Monster

Chapter Twenty--Drew's POV

DREW POV

My hands were shaking, my body was in a cold sweat and there was a giant lump of guilt in my throat. I had just killed somebody--an innocent man who had faith in his strength.

But I was stronger.

What was I supposed to do? I couldn't run; Dr. Niles made sure of that. Alex had done the same, and now we were behind a sick version of a Broadway stage, listening to the chatter of the crowd.

Their words were sickening me by each second.

They were bidding on us--Alex and I.

"Subject One, going for one million, going, going---"

"Three million dollars!"

"Three million dollars, Subject One, going--"

"Six million dollars..."

I blocked out their cries and turned to face Alex. We were strapped into chairs--the only thing keeping us from escaping was the painful shock of electricity that would kill any normal human that was administered every time we moved out of place. We could talk, at least.

"Remind me again why we are here?" I was actually a bit pissed off--Alex The Genius had led me straight into this death-trap, or at least this bidding-trap.

"You needed to see something--I guess it's too late now. But Dr. Niles has an entire storage room full of--"

He was cut off by the angry yells of the crowd as someone yelled:

"Sold for 20 million dollars! Subject Two will be transported to the desired location within three days."

My stomach doubled over and I shot a worried look at Alex. He was looking through the red curtains, trying to locate the buyer. But I knew I could handle it. I could get out of this situation, just like every other one I had encountered.

"Drew, Dr. Nile has an entire storage room full of Monsters," Alex whispered to me as a few men in bullet proof suits walked past us in the cold hallway.

I grimaced at that news.

"Are they...conscious?" by that I meant: did they have their free will?

"Well, some of them. I saw James. He was taking them away, and when they came back they were GLAD to cram back into the cages. He's turning them against us, one by one," Alex explained.

"Does that mean that...we're next?"

My heart picked up--Alex could be an imposter right now. I stared deep into his eyes. He was still the same old Alex.

"I'm not sure--some of the people didn't come back. It might not be working on everyone, and I'm sure Dr. Nile doesn't want to risk it with our precious minds," he muttered.

I heard the crowd clap from the seats, and wondered what they were watching.

"Look at its speed and agility as it takes on one of my machines, programmed to kill," Dr. Niles's voice rang out. I scowled; they were probably watching me rip the tigers head off.

"Subject One is still in need of further work, but in due time he will be ready for an auction. Please contact me on any questions or comments, and please remember that the breaking of the confidentiality coding will result in death."

The blood-red curtains drew together, the thick fabric silencing the chattering audience. Footsteps came from the direction of the stage, and soon Dr. Nile appeared in his military-like green and grey uniform.

"Subject Two, please come with me," Dr. Nile said.

"Oh, so now I'm Subject Two? We have fucking names, asshole," I spat out at him. He smiled contentedly and pulled a remote out of his pocket.

"This administers a shock of over 200 watts. Please do not step out of line again."

I clenched my muscles as Dr. Niles's finger pressed down on a red button. A revolting pain shot throughout me--if I had been standing, I would have fell over. My stomach churned and I felt bile rise.

"Please follow me," he repeated, pressing another button to release me out of the chair. I glanced at Alex, who was mouthing the words:

"I love you," he looked nervous as he said it but I mouthed it back and gave him a heart-shattering.

I knew it might be the last time I would see him in a long time.

Following Dr. Nile was hell. He kept his finger floating around the red button so that I couldn't attack him or anyone else as we briskly walked down the long, endless white hallway. I didn't dare look back at Alex, because I would probably run back to him and have him kiss me.

The hallway grew emptier and emptier as we walked further down; until we stopped at a cold metallic door that smelt like blood. Dr. Niles opened it, having me go in first.

Inside was a...conference room. It was just like in offices: a long, oval table, carpeted floor, big glass windows that showed the jungle, the latest computers and a fake plant in the corner.

The only thing that was out of place was the silver chair, gleaming at one end of the table. It was equipped with straps and wires--I assumed it was for me.

Also in the room was a man; he looked to be in his mid-thirties, with wavy black hair and tan skin that looked like the sun had baked. He was wearing a nice suit, which had probably cost him about five-hundred dollars.

A dark, creeping fear dawned on me: he was my buyer.

"Hello, Shane."

Dr. Niles greeted him curtly, then grabbed my arm and shoved me down into the chair, connecting the straps over my arms so that I wouldn't do anything too dramatic.

"Thank you, sir," I said sarcastically. I regretted it instantly, but Dr. Niles set the remote down gently on the glass table while glaring at me. The man, Shane, seemed surprised that I talked.

"It is intelligent enough to grasp sarcasm?"

I wanted to flip him off--I mean, how stupid does he think I am.

"Yes," Dr. Niles replied. "Her IQ levels are at 157, according to the last test taken when she was nine years old."

Shane raised his eyebrows and nodded, then glanced at me.

"Can you carry on a conversation?" he said tauntingly.

"No, I don't talk with assholes."

He smiled and chuckled; Dr. Niles grabbed the remote and pressed down on the button.

But I was two steps ahead of him.

The electric shock bracelet that he had locked onto me was ripped off--and placed in his pocket.

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OK, I'm really sorry that this is such a short chapter! I didn't have much time to right this week (School just started, and I have sports after-school). I hope you liked it, even though it was sooooooo short! I'll try to make the next one longer. :)