Page 58 of Mistress A-0002

“You’re not fucking stable. You’re a psycho-bitch who ruined my life! If anyone needs to be put down, it’s you. You’re sick, Melissa. Youarethe disease.”

Melissa’s lip peeled back as her full attention went to Braddock.

“What brave words you use.”

“Melissa.”

I stepped in front of her, but she only stepped wider.

“I’m sick of this. These two are not fit for the Gardens.”

“You’re going to pay, Melissa. Mark my words.”

“Brad.” My hand came back, but the two of them were slowly circling each other. I couldn’t have this happening. Not tonight. Not yet. “Master Nineteen-oh-one,” I growled. “To your apartment now.”

“Run home, Braddock. Run back inside your safe space.”

“Fuck you, Melissa.”

“Master.” Ally tugged at his shirt. “It’s time to go. Master. She’s not worth it. Remember our talk? She’ll pay the best way. She’ll fall. Let’s go.”

A look passed over Braddock’s face, and I felt relief almost instantly. He took Ally’s hand, letting her lead him away. It was Melissa’s expression that sent my pulse exploding. I knew that look. She didn’t use it often, but when she did, I knew there was about to be trouble.

“No fire and all fuse,Braddock Amell Pierce. So sad.” Melissa laughed. “Boom.Dead.”

Both Allison and Braddock’s bodies jolted. His fingers embedded in the slave’s hair, and I was yelling for the guards before I could process that I called out. My voice was loud, carrying through the echoing space, but I never heard the words I said. The two were tearing and attacking each other to the death, and to say I wasn’t affected by the tone Melissa used for Braddock’s name would have been a lie. It made my head foggy, making it hard to put one thought after the next.

“Ally, no! Ally!”

The slave went sliding on her stomach against the marble floor and Brad dove right on her, rearing back to connect with her cheek, once…twice.

Laughter. Melissa’s enjoyment played like crazed music around us. The guards were pulling Braddock and Ally apart, but not before her leg drew back, and she smashed her foot into his knee. Braddock’s entire body locked up, and all three men fell as they wrestled him to the ground. I lunged to crouch, inches from Allison. My teeth were grinding through the continued hum of giggles from the one woman who’s throat I wanted to tear out.

“Alpha down.”

The order tumbled from my lips. Allison’s eyes locked with mine, and every muscle in her body froze. Maybe a part of mine did too.

I am the Main Master. I am in control of my own mind. No one controls me. I am the Main Master. I fucking run this place. I am in control. No one can control me but me.

Sadness. It filled her gaze as recognition began to dawn. My stomach flipped, and my chest twisted with emotion. Too much emotion I wasn’t used to. As fast as it came, it dissipated.

“At attention, Allison.”

We stood, still just as close.

“I didn’t mean it. I couldn’t stop myself. I’m sorry, Main Master.I’m sorry.”

“I know. Me too, Ally. …Me too.”

I couldn’t keep the thickness from my tone. Half anger—half grief. I liked Allison. I truly did. She made me smile. She made me feel safe. Like I had a true friend I could trust with my life. And she knew what was coming. The order was programmed into her just as much as I was.

“Braddock will miss you. You were a good slave.”

“Will you watch out for him? Keep him safe?”

“You know I will. And I won’t forget what you did for me. I thank you for that, Ally.” I frowned. “You have to go now.” I gesture to Nineteen, who stepped in next to her, ready to catch her body. “Goodbye, Ally.” I sighed. “Alpha Done.”

And just like that, the yells stopped at her collapse. Braddock’s fighting frame went rigid in the guard’s arms. I watched as the moment stretched out and how clarity took over from his murderous gaze. He was staring at his unconscious slave, changing right before our eyes. Allison wasn’t a threat anymore, therefore, his order was invalid. And Braddock was back. This time, I had to make sure it was for good.

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