Page 176 of Caged

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.