Page 102 of Caged

Standing, he adjusts his cuff links.

“My advice? Don’t tell anyone anything, especially about the Omegas. Make sure Chicago HQ doesn’t open its mouth either. You want to keep this contained as long as possible, because this shit is dangerous. Magic like this doesn’t show up by accident.”

In unison, we all turn towards the Omega. She blinks once, never faltering in her whispered tirade.

Shivers break out on the back of my neck.

What the hell have we fallen into?

As we file into the hall, ready to head back to HQ, I pause in the doorway. Looking over my shoulder at Riven, I ask, “What happened to the man who lied about paying you?”

His smile is feral, fangs gleaming in the overhead lights.

“I ripped his fucking throat out, Daxen.” His smile widens. “Then I took my payment.”

I leave with a smirk on my face, but that damn Omega’s words are playing on repeat in my head like a bad omen.

On the way back to HQ, I catch Caelan’s reflection in the rear-view, and my stomach drops. His fists are clenched on his thighs, his eyes steady and focused on the scenery passing by out the window.

He looks focused. Determined.

Vae meets my eyes in the mirror, his expression grim. We both know something bad is coming, and we both know there’s nothing we can do to stop it.

The longer I study my brother, the more sure I am of one thing.

Caelan’s going back to that house tomorrow night, and when he comes out, he’s going to have that damn Omega with him.

No matter what his decision winds up costing us

Chapter 15

Idril

The house feels restless tonight, and so do I.

There’s a feeling I can’t shake. I can sense it everywhere. In the air, on my skin, in every breath I take. It’s right there.

Expectation.

My sundress brushes against my thighs as I make yet another lap around my room, trying to expel some of this unease coiled under my skin.

Shade’s been gone for two days, and I’m really starting to worry about him. I keep reminding myself that at least I know Father hasn’t caught him. He wouldn’t be able to resist holding Shade’s capture over my head if he had.

I just have to hope he’s out in the forest, living his best life. Not like me—locked in this bedroom.

The silver lining is that I’m allowed to eat now. Mara brought me a tray last night, sneaking me a book from the library as well.

I still feel wobbly, and my fingers shook when I buttoned my cardigan this morning, but aside from that and a low-grade headache I can ignore, I feel alright.

Omegas always bounce back quicker than betas. Which apparently makes Alphas think they have free rein over our punishments and bodies when it comes to abuse. It’s like they think our pain is somehow less real because the bruises fade slightly faster.

Raising my fingers to my neck, I prod gently at my most recent injuries from Father’s tirade.

It’s impossible to deny the truth any longer. My father hates me, and he’s not a good man.

No. I can’t sugarcoat it.

He’s evil.