Page 57 of Calico Descending

There’s a long beat of silence that follows, one I hope is filled with her considering the proposition. “I’ll think about it,” she whispers against my neck. “Go to sleep. Tomorrow will be the longest night, and you need your rest.”

Though I know she can’t see me, I nod. And for the first time, I close my eyes with a glimmer of hope.

Chapter 27

I have one objective: to earn another night with Valdys. So, when Doctor Ericsson tells me he has a job for me, as he sits across the desk, sipping what smells like liquor, judging by the potent smell on the air, I give a solemn nod. Enough to keep him from getting too suspicious of my behaviors, but compliant, as if I’ve learned my lesson.

I can feel his eyes on me, studying me now, while I stare down at my hands in my lap. Can he possibly see the glow inside me? Is the promise of escape written on my skin?

“I haven’t even told you what the job is yet.”

“Do I have a choice?” It’s not easy to feign defeat, when every cell in my body is screaming of impending victory.

“No. No you don’t.” He sets the glass down, and I watch as the amber fluid dances around the rim. “I watched the two of you the other night.”

If I didn’t have an awareness that he prefers young boys, based on some of the stories I’ve heard, I’d almost think he enjoyed watching them. “Seems you and Valdys are enjoying your time together, as of late. That’s good. The more attached he becomes, the better behaved he is.”

“How wonderful for you.”

“Indeed. As the rebels become bolder, so becomes our duty to prepare for an attack. The cooperation of our Alphas is crucial.”

Something tells me the job he wants me to perform is going to go against the remaining shreds of my dignity. Why else would he feel compelled to remind me of this?

The objective is a night with Valdys. No matter what.

“I’ve decided to do a test run into the tunnels.” His words hit like an arrow to my gut, the dreadful poison oozing into my bloodstream. “Not with Valdys. Relax.”

I blow out a shaky breath, to calm my nerves, but there is no relaxing. Not in this place, nor in the presence of this man.

“I’m going to send Cadmus. He’s the fastest of the three. Nearly as strong as Valdys. And arrogant enough to value his life.”

“I didn’t realize placing value on one’s life was considered arrogant.”

“It is when you’re trained to value the life of your masters over your own.”

I gulp down the smart comment cocked at the back of my throat and remember my sole objective in this meeting.

“Regardless of that, Cadmus tends to be unpredictable. It’s maddening at times. We expect he’ll go left, and he goes right. As it’s been the case with you, in your last few encounters. Who would’ve thought that an Alpha, one as sexually charged as Cadmus, would’ve rejected a female in estrus.” He shrugs and shakes his head. “Completely unpredictable.”

“Is it? You said yourself he values his life.”

A chuckle escapes Doctor Ericsson--a strange, unappealing sound that skates down my spine like a blade along my nerves.

“You’re feisty. This is why Valdys is so smitten with you. Which brings me back to the task I need you to perform. I’d like you to spend this evening with Cadmus. Even if he doesn’t find you sexually appealing, the fact is, he hasn’t killed you, which leads me to believe, he might enjoy your company before he heads down into the tunnels.

A cold numb sensation settles over my chest, but my palms are sweating. “Cadmus hates me. Its clear. He’s hated me from the beginning.”

“That’s where I think he might surprise you, my dear. I understand it’s Valdys you’ve grown attached to, but I think Cadmus would benefit most from your attention this evening.”

“Haven’t we proven already that Cadmus doesn’t give a damn about me? If you think spending a night with me is going to keep him from committing Alpha suicide down there, you’re wrong. Give him Neela. Quit forcing her to suffer, and let her provide the comfort he’s looking for.”

“Doctor Tims informs me that Neela is almost through her cycle. Her episodes have decreased to only a few a day, but we’d like to see it through.” He’s not telling me this as an excuse, or to provide explanation, because in the end, whether I like it, or not, he’s sending me into that cell tonight. Neela is a reminder that everything they do in this place is strictly for their own gain and no one else’s.

“You will stay with Cadmus, comfort him. Entertain him. Remind him of the reward that awaits him upon his return.”

“What do you mean, reward?” Scowling, I shake my head. “I belong to Valdys. He’s my Champion.”

“You belong to me, girl, and no one else.” He lets out a mirthless laugh. “Do you think you’re here to fall in love? Do you think this is some matchmaking fairytale we’re operating here? It’s science! And you’re nothing but a variable. We will use you however we see fit. If that means you become some experimental whore for the sake of our studies, then that’s what you’ll become.”

---