Page 54 of Red Captive

“My top priority is my job,” I tell her as we walk to the elevator.

“My top priority is providing for my family.”

I press the button with the ‘up’ arrow on it.

“This will all be over in a couple of weeks. You’ll be mated, and I’ll be…” I swallow thickly. I have no idea where I’ll be or what I’ll be doing. I’m not sure I’m staying. The general didn’t even tell Arctic that I was back. The king isn’t happy about it, and I can’t say I blame him.

“Where will you be?” she asks, looking at me like she cares. Maybe she does.

“I—”

The elevator dings and opens, saving me.

“Jen,” a male says from inside; he sounds both shocked and elated. He’s in full uniform, including a mask, which he quickly pulls off his head. I recognize him instantly. There is a lopsided grin on his face. “How are you? I hoped I would run into you.”

“Rex!” Jen rushes into the elevator and wraps her arms around him. “It’s so good to see you.”

The male hugs her back, and I have to hold back a growl. I go inside, holding the door open for Rex. “Isn’t this where you get out?” I ask him.

“I’m going up,” Rex says, still holding onto Jen and not even looking my way. It’s complete bullshit since he just came down to this level.

I nod. The door closes, and I push the number for our floor.

Rex doesn’t push anything.

“This is my guard, Steel.” Jen finally pulls away from Rex’s embrace.

“Oh…hi.” Rex glances my way for a split second, looking back at Jen. He is practically drooling over her.

“How are you? I mean, after…after…you know…you were whipped.” Her voice hitches. “I’m so sorry, I—”

“It’s fine. I’m fine.” Rex grins. “No harm done. I’m a big, strong shifter. I healed up in a day.” He shrugs. “I only wish you’d…” His eyes go to the camera in the elevator. “Fuck it,” he says. “I only wish you’d got it right. That you actually escaped,” he whispers the last.

“You mean that?” Jen looks up at him with a tender expression on her face. “I thought you hated me for what happened to you.”

“I could never hate you.” The male gives her puppy dog eyes. “You told me all about your family. I can understand why you would want to get back to them. I could hear the longing in your voice whenever you spoke of Caleb and your mom.”

The elevator dings and opens.

Thank fuck!We’re here. Instead of letting us leave, Rex goes to stand in front of the sensor of the open door. “I don’t blame you one bit, Jen.” He takes her hand. “I would have done the same.” His eyes cloud. “I hear they have you meeting with males and that you will be mating one of them soon. This according to some of the rumors making their way around the palace. Are they true?”

She nods and forces a smile. I know it’s forced because it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “Yes, it’s for the best. I’ve been offered money to stay on in Mistveil. I’ll send the funds back home. It’s an opportunity I have to take.”

“I’m happy for you, Jen. Now you won’t have to worry anymore. Your family will be taken care of.”

“Exactly.” She nods.

“There was a part of me that was hoping the rumors were false.” He sighs. “You know I would have asked you out. I really like you, and—”

What the fuck!?

“It’s time to go,” I tell Jen, giving her a pointed look.

“One second, please,” she asks, and I nod. Then she looks over at Rex, grinning. “You asked me out all the time, Rex. It wouldn’t be anything new if you asked me again now.” She laughs.

“I know, I couldn’t help it.” He looks down at the floor for a moment, his cheeks reddening. “I will admit that it was wrong of me, but I don’t care. I’m tempted to ask you out right now, even though I can’t help you financially. I—”

“Miss Harris was in your care. You were and still are out of line,” I tell the male. He’s young and dumb. He reminds me of myself some years ago.

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