Page 194 of Awakened

Before leaving my father’s estate, I thought I was fairly well informed. But every day, it becomes more obvious how little I really know about the real world. I hate it. It makes me feel stupid. Small.

When he realizes I’m no longer right behind him, Soren’s steps slow to a stop. He turns, lifting a questioning brow.

“Idril? What’s wrong?”

The way he’s looking at me—with concern rather than pity—has my anger receding. I sigh, determined not to have a pity party in the middle of the compound.

The trainee compound located at the headquarters of the entire freaking organization!

I paste a smile on my face and shrug, waving him away. “Nothing, just didn’t realize there were so many locations.”

Soren hums, eyes narrowing like he doesn’t fully buy what I’m selling, but thankfully, he doesn’t push. I pick up my pace, falling into step beside him and resuming our search. We work in silence, Soren checking the rooms on the right, while I check the rooms on the left. Eventually, the tension eases from my shoulders.

“Here!” Soren exclaims, pointing at a door the same as the rest—aside from one thing. This room only has one placard. The handwriting is just as sloppy as the rest, but the name is easy to read.

Cage.

“Do you think they’re going to get mad that we’re doing this?” I ask, placing a hand on Soren’s back to prevent him from opening the door. He snorts in amusement.

“If they do, then fuck ‘em. They can get mad at me if they want. But the fact that no one’s been sent to look into Cage’s shit outside of his phone—is a huge oversight. One I plan on rectifying.”

He wraps his hand around the doorknob, eyes bright with mischief. “Besides, what are they gonna do? Lock us in a cell?”

He winks, and a startled laugh bubbles out of my chest. I slap my hands over my mouth to contain the sound, but it’s impossible.

Soren doesn’t scold me or tell me to be quiet. His smile grows, turning into a grin as bright as the sun. The way he’s looking at me… It’s like my laughter is the cause of his own joy.

I fall for him just a little more.

He bends over and presses a gentle kiss to my forehead. “Too soon?”

I shake my head, grinning back at him.

“Oddly enough, that actually made me feel better,” I admit. My grin grows even wider. Soren makes me feel brave. Brave, and a little giddy—like my chest is filled with bubbles. “Let’s break some rules.”

“Adda girl.”

Soren crouches down, pulling what looks like a Swiss Army knife from the back pocket of his jeans. Once he’s found whatever part of it he’s looking for, he gets started.

I’ll admit, I had no idea how we were going to get into Cage’s room once we found it. I didn’t even bother to ask. For some reason, though, I didn’t anticipate regular old lock-picking.

I keep an eye out for anyone passing by while Soren works. Adrenaline is coursing through my veins, making me light-headed in the best way. I feel like I’m finally doing something to find answers, instead of just sitting around and waiting for something to happen.

For the first time in my life, I’m taking back a little bit of control. It’s not a big win by any means, but it’s still a win. One I didn’t know I needed.

I still need to talk to Caelan about what my Mother told me. Last night we all fell into bed almost as soon as we got home, and I definitely didn’t get a chance to bring it up during breakfast as I planned.

Of course, it’s only been half a day. There’s still plenty of time.

I hope.

“Got it,” Soren murmurs as the lock clicks over.

He pushes open the door, and the overpowering smell of ranch dressing immediately assaults us.

“Fates! That’s a fucking terrible Scent for an Alpha. I’d rather wear permanent descenter than walk around smelling like that.”

Soren steps into the room first, and I follow, bracing myself for what we’ll find as he flicks on the light.