Page 15 of The Brotherhood

Harlow hesitated but answered, “There’s a secondary generator designed to contain even the worst-case energy spikes.It can isolate the matrix and hold it in stasis, giving us time to recalibrate or shut it down entirely.”

Quantum said, “That’s why her role is so crucial. The process isn’t just about her presence or gift; it’s about ensuring that the matrix stabilizes during the imprint. If she succeeds, the risks are minimal. If the imprint fails...” He paused, holding Handy’s gaze. “The consequences are unpredictable. But to be sure, the system is designed to prioritize containment—of both you and the matrix.”

Handy lowered his head, shaking it.

You can handle it, Kaphas assured, his confidence finding zero purchase.

“Where is she?” Handy asked.

“She’s here,” Harlow said.

“Can I see her without it fucking up anything?” He raised his gaze when they began discussing it. “Our first meeting wasn’t exactly the best blueprint as I’m sure you know.”

The men exchanged glances before eying him with mild confusion. Quantum said, “The readouts from your initial meeting were exceptionally strong. The neural and biometric data we collected showed perfect alignment with the imprint protocols.”

Harlow added, “It wasn’t just suitable—it was optimal. The signatures we captured reflected a synchronization level we’d expect to see in a deeply bonded pair. You hit that one out of the park.”

He went back to glaring. “Well,I’mnot convinced.” He regarded Quantum now. “Or impressed.”

“Seeing her before the procedure can only strengthen the imprint,” Quantum said. “If it weren’t for the other risks with this backlash, I’d have you spend even more time with her.”

“I just want five minutes,” Handy said, feeling Kaphas’ panic at the idea of prolonging it. “Then we can begin.”

“I’ll go get her,” Harlow said.

Assuming you want privacy, Kaphas said as Handy went back to pacing.

I do. Handy opened the mental door that existed between their consciences.

See you in five, Kaphas murmured before shutting it and allowing Handy to finally access the memory of his Poppy encounter. He’d hoarded it and hid it like an addict, not about to share. He stood in it now, saturating every part of himself in every detail of her, cementing her into his fragile existence. He closed his eyes as the sound of her voice moved through him, carried by the erratic rhythm of her pulse in response to him. He took a slow, deep breath, recalling her scent, letting the soft vanilla and jasmine wrap him as he sought to capture the flicker of other scents dancing around those. Sage… small traces of lavender. The faint memory of delicate musk demanded he know more even if he had to stain Kaphas’ body with it to get it. He needed as much as he could get. Because if everything failed, all he had to protect her against those demons was himself.

He moved to the glass when the sound of light footsteps echoed in his ears and body. He captured the tiny sound. She’d been afraid and brave in the same breath. All while slaying him with a calm cleverness beyond her delicate years.

He collected all her words as her steps got closer.I might if you weren’t tasting with another man’s body... Seems we’re the perfect match… I won’t judge you by your age if you don’t judge me by mine.

His own words came next.

You will never be that kind of match.

Her pain from his words laced the euphoric high. She’d misunderstood them.

He looked up when the door leading to his containment room opened. He watched his lamb approach him with thatsame courage, sinking into the warm strength of her sage green eyes now locked on him.

She stopped just before the glass, and he opened himself at seeing her gift seeking to satisfy whatever had her pretty face tense with fear.

“Are you okay?” she whispered.

Everything crumbled inside him at the power in those three words and that she meant them with every ounce of her being. His tongue tied up with hunger as she searched earnestly for the answer to her question.

“You should be afraid,” he whispered, not trusting his voice.

She gave a small nod. “I am.”

“Do you know what’s coming?”

“I was briefed,” she said, her simplicity cutting through him. “What are you afraid of?” she asked, her brows furrowed with that perceptive knowing that created a bone deep longing in him.

“Of hurting you,” he confessed, his fear of that growing as the seconds ticked by. “You don’t even know me.Idon’t even know me. You understand who and what I am? Did they tell you about my fucked-up existence and how I came to be?”

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