Page 23 of Caged
I want to sink my teeth into her neck, and at the same time, sink so deep inside of her that neither of us remembers what it feels like without me there.
It’s not rational, but I’m far past rationality.
The cat is still purring, but every few seconds its ears twitch in my direction. When she resumes talking, I swear to the gods the thing turns its head and looks right at me, like it knows I’m here.
“I can’t stay out here long.” There’s a tremor in her voice. A sense of underlying fear, and something inside of me sits up and pays attention.
“If father decides to come check on me, he’ll find you for sure. I doubt you can run very fast. You can stay here, but just…” she trails off, then sets the cat down, unfolding from her position on the ground with all the grace of a dancer.
Her gaze darts behind her.
She seems afraid someone is going to sneak up from behind.
I nearly scoff. As if I’d allow anyone who means her harm get within ten paces of her. Then again, she has no idea she apparently has a new stalker. And to be fair, I’ve never stalked someone before, but I’m strangely okay with the prospect of doing just that when it comes to this Omega.
It’s a night full of surprises for both of us, it seems.
Turning back to the cat, she addresses it sternly, pointing her finger at the damn thing like an old school marm, which should look outrageous.
But, nope… apparently I think it’s adorable.
“Stay away from the West end of the house.” She orders. “That’s where father spends most of his time. As long as you hang out over here, you should be alright.” She gives it one more pet and turns around to go back inside.
Fuck, I don’t want her to leave. I want her to stay out here so I can look at her all night. I’ve never had this kind of reaction to females. Not vampires, and especially not humans.
Every now and then, on very rare occasions, a Scent Match forces a Fated Mate Bond that allows a human to tie their life-span to ours but otherwise, we don’t entertain romantic relationships with them as a rule. The discrepancy in life spans is just too large to ignore.
“ETA, Caelan,” Dax’s voice crackles through comms.
I unmute him and force moisture into my dry mouth before answering.
“Getting ready to head out. I was watching the girl. See if there’s any info there.”
Not a lie.
“Why’s your Bond shut down so tight?”
There’s no suspicion in Dax’s voice. Only concern. I usually let a bit trickle through during recons so he and Vae know I’m alright, but it’s not abnormal for me to block the connection completely.
“Just trying to focus.”
Also, not a lie.
I know I need to leave, and I’m just about to make myself move, when things go to shit.
The cat lets out a weird yowling scream I’ve never heard from a feline before, startling both me and the Omega. I freeze, muscles coiled tight, bracing myself for attack. The Omega visibly tenses as the cat scrambles down the trellis and shoots across the yard, disappearing into the trees.
The Omega’s expression bleeds from confusion into fear. At the same time, I catch the muffled footsteps of someone crossing her room, headed straight toward her.
“What’s happening?”
“Wait,” I snap.
A large man appears in the open balcony doorway. He’s well-dressed and stylishly put together, only just starting to go grey at the temples. His sharp features would be handsome on someone else, but those cruel eyes can’t hide who and what he is.
Her father.
His gaze sweeps over her. He doesn’t even try to mask his distaste. Adjusting his cuff links, he takes two measured steps forward, stopping mere inches from stepping on her bare feet.
