Page 71 of Blood Caged
“And what would the ‘right way’ be, Maxwell?” I scowl.
“Not Marlowe’s way, that’s for sure,” he mutters.
“The fact that he’s involved makes this whole thing even worse.” I rub my eyes with one hand. “How the hell did you get in league with that snake, Maxwell? I always thought you were better than that.”
I half-expect my maker to shut me down again, but he doesn’t.
“Son, there are times when a man must do what is necessary for his family, even if it is…distasteful. Lucien provides a means to an end that will derail a prophecy and ultimately save countless lives.”
“Prophecy? What prophecy?”
“One that will never impact you if things go the way they should. I just need you to trust that I’m doing the right thing.”
“And if I can’t accept that?” I’m not giving up so easily.
“Then the maker’s bond will convince you to be compliant.” Maxwell sets his jaw. “I’m sorry, Soren. It’s the way it has to be.”
“By treating these people like animals.”
Maxwell shrugs. “Don’t forget that they are inferior to us. In the natural order of things, they are our prey. Marlowe has simply turned it into a production line.”
I feel my lip curl in disgust. “You haven’t seen what they do in there.”
“I am certain that you are making sure that any suffering has been kept to a minimum, Soren. As I said before, that is one of the reasons I chose you for this.”
“Well, I think we should put a time limit on it,” I say firmly. “I’ve done as you asked. But things are getting out of hand. Yesterday, Lucien ordered me to execute two innocent women.”
Maxwell’s eyebrows shoot up. “And did you?”
“What do you think, Maxwell? You were the one who—”
Maxwell’s phone rings, and he holds up a hand, stopping me mid-sentence. “Shit,” he mutters, looking at the screen. “I have to take this.”
I drum my fingers on the arm of my chair, frustrated that this conversation is going nowhere.
“Yes?” Maxwell says into the phone. His expression darkens as the person on the other end begins to speak. My heightened hearing allows me to pick up the occasional word. It’s Lucien…and I don’t like what I’m hearing.
“Of course,” Maxwell says, nodding. “You can count on him.” He glances at me. “I’ll let him know.”
“What now?” I ask as he ends the call.
Maxwell’s lips turn down at the corners. “You are to prepare for another…VIP guest.”
My eyes fly wide. “You mean they’re abducting another witch?”
He dips his head in confirmation. “Lucien believes that in light of the Blackwood woman’s recent escape attempt, he should hedge his bets and bring in another option.”
“Jesus, Maxwell,” I snap. “When does this fucking end? I already have a witch locked in my quarters because she gathered enough power to escape in spite of all the high-level tech we had in place. Does he think bringing in another one like her won’t end in a magical tsunami?”
“He thinks you’ll do your job and make sure it doesn’t happen again.” Maxwell’s silvery eyes lock onto me. “That witch got away on your watch, Soren. You let your guard down.”
“I had everything in place, for God’s sake! What happened was completely unpredictable.”
“It happened because you decided they needed time outdoors. Time in which they were able to connect. You were a fool not to expect that.” Maxwell pauses. “Or maybe not such a fool. Maybe that’s exactly what you were hoping for.”
“That’s bullshit, Maxwell. You know I would never defy you like that.”
“Wouldn’t you? Because the way I see it, you might be unable to fight the maker bond, but you sure as hell can work around it. By facilitating their escape plans, you effectively disobeyed your orders without actively opposing my command.”