
“No doubt she could help the projects you have there.”
“Perhaps,” the woman said. “Though, it’s hard to be sure. The most important projects there both require things she has yet to show. I suspect she is more useful here for the time being. If she proves uncontrollable, if she becomes too troublesome or shows powers or skills that would further our specific research, then that decision will be reevaluated. Sometimes the best tools are the least likely.”
A shiver ran through me, as if I could feel her gaze on me. Her voice told me she stood just beside me, staring down at me as if I were a specimen to her. I sensed no care, as if I meant nothing beyond how she could use me.
It wasn’t uncommon to feel that here, but I wasn’t sure it had ever felt so demeaning, so dangerous.
“I’ll finish the testing and send her back,” the doctor said.
“Good. Ensure you send the report directly to me as soon as you have it finished.”
“Yes, Warden.”
Warden?
Well, that answered one thing…there was no doubt the Warden knew about me, and judging by that conversation?
She was rather invested in me, though I had no idea why.
The only thing I was sure of was that, whatever the reason, it wasn’t anything that would be good for me…
Chapter Six
Brax
Seeing Hera calmed the beast inside me. It had prowled since I’d heard she’d gone to Medical.
The marks from the last time, the round wounds that some fucking butcher pretending to be a nurse had placed on her, had burned themselves into my memory.
It had driven up my temper, but I’d had to keep a close hold to avoid any fights. Someone only had to glance my way before the aching in my jaw from my fangs wanting to drop started up, before my blood sped and pounded through my veins.
She’d remained at Medical for nearly twenty-four hours, which was an unheard-of length. Thinking about what could have happened riled up my other side, but now that I spotted her brown hair in the hallway just outside of her room, I pulled in my first deep breath since she’d gone.
The moment I’d spotted Deacon around, I’d headed to her room to check in. If he was lurking about, it meant he’d already taken her back to her room.
I advanced on Hera, inhaling through my nose to draw her scent deep into me. Mixed with hers was antiseptic and dried blood.
The blood set off that anger again, but seeing her upright helped cage it.
She faced her door as if she wanted to go in but couldn’t manage it.
“Hera?” I asked, but she didn’t respond. I repeated her name, but with no more luck. It was as if something had her trapped, like she’d fallen into a trance.
I set my hand on her arm, trying to draw her attention. Normally, Hera was downright giddy over touch. Her normal reaction said she’d spent most of her life in a good place, the way she all but purred when I touched her.
That wasn’t what happened this time, though.
Instead, Hera yanked away, a look of pure terror on her features when she turned to face me, slamming her back against her door.