Page 31 of Blood Caged

For the first time, I register that she’s naked, vulnerable in a way that makes my chest tighten with an unfamiliar emotion. Guilt? Anger? I’m not sure, but it spurs me into action. I shrug off my jacket and gently drape it over her, covering her body.

“Mia,” I say softly, kneeling beside the couch. “Can you hear me?”

Her eyelids flutter, but she doesn’t respond. I can hear her heartbeat, weak but steady. It’s a small comfort, but not enough. She needs help and fast.

“You’re safe now,” I tell her, surprising myself as I say the words. There’s no reason for me to be trying to set her at ease right now. But something within me wants her to not be afraid.

Fat chance of that in this place.

Scowling, I rise and then pace the room, my eyes never leaving Mia’s pale form on the couch. My mind races, trying to process the situation and formulate a plan. I need to act fast.

“Grayson,” I bark into my communicator. “Get me a doctor. Now. And make sure it’s not anyone involved in the blood drawing procedures.”

“On it, sir.” There’s a brief pause, a few seconds of silence before Grayson’s voice crackles back. “It’s done, sir. Doctor Amelia Chen is on her way.”

I nod, even though Grayson can’t see me. It’s a small relief knowing that competent help is coming. But it’s not enough. My jaw clenches as I think about how this happened, about who’s responsible.

The door opens, and Dr. Chen rushes in, medical bag in hand. She takes one look at Mia, and her eyes widen.

“What happened?” she asks, already moving to examine the witch on my sofa.

“Head injury,” I say tersely. “And severe blood loss. Most likely anemia. Take care of her.”

As Dr. Chen begins her work, I step away, pulling out my phone. My fingers leave smears of blood on the screen as I dial.

“Get me Lucien,” I growl when the call connects. “Now. I don’t care what he’s doing. Tell him it’s an emergency.”

I end the call abruptly, my anger threatening to boil over. I need answers, and I’m going to get them.

“I’ll be back,” I tell Dr. Chen. “Take care of her.”

I stride out of my office, my mind focused on the confrontation to come. It’s only as I reach to open the door that I notice the blood on my hands. Mia’s blood.

Without thinking, I bring my fingers to my mouth, my tongue darting out to taste the crimson smears. The flavor explodes across my palate, rich and intoxicating. It’s like nothing I’ve ever tasted before.

I freeze, shocked by my own action and the intensity of my reaction.

What am I doing?

I shake off the unsettling sensation and shut the door firmly behind me before setting off. I need to put distance between myself and the unnerving witch. Because I get the inexplicable feeling that something significant just changed.

11

Chapter 11

Mia

Idrift in andout of consciousness, my body feeling weightless and disconnected. Fragments of sensation filter through the haze – strong arms around me, a steady heartbeat against my cheek. The scent of sandalwood and pine.

Soren Daire.

The vampire who has imprisoned me here.

My mind recoils at the realization, but my body betrays me, instinctively curling closer to his solid warmth. I hate how safe I feel in this moment, cradled against the chest of my captor.

Suddenly, I’m being lowered onto something soft – a bed, I think. The loss of contact leaves me feeling strangely bereft, and I hate myself for it.

“What the fuck have they done to you?” His voice is sharp with an emotion I can’t quite place. Anger? Concern?

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