Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 88119 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88119 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Had Alec heard that gem from Major before he’d repeated it to me a few days ago? Anger seemed to eat a hole in my stomach but I forced it down. I couldn’t risk Major suspecting that I was going to run away. And just as quickly, I realized that that was my only option. I had to find my mother so she could tell me where Abel was—if she really was in contact with him—and then I would do everything in my power to find and free Holly.
I covered my face with my hands and let out a sob, hoping this would really drive it home. Major had to believe I was a stupid, lost, desperate girl. “I’m worried Alec will leave me after all this. Do you think he’ll wait for me while I’m away getting healthy?”
“Alec knows about the emotional baggage you’re carrying.”
I bet he did, I thought bitterly. Traitor.
“He’ll be glad that you’re seeking help. Alec and I want you to be well.”
I looked up, displaying regret and embarrassment across my face. “I’m sorry for today. I just lost it. I’m so worried about Holly. I feel like I’m falling and there’s nothing to catch me.” I hated how close to the truth the last part was, hated how everything I’d cared about and loved seemed to be ripped from my life.
Major gave me an understanding look and it was all I could do not to punch him. Maybe that evaluation in my file wasn’t that far off. Maybe I had the potential for becoming a Volatile, but if I really went off the deep end, I knew who was to blame. Major and his lies.
“I’m tired,” I said quietly. “I think I need to get some sleep.”
“I’ll bring you to your room,” Major said as he straightened before slipping something from the drawer in his desk and stashing it in his trouser pocket. I couldn’t see what it was. He walked around the desk and we headed out of his office. My expression fell but I hastily rearranged my face into a serene smile.
So Major wasn’t that easily placated. He didn’t even trust me to head back to my room alone. Did he think I was going to run? Or was he just worried I’d return to the basement to snoop around some more?
Major followed close behind as I walked to my room. I could feel his eyes bore into my skull and back. I stepped into my room and without a word he entered after me. What was he going to do? Watch me while I slept to make sure I didn’t do something stupid?
“I have these for you,” he said as he took a small plastic bottle with pills out of his trousers.
I frowned at him. “What are they for?”
“They’ll help you sleep,” he explained as he placed two pills into my palm. I stared at the small white squares.
So he was going to drug me to sleep. That way I wouldn’t run anywhere. Panic wanted to make an ugly appearance, but I pushed it down. There would be time for it later.
“Here.” Major took the water bottle from my nightstand and handed it to me. “You have a few minutes before they take effect. That should give you enough time to change into your sleeping clothes.”
Only a few minutes. How was I supposed to escape if I was under the influence? I was sure Major would knock at my door first thing in the morning to keep an eye on me until the shrinks came to take me with them.
I accepted the bottle and thrust the pills into my mouth before taking a huge gulp of water. For a brief moment I considered hiding the pills under my tongue or in the back of my mouth, but I had a feeling Major would notice and then he’d probably tie me to the bed and ruin any chance I had at escape. I swallowed the pills and grimaced at the bitter taste they left on my tongue; they tasted like hopelessness and defeat.
Major scanned my face, and I expected him to ask me to open my mouth, but he seemed satisfied with what he saw. “Get some rest.” He walked out and closed the door behind him but I didn’t hear his steps move away.
I rummaged in my nightstand and shut it with a bang so he would hear it. Then I hastily slipped out of Major’s clothes and into my pajamas, in case he decided to check on me. Street clothes would have looked suspicious. I slipped the photos of my mother and I, Abel and I, and the one of my whole family into my pajama pockets. My movements became slower, my limbs felt heavier, my mind was starting to turn fuzzy. The pills were taking effect faster than I’d thought. Panic corded up my throat. I was never going to make it. Resignation washed over me. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if the FEA’s shrinks took a look at me, maybe they could turn a switch in my head that would make me happy.