Cage

by Rachelle Stevensen

  She held up her hand and Ever let out a squeal, “You got engaged??? Oh my GOD!”

  Ever and the other girls ran over to them, and she laughed as they surrounded her and Cage and looked at her ring.

  Riley smiled, “That is stunning. And so you. Great job Cage.”

  Cage was shaking under her with his silent laughter, and she smiled, “He did do a good job. He knows all about me.”

  Ever held out her bare hand, “I want one.”

  Cage let out a cough and she knew he was telling Ryke.

  Raina chuckled, “I bet you will get one sooner than you think.”

  Ever nodded, “I bet you are right. He owes me a massive diamond.”

  Wren rolled her eyes. She knew Ever didn’t like big diamonds.

  Raina laughed at that, “He did fuck it all up right?”

  Ever guffawed, “That’s the quickest explanation for it.”

  She told them all what happened between them when they were younger and Wren was shocked at the revelations.

  Cage said, *I didn’t even know that. Just that Ryke struggled with mate withdrawals. That’s crazy. I am gonna kick his fucking ass.*

  She laughed when he lifted her off his lap and charged over to Ryke, getting in his face. Ryke was holding up his hands and Wren laughed, “Let’s let them figure that out.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Cage

  When everyone all filed into his cabin, he wasn’t expecting Ever’s story at all.

  And he was fucking pissed. He set Wren down softly and charged over to Ryke, *You damn asshole! I can’t believe what you did to Ever. You are a fucking bastard!*

  Ryke put his hands up, “What did she tell you?”

  Cage told him and Ryke winced, “Yeah. I um. I have no excuse. I was a horrible person and I didn’t think about how much I was hurting her. My dragon told me daily though and the bastard kind of hated me. For a long fucking time. I did my best to make it up to her, but I don’t know if it’s enough.”

  Cage shook his head, *It isn’t. I would never speak to you again if you pulled that shit on me. You are lucky Ever is even in the same room with you. Let alone that she forgave you.*

  Ryke hung his head and shut his eyes, “I know. What can I do to make it up to her?”

  Cage looked at the other men in the circle and knew he was broadcasting his thoughts really loudly.

  Tegan’s eyes were wide with shock and anger and Croy was staring at them with his jaw open.

  Calder’s flashed to animal’s and then back and Quinn was softly growling.

  Kol was watching it play out and Easton and Griffin and Knox were sitting quietly.

  Tegan stood, “You are such a fucking asshole Ryke. You better make it up to Ever or I’m going to kick your ass next.”

  Ryke looked over at the men and Cage felt bad for outing him.

  Ryke hung his head, “Help me? Help me make it up to her. Please.”

  Cage looked over at the girls and they were talking and laughing and not paying them any attention.

  He knew Ever’s wish after searching her thoughts for a second, and he looked at Ryke. *I have an idea.*

  Ryke nodded, “Tell me.”

  They planned out a perfect way to help Ryke make it up to Ever.

  She deserved it.

  And when they all had jobs to do, and the men were satisfied that they could help Ryke make it up to Ever, they moved on to the next subject.

  Kol looked at Knox, who pointedly ignored him and Cage hated that Knox wasn’t happy with his Sire.

  Cage walked over to him, *Are you doing okay? How was your visit with your family?*

  Knox looked up at him in shock, “Uh. It was fine. I really missed my mom. So it was nice to see her.”

  Cage smiled at him, *We didn’t really get to talk much. I’m Cage. The hybrid.*

  Knox’s eyebrows rose, “I have heard about you. I just didn’t know it could happen.”

  Cage let out a huff of silent laughter, *I get that a lot. And for some reason that had to do with my DNA, it changed me.*

  Knox nodded slowly, “That must have been strange. To change into a monster.”

  Cage smiled, *It was at first. But I’m glad that I have him now.*

  Knox nodded, “That makes sense.”

  *Are you liking the crew? Is your cabin good?*

  Knox laughed, “It’s fine. I’m fitting in fine. Croy has been showing me the ropes. It’s nice to have something to do. To feel normal again.”

  Cage nodded, *I can only imagine. But I’m glad it’s working out. If you need anything at all, let me know.*

  Knox nodded, “I will. You just got mated right?”

  Cage grinned, *Sure did. Wren is the most perfect woman in the world.*

  Knox shook his head, “Damn. You are lucky. She is gorgeous.”

  Cage nodded, *That she is. You will find yours soon. I know it. Ever since Logan mated with Raina, the rest of us have mated ours.*

  Knox sighed, “I wish. It’s hard. I need her. My tiger is struggling since we got out and I don’t know how to cope either. I feel like I’m floundering.”

  Cage put his hand on Knox’s shoulder, *Don’t feel like that. You are in a good place and these men? They will help you. Every single one.*

  Knox looked around, “It’s so weird having so many people in a crew. Tigers are really solitary, but my tiger has done well with everyone here. He seems to know more than I do, so I leave it be. I just wish that I had my girl here to anchor me.”

  Cage smiled, *She will be here sooner than you think. I can feel it.*

  Knox looked over at him, “Really?”

  Cage nodded, *I’m rarely wrong. If you doubt me, ask Kol. He sees things too.*

  Knox shook his head, “I don’t know how I feel about Kol yet. He was separate from us and I know he is the one who gave us all away.”

  Cage nodded, *He did do that, but he had a reason why. And he suffers from that choice. Don’t keep punishing him for things you don’t understand. Okay? I swear on my life that you are safe here. That Kol will do all he can to make up what he did to you. Give this place a chance. Give us a chance.*

  Knox nodded, “I will try. Thanks Cage.”

  Cage grinned, *Anytime.*

  He left Knox sitting on the couch and went to talk to Easton. He was grateful to the Eagle shifter.

  If it weren’t for him, none of this would have been possible.

  Easton looked over at him and gave a timid smile, “Congratulations on your mating.”

  Cage grinned, *Thanks. I’m the luckiest shifter in this room. Though Logan, Deacon and Ryke would probably fight me to say otherwise.*

  Easton laughed, “That’s true.”

  Griffin snorted, “I heard that. Is that normal for you to be able to speak to everyone? I have never had someone speak in my head until I met Kol.”

  Cage looked over at Griffin, *It is. I can speak to one person or all. It depends on my mood really.*

  Griffin raised one brow, “I like that. I wish my animal would allow that.”

  Cage grinned, *Your animal is a hybrid like mine. Half eagle, half lion right?*

  Griffin nodded, “Yes. I didn’t think of myself as a hybrid though. But it has a nice ring to it.”

  Cage nodded, *It makes me not the only one.*

  Griffin snorted, “Your animal is a massive wolf I have never seen the like of before. It’s impressive.”

  Cage smiled, *Thanks. It’s taken me a long time to appreciate him like I should. I made my poor mate suffer.*

  Griffin shook his head, “Well, you have her now. I wish that the rest of us could say the same. Take care of her.”

  Cage nodded, *I absolutely will. I told Knox this, and I will tell you both, if you ever need anything at all, don’t be afraid to reach out to us. We are all here for each other. It’s what we do in our crew.*

  Griffin smiled, “We both like it here. It’s felt like home in such a short amount of time. I have heard we need to eat tr
eats at Raina’s bakery. That she, Riley and Layla are the best bakers around. I’m scared I’m going to get plump being here.”

  Cage laughed in his silent way, *That you will. Thank God for shifter metabolism.*

  Griffin burst out laughing and everyone turned to look at them and Cage smiled, *Apparently being mated turned me into a comedian.*

  Everyone chuckled and Griffin smiled, “Oh we are definitely going to like it here.”

  Cage touched their shoulders and walked back over to his mate for a second to kiss her and then noticed Kol sitting alone outside on the porch.

  He didn’t like that.

  Kol looked over when he came out and sat down and Cage raised his eyebrow, *Why aren’t you with everyone?*

  Kol shrugged, “I think the only person who doesn’t mind me is Tegan. The new shifters don’t like me and I don’t wish to make anyone uncomfortable. So I stay in the shadows. It’s what I’m good at.”

  Cage was shocked, *What does that mean? You are a member of our crew as much as everyone else is.*

  Kol sighed, “I know. I just don’t know how they feel and I will just keep to myself.”

  Cage shook his head, *Kol. You are my friend. My sire. My mate wants to get to know you and I do too. Don’t push us away.*

  Kol went to say something else, when he went still and then stood.

  His eyes flashed red and Cage stood, *What’s wrong?*

  Kol shook his head, “I thought I saw something in the shadows. But it was nothing.”

  Cage stared out into the woods, and saw nothing. So he let it go, *Come back inside. Meet my mate better than you did last time.*

  Kol gave a small smile, “Okay. Lead the way.”

  Cage led him back into the cabin and over to Wren who grinned at Kol.

  “Kol! Hi!”

  Kol chuckled, “Hello little Wren.”

  She hugged him, “How are you tonight? Did you see my ring?”

  Kol held up her hand and admired the ring Cage had bought years ago.

  “It’s lovely Wren. Cage did a brilliant job. May I ask how he asked you?”

  She looked at him, “Can I show them? Or do we keep it to ourselves?”

  He shrugged, *I only kept it to myself until I could show you.*

  She grinned and then beckoned to everyone to follow her to the guest room.

  She opened the door and flicked on the light, and the girls all gasped as the drawings came to life.

  Everyone piled in the room, careful not to touch anything and Raina and Riley studied each picture, as did Ever and Layla.

  The men looked around and Deacon said, “What the fuck? You didn’t tell us you could draw.”

  Cage rolled his eyes, *I don’t advertise it. It wasn’t for anyone but Wren.*

  Deacon grinned and Calder said, “You have to show me how you do that shading. It’s amazing.”

  Cage nodded and Wren told them how he asked her to marry him.

  The girls all oohed and aahed and the guys gave Cage manly hugs and slaps on the back.

  He knew that everyone was shocked at his talent and Kol was studying each picture.

  Cage wasn’t sure how to feel, but this wasn’t a secret anymore.

  He would draw more pictures, but those would only be for him. And for her.

  When everyone left for the night, he threw Wren over his shoulder and claimed her in that room once again.

  Showing her just how much he loved her by surrounding her with the love he had for her.

  He knew he was the luckiest man in the world.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Cage

  Cage wanted to see how the new cabinets for their latest build was going and he wanted to let Kol know how well Wren had handled the changes.

  They hadn’t had the chance to talk about it last night.

  When he walked out to the shop, he had a feeling he was being watched and he searched the woods, trying to figure out why.

  Nothing happened much like last night, and he let it drop.

  He opened the doors to the shop and looked around, not hearing any saws at the moment and smelling fresh stain.

  He looked over and saw Kol holding a brush and slowly moving it along a smooth door.

  Kol looked up at him and smiled, “Hey. How did it go? I know I saw her last night, but I didn’t get to ask how she did with her first change.”

  Cage nodded, *She is great. Her first change scared me. I thought she might have gotten some of my vampire side after all, but she turned into a gorgeous wolf and I can’t believe this is my life right now.*

  Kol laughed, “You are lucky. I’m happy for you.”

  Cage grinned, and then pulled out his phone. He texted Wren that he loved her and saw that Ryke needed him to do some measurements in one of their new builds.

  He sighed, *I have to go check on a new build in the town over. Ryke fucked it up again. He said his head wasn’t in the right space. Let’s hope it is now.*

  Kol shook his head, smiling. “Let’s hope.”

  Tegan came into the room, “There is something wrong.”

  Cage looked at his friend and saw blood running down Tegan’s neck.

  *What the fuck?*

  Kol mirrored the statement and they watched in horror as Tegan fell to his knees and then dropped to the ground, holding his neck.

  Cage rushed over to him, but stopped dead in his tracks when ten or more men filed into the shop and surrounded them.

  They shot him and Kol with tranq darts and Cage felt the meds hit his blood stream, but his monster was too powerful for that one tiny dart to knock him out like he knew they were trying to do. It would slow his monster down though, and he felt sluggish and slow. And then he was shot with a taser.

  The volts running through the thing were too high for a normal human to survive and he was out cold from it in seconds; his last thoughts about Tegan and how terrified he was that his friend was going to die.

  ----

  When Cage woke, it was to a dark room that smelled old and musty.

  He didn’t know where he was and as he looked around the room, he saw Kol in the next chair, chained down to it.

  He looked at himself and saw the same thing. But his chains were thicker. Sturdy.

  He knew that they would be a bitch to get off, but he knew if he tried hard enough they would come apart.

  They didn’t have anything special inside them to stop him. He tried all sorts of things to see if certain things would hurt him, and so far silver had done nothing and Kol laughed when he had asked him if garlic bothered him or a wooden stake through the heart.

  It had been a quick conversation when they drove home from the facility.

  He had quietly asked Kol about it and Kol had rolled his eyes, “I can go in the sun. I do get sunburned, but I’m Nordic. It’s bound to happen. I eat garlic all the time and while I’m sure it would hurt like a bitch, I don’t think a stake would kill me. Only ripping a vampire’s heart out works to kill him, or ripping his head off and then burning the body to ash. Trust me. I have been stabbed with swords, knives, axes, and have been burned with multiple things, and am still alive. Vampires are pretty much unable to die unless their mate dies too and the other things I said.”

  Cage had nodded, *I wasn’t sure. Vampires have all sorts of myths about them.*

  Kol nodded, “I get that. It’s really annoying.”

  Cage laughed in his head and let it drop and now that he was sitting in this chair, surrounded by these chains, he wondered how they would hold him, and he let it go.

  He wanted to know why they had been taken and who took them.

  He had to push aside the thought of Tegan, bloody and dying on the floor of the shop and could only pray that someone found him.

  Kol stirred beside him and blinked, and looked around.

  They locked eyes, “Fuck. They got to us. Shit. Shit. Shit.”

  Cage raised his eyebrows, but the door opened before he could answer and the men who had taken them f
iled into the room, just staring at them, but Kol had gone still as a stone and Cage wondered why they didn’t say or do anything.

  Then, the door opened again and Cage had to fight to keep still and not react in any way.

  The Doctor walked in. He had seen the man in the fight at the facility. Only briefly, but he had seen him.

  And knowing that he wasn’t dead? That he was here? It wasn’t good and it wouldn’t end well.

  Cage watched as the man walked around the room like he was here for tea.

  As if he had not a single care in the world and when Kol let out a menacing growl the Doctor turned to look at him, “Ah. Kol. You didn’t think you could get rid of me that easily did you?”

  Kol snarled at him, “I killed you.”

  The Doctor shook his head, “I’m afraid not. You see, I took some of your blood ages before that, and transitioned long before that act of rebellion. You should have known better. Ripped my heart out or my head off, but you didn’t. While being burned did slow me down for a while, I healed and now? Now I have you. And you aren’t getting away from me again. And as an added bonus, you brought me a present.”

  He walked over to where Cage was tied up and smiled down at him, a sinister smile that made Cage want to growl.

  The Doctor reached out and softly touched Cage’s face, making him jerk away and try to not let the man lay a hand on him.

  “You know how desperately I tried to make a hybrid. How much I yearned for the perfect animal. One that would kill for me. One that had such undiscovered powers and potential. But none of my experiments survived. But this. Oh. He is so perfect. I can’t believe he is actually real.”

  Cage snarled at the man when he tried to touch him again, and the Doctor raised his eyebrow, “Oh. He has spirit and fight. I like that. I get to break him. I can’t wait.”

  Kol shook his head violently, “Leave him be! He had no part of this. None. He doesn’t deserve to be treated like he isn’t a person. He is. He has a life. A company. A home. He may be a hybrid, but he is still human. I am the one who changed him. Take what you need from me, but leave him out of this. He didn’t ask for any of this!”