Across The Divide by Stacey Marie Brown Read Free Book Online

against fae.”
    My head snapped to look at the doctor. “So this is only about your army? You’re going to torture thousands of animals and fae to breed smarter animals?”
    “Not all animals. Mostly primates. They are quite similar to humans and exceptionally smart.”
    If he wanted an army of intelligent animals able to understand orders and be able to communicate and fight, primates were the leading animals to try the theory on.
    “Babies and animals. You like when they don’t have a voice and can’t stand up and fight against what you are doing to them.” Anger tossed the words from my mouth before I could stop them. I knew I went too far.
    Rapava’s back stiffened, his eyes stared at me, lids narrowing. “I don’t think you understand the true severity of the situation. This is for our survival. The human race is in jeopardy, Zoey. Our world is being stolen from us. Whatever it takes, we need to learn how to survive and fight against them.” His critical blue eyes roamed over me. “I thought you of all people would understand the most. You were held captive by them for almost four months and saw what they are capable of doing.”
    I held his gaze, my nails digging into my palms as opposing words came out of my mouth. “No. You’re right. We need to do whatever it takes.”
    He watched me, trying to decipher the truth in my words. I forced myself not to swallow back the knot in my esophagus. Sweat beaded at the base of my neck. Finally he nodded. “I hoped you felt that way. You are strong, Zoey, and will be a skillful warrior. Even though the fae took your body, I hoped it hadn’t taken your soul.”
    I forced liquid to brim at my lids. “He tried, sir. But no matter what he did or said, I knew the truth deep down.”
    Pride curved his mouth up. “Your dedication and knowledge to our cause is crucial to us. You are fundamental to our survival.” I used to strive for his praise, to crave it. To get any recognition out of him was a feat. Now I was finally bestowed with his approval, and I felt sick to my stomach. All I saw was a demented man, high on his own self-importance and superiority.
    Time only enhanced his narcissism, paranoia, and god complex, narrowing his mind to see only what he wanted. He no longer saw fae as anything more than meat or subjects to be used. Even humans were not important to him compared to his vision. He would sacrifice us all if he felt it would fulfill his theories. It was hard to imagine him a small boy, weeping over his mother’s dead body or crying when his father struck him. It was almost impossible to feel he was human anymore.
    “Thank you.” I turned away, no longer able to look at him. “I will do what I can for you.”
    “Yes, you will.”
    My nails dug deeper into my palms. We stayed silent for a few moments before I spoke. I needed to be careful. This was a high-wire act from which I could easily fall.
    “Sir.” I cleared my throat and nodded to the sleeping figure on the bed. “Would you consider leaving this specimen in my care?”
    Rapava turned; his frame always so stiff it appeared to move as one unit.
    “He knows me, sir.” I rushed to continue before he stopped me. “He grew an attachment to me. He listens to me, follows me. At first it bothered me, but now I see it could be useful.” I shifted my gaze to the doctor and kept my voice in a questioning tone.
    Rapava inspected me, his mouth clamped in a solid line. I felt heat swirl up my spine, and my heart thumped a little faster.
    A slow, cruel smile arched his mouth.
    I went too far. He sees through me.
    “I had not thought of that.”
    “Of what, sir?” I gulped.
    “Both animal and sub fae seek a master, someone to command them…” He drifted off, lost in his own thoughts.
    Hell . That wasn’t where I was going with this, and by Dr. Rapava’s expression, his mind was going nowhere good. But right then all I could worry about was getting Sprig.
    “I will allow you to supervise him. It