Page 41 of Master B-1901

Silence.

Her arms went behind her back as she clasped to her wrist.

“I’m going to be truthful with you, Allison.” My jaw flexed and the reaction had her smiling as she continued. “I wanted you dead, but let’s be honest, games don’t last forever, and I think I might need you more than him. Braddock and I…I think I’ve done as much as I can. I’m growing rather bored.Truthfully,” she said lowering her voice, “this was over a long time ago. This game…it was so easy. Too easy. It happens with perfect candidates, although I wasn’t sure of that back then.” She shrugged. “It is what it is. I’m ready to move on. I mean, I got what I needed: death, money,fun. There’s so many Masters. Too little time.”

Thinking wasn’t there. What was ingrained from training had me clamping onto her bicep. Where I expected her to yell at me or try to jerk away, she didn’t. The Mistress turned into me, placing her body against mine. The doe shape left her eyes as the lids moved down, transforming her face. She was seductive, alluring, and she believed it as she walked me into the wall.

I couldn’t move.

I couldn’t speak.

All I could do was keep staring into green eyes that suddenly made me tired. Weak, even. I wanted to melt into her. Wrap my arms around her neck and pull her in to just…hold.

“Such soft, droopy eyes begging me for so many things. What would you like, slave? Love? Would you like me to take away all those constraints and programming that are keeping you from being your true self? I can blow up the barriers keeping you prisoner. Talk to me, Allison. What do you want?”

“M-My…My…”

The smile grew as her hand cupped the back of my neck, leading my lips down to hers. The contact was brief before she eased me back.

“We’ll go over rewards later.Let me tell you what I want.”

Her smooth tone triggered something inside making me jolt. Maybe it was survival. Maybe it had to do with the mysterious words my Master had spoken to me. My free hand went up, clasping to the wrist holding to my neck. Melissa went from siren to scared, and I let the reality of that in enough to clear my mind.

“Go ahead.Tell me what you want me to do. I’m waiting.”

She ripped free, stepping back.

“Elec,” she growled. “He may have somehow protected your mind, but I won’t need to tell you anything. You know. I’m already in your head, slave, and it’s only a matter of time before my unspoken orders explode like a bomb.” Her finger rose, tapping against my forehead, quickly going to point to Braddock through the glass. “Boom.”

“I’m not going to kill him for you.”

“Maybe he’ll kill you first. Tick-tock, slave. Who will it be? You…or him?”

“Neither. You’re going to stay away from my Master. If you approach him, it is my duty to protect him.” I stepped forward, making her take a step back. “One word to him. One look, and Iwill remove your tongue so you never speak again. I have orders to do that, just so we’re clear.No matter the cost.The cost is up to you.”

“You don’t sound like a blank slate.”

“That’s your doing. I probably won’t kill like one either, but you won’t find that out. Look at my Master.” I took another step, but Melissa’s gaze jumped to the glass. “That’ll be you if you come near him again. I’ll take out your tongue and your eyes, and when you have no power left, I’ll give you over to him.” I took another step, putting me only inches from her. “I almost hope you do come after him. I want you to. You could stay and find out.”

Seconds she stared, but she didn’t stay long as she threw me a look and stormed towards the turnoff at the back of the hall. She didn’t turn to look at me, and I was thankful for it. Even if I did want her to pay, I knew her power. I could still feel the tremble all throughout my body. I took out Braddock’s cell phone, swallowing hard as I dialed Elec. I barely heard it ringing as I took in the unrecognizable shell that existed under my Master. The top of the crow’s face was gone. Brain was mush on the floor and only the hallowed back sides of his scalp and skull remained. Still, he scraped his fingers, digging some more, appearing a possessed man with wide, empty eyes.

“Braddock?”

“No, Main Master. This is f-ninety-one.”

“Allison. I meant to call. It’s been a mess here. How is he?”

I wanted to smile at the true concern in his tone but couldn’t as I stared between my Master and the end of the hall.

“He was very much in need of this. He’s still…going. I called because I think I am in need of repair.”

“Repair? Explain.”

My fist drew in at the constant shaking.

“Mistress Two just left. Her intentions were clear. Her words were not. She wants me to kill my Master.”

“But she didn’t say that?”

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