Page 98 of Caged

“I’ve heard that name before. Recently.” I mutter as I start to pace. “Or, I’ve seen it. Read it, maybe? Where…”

My steps stutter to a stop.

With fumbling fingers, I reach into my pocket and snag my phone, pull up my photos, and scroll until I find the picture I’m looking for.

The list Caelan found in Varenthrall’s desk drawer.

“Sam G. AB positive, Anna R. O negative, Daniella J. B positive, Drew M. O negative, Calla T. A negative.”

I recite the names out loud, and as I do, a few more pieces of the puzzle slot together. “This is it.” My voice rasps.

“This is where I saw it. I’d bet every fucking hour of sleep I’ve lost these past weeks that these names are Omegas.”

Scraping a hand through my hair, I exhale in frustration at my own stupidity. “I didn’t put it together. Two of the names are gender neutral.”

Fates, I’m so fucking dumb. How did I miss this?

“Get Ford on the phone.”

Gav’s already dialing, and Ford picks up after one ring.

“Yeah?” His tone is clipped. All business.

Gav doesn’t waste time with pleasantries. “The Omega. What did you say her name was?”

“I didn’t say.” There’s a heavy pause, then, “Her name is Calla. Why?”

A collective breath whooshes out of everyone in the room. Even Riven looks like he’s on the edge of his seat.

“Why?” Ford presses.

“Because we just found another Omega,” Gav explains. “Same situation. Riven’s got her at Redmark. Except this one’s worse.”

He recounts what happened, but it’s all background noise at this point. My mind keeps circling back to that list.

Five names on that paper. Five Omegas. We can cross-check the names with the Omega Registry nationally, but we’ll have no idea if their names were there before unless we get lucky like we did in Chicago.

Sighing, I lean against the wall next to Caelan, where Vae joins a moment later.

“So this is all related, then?” Vae asks, brows furrowed in concern.

“Seems like it. We know Varenthrall is working with the Severed. He’s got supposed magic blood hidden in his study, a list of Omegas, two of which showed up out of nowhere with random abilities. The same blood was in a warehouse crawling with Deadwalkers. The vials….”

My words trail off, and I turn the phone sideways to zoom in on the labels.

“Asset Z-1 // Sample 7B // O-Fem/NH // Assigned: A.R. That’s the one you brought home.”

I flick to another. “Asset Z-1 // Sample 7E //O-Fem/NJ // Assigned: S.G.”

My voice lowers as I flick to the next photo.

“Holy fuck.” Caelan’s eyes widen.

“They match,” I breathe in awe. “The last part matches the initials of the Omegas on the list.”

“But there are 10 vials of blood,” Vae points out.

“And only five names,” Gav adds, and with a start, I realize he’s standing right in front of us.