The Rising (Darkness Rising 3)

I took a deep breath. "They want happy little future employees? Let's back up a step. Back to what they planned before the crash. They can pitch us their packages. We'll make our own decisions, including the decision to be reunited with our parents."

He went quiet. Very quiet. When he tried to speak, his breath hitched and he had to take another moment. Then he looked me in the eyes. "That's a very mature solution, Maya. Remarkably mature, and you have no idea how proud I am of you right now, for even thinking of it."

"So we can, right?" I knew the answer. I'd seen it in his face as soon as I suggested it. Pride and pain. Mostly pain.

"The Cabals would never allow that, Maya. The risk of telling your parents, after they've buried you . . ." He shook his head.

"And after they paid good money for us."

"It wasn't money. It was a trade of resources and intelligence."

I gave him a look. "Do you really think that matters? We're bought and paid for, whatever the currency. They say they want us happy, but they really just want us compliant." I looked at him. "I don't do compliant."

TWENTY-SIX

IF IT WASN'T FOR the light coming through my window, I'd have been certain it was night by now. It had to be, after everything that had happened.

I'd been in my room for about an hour, just lying on the bed, thinking. No, not thinking. Worrying. About Daniel. I couldn't see a way out of this prison, so there was nothing to think about except a very general, incredibly unhelpful I need to get out and find him. And, while I was getting out, I needed to take Rafe and Annie and Sam and Hayley and Kenjii and how the hell was I going to manage that, short of having an armored minivan break through the gates and rescue us?

A staccato rap at the door broke my reverie.

The door cracked open. "Decent?" Rafe asked.

"Yep."

"Damn." He pushed it open.

"If you're hoping to see something, the trick is to not knock first."

"That would be wrong," he said as he walked in. "The trick is to hope you say 'no, but come in anyway.'"

"Ah."

I patted the bed. He waggled his brows. I shook my head and he murmured another "Damn." I laughed and watched him cross the room and I felt . . . lighter. Like the weight lifted, not completely but enough for me to function again.

He didn't sit, but just reached over to pet Kenjii. "I was hoping to talk you into coming up on the roof with me."

"Lockdown is lifted?"

"My door was open. Your door was open. I take it that means we can wander and, if it doesn't, we'll just get on the roof fast, before they notice."

"Good plan."

I glanced at Kenjii and was about to ask if she could come when he patted his leg, and she jumped up and followed us to the door. When he motioned for her to wait, she sat.

"I do believe you've stolen my dog," I said.

"Not quite. But we have been roomies for the last couple of days. They wanted to kennel her. I said 'like hell.' She's a smart dog. She knew her choices were to behave or sleep on a cement floor."

"Thank you."

He shrugged and opened the door.

I caught it in my hand. "No, really. Thank you." I leaned over and kissed him.

When I pulled back, he was grinning. "See, I'm not as dumb as

I look. Most girls like flowers, candy, walks on the beach. But the way to your heart is through your pets." He paused. "And your friends, but I'm not doing so well with that part of my master plan."