The lights flickered overhead as Kasia followed Austin down the hallway, her footsteps echoing against the cold linoleum floor. She felt disgust and anger as she forced herself to maintain a neutral expression.
"You know, Kasia," Austin's voice oozed with false sincerity, "I've always admired your strength. We make such a great team, you and I. I'm so glad you have come back to your senses."
Kasia's jaw clenched, her mind drifting to thoughts of how satisfying it would be to slam Austin's head through the wall. Instead, she offered a noncommittal grunt, barely acknowledging his words.
"Don't be like that. I know you're a very proud woman, but it was time for you to be submissive. I mean…"
Kasia's hands clenched into fists as she prepared to punch Austin in the back of his head, but Deva whispered in her mind, "Let the little weasel talk. We have to play the game until we can find a way to get out. Once we do, we'll tear him limb from limb together."
Austin continued his nauseating monologue as they walked. "Remember that time we took down that pack in Chicago? We were unstoppable."
"More like when I took down that pack," Kasia muttered. Austin always took credit for her accomplishments. He was a terrible hunter. Kasia always had to save his ass now that she truly thought about it.
"And now, with your abilities, just imagine what we could accomplish together," Austin continued.
"You're right, Austin," Kasia forced the words out, hating how they sounded. "We've always worked well together."
A smug smile spread across Austin's face, and Kasia fought the urge to roll her eyes. How had she ever been fooled by this pathetic excuse for a man?
As they approached the training room door, Kasia hesitated. She didn't know what to expect. Austin turned to her, smiling as if everything was safe.
"After you," Austin said, holding the door open.
Kasia stepped inside, her eyes quickly scanning the room. Her gaze lingered on the metal table in the center, various electronic devices scattered across its surface. She noticed what seemed like scientists working on computers. Then her eyes darted to a corner of the room, and she had to refrain from growling. Aimee was leaning against the far wall, flanked by two scientists.
"Well, well," Aimee sneered, pushing off the wall and walking towards Kasia. "Look who finally decided to join the party."
"Couldn't miss the show, could you?" Kasia bit out.
Aimee's grin widened, her eyes gleaming with malicious delight. "Oh, honey," she cooed, "I wouldn't miss your collar fitting for the world. It's about time someone put a leash on you."
Kasia's vision narrowed, zeroing in on Aimee's throat. One quick move, that's all it would take. Deva attempted to soothe her, "Calm down. Now is not the time."
"Now, ladies," Austin interjected, his voice grating on Kasia's nerves. "Let's keep things civil. We're all on the same team here."
Kasia barely suppressed a snort. Team? Is that what he called this sick charade?
"Of course," Aimee purred, her eyes never leaving Kasia's face. "We're just one big, happy family, aren't we?"
"Whatever you say," Kasia managed, her voice cold and flat. "Let's just get this over with."
Austin nodded and snapped his fingers. One of the scientists offered him a sleek, blue collar. "I had them make it in your favorite color."
"Blue is not my favorite color," Kasia corrected. "What does it do?"
"It won't hurt," Austin responded, his fingers brushing her neck as he fastened the device. "Not unless you misbehave."
Deva's presence flared in Kasia's mind. "All hell, is this a damn shock collar? Never mind; I take back everything I said. Go ahead and rip his throat out."
"Don't make me laugh," Kasia said.
"I'm being serious. Do they really think a shock collar will contain us? Absolutely ridiculous," Deva growled.
"How thoughtful of you," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm as Austin walked from behind her to stand in front of her.
Austin stepped back. "Now then, let's begin. Sit, Kasia."
Kasia blinked, genuine confusion momentarily overriding her anger. "I'm sorry, what?"
"You heard me," Austin repeated, his voice hardening. "Sit."
Kasia's eyes darted around the stark, empty room. "Where exactly? In case you hadn't noticed, there aren't any chairs."
A muscle twitched in Austin's jaw. Without warning, his hand moved to a small remote at his belt.
"I said," Austin said as he pressed the button, "sit."
The collar tightened around her neck. There was a sharp sting that was more surprise than agony, but Kasia couldn't let them know that. Dropping to her knees with a dramatic gasp, Kasia clutched at her throat, her nails clawing at the metal trying to pull it off.
"This would've killed you if I wasn't here," Deva warned. "Don't be too dramatic or they'll catch on."
Austin smiled but for looking at her with fake concern. "Good girl," he said before letting go of the button. "I'm sorry, Kasia. You know I had to make sure it works, especially for what's coming next."
"Well, well. Look at you now. On her knees, where she belongs. How fitting," Aimee laughed and Austin glared at her.
"That's enough Aimee. I don't know what your previous relationship was with Kasia, but the disrespect will not be tolerated," Austin warned.
"What? I am not saying anything wrong," Aimee said, feigning ignorance. "It is good that she is learning her place."
"This bitch…" Deva snarled with Kasia. She imagined lunging at Aimee, wiping that smug smile off her face with her fists.
"I'm sure you are familiar with this position, being the slut you are," Kasia whispered, her voice low enough for only Aimee to hear.
Aimee snarled, "How dare you! Even now, you still think you're better than me, you little…"
Austin whirled on Aimee, his face flushing with anger. "Shut up!" he snapped. "If it weren't for what you can do for the Hunters, you'd be dead right now. Remember that."