Page 92 of Pet: Genesis

“Compromise?” I ask. Remus nods his head.

“I give you what you want, and in return, you give me what I want. We both sacrifice something while obtaining what we desire from the other.” I vaguely register Remus moving closer to me, but my body yearns for it.

“You asked me why I wouldn’t just kill your people and take your resources. And I think you are ready for the answer,” he murmurs as he places a soft kiss along my throat. My heart begins to speed up from arousal or fear, I don’t know.

“You are unaware of this, but humans exist outside of Earth. They have different names for themselves, of course, but the cellular makeup you share is exact. Humans’ biological makeup is universally suitable to other species. You are a rare form but very valuable because of your universal compatibility. To your earlier point of asking why I haven’t just killed all of you, the rebels are housing numerous humans within its confines. And wiping them out would be another waste of this planet’s resources.” Remus watches me carefully as he explains. The more he reveals, the deeper the twist in my gut becomes. Especially from his use of the word “resources.”

“Humans are a rare form of intelligent species. They are perfectly bred for servitude. You have no heightened senses, no strength, no special ability. You are the most basic form of creation, with a mind that is smart enough to assist those you serve—” I shove Remus away from me as disgust washesover me.

“Do you hear yourself?” I snap. Remus shrugs, but his eyes give away the challenge between us. He sees no issues with what he is saying.

“No matter how you feel about it, that is the reason I cannot let the resistance continue to thrive and build a society on this planet. It would call for issues in the future. And I have use for your kind whether you like it or not. Those who are active parts of this little rebellion, however, I do not have use for. Including your brother.” Remus is calm, watching me expectantly, but I can’t find the words to express my anger. Petra warned me about this the first day I met her. She said Remus had a place for even the lowest of beings. I was so naive to her use of the words then, but I see clearly now.

“What compromise do you think I would ever agree to, to not try and fight you on this? Or take my own life rather than watch you carry this out?” I ask.

Remus silently pulls the pendant I almost threw into the ocean out of his pocket. He watches me carefully as he holds it out to me. My hands tremble as I take the locket from him, and we both know that he has me.

“Your life holds more value than you could ever know. I suggest you figure out what is more important to you. Your life or your brother’s?”

My life or my brother’s.

It’s a no-brainer. Of course, I will do whatever it takes to save my brother, even if he doesn’t care for me. Because that’s who I am as a person. It’s a trait that Remus not only admires but exploits every chance he can, especially if it means keeping me by his side.

I suck in a deep breath looking at the locket in my hands. The chain has been replaced, and it looks like it’s been freshly shined. A kind gesture from Remus that adds more mystery to his character as a whole. My eyes shift to the scenery beyond the window—my home. It will only be a memory soon. Remus is going to take me away from here and use the people to liven the populations of those in his empire. And there’s nothing I can do about it. I am at his mercy, as I’ve always been, but he’s made it very clear just how outmatched I am this time around. I turn away from the window as the longing for freedom sends my mood into a deeper spiral of despair.

I make my way to the mirror in the room to once again look at myself. My body has no signs of any trauma I’ve endured. I silently push my hair over my shoulder to take in my throat, where Remus attacked me. There’s nothing there, not even a scar. I shudder to think of that moment. Remus almost killed me in the process. He was terrifyingly savage, his demeanor far from the one I’ve become accustomed to. Although there are no scars, the spot is tender to the touch and has been throbbing for days, not from pain but more like a pulse. I place my fingers over the area, feeling only warmth.

Something familiar catches my attention, pulling me away from the mirror. It’s a scent. The same scent that I’ve been craving fordays now. A foreign sensation washes over me, and I don’t have to look to know Remus is in the room. As my eyes meet his, my skin prickles in excitement, and my heart flutters in my chest. Just being in his presence is calming yet exciting. I find myself wanting nothing more than to embrace him, but I can’t. I know I can’t.

He’s watching me with an emotionless expression, his eyes shifting ever so slightly as he studies me, looking for something.

“What did you do to me?” I whisper.

Ever since his attack, I don’t feel the same. Remus doesn’t respond, making his way across the room. He stands over me, his thumb rubbing lightly over my cheek, and I find myself drawn to the feeling. My body instantly calms from the contact, the anxiousness I felt before he entered the room all but disappearing. It’s as if my body needs his presence to feel safe, which is the complete opposite of how I felt only days ago. I lift my hand, placing it over his to remove his touch from my face. It takes all of my strength, but somehow I manage.

“Please don’t,” I murmur. To my shock, he doesn’t push me.

“Have you thought about my offer?” he asks softly.

I laugh at his choice of words. “Offer? You mean, ultimatum?” I say.

Now Remus laughs. “If you want to call it that.”

I shrug, looking away.

“Of course, I’ll choose you if it means saving my brother.” I look at Remus, and his purple gaze is practically glowing as I speak. “But you already knew that,” I add.

His smile widens.

“Of course I did. You would do anything to protect those you care about. You care about what happens to them more than what happens to yourself,” he says. “It is a trait we both share.”

I narrow my gaze at him.

“You are nothing like me,” I growl.

“Oh? Why? Because I am the conqueror?” he asks. An amused grin spreads over his lips as he takes me in.

“Don’t let your anger cloud your sense of logic, Iris. Because we are on opposite sides, our ideals do not align, true, but we are very much the same in our determination to protect those we care about.”

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