Refugee Page 0,5

"Are any of them anymore? It's hard to find something that hasn't been battered and tossed aside now." His comments were met with snickers and muttered agreements from the crowd. "But she is new to my friend here, and as I'm sure you're beginning to realize he's none too bright, and he really hates to share."

Braith stiffened, irritated by Ashby's words. Aria held her breath, hoping Braith would keep his composure as the muscles in his arm rippled against her. The man, who had inquired to buy her, pondered Ashby's words. "No, none of them are untouched anymore." He made a regretful sound. "Damn shame too. What about yours?"

Ashby jerked the hood back from William. "It's a boy, and a redhead to boot."

The hideous vampire chuckled. "Ah, neither of those attributes appeal to me."

Aria held her breath, praying that William wouldn't explode, that he would hold his tongue despite his pride and arrogance. Ashby jerked the hood back over his head. "Not my preference either, but I don't have to look at him to enjoy him."

There were a few titters from the audience. The tension in the air eased. "Ah well, perhaps if you pass through again..."

"I'm sure my friend will be far more willing to discuss a deal then."

Some of the crowd began to disperse as it became apparent no blood would be shed today. Ashby and the man exchanged a few more words before they finally said their goodbyes. Braith was so rigid she was frightened he might break his teeth if he didn't unclench his jaw. The buildings fell away as they slipped free of the confines of the town. The bleak landscape enveloped them, as they were encompassed by The Barrens.

Aria barely had time to take her first easy breath before Braith's arm wrapped around her waist. He pulled her firmly against him and kissed her with an intensity that left her breathless and limp. His fangs pressed against her bottom lip, nicking it enough to draw a drop of blood. A small groan escaped him as he nibbled lightly before his tongue swept in to claim possession of her mouth. Pulling her hood back, he burrowed his hand into her hair and tenderly cradled her head. She was enveloped by love, aflame with need as she clung to him in a desperate attempt to stay grounded despite the rising desire threatening to engulf her. She forgot about everything that had just transpired in her desperation to get even closer to him, to feel even more of him.

William coughed faintly and then more loudly as neither of them acknowledged his existence. He cleared his throat before grunting his displeasure. Braith was the first to pull away, his lips were still wet as he buried his face in the hollow of her neck and pressed them against her skin. Aria brushed his dark hair back with her fingers, relishing in the softness of it as she sought to ease the tension clinging to him.

"I never should have brought you with me." Panic tore through her as her hands stilled in his hair. "It was selfish." He shook his head, his fangs pressed briefly against her oversensitive, heated skin.

"There were no other options," she assured him when he pulled away.

His moment of weakness had vanished and she found herself faced with the inflexible, seasoned vampire she knew so well. A vampire she could sense trying to distance himself from her, trying to formulate a new plan. Aria's defiance surged to the forefront, she braced herself for the battle she knew was about to ensue.

"I should have left you at the tree house."

She snorted. "Like I would have stayed."

"Arianna." It was a low growl of warning, one she was sure would have sent many a man and vampire running, but it only served to infuriate her further.

"You're not going to figure out some way to keep me out of this Braith. I've been fighting my whole life for this war, this chance at freedom, and I've made it this far..."

"You're seventeen!" he snapped.

Her eyes narrowed as she slammed her fists on her hips. "That's old enough for you!"

Ashby and William inhaled sharply as they took a big step away. Aria didn't blame them, Braith was wound taut as a bowstring about ready to snap. He loomed over her, bending low so that his face was just inches above hers. "If I decide that you are to stay somewhere safe, then you will stay there."

Aria wanted to scream in frustration,