Page 244 of Caged

“You’ll be in here the rest of the day. With Dax.” Cage smirks, pushing open the ornate double doors to the library. The same room where Dax threw his whiskey glass at the wall behind me. Not my favorite room in the castle, but there’s not much I can say. It’s far from the worst place they’ve shoved me over the last week.

At least this room is warm. The bathroom I’m allowed to shower in has nearly-cold water, and I swear there are cracks in the stone that let the cold outside air in.

“Can I have something to eat for breakfast, please?” I direct my question to Cage, even though Daxen is standing three feet away.

Cage looks to Dax for an answer, then scowls at me like I somehow tricked him into looking inept.

I can’t win with this Alpha.

Thankfully, Dax answers before Cage can snap at me. “Cage will bring us all something from the kitchens. Nothing messy. I don’t want grease on the paperwork.” Cage shoots me another dirty look and walks out.

I keep my gaze on the floor. Another lesson my father taught me early, and one that I make sure not to forget since being brought here.

Never look your betters in the eyes.

I stand with my hands clasped, waiting for my orders for what feels like forever. Finally, someone clears their throat from across the room. I frown, sure, I hadn’t noticed anyone else in the room except Daxen when I came in. Chancing a peek through my lashes, my gaze lands on the newcomer, and my body freezes.

Standing in front of the fireplace is a very tall, very good-looking male wearing a three-piece suit. He’s broad, muscular, and covered in tattoos. Bright light brown eyes twinkle with mischief when he catches me looking. His features are sharp and angular, and he looks like the kind of man who wears a permanent smirk, like he knows a secret no one else does and isn’t telling.

He’s incredibly handsome. Possibly one of the most handsome males I’ve ever seen. It’s an objective sort of appraisal, though. Strangely, I feel nothing outside of a passing acknowledgement of his dark beauty.

There’s no burning heat flowing through my veins like there is when I look at Caelan.

Or… Vae and Dax.

I’ll only admit that in my head, though. I’d never say it out loud. It’s embarrassing enough that I find my Mate’s best friends attractive without taking into account the way they treat me. Acknowledging their beauty or how they make me feel isn’t something I like to do, even to myself.

The male stands taller and takes a few long strides in my direction. On instinct, I back up until I hit the edge of a large table.

He ignores my poor attempt at escape.

“Good morning, doll. I’m Riven.” He shoots me a cocky smirk and a wink, extending his hand for me to shake. “You must be the Omega.”

I eye his hand warily, then glance over his shoulder at Dax.

Is this some kind of trick?

“I won’t bite.”

I swear Dax mutters something under his breath that sounds like, “Oh, good gods, save me.”

“Get it?” Riven asks, chuckling. When I just keep staring at his open palm, he finally lets it drop and slides both hands into the pockets of his slacks.

“Get… what?” I ask

“Because I’m a vampire?” He winks. Again.

My lips curl. A shocked laugh almost breaks free. I bite my bottom lip, rubbing my palms together nervously as I peer around him again, making sure Dax isn’t getting mad.

Dax grabs Riven by the shoulder and hauls him away from me. “Alright, that’s enough. Omega, this is Riven. Riven, this is the Omega.”

I bite my tongue to keep from lashing out. His casual dismissal of me stings like a paper cut that’s not allowed to heal.

“Does the Omega have a name?” Riven asks.

I open my mouth to reply, but Dax beats me to it. “Her name doesn’t matter.”

And just like that, the wound tears open again.