Page 48 of Master B-1901

Elec stepped in front of her, but she only stepped wider.

“I’m sick of this. These two are not fit for the Gardens.”

“You’re going to pay, Melissa. Mark my words.”

“Brad.” The Main Master’s hand came back, but my Master and the Mistress were slowly circling each other as neither backed down. “Master Nineteen-oh-one,” he growled. “To your apartment now.”

“Run home, Braddock. Run back inside your safe space.”

“Fuck you, Melissa.”

“Master.” I tugged at his shirt. “It’s time to go.Master.” At my raised tone, he looked down at me. “She’s not worth it. Remember our talk? She’ll pay the best way. She’ll fall. Let’s go.”

A look passed over his face, but he took my hand, letting me lead him away.

“No fire and all fuse,Braddock Amell Pierce. So sad.” Melissa laughed. “Boom. Dead.”

Both of our bodies jolted, but it was the fingers embedding in my hair that triggered whatever was inside of me to break. Yells erupted in a deep voice and pain burned like fire into my scalp as I was spun to face my Master. Laughter in the distance was muted by the explosion to my cheek. Lights flashed, but instinct and something entirely new kicked in. His orders to protect myself warped with Melissa’s unspoken orders for me to kill, and I had no control as the two battled and became something of their own.

Tap.

Tap.

Tick.

Boom.

My arm encircled his, wrapping around Braddock’s as I threw my weight forward, twisting and snapping his elbow. My palm smashed into his nose sending him flying back. He screamed in pain, but I knew nothing but the way my body came to life. Spinning, I zeroed in on the Mistress, barely catching the Main Master’s gaze widening as he waved guards in our direction. Nothing existed but green eyes that held to mine like a lover. Luring me in. Calling me home to destroy her once and for all.

“Ally, no! Ally!”

But weight crashed into my back sending marble burning into my chest and stomach. The fist that connected with my cheek sent the room wavering. As fast as it came, it disappeared, crushing into my jaw again as my head hit the floor.

Laughter.

Tick.

Tick.

Tick.

Boom.

Weight disappeared as guards were pulling Braddock off me. My leg drew back, and I smashed my foot forward right into his knee. His entire body locked up and all three men fell as they wrestled him to the ground. Before I could stand, more were on top of me too. I was clawing, kicking, screaming with all the insanity the tapping on my forehead was causing.

“Alpha down.”

Blue eyes locked with mine not inches away as the Main Master crouched, and the anger and frustration he held wiped everything from my brain in an instant. My body locked up andmoving was impossible. My brain knew that command. I knew those eyes.I knew them like nothing else. My Main Master was disheartened. More than that. Truth registered, filtering in what I had done. A truth that left tears pouring from me as I listened to the yells from my uncontrollable Master who continued to fight the guards.

“At attention, Allison.”

I obeyed, still feeling my body not quite reacting right from the command as I forced myself to stand. I stiffened my back and held my head high despite tears were blinding me. “I didn’t mean it. I couldn’t stop myself. I’m sorry, Main Master.I’m sorry.”

“I know. Me too, Ally. …Me too.”

The last was laced with emotion. Had I saw his disappointment before? I felt like I was losing my best friend. His mindset was clear to me. I couldn’t be trusted. That was evident by the conquered expression and tone. My mission as a slave was over. I’d never be used again. My training said it would be too dangerous. I was useless now. Dead. I was going to die because I neglected to restrain myself.

…I had failed.