Page 9 of Alpha Fate

“Don’t eat that,” Gage says as I start edging toward the tray.

“You’re kidding, right?” It feels like my stomach is ready to devour me from within.

“It’s drugged. You have to know that.”

I try not to groan because I do know. But I’m so damned hungry. And my mouth is parched. They barely give more than a few mouthfuls of water at a time. I stare at the food. My mouth waters. “Just a little…”

“No! Don’t do it, Sierra. I can’t get us out of here if you’re out of it.” He slaps a hand down on the damp floor, and I jump a little, but it’s not enough to put me off entirely.

“I- I-” I lick my lips. I’ve managed to pull the tray closer with my fingertips. Exactly how does he think he’s going to get us out of here, anyhow? It’s pointless. “I’m sorry!” I choke out. I don’t hesitate, falling on the meal and wolfing it down. The texture is gritty and tasteless, but I don’t care; it fills my hollow belly.

The water helps, too. I guzzle it greedily, some spilling down my chin. My thirst still isn’t quenched, but it’s better than nothing.

When I look up, Gage is watching me closely; shadows line the hard planes of his face. “I really wish you hadn’t done that.”

“I couldn’t help it.” I cast my eyes down, knowing that any minute, they’re going to be drooping. I know the drill by now. It’s happened enough times. And even though I’d tried to resist it at first, pretty soon, I figured out there was no other option. It was stay drugged or die.

“I get it.” He exhales roughly, running his hand through his hair. “It’s just going to make things so damned complicated.”

“Things?” My limbs are growing heavy. I’m starting to feel confused again.

“Our escape, Sierra. I told you, I’ll find a way. I swear it.” He sounds so confident that I almost believe him.

“I’d like that.” I sigh. “I hate it here.”

Hate it here?

There’s an understatement. This is hell. I’m in hell. But instead of fire and brimstone, it stinks of mold and stagnant water, and the walls are cold stone. It’s hell all the same.

I’m tired.

My head starts to sink.

“Ahh…fuck. Here we go,” he mutters. I can feel his eyes on my face. “Try to fight it.”

“Mmm.” I can feel myself sliding down the wall. I’m such an idiot. Why couldn’t I just control myself a little longer?

Because you are literally a step away from starvation, girl.

“I won’t let him touch you if he comes back.” His words warm me, and I smile. For some reason, I believe him.

“Thank you.” I heave a breath. I hear him shift position, his boots scraping over the floor.

“Sierra…”

“Mmm…” Everything is starting to feel fuzzy around the edges.

“Can you toss that bowl to me?”

I draw my eyebrows together. “It’s…empty.” I’m slurring.

“I know. Just do it. Try.” He’s edging toward the bars that divide our cells. His features grow more distinct again, even through the haze. Such a lovely face. I wonder what his jaw would feel like if I traced my fingertip along it.

“Hey!” He snaps his fingers. “I know it’s hard, but pay attention to my voice. Toss that bowl over. Shove it if that’s all you can do.” He’s closer now. As close as the bars and the chain holding him will allow.

“‘Kay…” Raising a leaden arm, I lift the bowl and half-throw, half-shove it in his direction. It hits the bars with a clang, and I cringe. I don’t like making sounds that draw attention to me. It doesn’t seem to bother Gage, though.

“Perfect! Good girl, Sierra.” He’s doing something that makes a scraping sound, but I’m finding it hard to keep my eyes open. I sag onto the floor, curling onto my side.