Corded (Corded Saga #1)(17)

 

"A personal matter?" He leaned back in his seat. "That doesn't change the rules, baby."

 

Baby? No one had ever called me that before. "I'm not a baby."

 

He laughed. It was a deep melodic sound. "I'm quite aware you're not a child." His eyes raked over me in a way that made the looks from the traders and Reine seem like nothing.

 

I looked down, moistening my lips that were suddenly dry.

 

He put a hand under my chin, forcing me to look up at him. "What are you here to discuss with Ethan?" His green eyes locked on mine.

 

"I'm here to discuss my sister." I hoped that was enough.

 

"Your sister? You have a sister?" His hand returned to my arm. "Do you mean to tell me Ethan knows not one but two girls that he never mentioned?" The unmistakable look of anger crossed his face, and I knew I'd gotten Ethan in trouble.

 

"Please don't be angry with him. We weren't his to reveal to anyone."

 

"Where is your sister?" Mason looked over my shoulder toward the door like he expected her to walk in. How I wished that would happen.

 

"She's been kidnapped."

 

"Kidnapped? By who?"

 

"Traders." The less details the better.

 

 

 

        

          

        

         

 

"Where are you from, Kayla?" I didn't like the way he said my name. It felt like he was sampling it-like he was sampling me.

 

"The Rurals east of the city."

 

"Of course. You said you grew up with Ethan. I make it my business to know the history of each of our members. I run an orderly club. It's the best place for a girl in this city." He studied me as he said it.

 

"I'm sure it is."

 

"What were you hoping Ethan would do with that information?" Mason continued to hold my arm.

 

I was taken aback by the switch in conversation. "I expect him to help me if he's capable."

 

"Help you? How could he do that?" He released my arm and settled back in his chair once again.

 

"I don't know, but I'm out of any other options."

 

He nodded. "Who brought you here?"

 

"What does that matter?"

 

"Answer the question." For the first time he raised his voice.

 

"No one."

 

"You expect me to believe you traveled that far by yourself?" He narrowed his eyes.

 

"I got a ride most of the way. But then … " Thoughts of Bolton flooded me with guilt. "He's gone now."

 

"And your family?"

 

"My father died trying to save me. Please, sir. May I speak with Ethan now?" I hoped using a more formal title would win me some help.

 

Instead of answering he called for Jarrett. "Get Ethan in here."

 

"Yes, Mason." He disappeared just as quickly as he came.

 

My stomach churned just thinking about seeing Ethan again. How would I explain Bolton's death on top of everything else?

 

We sat in silence. Mason continued to study me with an amused expression. I crossed my arms self-consciously. I wanted my coat back.

 

"Mason, I heard you wanted to see me?"

 

I knew that voice.

 

I started to stand up, but Mason pushed me back down. "There's no need to get up, Kayla."

 

"Kayla?" Ethan's face reflected the shock I'd expected. His brown eyes were wide as he took me in.

 

I took in a deep breath. "Hi, Ethan."

 

"What are you doing here? What's going on?" He asked me, but his attention had already turned to Mason.

 

"It looks like you've been holding out on me. You knew where two girls were, and never felt the need to share?"

 

"Two? You know about-" Ethan's eyes returned to me.

 

"The sister, yes. Kayla and I have had the chance to chat."

 

A look of panic crossed Ethan's face, but he tried to hide it.  

 

I gathered all my courage and turned to Mason. "It wasn't his place to reveal us."

 

"I suppose it doesn't matter anymore. Why don't you tell Ethan what you told me?"

 

I let out a slow deep breath. "Quinn's been taken."

 

"By traders?" Concern flooded his face. Concern he shouldn't have had since he left us behind.

 

"Yes." I left it there. I didn't want to explain more than I had to in case it changed things. I wasn't ready for anyone to know I might be a breeder.

 

"I'm sorry, but that still doesn't explain why you're here. Does your father know you left?" His expression turned cold.