Chapter 21 · The Woman in the Tank

The scream bounced off concrete and metal. It didn't stop.

Mara's hand hit the glass before she realized she'd moved. The surface was cold enough to burn. Inside the tank, Lia thrashed against the restraints crossing her chest and thighs. Sensors covered her arms like a second skin. The fluid around her rippled with every jerk of her body.

"Lia." Mara's voice came out raw. Her throat still ached where Kade's fingers had pressed. "Lia, it's me."

Her sister's eyes locked on her. The scream cut off. For three seconds Lia just stared, mouth open, and Mara could see the white edges of her teeth. Then her lips moved.

No sound came through the glass. But Mara could read the shape of the words.

He's not your patient.

"What?" Mara leaned closer. Her breath fogged the surface. "What are you talking about?"

Lia's gaze slid past her. Locked on Kade.

Mara turned. Kade stood five feet back, both hands pressed flat against his thighs like he was trying to nail them in place. His jaw was set so tight she could see the muscle jump. Sweat ran down the side of his face.

"She knows you," Mara said.

"No.