Page 34 of Storm

Reed's expression doesn't change, but there's a dangerous glint in those blue eyes. "The kitchen's that way." He points in the opposite direction of the stairwell. "But we both know you're not looking for water with your backpack."

I consider my options—run for the stairwell, anyway? He'd catch me before I reached it. Try to fight? Against an alpha of his size and training? Not likely. Scream for Jonathan? Hell no.

So I do what I always do when cornered. I attack.

"Wow, you caught me sneaking out. Want a medal? Or maybe a gold star for your alpha achievement chart?" I move closer to him and give him the biggest, most sarcastic grin I have ever given anyone.

"Congratulations on figuring out that someone kidnapped against her will might try to escape. Real Sherlock Holmes moment for you there, Reed."

Reed's jaw tightens slightly. The only warning that my words hit a nerve. "Sit," he says, gesturing to the armchair opposite his.

"I'd rather stand. Sitting makes my ass fall asleep. Plus, I don't really do the whole 'taking orders from alphas' thing. Personal policy and all," I sass back at him.

"Wasn't a request." The authority in his voice might intimidate someone else, but I've been dealing with entitled alphas my entire life.

"Funny, it sounded exactly like a request. Maybe try using your words instead of barking commands? I know it's hard for alphas, what with all those big, confusing words like ‘please.’" I cross my arms, shifting my weight to one hip in a stance that screams fuck you.

Reed's eyes narrow dangerously. "You can sit and talk like a civilized person, or I can wake Jonathan and let him deal with you. Your choice."

Now that's a threat. Much as I hate to admit it, Reed is probably the lesser of two evils right now. I roll my eyes dramatically and flounce over to the chair, dropping into it with all the grace of a sullen teenager. "Happy now, Alpha?"

"Ecstatic," Reed deadpans. He leans back, studying me with those unsettling blue eyes. "Where were you planning to go? To Holloway?"

"No, I was heading to the 24-hour ice cream shop down the street. Midnight cravings, you know how it is." I examine my nails with exaggerated interest.

"You know he's looking for you," Reed says, ignoring my attitude. "Been searching the city since the moment Jonathan carried you out of that theater."

My heart skips at the mention of Rook, but I keep my expression neutral. Never show weakness. Never show how much you care. That's how they hurt you.

"I met him again, you know," Reed continues. "Last week."

"What did you do to him?" The words escape before I can stop them, urgent and raw.

A small, cold smile touches Reed's lips. "Nothing he didn't recover from. Just delivered a warning to stay away from Choosing Day. Not that he listened." He tilts his head, watching me closely. "But you knew that, didn't you? You knew exactly what you were doing when you pulled Jonathan's name."

"Oh sure, my master plan was to get thrown over Jonathan's shoulder like a sack of potatoes and locked in his fancy apartment. Really living the dream here." I gesture around us with wide, sarcastic movements. "Nailed it."

"Cut the crap." Reed's voice hardens. "You rigged the lottery. You set up this whole circus. You wanted our name to come up."

I laugh then, the sound harsh in the quiet penthouse. "Why the hell would I want to be claimed by Jonathan Kingsley? The man's so uptight he probably folds his socks. I was trying to escape, not get dragged back into another prison."

Reed's eyes narrow. "Not for you. For them." He gestures toward the city below. "For the beta-born alphas who are currently tearing apart the elite districts. For the rebellion you sparked when you pulled our name on live television."

I blink, momentarily thrown off balance. "What?"

"Don't play innocent," Reed says, his voice low and dangerous. "It was the perfect spark—corruption at the highest level, the head of the Omega House claiming a beta-born omega from his own lottery, breaking every rule the system is built on. And you made sure the whole city saw it happen."

Understanding dawns slowly. "You think I planned this? That I wanted to start a rebellion?" I let out a snort of disbelief. "Reed, you're giving me way too much credit. I'm not exactly playing chess over here."

"Aren't you?"

"Look, I know this might shock your alpha sensibilities, but not everything revolves around you and your pack. I chose Jonathan's name because you live closest to the theater. That's it. Geography, not politics." I lean forward, emphasizing each word. "I was planning to slip away in the confusion, meet Rook, and be halfway to freedom before anyone noticed."

Something shifts in Reed's expression. A flicker of surprise quickly masked. "You're serious."

"As a heart attack." I make an X motion over my chest. "Cross my heart and hope to die, stick a needle in your eye, and all that jazz."

For a long moment, Reed doesn't speak, just watches me with those assessing eyes. When he finally breaks the silence, his voice has an edge I can't quite place. "Then you've made a colossal miscalculation, Little Beta."