Page 22 of Dark Gambit Reliance

"We were told that Sofia is investigating something, and if she leaves Safe Haven, we were to follow, find out where she was taken, and report back."

Kian glanced at Turner. "You were right."

The guy smirked. "Am I ever wrong?"

Toven crossed his arms over his chest. "Were you told to help her escape if she was in trouble?"

"We were not given instructions for such contingencies."

Toven turned to look at the other hybrid. "What is your name?"

"Dima."

"What's your position in Igor's organization?"

"I'm a guard like Anton."

"Why were the two of you chosen for this mission?"

"We speak good English," Dima said.

"Did you study it in the university?"

Dima snorted. "Hybrids don't get to study outside the compound. Me and Anton learned English from watching American movies and playing video games."

Toven turned to look at the tablet. "I wondered why two pawns were sent to investigate instead of someone more senior. Now we know why."

"Who are you?" Dima asked.

"I'm the one asking the questions. What kind of weapons does Igor have in his arsenal?"

"Assault rifles," Dima answered, and it didn't seem as if he was even trying to resist Toven's compulsion. "We also have sniper rifles and grenades. The swords and javelins and other kinds of old crap that he insists we train with are stupid. What can a sword do against an assault rifle?"

Obviously, Dima didn't like or even respect his boss.

Toven graced the hybrids with a smile. "Not much. Those weapons are obsolete, and training with them is just busy work. I feel for you, buddy."

Kian had never heard Toven talk like that. He cut a glance to Turner. "What was that? Is it part of the negotiation technique?"

Turner nodded. "It's a classic move. The interrogator befriends the interrogated to create a feeling ofwe are the same. We understand each other. It's especially effective if the interrogated has grievances against his superiors and his allegiance to them is shaky."

"Dima is under compulsion," Kian said. "Toven doesn't need to employ more tricks to get the guy to talk."

Turner shrugged.

"Watch what you say about Igor, Dima," Anton warned.

"Why? Is he here? He's not here, and this guy is just as powerful, if not more. I want to get out from under Igor's boot, and I want to get out of this alive." Dima looked at Toven. "You freed us from his compulsion, but if you offer us asylum, I will not only tell you anything you want to know but come work for you willingly. No compulsion needed. If you know who we are, you also know what we can do." He pulled on his chains. "We are valuable."

Toven ignored the comment about their abilities and shifted his gaze to Anton. "How do you feel about your friend's offer?"

The guy looked uncomfortable. "I have a family."

Toven nodded. "What if you didn't have family in Igor's compound? Would you still be loyal to him?"

Anton shook his head. "If I didn't have a family, and I wasn't under Igor's power, I would have left a long time ago and made a life for myself where no one knew me."

That was what Emmett had done. Hybrids were not happy to be under the purebloods' rule, even when the rule was not as oppressive as Igor's. No one wanted to be regarded as a second-class member of their community.

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