Page 81 of Blood Caged

He ignores me, moving to examine the spine of a book. “You know, I always pegged Soren for more of a baroque kinda guy. But this minimalist vibe…it’s downright dismal.” He turns to me with a smirk. “Although, I bet you’re finding it quite comfortable after the last place, aren’t you, Mia?”

My patience snaps. “For the last time, what do you want?” I spit out, taking a step toward him. “If you’re just here to gloat, you can turn right around and leave.”

Heath’s expression shifts, a cold gleam entering his eyes. “Now, now, have you forgotten that I’m an old family friend? I’m hurt, truly.”

I scoff, crossing my arms. “You lost that label when you betrayed us all, Heath. You’re nothing to me. Less than nothing.”

He shrugs, unbothered. “I prefer to think of it as…evolving. Adapting to changing circumstances.”

I can’t believe his casual dismissal of his actions. I take an involuntary step back, acutely aware of how alone I am with him.

Where is Soren?

Suddenly, the thought of him walking through that door isn’t so unappealing anymore.

“You still haven’t answered my question,” I say, hating the slight tremor in my voice. “What do you want?”

Heath’s smile widens, predatory and cruel. “Oh, Mia. It’s not about what I want. It’s about what Lucien wants. And right now? He wants more of that precious Blackwood blood.”

“Well, he’ll have to be patient.” I fold my arms across my chest. “There’s only so much I can give before he drains me dry.”

“You’re absolutely right.” He shrugs. “Which is why we’ve decided to bring in another source.”

I stare at Heath in confusion, trying to make sense of his words. “Another source? What are you talking about?” But even as I ask, a sickening realization dawns on me.

Heath’s grin widens, his eyes gleaming with malicious delight. “Oh, come now, Mia. Surely, you can guess. Your family’s always been known for its… potent bloodline.”

“No,” I whisper, horror settling in. “You can’t mean…”

“One of your sisters,” Heath confirms smugly. “Rowan and Kara…they’ll do the trick. But don’t worry, I’m sure they’ll be treated just as…hospitably as you’ve been.”

I feel the blood drain from my face, my legs suddenly weak. I grip the edge of the table to steady myself. “You’re lying,” I manage to choke out. “You wouldn’t dare.”

Heath laughs, the sound cold and cruel. “Oh, Mia. You have no idea what we’re capable of. Your family’s reign is coming to an end, and it’s about time someone put you Blackwoods in your place.”

There’s a bitterness in his voice that catches me off guard. I’ve known Heath for years, but I’ve never heard him speak like this before. The resentment in his eyes is like poison, and for a moment, I wonder how long he’s been harboring these feelings.

But the thought is fleeting, overwhelmed by the terror gripping my heart. My sisters. In danger. Here.

I can’t let that happen.

“Heath, please,” I beg, swallowing my pride. “Whatever issues you have with my family, leave my sisters out of it. They’ve done nothing to you.”

He scoffs. “Done nothing? You Blackwoods have always looked down on everyone else. Always so perfect, so powerful. Do you have any idea what it’s like to constantly be compared to you?”

I shake my head. “We never compared ourselves to anyone.”

“You didn’t have to. My dear mother was more than happy to. Do you know what it’s like to be the son of a coven elder? The nephew of the High Priestess? I wasneverfucking good enough. And to add insult to injury, I wasn’t born female.” He snorts.

“Heath, if we somehow hurt you, I’m so so sorry.” I inject every ounce of sincerity I can muster into my voice. “But please,pleasedon’t drag my sisters into this.”

Heath gives a nonchalant shrug. “Too late. That wheel’s already turning. Lucien has made up his mind.”

“Well then, I’ll fight you,” I say belligerently. “Every drop you get out of me will be a battle.”

Heath laughs shrilly. It’s an ugly, high-pitched sound, and I wonder how I never noticed that about him before.

“Mia, it won’t matter. If you become more trouble than you’re worth, we’ll just get rid of you.”

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