Page 31 of Rogue & Her Hunters
She lights up when she talks about her family. It seems strange to imagine that true bonds like that exist.
“I have an incredible brother too,” I reply, unable to resist talking about Mars to someone. I’ve never had anyone to chat to about things like this before. “But my parents definitely aren’t loving.”
“There was an accident.” Colette’s eyes become glassy. “My parents died. And I didn’t know why, but my brother was taken away from me. I know now it’s because I’m a Rogue. I guess that he was made into an orphan ward of some wealthy pack. Companions aren’t allowed to bond, but I still hope that he’s treated well and loved.”
I doubt it.
Companions are treated like property.
They grow up alongside wealthy Alpha kids to mentor them in their schoolwork, sport, or other extracurriculars.
They are unpaid servants.
Yet it’s better to let Colette believe that her brother went to a family who would be as loving as her own pack was.
See, I can be kind too.
“If you can be cheerful here, Col, then I am sure that he’s happy somewhere out in the world,” I reply.
Colette nods.
“You’re right. Well, I also come bearing gifts.” She reaches into her pocket. “One of the nicer guards gave me a present last night. It’s a box of chocolate reindeer. He intended to toss them in the trash because he doesn’t like white chocolate. He saw me and threw them to me instead. I’m going around giving them out to everyone. I know that it breaks the rules, but hey, it’s the holidays. Here. Eat it quickly, so the other guards don’t catch you with it.”
I take the melting contraband from her.
I sniff it quickly. I can’t smell any poison, which is something I have been trained to check for, so I stuff the chocolate hurriedly into my mouth.
Then I moan, as the delicious sweetness melts on my tongue.
“Good, yeah?” Colette gives me a thumbs up.
“Heaven. You’re an angel.”
Colette flushes, purring at the praise.
The small amount of food makes my hunger pangs roar to life, but this small celebration for Christmas is worth it.
I will miss Colette when I escape.
Somehow, the Omega appears to catch my change in expression; I must be losing my sharpness.
“If you ever think about escaping, Sev,” she whispers, “you will take me with you, right?”
“Shut up.” I glance around.
I haven’t been able to see a camera in the cell because the electricity would short-circuit it. But that doesn’t mean the one in the corridor can’t pick up her words.
“Please,” Colette mouths.
“My original Adonis pack threw me away like that guard did those chocolates. So, I have no pack but the Rogues. Everyone who is locked in this facility is mine. Do you understand?”
I can’t say more.
I won’t promise to take her with me when I break out of here. But I will come back, rescue everyone, rip out the throats of the guards, and burn this place to the ground.
Colette is smart.
She must be able to tell what I am not saying.
