Chapter 24 #2
I’m in a strange place, with strange Alpahs who hate me, refuse to let me speak, and refuse to believe what I tell them when they do. My Mate is in a coma, and I can’t get to him. I also don’t know where my father is.
I sigh. My limbs feel weighed down with a thousand problems and no viable solutions. The sun set hours ago. There’s nothing I can do now, except sleep. And honestly, I’m so exhausted and worn down that sleeping actually sounds better than basically anything else I can imagine
I lay out my blanket on the floor and curl up on the soft fleece, wrapping the edge around me. The stone is cold beneath me, and my stomach grumbles with hunger, but as I watch the starless sky through the window, I can’t help but wonder just how much worse things could get.
A loud banging startles me awake.
I don’t even remember falling asleep, but I must have, because the sun is shining in my eyes through the dusty window of the attic.
BANG BANG BANG!
“Wake the fuck up, Omega! I’m not giving you time to make yourself presentable.”
The voice coming through the walls is cruel and mocking. “You have five seconds before I drag you out by your hair.”
I frown, struggling to orient myself and think through the fog of sleep still clouding my senses.
The door swings open, and a tall Alpha stands in the doorway, back-lit by the dim light of the staircase. His long blonde hair is pulled into a top knot, framing sharp cheekbones and plain brown eyes that look at me with disdain.
Like, I’m something he stepped in and ruined his favorite shoes.
“Get up,” he barks. Then he smiles. “And follow me.”
That smile…
Even more than his size and cruel eyes, his smile terrifies me. It reminds me of my father. Of the twisted expression he gets when he’s anticipating hurting me.
“I said get up now, Omega.” He shrugs. “Or don’t. I’d love nothing more than to drag you down those stairs myself.”
The Alpha takes a threatening step into the room, and I scramble to my feet, clutching the blanket to my chest like a shield.
His smile widens, becoming even more sinister.
“Well now,” he drawls. “Maybe you can obey orders after all.”
Abruptly, he turns and thunders down the stairs. I don’t want to follow him anywhere, but fear of punishment propels my limbs into motion.
I don’t race to catch up with him, though. I don’t want to get punished, but the new part of me refuses to submit completely. I lean into those instincts, taking the steps one at a time behind him.
I might be a prisoner, and he might be an Alpha, but he’s not my Alpha.
Halfway down the stairs, he stops abruptly and turns, looming above me even though I’m two steps above him.
“You know what I think?” His eyes flash with cruelty. “I think you’re playing games, acting all weak and helpless.”
He climbs up a step, making me crane my neck to see his face.
“We both know the truth, though, don’t we? You’re not some sweet little victim, Omega. You’re a manipulative little bitch who almost got one of the most decorated commanders in the entire organization killed.”
His hand flies out, and I flinch back before he can make contact with my face. He laughs, then turns and continues down the stairs, faster than before.
“Might want to keep up, princess,” he tosses over his shoulder. “Wouldn’t want to keep everyone waiting.”
I’m frozen on the step, still stuck in the moment when his hand came flying towards my face. I was sure he was about to hit me.
What… what is wrong with that Alpha?
When I finally get to the landing, he’s waiting for me, holding a sealed toothbrush and a small tube of toothpaste in his hand.
“Bathroom is to your right. Head in and do your business, and then come right out. Don’t try to run unless you want your legs broken.”
I eye him warily as I accept the products, making sure to avoid touching him. Arms crossed, he kicks an untied boot against the wall and leans back to wait.
After I do my business and brush my teeth, I do my best to run shaking fingers through my hair and separate the worst of the tangles.
When I’ve done the best I can, I open the door and peek out cautiously.
“Do you want these back, or should I leave them here?”
The Alpha frowns, uncertainly.
“Ah. I suppose I can ask—” He cuts off abruptly, and narrows his eyes like I’ve tricked him somehow. His aggressive pheromones fill the air, making me wrinkle my nose.
He smells vaguely like ranch dressing.
What an… awful, unfortunate scent profile.
“Keep it in the bathroom,” he orders in an agitated tone. I have a feeling he’s mad because my question revealed that whoever he is, he’s not someone in charge. I file the knowledge away as I trail down the hallway behind him.
“I’m Cage.”
He says it like he thinks I should already know who he is. I nod, but don’t respond. I doubt he cares what my name is.
Besides, I don’t want to hear my name coming from his mouth in that cruel, mocking tone.
We take a different route this morning than Lenora and I did the night before. Which means I’m able to see more of the castle in daylight.
There’s no denying its beauty. It’s honestly like something straight out of a fairy tale. Not overly decorated or filled with obnoxious wealth markers and showcase pieces, as my father prefers. It’s old and elegant without screaming for attention.
The walls are dark and thick. Not even our breaths echo like I expect them to in the large, open area. It feels insulated, like it’s locked away from the outside world.
There are beautiful dark green runners sweeping all the way down the hall, set off by rich hand-woven tapestries in rich golds, muted greens, and blacks that are more homey and inviting than pretentious.
I struggle to keep up with Cage, stealing glimpses of rooms as we pass them. Most doors are shut tight, but a few stand slightly ajar, providing a peek of the comfort within.
I pass one room with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, beautiful rugs, and large leather couches placed strategically around the open area.
Soft fur blankets and pillows are situated haphazardly throughout.
A small fire crackles in an ornate fireplace, topped by a mantle full of books, elegant brass candlesticks, and antique pottery.
My steps falter, and I find myself standing in the doorway, taking deep, greedy lungfuls of leather and old paper. Longing fills my bones. The mere thought of crawling under a few of those blankets, surrounded by an entire room filled with books, fills me with so much longing it physically aches.
The door slams in my face, making me jump.
“Those rooms aren’t for you,” Cage scowls. “Walk faster. If we’re late, it won’t be me who gets punished.”
With a last, wistful glance at the now-closed door of what must be a library, I fall back into step behind my jailer. I keep my eyes down, determined not to provoke more of his ire.
We finally arrive in front of double ornate oak doors. Cage throws them open and steps to the side, gesturing for me to walk in.
With no idea what’s waiting on the other side, I hesitate. My throat is suddenly dry. The urge to shrink down and make myself a smaller target is so overwhelming that I have to clench my fists to stay grounded.
The room I step into is smaller than I thought it would be, and far from welcoming. A stone fireplace stands to the side, but it isn’t lit. Long green drapery hangs from the ceiling, pulled back to allow the morning light to filter into the room.
The dining table, which sits in the middle of the room, only seats eight.
Two of the chairs are filled.
Cage shoulders past me to take a seat. His scent wafts through the air, making my nose twitch.
Vaelenor and Silas barely spare Cage a glance as he sits. They’re too focused on their plates, which are piled high with various breakfast foods. The moment the scent of eggs, bacon, and sausage hits my system, saliva floods my mouth.
But I can’t silence the growl from my stomach. Embarrassment floods my cheeks. I wrap my arms around my torso and duck my head, letting my hair fall like a curtain.
I can feel the stares of all three males. I stand here, awkwardly, feeling exactly like what I imagine an animal at a brand new zoo exhibit feels like.
I keep my eyes on the floor, waiting for someone to say something.
It’s Silas who breaks the silence.
“Don’t just stand there, it’s rude. Sit down before you ruin my breakfast.”
A chair shoots from under the table, so far and fast, it cracks forcefully against my shins. I wince at the bite of sharp pain and bite down on the bottom of my lip to keep it from wobbling.
I will not cry out. Not in front of these males. I refuse to let them view me as weaker than they already do.
Cautiously, I sit on the edge of the chair and fold my hands in my lap. I can’t help stealing glances at the platters heaped with food.
There are eggs, fluffy and steaming, bacon that’s crisped to perfection, little sausages swimming in grease, perfectly buttered toast, and…
Water.
The pitcher of water feels like a deliberate taunt. It’s not like they haven’t given me anything to eat or drink, but what I have been provided was sparse. Of course, I’m hungry, but more than anything, I long for some water.
“Hungry?” A familiar voice pulls my gaze across the table, to the beautiful Alpha sitting across from me. Gorgeous dark auburn hair, a dimple in his cheek, and perfectly symmetrical features. This male is unfairly handsome.
But underneath his beauty, there’s something cold in his bearing.
He holds his fork and knife like they’re artists’ tools rather than eating utensils.
Forearms, corded with muscle, lead to a broad chest and shoulders.
Light stubble creates a shadow on his cheeks and jaw, and long lashes make his piercing green eyes shine.
Eyes that are staring at me curiously, while I’m obviously ogling him.
I feel myself blush yet again, nodding in answer to his question.