Then—
“That’s disappointing.”
The voice almost sounds amused.
“You used to remember everything.”
Something inside my chest caves inward.
Used to.
Clay’s entire body goes rigid beside me.
Russ lifts his weapon higher.
“Show yourself.”
A low chuckle echoes through the tunnel.
“You’re standing in a classified Sentinel transport route beneath a black-site district, Commander. I assure you… I can see all of you perfectly.”
Commander.
Russ’s jaw tightens.
Clay steps slightly in front of me.
Protective.
Always protective.
The voice notices immediately.
“Fascinating.”
Clay’s eyes narrow.
“What is?”
“The attachment.”
Every instinct in me screams.
Not fear.
Recognition.
Like this conversation—
this exact kind of conversation—
has happened before.
The voice lowers.
“Tell me, Clay Vincent… did she smile at you before or after she started imprinting?”
Clay goes deadly still.
