Page 97 of Red Captive

“It was a terrible time. Mom spiraled again. All she did was eat. Caleb missed his dad. He started waking up at night andwetting the bed. Thankfully, Trevor left us a small sum of money, or I don’t know what we would have done during that time. There was no way I could work. My mother was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes soon after that. She was told to make lifestyle changes. She was told that she was morbidly obese. We were given this brochure about regular exercise and how to control temptation.” She snorts. “Like it’s that damned simple.” She rolls her eyes.

“Because she was still battling depression,” I say.

“Yep, and big time. She ended up losing her right leg below the knee.”

“Holy shit! Jen, that’s terrible. I’m so fucking sorry.”

I’m reeling.

“Yes, it can happen. She developed an ulcer on her foot as a side effect of the diabetes and didn’t tell me about it. I don’t know why she didn’t say anything. She told me she didn’t want to be a burden. By the time I found out about her ulcer, it was already too late. Her foot was badly infected. The surgery cleaned us out. I had to get a job. We did our best to take care of Caleb. She was overweight but stable. Her depression was relatively under control. There were still some bad days, but we had plenty of good ones. The bills were piling up. My mom’s diabetes meds are ridiculously expensive. I found a second job as an Uber driver.”

“You worked two jobs?” I sound gruff because I’m pissed. Jen is only twenty-four. How does someone this young go through all of that?

No wonder she’s concerned about having kids one day. Petrified to have them. And is always so careful about her weight and maintaining a healthy diet. No fucking wonder.

“I had to get a second job. It wasn’t enough, but we mostly got by. I didn’t see my family as much as I wanted to, but Caleb was thriving. My mom was almost my mom again. Things feltlike they were on track when the letter arrived telling me that I had been selected as a Tribute.”

“Blow after fucking blow.” I sit up, running my hand through my hair. “Then you were abducted from Draig, and just when you were about to be sent home, too.”

She nods, clutching the sheet to her breasts. “Yes. I landed up on Mistveil.”

“Being used as a political pawn by the asshole general. I treated you so badly as well.” I shake my head, scrubbing a hand over my face. “I’m so fucking sorry, Jen.”

“It isn’t your fault. You didn’t know. You were fed a bunch of lies.”

“He told me you were a con artist just like Lake. That all you cared about was money and prestige. That you planned on escaping so that you could out dragon shifters to the humans on the Mainland for a big payday and fame.”

Her mouth drops open. “That bastard!”

“I’m going to kill him.”

“No, forget about the general. He isn’t important.”

I suck in a deep breath. “You’re right. I need to get you home, where you belong. No wonder you’re out of your head with worry. Your mother could suffer another lapse or have side effects from the diabetes. Anything could go wrong.”

She nods.

“I’m going to talk to Arctic. I’m going to fix this.”

31

Jen

I look up into his eyes. My lips feel swollen. Other parts of me are a little sore. The last few hours have been some of the best of my life. It wasn’t just the sex; it was opening up to Steel. Talking. Being heard and accepted. Listening to him right back. I know him so much better now. I understand him better. I know how he ticks.

Steel finishes tying the laces of his boots and stands. “Ready?”

I shake my head. “I don’t like it. I’m worried.”

“Natalia is good people. You can—”

“I don’t mind being babysat by Natalia. That’s not the problem.”

He smiles. “Don’t call it that. You don’t need babysitting, but you do need protecting. Especially with everything going on. Roscoe has guys posted outside. Natalia will stay by your side while I’m gone. You don’t have to worry; she’s shrewd and loyal to a fault. Also, I’ve seen her kick a male’s ass without even breaking a sweat.”

I smile. Actually, I can picture that.

“I would prefer if you weren’t alone. I need a clear head when I talk with Arctic. The only way that’s going to happen is if I know you’re safe.”

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