Chapter 6 · Is that a threat?

She looked at him. "Is that a threat?"

"It's a warning."

"You sound worried."

"I'm trying not to sound terrified."

The tunnel went still for one ugly second.

Even the soldiers hesitated.

Lila felt his fingers tighten in her coat. His heat pressed into her back. His heartbeat hammered against her shoulder blade, fast and uneven.

"Say it again," she said.

Cain's stare sharpened. "No."

"You said you're terrified."

"I said I'm trying not to sound it."

"Of dying?"

"Of you using that command."

"You think I'd do it?"

"I think you'll do whatever keeps your brother alive."

The pipe lowered an inch.

The hunter noticed. "That's right, girl. He knows what you need. The Hive doesn't accept promises. It accepts credits. We can buy your brother another month. Maybe two."

Lila's grip went white around the pipe.

"What do you want?" she asked.

"Step away from Cain."

"And you let me walk?"

"You walk out breathing. He does not."

Cain leaned toward her. His mouth brushed close to her ear, not touching. His breath shook against her skin.

"Don't bargain with them."

"You have a better idea?"

"Yes.