A pair of legs stepped forward, separating themselves from the crowd. The clothing on these legs was of much higher quality than the ones surrounding it. Even with the sand swirling around them the shoes somehow remained black and shiny. “You look hungry,” the legs stated. “I will make a trade. Two for one.”
Her heart was in her throat, goose bumps tickled her skin. “Why would you make such a trade?” Braith demanded.
Though she couldn’t see it, she could almost feel the man’s casual shrug. “I have grown tired of them. You know how that is, I’m sure.”
Sorrow stabbed her as she realized Braith knew exactly how that was. She tried not to think of his past, tried not to think of the blood slaves he had gone through when she had escaped the palace, but every once in awhile she would be slapped in the face with a stark reminder. She may have been his first blood slave, but she had not been his last, and he had not treated the others anywhere near as kindly as he had treated her.
Braith’s arm pressed closer to her, he was trying to offer her some sort of comfort, but she found none. Her face was on fire; William was as still as stone before her, his breath seemed to have frozen in his chest.
“I do, and I have not yet grown bored with mine.”
Aria’s breath sucked in, her stomach cramped. No matter how much time she spent amongst them, she would never become accustomed to the cruelty and open brutality of some within the vampire race. She was not naïve enough to think that all humans were good either, after all, the only real abuse she had suffered as a blood slave was at the hands of a human, but it never seemed as overt amongst the humans as it was with the vampires.
She wasn’t a possession though, she never truly had been, and she bristled against being thought of as such. Braith must have sensed something in her pulse or a shift in her demeanor, as right at that moment he pushed her back another step. Defiance surged through her; it took everything she had to appear outwardly tranquil while inside she was seething. She was tempted to pull out the hidden bow on her back but she wasn’t sure who she wanted to shoot more…Braith or the man trying to bargain for her.
“Let me at least get a look at her,” the man prodded.
“I think not.”
His answer was accompanied by a collective inhalation from the crowd. Aria’s annoyance vanished as apprehension surged to the forefront. They were in danger here if Braith didn’t tread the right path, and judging by the crowd’s reaction, he had just made a serious misstep by disobeying the request.
“No?” Though he tried to hide it, Aria detected disbelief in the man’s voice.
“No.”
She cringed. Braith wasn’t used to being ordered about nor was he used to anyone questioning him, except for maybe her, and he certainly didn’t react well to it. He was not versed in diplomacy like her father, Daniel, Jack, and Ashby. Braith was used to giving the order and having that order obeyed. As prince, he’d never had to learn anything different, and he wasn’t willing to tolerate insolence now.
Aria wished she could talk to him, reason with him, but if she opened her mouth and exposed any sort of feeling between them, then they would be in even more peril then they were now, if that was even possible.
“I’m sure you understand that sometimes, when your toys are shiny and new, you tend to like to keep them to yourself,” Ashby interjected smoothly. Aria took no offense to being called a shiny toy. She felt only relief at Ashby’s light tone and thankfully easygoing demeanor.
“She is new then?” the vampire inquired.
“Oh not brand new,” Ashby replied flippantly. “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.