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“What is it?”

“The task is self-explanatory. Sonia promoted you to take over.” He continued down the route that led to the cellar, his steps matching mine. “Alek and Raphael know the drill, but essentially: in the feeding room, be sure to monitor their surroundings. It’s a quick in and out.

“There’s ongoing construction, and since it’s a human hospital, stay by their side as they’re going undercover. If you have any questions, be sure to ask Alek.

For now, you’ll oversee outer feedings. If all goes smoothly, Sonia will promote you to monitoring household feedings, too.”

“Anything else?” In the underground humidity, my workout suit was starting to stick to my skin.

“You’ll be needing this.” Tristan handed me a bulletproof vest, the thick fibers weighing down my palm. “You leave in an hour.”

* * *

With how big the limousine compartment was, I didn’t think it could feel any bigger with three people in it— four if we included the driver. But I was wrong.

Raphael and Alek sat on opposing corners, practically yards apart, while I was right smack in the middle. No one spoke. If they couldn’t breathe, they probably wouldn’t to keep up the deafening silence. Did they not get tired of being quiet all the time?

But if they spoke, what would they say? The few times I’ve seen them interact, it was too formal, their topics strictly political and spiteful. I couldn’t blame Alek’s exhaustion. Being alone in a house filled with asshole brothers was depressing.

Being lonely and surrounded by that environment was torture.

The limousine turned into a white building, the hospital’s drop-off area busy with wandering humans and parked cars. I stepped out first and analyzed the entrance, people exiting and entering without batting an eye in our direction.

Alek walked inside first, Raphael following behind him. The automatic doors widened, sending a wave of coppery air that brushed my nose. Their scents intensified enough to meet my watering tongue. The smallest taste would be enough. So much more than—

I stopped in my tracks.

What was I fucking thinking?

Hervoice trailed as loud chatters swallowed the central entrance. I kept it moving as Alek and Raphael continued. I couldn’t have them leave my eyesight. They came first, nother.

Kids ran through the hospital halls with vibrant costumes while adults roamed with dull masks. Vivid green and black decorations embellished the white walls, bright orange lights shaped like pumpkins hanging from the ceiling with black bats.

Then it struck me with a shear stabbing. Today marked a little over a month since being assigned to the Sephtis. And my twenty-first birthday. My throat tightened while tension weighed against my chest.

“Ms. Eli?” Alek’s voice snapped my head toward him. A shadow cast over his gaze, his expression hardening as he cleared his throat. “We’re here.”

The feelings numbed as I pushed the thought away. This was something to think about later. Not now. Not ever, if possible.

They stepped into a small room, open white drapes separating lines of cubicles. They were all empty, with no one in the room except for the attendants who roamed behind the nurses’ station which overlooked the space.

Human pulses accelerated, heightening their uneasy breaths as nurses walked to the guys. Sweat trickled against my forehead as the salty scents mixed with the flowery fragrance. The circulating cold air wasn’t helping.

“Could I step out?”

Alek’s sharp gaze met mine, his silence enough to force me through the double doors. I swallowed the air, taking in the metallic scents that calmed my body.

I told you, Katerina.

Herforce shoved me toward the nearest wall.

Shut up.

If you don’t kill them, I will.

My breathing grew jagged as ifshegripped my neck.

No.