Page 23

Tye stormed out of the room, glaring at me. Then he turned to Holden.

"Take them back to their cells. And don't even think about touching them."

"Yes,Sir," Holden grumbled.

Tye shot me one last angry glare, then turned to the waiting soldiers. "With me."

Then he stormed off in the opposite direction, entourage marching wordlessly behind him.

What in the seven hells?!

Even worse — the bond urged me to follow him!

How was it still affecting me with the collar on?

"Who was that?" Liam whispered, interrupting my thoughts.

"No one."

He shot me a disbelieving look, and I ignored him. I'd rejected Tye and his deal, and if I was lucky, I'd never even have to think about the 'Lieutenant' or our damn bond again.

Something inside me ached at that, but I pushed it away. I needed to focus on keeping the Harlsteds safe. Not some ridiculous mate bond.

Holden shoved Liam forward. "Get moving. And enjoy this little break while you have it," he sneered. "You'll be strapped back into that chair before you know it."

No, he won't.

I curled my hands into fists, moving to walk behind Liam. We led the way up the stairs, Liam sending darting glances in my direction as he walked.

I refused to meet his gaze.

"How am I still alive?" he whispered.

"Later," I hissed back.

By some stroke of luck, I'd escaped with my memories intact and Liam safe. Holden was already struggling to hold back his rage, though, and it wouldn't help the escape if Holden ignored Tye's command and beat us.

"It seems like you kept some of your memories this time, at least," Liam continued, ignoring me. "How is that possible?"

I pressed my lips together and motioned with my chin and eyes over my shoulder towards Holden."Later,"I hissed again.

He'd been silent formonths.Why was he choosing NOW to talk?!

Liam's green eyes narrowed. "I feel like shit, but somehow you look … stronger. Those bags beneath your eyes are gone, and you're walking without a wobble. I'd have sworn —"

"Shut it!" Holden shouted from behind us.

I shot a scathing glare at Liam. Did he ever listen?

"You will tell me," he mouthed before turning to face forward.

I looked away.

My body still buzzed after the confrontation, but underneath that, I really did feel stronger than I had in weeks. My body ached less, and that gnawing, empty feeling in my chest was mostly gone.

Why, though? What changed?

The bond to Tye tugged at me again, urging me in his direction, and I inhaled sharply.