Page 89 of Blood Caged

“No, sir,” I manage, my voice surprisingly steady.

As the meeting disperses, I’m left with a sinking realization. The window for Mia’s escape is rapidly closing, and now I’ll be the one sealing off every possible exit. The irony isn’t lost on me.

Heath lingers, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. “Better get to work, Daire. Wouldn’t want any…loose ends.”

I meet his gaze coolly. “Indeed.”

As I leave the room, my mind whirls with possibilities, each more desperate than the last. Time is running out, and I’m trapped between duty and desire, the bond a constant painful reminder of the price of betrayal.

I slip away from the ops room, my mind reeling. I need a moment to think, to process everything that’s just happened.

I find myself in a secluded corner of the facility, leaning against the cold concrete wall. My eyes close as I run through my options. How can I protect Mia and her sister when I’m the one tasked with tightening security?

Suddenly, voices drift from around the corner. Lucien and Heath. I freeze, straining to hear their conversation.

“Once we have Rowan, we won’t need the other one anymore,” Lucien says, his tone casual, as if discussing the weather.

“Mia?” Heath asks. “What do you want done with her?”

“I want her dead,” Lucien replies coldly. “She’s been more trouble than she’s worth. Her little escapade cost me two good blood bags. Her blood may be powerful, but there’s more where that came from. As soon as the sister arrives, she’s done. I can’t risk more of her trouble.”

My chest tightens, and for a moment, I feel my fangs extend.

He wants her dead?

The thought of her being harmed, of her light being extinguished from this world, is unbearable.

In that instant, I realize the true depth of my feelings for her. It’s not just attraction or a growing fondness. Somewhere along the line, without me even noticing, she’s become essential to me.

The bond screams in protest as my resolve solidifies. I don’t care about the consequences anymore. I don’t care about the pain or punishment that awaits me. I will not let them hurt Mia.I will find a way to save her, to get her out of here, no matter the cost to myself.

My fists clench at my sides as I listen to Lucien and Heath continue their callous discussion. Every word fuels my determination. I’ve made my choice. There’s no turning back now.

As they move out of earshot, I stride purposefully toward Grayson’s office, my jaw clenched tight. I need to know exactly what security measures are being implemented, and I need to know now.

I find Grayson hunched over his desk, poring over a stack of documents. He looks up as I enter, his expression guarded.

“Sir,” he greets me, straightening up.

“Grayson,” I say, closing the door behind me. “I need to discuss the new security protocols.”

“Of course. What would you like to know?”

I lean against his desk, fixing him with a steady gaze. “Everything. I want a full rundown of all the new measures being put in place.”

Grayson hesitates, his fingers drumming nervously on the desk. “Well, we’re increasing patrols, adding more cameras in the blind spots, and upgrading the magical suppression fields.”

“And?” I press, sensing there’s more he’s not telling me.

He swallows hard, avoiding my eyes. “And…there are new orders regarding the witch, Mia Blackwood.”

My stomach tightens, but I keep my voice level. “What orders? I never gave any.”

Grayson’s shoulders slump, and when he finally meets my gaze, there’s a mix of resignation and guilt in his eyes. “Once the new inmate arrives, Mia Blackwood is to be drained and then executed.”

I struggle to maintain my composure, even as rage and fear war within me.

“On whose authority?” I demand, though I already know the answer.

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