Caid’s eyes widen, fear prominent in them. “Shift once then back,” he tells me. “Try anything else and he dies.”
If there were anyone other than Irus standing before me, I may not do as Realdo asks. But I trust Irus with my life. I let the shift wash over me—calling my wolf up—who I hope won’t try to kill Realdo and Mya. At least not yet. We have to keep Caiden alive and get him away from them.
With my wolf in charge and four paws on the ground, I feel my body mending from the blows I received while trapped in that room with my brother. Hits from trying to keep the attention off Caid. Bruises from rebelling against the male who took us and held us hostage.
My wolf walks over to Realdo and growls low and deadly. If he weren’t holding Caid, he’d die. With any hope, he’ll still die before the night is over.
Realdo presses the blade deeper. Blood begins to drip down Caid’s shirt. “One precise slice and I sever his head.” He could do it. He’s a vampire with immense strength.
Turning from him, my wolf walks over to Irus in a show of rebellion and growls at him as well. Irus’ lips pull back to show his teeth and he levels my wolf with a hard glare. “Go ahead,” he provokes. “Try and hurt me. I’ll kill you where you stand.” My wolf makes a slight lunge forward. Irus reaches out and clutches him around the throat. “Yes, you’ll do just fine. I have some clients who would love to bend you to their will. They love a good struggle.” Irus releases my wolf with a shove. “Shift back. I need your other form to ensure you healed.”
My wolf snarls but relents to allow me to take over again. I’m grateful he’s on the same page as I am and understands Irus would never hurt us. Once in my human state, I stand to my full height and narrow my eyes at Irus.
“He’ll fit in nicely with your whores,” Realdo states.
“Whores?” Irus seethes. “You dare disrespect those who work for me? Who service the fine members of our paranormal community? Don’t you remember where you were just four hours ago? Whose establishment you were in?”
“N-no, I didn’t mean… What I’m t-trying to say is that someone will pay top dollar to be with these two.”
“I’m taking five hundred thousand off the price,” Irus tells him.
“The deal is off!” Realdo yells.
“Fine, I’ll take my four million to someone else. You aren’t the only dealer around.” Irus moves to step around me but Realdo halts him again.
“I’ll take two fifty off. Nothing more.”
“Deal.” Irus nods then reaches into his pocket to withdraw a phone. He taps away on it. “You should have the money in thirty seconds. I have my broker on standby.”
Mya pulls out a phone and stares at the screen. Seconds tick by until a slow smile pulls at her lips. “It’s there.”
“I want them brought to my place. Now.”
Realdo nods then motions for Mya to cuff me again. I don’t move. Don’t bring my hands in front of me. Those cuffs don’t belong on me. I can’t fight them with my hands bound. I move away from Mya.
Irus steps up to me and grips my hair hard. I clench my jaw to keep from yelling in pain. It feels as if every one of my hairs is slowly being pulled from my head. “I own you now. You let her cuff you or I’ll find the dirtiest, roughest paranormal who frequents my business and let them break you for days. Your submission will be so beautiful to watch.”
“I’ll never submit,” I growl and flash my eyes green. I know I’m playing a part, but my words are true regardless. There’s only one male I’ll ever submit to, and hopefully, he’s somewhere waiting to kill Realdo and Mya.
Irus moves fast and takes my wrists in his hands. “Cuff him,” he barks. Then Mya is in front of me slapping the cuffs on. “I’ll take him. You bring the brother,” he says to Realdo before dropping his eyes to Caiden. “I have clients who have more taboo tastes. Once submission is achieved with both of you, you’re going to make me a lot of money. I hope you enjoy being together.”
“It’s been great doing business with you, Mr. Allen,” Realdo states. “Any time you need more, I’ll be happy to provide for you.”
“Perhaps if this nonsense is