Page 17 of Blood Caged

The door creaks open with agonizing slowness, each inch revealing more of the dimly lit corridor beyond. My muscles tense, ready to spring into action.

A figure steps into the doorway, backlit by flickering torchlight. Tall, broad-shouldered, unmistakably male. Mybreath catches in my throat as I recognize the telltale pallor of vampire skin.

He takes a step forward, and I instinctively take a step back. My heart hammers so loudly I’m sure he can hear it. Probably smell my fear, too, damn him.

“Who-who are you?” I stutter, wishing I sounded less afraid. “Why have you brought me here?”

“Hello, witch,” a voice like molten chocolate ripples over my skin. “Do exactly as I say, and we’re going to get along just fine.”

6

Chapter 6

Mia

Get along just fine?I hate him already. How could I not?

But my eyes lock onto the figure entering the room, and I’m caught off guard by the sheer presence he exudes. Power crackles from him.

Tall, imposing, with chiseled features that could’ve been carved from marble – he’s undeniably striking.

My traitorous heart starts racing, and I feel a flush creeping up my neck. Damn it. Why does he have to be so…beautiful?

No. Don’t go there, Mia. This is your captor, not some romantic hero.

I force myself to breathe evenly, trying to ignore the way my skin prickles with awareness. His midnight-blue eyes sweep overme, devoid of any warmth or emotion. It’s jarring how such a perfect face can look so utterly cold and detached.

“Don’t call me witch. I am Mia Blackwood,” I snap at him. “You will address me with respect.”

There should be some sort of reaction in his expression, but there is none. He remains stone-faced. “Of course…Miss Blackwood,” he says, his voice deep and smooth. “I trust you’re finding your accommodations…adequate.”

The sarcasm in his tone snaps me back to reality. I lift my chin defiantly, meeting his gaze with as much steel as I can muster. “Oh, just peachy,” I retort. “Though I have to say, your welcome wagon could use some work.”

A hint of something – amusement? irritation? – passes across his face so quickly I almost miss it. Then, that mask of indifference slides back into place. “This isn’t a vacation resort.”

I glare at him, my anger bubbling up. “Well, aren’t you just a barrel of laughs? I bet you’re the life of all the vampire parties.”

His lips twitch almost imperceptibly. “I assure you, our gatherings are quite…lively.”

“Oh, I’m sure,” I snap back. “Nothing says ‘fun’ like kidnapping innocent witches, right?”

His eyes narrow slightly. “I wouldn’t exactly call you innocent, Miss Blackwood.”

That catches me off guard. What does he mean by that? I push the thought aside, focusing on what matters.

“Enough of this,” I say, my voice hard. “What do you want from me? Why am I here?”

He regards me coolly, his expression giving nothing away. “You’re here because we require your…assistance.”

“Assistance?” I scoff. “And what makes you think I’d help you with anything?”

“I’m afraid you don’t have much choice in the matter,” he replies, his tone maddeningly calm.

I feel my frustration mounting. “Don’t give me that cryptic bullshit. I deserve answers. Why me? What could you possibly want that—”

He cuts me off with a raised hand. “All will be revealed in due time, Miss Blackwood. For now, I suggest you make yourself comfortable. You’ll be our guest for a while.”

I clench my fists, fighting the urge to lash out. “Guest? Is that what you call prisoners these days?”

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