Chapter 12 · Neon Deadline: Glitch Hunt - Chapter 12: Devil's Handshake

"Stop pretending you're the victim here, Kaelen. It’s pathetic," Seth spat, his hand tightening around the back of my neck. He didn't squeeze enough to choke me, but the pressure was a constant reminder of who held the leash. He slammed me back against the cold alloy wall of the safehouse, the impact rattling my teeth.

"Get off me!" I snarled, trying to wrench my shoulder away. "You're the one who hunted me like a dog. Don't talk to me about pretending."

Seth leaned in closer. I could feel the heat radiating off his chest, the scent of ozone and expensive corporate tobacco clinging to his coat. His eyes were like shards of frozen glass, scanning my face for any flicker of a lie. "I hunted you because you're a walking disaster. That plug-in isn't a gift; it's a death sentence. And now? Now we're both signed up for the same funeral."

I stopped struggling and looked up at him, my breath hitching. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

He let out a sharp, humorless laugh and stepped back just enough to let me breathe, though he didn't let go of my collar. "The blood-contract.