Page 62 of Revenant

Jace is also overtly attentive, lingering within touching distance, often brushing against her during the conversation. I’ve never seen him act that way with anyone, especially with awoman. Though odd, I like the change. He’s no longer stuck in his head, alone and overthinking everything.

And the fucking guards are just outside the door, threatening to ruin our newfound peace.

I tuck a strand of damp hair behind her ear, then clear my throat, my voice gruff when I speak. “They are coming for us. There isn’t anything we can do…yet. We are biding our time, waiting for the perfect time to escape. Together. Got it?”

Rue releases a shuddering breath, a grimace twisting her features, but she nods. Then she grips my shirt in her little fists and drags me closer, a snarl curling her lips. “As long as you understand the instant anyone thinks to harm you, I will end them.”

Fuck…my dick hardens so fast that it’s painful. It’s everything that I can do not to pick her up, slam her against the wall, and have my wicked way with her. I’ve been dreaming about her for months, fantasizing about all the things I want to do to her.

Before I have a chance to put my thoughts into action, a fist thuds against the door and the moment shatters. The guys shift into warrior mode, each of us whirling to face the threat, and I shuffle Rue behind me. I don’t even realize that I’m growling until Rue places her hand between my shoulder blades, and I reluctantly swallow the sound.

Gunner swells a little at the threat but remains relatively calm. After spending a lifetime containing his rage, he is an expert at it. Which either means he will be able to control his new abilities, or he will finally snap and unleash his anger on the world.

Ellis tilts his head, looking at nothing, then purses his lips. “Six guards at the door.”

“And we will allow them to take us. For now, we’ll play along.” The guys nod at the order, looking only a littledisgruntled. I suspect they will obey so long as Rue isn’t put at risk, then all bets are off.

Jameson strides toward the door, throwing it open with a flourish. “Take me to your leader.”

The guards don’t even flinch at his shenanigans. They have probably seen worse things in this place. It’s the imprint of the fist in the door that they side-eye warily. We all shuffle into the hallway, everyone careful to keep Rue in the center and protected.

Anyone we pass in the halls takes one look at us, then either runs in the opposite direction or flattens themselves against the walls with their eyes averted. When we reach the underground tunnels, a group of patients pause when they see us.

Most of the inmates are solemn, acting like we are on a death march. A few watch us passively, probably accustomed to people coming and going and never being seen again. When Rue comes into view, a few snicker and grin maliciously.

One female stands in the lead, hatred burning in her eyes when her gaze lands on Rue. Her smug smile fades when her attention lands on us, then a hungry expression takes over her face, like we’re being fucking paraded around for her to select which model she likes best.

While I’m used to being assessed for threats, I’m not used to being eyed like a piece of meat for sale. If Rue glanced at me like that, I would preen. It’s not something I can control when her pretty teal eyes land on me. With this bitch, a shudder of revulsion shakes my frame, and my lips curl in disgust. It’s apparent that we’re with Rue, which only seems to aggravate the bitch more.

Each of us shuffles closer toward Rue, our scowls aggressive, daring anyone to fucking start anything. I’m not aware of growling under my breath until Rue slips her hand into mine. My shoulders instantly relax at her touch, and I curl myselfprotectively around her smaller form. It’s almost a relief when the guards guide us to the lab and away from prying eyes.

The room is as creepy as the doctor waiting for us. There is only one entrance and exit. Though it’s not guarded, the locks are electronic. Machines hum in the space, and we shrink our circle around Rue when the doctor comes into sight.

He appears surprised we all survived, almost giddy as he surveys each of us with an unholy gleam in his eyes. He rocks back and forth on his feet, rubbing his hands together like a cliché villain. It’s only then that I realize he is totally and completely insane.

Which means he isn’t going to let Rue go easily.

He’s obsessed with his quest to figure out how her abilities work and how he can duplicate them. As far as I’m concerned, it’s a nonissue, since I have every intention of killing the fucker. He can’t be allowed to live, or he will never stop hunting her.

“Aw, perfect! Perfect,” the doctor murmurs. “Everyone, take a seat so we can take samples.”

Rue pushes her way to the front and crosses her arms. The guards around the room tense, hands dropping to the weapons on their hips, but she doesn’t even flinch as she glares down at the doctor. “You lied. You promised that you wouldn’t touch them. How do you expect us to trust you now?”

His eyebrows hitch up almost to his hairline, then he tsks, never once losing his smile. “Ahhh, but I didn’t lie. They were injected before we even spoke.” He shrugs like the issue is solved, the slimy bastard.

It’s obvious that he regrets nothing, and I highly doubt he has any intention of abiding by the rules of their deal. Clearly thinking the matter settled, the doctor eagerly looks at each of us. “Who wants to go first?”

I step forward before Rue can foolishly volunteer, thinking that she is protecting us. Two guards step to either side of me,guiding me toward the opposite side of the room, as if they’re expecting a fight. One of the guards slams his hand on my shoulder, ready to shove me into the waiting seat, but the instant he touches me, he jerks back with a curse.

That’s when I smell it.

Burnt flesh.

The second guard draws a rod from his belt, electricity crackling as he takes a menacing step toward me. I brace myself for the pain when he jams the rod against my ribs, hard enough to crack bone.

Only I barely feel the impact, and the electricity crackles harmlessly against my skin. I’m not sure who is more surprised, me or the guards. Before a brawl can break out, the doctor interrupts with a sharp tone. “Please have a seat.”

He dismisses the guards with a glance, and they reluctantly stand down, the promise of retribution darkening their countenance. Only a certain type of people can work for such an organization and not be bothered by the atrocities committed—the same type of people that won’t hesitate to slip a blade between your ribs when your back is turned.

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