Page 30 of Milk & Malice: Vadik

Something cold in my neck.

A pinch.

Warmth bloomed behind my eyes.

Fuzz spread through me like static wrapped in velvet.

My breathing slowed.

Nice and slow.

Everything was… nice and slow.

Wonderful.

“That is Yuri Baranov,” Vadik said gently.“I once tried to do the right thing and testify against him. He ordered a hit on me.”

His voice was calm.

Almost fond.

“I lived.

But my family didn’t.”

He looked at Stumpy.

“Unfortunately, the man who actually killed them didn’t last as long as this piece of shit.”

I turned my head slightly.

Stumpy’s face was caked with dirt.

The plastic tube gurgled when he breathed.

A head. A torso. A breath.

That was all he had left.

“He is my revenge,” Vadik murmured,“and you are my sweet HuCow creation.”

His voice dropped low.

“I own you both. Be grateful for how well I’ve cared for you. Because if you cross me…”

He didn’t finish the threat.

He didn’t need to.

Stumpy.

And the human cow.

Both his.

Both mutilated.

His fingers brushed my cheek with mock affection.