Page 76 of Blood Caged

I trail off, old insecurities bubbling up. To my surprise, Soren leans forward, his eyes intent on mine.

“And you?” he prompts softly.

I shrug, trying to keep my tone light. “I was the responsible one. Always following the rules, doing things by the book. I never did anything that might result in an accident.”

Soren’s brow furrows. “But your magic now…it’s powerful. I can sense it.”

I look away, uncomfortable with his perception. “Yeah, I guess. When I can access it.”

There’s a moment of silence, and when I look back, Soren seems lost in thought.

“What about you?” I ask, curiosity getting the better of me. “What was it like becoming a vampire?”

Soren’s eyes darken, and for a moment, I think he won’t answer. But then he speaks, his voice low.

“Painful,” he says simply. “And terrifying. Imagine everything you know about yourself, about the world, being turned upside down in an instant.”

I nod, surprised by his honesty. “How long ago was it?”

“Five hundred years, give or take,” he replies, and I can’t hide my shock. He smiles ruefully. “I know; I look good for my age.”

I laugh despite myself, and Soren’s smile widens. For a moment, I forget where we are, what he is. It feels almost…normal.

But then reality crashes back, and I feel a wave of self-loathing. How can I sit here, laughing with the man who’s part of the system that killed my friends?

I pull back, wrapping my arms around myself. Soren seems to sense the shift in mood, his smile fading.

“I should try to get some sleep,” I say, not meeting his eyes.

Soren nods, standing up. “Of course. I’ll be right outside if you need anything.”

As he reaches the door, I can’t help but call out. “Soren?”

He turns, his eyes questioning.

“Thank you,” I say softly, hating myself for meaning it. “For staying.”

He nods once, then slips out, leaving me alone with my conflicted thoughts.

26

Chapter 26

Soren

Having this woman inmy space is shaking me. Mainly because I think I like it. I’m watching her now, lying on the sofa with a book in one hand, fidgeting with a thick curl of auburn hair with the other.

“Stop staring at me,” she says without glancing up from her book. I stop short, wanting to deny it. But that would be a lie.

“I wasn’t staring,” I say. “I was about to tell you that it’s time for another blood draw.” I steel myself for her reaction.

Mia’s eyes flash with anger as she slams her book shut. “Of course it is. How could I forget? I’m just a walking blood bank.”

Her words sting more than they should. I try to keep my voice level. “You know that’s not true.”

Not to me, it isn’t.

“Do I?” She stands, her posture rigid. “Because from where I’m standing, that seems to be my only purpose here.”

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