Page 24 of The Girl Who Broke Free (Death Fields 5)

I sigh. “I know all of this, Dad.”

Jane interjects. “We can’t stop the Hybrids without the Mutts—but we also can’t afford to sacrifice the humanity in that many survivors.”

“So what’s the solution?” Wyatt asks from his spot in the doorway.

Jane holds up a specific formula. “It’s an injection that provides the temporary benefits of a Mutt.”

“What do you mean temporary?” I ask.

“Short term strength, abilities and skills. Fighting capabilities will be equal to the Hybrids, but after a period they’ll wear off.”

Wyatt moves behind me, hands on my shoulders. I hear the intrigue in his voice when he says, “That’s insane.”

“Is it ready?” I ask. His fingers clamp down on my shoulders. I ignore them.

“A beta test is ready. It could be weeks or months before we could use it safely.”

I look between my sister and father. “I’ll be your test. Now. No waiting.”

“Like hell you will,” Wyatt blurts out. I glare at him for a quick second and he holds my eye. I turn to face my father when he says my name.

“It’s incredibly high-risk. I can’t let you do that.” His tone is harder than I’ve heard it in years.

“So I can’t test it but someone else can? Where’s the logic in that? At least I know what I’m getting into. I just spent the last six months in a mental and physical boot camp with a Mutt. I know better than anyone what the risks could be.”

Dad and Jane share a quiet exchange. Wyatt moves to where I can’t turn away.

“Don’t do this,” he says. “It’s not the way to fight her.”

“You don’t know what it takes to fight Chloe, Wyatt. You have no freaking idea. You haven’t even seen her in a year. I have. I know what she’s capable of and I’m done with her special brand of narcissism.”

Jane clears her throat. “Avi set up this lab despite his reservations about biological and genetic warfare because he knew we would need it one day. Today is that day. Chloe’s Hybrids slaughtered him.” Her voice wobbles but she holds it together. “He was our chance at making things better the right way. He’s gone and that means we’ll do it my way. The Ramsey way.”

I nod. “Good. I’m all in.”

Wyatt stands next to me and stares. I feel his gaze burning through the side of my head. I don’t look at him, but I hear the curse under his breath and the door as it slams behind him.

My father sighs but it’s in resignation. He’s in as well.

“How long?” I ask them.

“Tomorrow? I’ll make sure you have it before Erwin heads out.”

“Thank you.” I stand and walk around the desk, giving my sister a hug.

“I want you to kill her,” she whispers.

I squeeze her tight and feel my father’s hand on my shoulder. There’s no question who her is and there’s no doubting my word when I agree.

“Done.”

Chapter Seventeen

I enter the apartment alone. I expect it to be empty since Wyatt was gone when I left the lab. I figured he’d go off and blow some steam—hit or blow up something.

No, the apartment isn’t empty. Wyatt waits for me sitting in the plaid chair, quiet and brooding. He’s pissed, but so am I. Just not at him.

I decide to cut off the conversation before it starts. “I don’t want to discuss this.”

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