Page 10 of A Witch Out of Time
Even if I have to kill every human in this place.
We walked in silence before another sharp turn brought us to a seating area facing a large window. As I approached the glass, I was surprised to find the wood molding unexpectedly carved with symbols of the old gods. The brand on my back burned as my gaze settled on a distinctively horned design. I gritted my teeth, realizing this human was using his knowledge of my world against its inhabitants in some way yet to be determined.
Moving closer, I saw a dingy room containing a toilet and bare cot with an achingly familiar figure curled up on the stained mattress. It took every ounce of self-control not to gasp at the sight of Anthia in such deplorable conditions. Taking a breath, I focused on memorizing as many details as possible, hoping to spot something that would help me rescue my friend.
The room was nondescript, with no windows save for the one I was looking through, and a metal door that was no doubt locked from the other side. A single bulb flickered on a chain above the bed, and I wondered if they left it on all night. I then noticed a strange harness strapped around Anthia’s body. It was similar to the custom basket she wore for deliveries, but held in place over her thin hospital gown with chains and locks.
Following my confused gaze, Matthew shrugged. “They’re easier to handle in their human forms, so we prohibit them from shifting. Unless we want them to, that is.”
I casually grunted in reply, although alarm was racing through my veins. “And how exactly do youforcethem to shift?”
Just then, the door to the cell buzzed open, and a man wearing tactical gear—complete with face covering—stepped into the room. Anthia scrambled to sit on the bed, pressing herself into the corner of the wall, as if she could somehow hide or escape. This view of her showed me the multitude of bruises covering her face and arms, dried blood crusting on the deeper wounds.
Matthew’s voice whispered in my ear again. “We’ve found fear to be a powerful motivator, even with your strong-willedpet.”
Except when I first found her centuries ago, injured in swan form, I’d never known Anthia to be scared. She was fierce and brave—even willing to take a bullet from Nox for me. But the terror I now saw on my friend’s face told me they’d broken her. My fists were clenched at my sides, silently daring this recruit to hurt her in front of me so I could kill them all.
“If heviolatesher…” I hissed, my blood boiling so intensely that an answering rumble vibrated from deep within the Facility’s foundation again.
Just like when Nox ran his tongue along my...
Matthew squinted down at me appraisingly. “We’re notcompleteanimals, Yaga. Besides,” he absently mused, spinning on his heel and forcing me to follow him away from Anthia. “The breeding program won’t be ready for at least a few more months...”
I hurried to catch up as the hallway door slammed shut behind us, my gasp of disbelief echoing in the narrow hall. “Humans can’t breed with shifters! Everybody knows that.”
In reply, Matthew abruptly stopped walking and spun to face me. Herding me against the wall, he quickly caged me in with his massive frame. Unlike with Nox, my body reacted to his proximity with nothing but aversion, but I didn’t want to give away any hints about my powers by throwing him off me.
If I have that much power available to me at the moment...
“Well, that remains to be seen,” Matthew purred in the darkness. “Although, Iamwondering if a human man who’s recently gained supernatural powers could be used as a breeding stud.”
I involuntarily growled, possessiveness flaring as I blurted out, “Nox would never agree to that!”
Matthew chuckled low, ring finger lightly grazing my bare arm, making my skin crawl. “My son has fucked more women than I can count, including many who work in this very building. Did you know that?”
“I don’t care what he does with his hideous penis,” I snapped, even as my heart was shredded and stomped underfoot.
He hummed in amusement before dropping his head and running his lips over my neck, his beard scratching the spot where Nox had bitten me. “He doesn’t appreciate the rare jewel you are, butIdo. And while Nox only wants to tame you, I would be more than happy to unleash that wildness scratching beneath the surface.Achingto get out.”
Understanding hit me like a bucket of ice water, even as I uttered the words I already knew were incorrect. “Why would you, or Nox, even be interested in an old woman like me?”
“I want you because you are rightfully mine. Your current Riders aren’t the only ones who can see you for who you truly are.” My stomach dropped as I suddenly realized my powers hadnotbeen refueled enough to defend myself against this man should anything happen. “My Vasilisa the Beautiful,” Matthew’s breath ghosted over my lips, confirming my worst fears. “I know exactly who you are.”
Chapter 9
Taneer
Idon’t even know who I am anymore.
It was usually next to impossible to catch me off guard, but the fiery-haired broad had rattled me. First, her mention of Asa’s name triggered a visceral reaction, made worse by Veles expertly picking at my wound like a demonic surgeon. And then, the redhead’s choice of words for my supposed fate, that it waswritten on my forehead…
I felt that one in my soul.
Whowasthis woman, and what sort of psychic abilities did she possess to claim I wasn’t simply fated for Vasi, but for Ace and Nox as well? Was she some sort of undead fortune teller? That last thought made me snicker. InJahannam, the version of Hell I’d grown up with, there was a certain level reserved just for fortune tellers and witches.
Including sexy-as-sin ones with va ju-ju voodoo.
Unfortunately, my laughter ended in a wince as I gingerly rubbed my abdomen in the area where Veles had gutted me. No trace of the wound remained—and I’d somehow been blessed with a new tee-shirt—but I suspected the little fucknugget had purposefully made the discomfort linger.
