Caged

Chapter 13.

Cage stepped closer and his hand shot out to grip my elbow tightly before I could step away again. I winced at the pinching grasp as he leaned down, brushing a featherlight kiss against my cheek. I fought the urge to gag and stood frozen in shock. He pulled away before frowning down at me. "What, no hello for your former mate?" His voice cooed smoothly as he smirked, hearing a low growl erupting from behind him.

He turned to look over his shoulder, never releasing his firm grip on my elbow. Rhett was nearly shaking in anger, his face pinched into a scowl as another growl broke from the back of his throat." She is not your mate. And if you don't release your hold on her, I will be happy to do it for you." His voice was low and menacing as he glared at Cage.

Cage chuckled before looking back at me. His hand brushed my hair away from my shoulder before leaning in and breathing deeply at the crook of my neck. He placed a light kiss on the mark he'd placed there before slowly pulling away. I gasped and felt a shudder run down my spine at the sensation and instantly fought to wrench my arm from his hold, but he gripped harder.

I winced at his bruising grasp and stopped as a loud growl erupted from Rhett. "I will not ask again Beta. Take your hands off of her and do not touch her again."

Cage looked him up and down before smirking back at me. "Well, I guess that confirms that you seem to think she's your mate. But I'm sorry to tell you Alpha Everett, you cannot take what does not belong to you. And seeing as she clearly has not accepted you, I think you have your answer. My mark still holds its place on her skin, so I think it is I who should tell you to not touch what doesn't belong to you."

I could see Rhett's form beginning to blur, nearly vibrating in anger as he took a large step towards Cage, who's fingers dug harder into my skin. I yelped in pain and reached up to claw his hand off of mine but he yanked me into his side, holding me tightly against him.

"Let go of me." I hissed before attempting to shove away from him.

Within an instant, Asher was standing immediately behind Everett, and was now joined by Weston and two other large males, all glaring daggers at Cage and the Delta with him. They all stood in fighting stances, ready to jump at their Alpha's command.

He only chuckled and pulled me tighter into his hold. "Now, now darling. Let's not make a scene in front of everyone. You can stay here for now, but don't worry. I'll be back to get you soon. I have a surprise I want you to see. But not yet." He looked at Rhett and gave him a knowing look before finally releasing me.

I pulled my arm in and held the surely bruised skin at my elbow. I looked up to see a look of guilt and something else cross over Rhett's features. Maybe sadness? Before I could catch his eye, Cage leaned in to whisper once more. "Until next time beautiful. It won't be long." He nodded over his shoulder before walking away, followed by the Delta.

I stood still, frozen at the events that had just transpired. I was snapped out of it quickly when Rhett growled loudly, slamming his hand into the wall next to him. I jumped and stepped back immediately, looking up to see Rhett's face scowling, seeming to be conflicted between his urge to comfort me and his anger at what had just occurred in front of him.

He snapped over his shoulder to Asher and the others who were now eyeing the visible tension surrounding us. "I want a report in front of me before dawn. Is that clear?"

They all nodded and jumped to attention, hurrying away to begin their tasks. I felt my breathing quicken and the hallway beginning to shrink in around me. My chest tightened and my hand moved up to my chest, trying desperately to help my throat move air into my lungs. I pinched my eyes shut and tried to focus on slowing my heart and moving air consistently in and out of my mouth as two strong arms scooped me up and carried me out of the hallway. When I opened my eyes, I was standing in Rhett's office, the door now shut behind us. He placed me on my feet and his hands reached up to brush my hair from my face, his thumbs stroking along my cheek and sending warmth throughout my body.