Page 45 of The Vixen

So Luna’s knowledge is limited. It’s best we keep it that way.

“But you don’t needrescued.” I shuffle closer and crouch in front of her to keep my voice low. This nonsense is for Luna’sears, but it’d be nice to know what volume the cameras no longer pick up.

“You’re safe here. Jasper can’t find you.”

Her eyelids constrict, as if even more confused. I bite my tongue to give her a second,just a secondto clear her mind, kick in those survival instincts I know she has.

Once more, she glances up at the ceiling.

There ya go.

“I have new friends now, and they’re very powerful people. They can keep you guarded. Kind of like how Chaffer did.”

“Chaffer?” she asks, squinting at the mention of my former enemy. I don’t think she ever met the guy. But everyone knew about our feud.

I nod. “They’reexactlylike him. Kind. Generous… They’ll demand your loyalty and devotion, but if you give them those things, you’ll never have to worry about your old master finding you ever again. Even if he did find you, they know his name now. They’ll kill him on sight. Ipromise.”

I see the words form in her mind:You son of a bitch.

But, for once, Liberty keeps her mouth shut.

Her eyes rake over my face before surveying my body. My palms rest open on my knees, revealing the signs of hard labor and servitude. For the last three days, I’ve maintained a constant state of hunger just to keep my hollow, malnourished face and collar bone intact.

She sees it.

I know she sees it.

Because she smiles. Bitterly. Coldly. With no humor, no camaraderie, no compassion.

“You’re pathetic,” she spits, her arms wrapping protectively around herself. A subconscious gesture—she’d never willingly show fear.

We stare at each other for nearly a minute, so much to say, but not a word can be spoken in this room. With her eyes, Liberty manages to convey her disdain. It balls my chest tighter until the remorse I mimic slips, and I have to look away so she won’t see her hatred reflected back.

It’s wrong to feel insulted under these circumstances.

Yet…

I gesture to my forehead. “I’m gonna get you some ice. That looks like it hurts.”

A piece of foam sticks to my elbow when I stand. I pluck it off as I turn toward the door.

“Sawyer.”

My knuckles hover in front of steel. I look down at Liberty.

“I’m feeling claustrophobic.” Her arms hug her knees, but none of the discomfort reaches her eyes. It won’t fool Luna for a second, but the attempt loosens some of the tension.

At least she’s playing ball.

“I’ll let the boss know.”

The door opens without me needing to knock, and I step out to meet Luna and another Keeper, one not nearly as friendly as Aiden. I glimpse him before locking onto Luna.

“She’s subdued, for now. But you should be aware, her previous master got off on forcing her to spend hours in tight spaces. She’s okay for the moment, but if you want her to believe you aren’t cruel, she’ll need fresh air. Access to a bathroom. Some semblance of freedom… It’d be helpful for her to stay in my room with me, at least for a couple of days.”

Luna’s head tilts. She’s onto me. Already.

“You aren’t afraid?”