Species Unknown [Book 2: Pisces)

27. PRETTY LIES

MY BODY JOLTED at the sudden noise, and I looked behind me to see that Hunter was standing in the open doorway of the tank. Eyeing his stance, I noticed his arms were crossed, and his face was set in an unpleasant frown.

What now...I muttered to myself.

"Miss Ono, may I have a word, if you'd be so kind." Hunter drawled sardonically, his lips twisting into a snarl as he spoke.

"I thought we were done for the day?" I quipped back, unwilling to leave Cassian so soon. Also, with the sour mood Hunter looked to be in, I wanted to be nowhere near him.

Hunter let out a frustrated breath. "The subject is, but you are not. Let's go." Hunter answered impatiently, gesturing for me to come to him.

I sighed.

As much as I dreaded it, I had to go with Hunter. What choice did I have?

Glancing over at Cassian, I saw that his face had hardened with his gaze focused solely on Hunter.

Slowly, I unlaced my fingers from his and let go of his hand. This action caught Cassian's attention, and he glanced at me before trying to reclaim my hand.

I shifted, moving just out of his reach.

"I have to go." I said solemnly, looking down.

"With him?" Cassian hissed, cutting a sharp look over to where Hunter stood.

I nodded. "Yes."

"It is not safe." Cassian insisted, trying once again to reclaim my hand. But once again, I moved out of his reach, shaking my head.

"I know, but I have to play along remember?" I whispered pleadingly.

Cassian didn't respond, instead, he watched me carefully. I saw understanding wash over his features as he processed my words.

"Don't worry, I can handle this. You trust me don't you?" I added, sounding more confident than I felt.

"Yes." Cassian replied without hesitation.

I let out a breath, "Then I'll see you soon." I said with a half smile, finally standing up to take my leave.

Cassian clenched his jaw, cutting another sharp look over at Hunter. If looks could kill, Hunter would be on the ground already.

Dragging my feet, I walked over to where Hunter stood, giving him my most unpleasant scowl as I approached.

"After you, Miss Hawaii." Hunter jeered, making a display to hold the tank door open for me as I passed. I bit back the snide remarks I wanted to say, fearful that I might come to regret them.

With Hunter following behind me, I walked through the tank door. The door closed behind us and I took one last glance at Cassian. His eyes were intense as he watched me leave, his hands balled into fists as he eyed Hunter following behind me.

He didn't trust Hunter, and frankly, neither did I.

"In here." Hunter ordered from behind me, regaining my attention. I glanced at him to see that he was signaling for me to go inside the surveillance room.

Complying, I walked into the room, noticing a few researchers looking up from the screens to see who had entered. They glanced behind me and immediately began getting up from their seats, passing by me as they filed out of the door.

Soon, all of them had left, leaving Hunter and me alone. My heart was beating fast, and my palms grew sweaty. Something felt off, and I didn't like where this was going at all.