Leta took a step back. Her head was up, and she was inhaling deeply as she stared mistrustfully at the man in front of them. Her brown eyes were starting to lighten, and she was squeezing Tia so tightly the little dog made a whimper of discomfort.
“Don’t fear me little half-breed. I wish you no harm.” The man smiled and held his hands up.
“Who are you?” Bree asked bluntly.
“I’m here to buy horses from the half-breed’s father.”
“Don’t call her that.” Bree snapped at him. “Go into the house Leta.” When the girl didn’t move, she gave her a gentle push. “Go on now.”
Leta turned and ran to the house with Tia as Bree went back to pinning up the sheets. Her stomach was churning and her palms were sweating. There was something about the man that made her anxious, but she was determined not to let him see her nervousness. She wished for a brief moment that she had a sword but scoffed inwardly at herself. Although she trained with Nicky nearly every day, she was nowhere close to being able to use a sword effectively.
“Tell me pretty one – are you a Lycan or a human?”
“Human.” She said shortly.
“Like me!” The man gave her a delighted grin and moved closer, ducking around one of the sheets flapping gently in the cold breeze.
He looked her up and down. “I’m not surprised you’re human. The Lycans would never allow one of their own kind to be a slave.”
She didn’t reply and took a few steps backwards under the pretense of straightening the already straight sheet on the line.
The man looked around, taking in the large house behind Bree. “These Lycans have done very well for themselves. Everywhere I look there are human slaves. They seem to have a great amount of them.”
He reached for Bree’s arm and she took another step backwards, glaring at him.
“Come here girl. I wish to take a better look at you.”
“No.” She replied shortly.
He laughed. “You dare to deny me? A slave? The Lycans allow their slaves too much freedom I think.”
He stroked one of the sheets with a rough and dirty finger. “Do you think the Lycans would consider selling something else to me other than a horse? I am in need of a slave to clean my house and warm my bed.”
She gave him a look of disgust and he frowned. “What? Do you not find me pleasing to the eye? I’ve not had any complaints before.”
He crooked his hand at her. “Come here girl. I grow tired of your games. If the Lycan’s consent to selling you to me, you will learn quickly that I am not to be disobeyed. My last slave found herself abandoned at the outskirts when she defied me.”
When she didn’t move, he shot forward with terrifying quickness and grabbed her upper arm through her sweater. “Would you like to live with me sweet one?”
She tried to pull her arm free and his hand tightened harshly. Her breath hissed out between her teeth at the pain, and she raised her free hand and slapped him hard across the face.
He stared in disbelief at her as his tanned cheek started to redden. “You did not just do that, you silly little bitch.”
He raised his hand but before he could strike her back, a soft voice spoke behind them.
“Let her go.”
Relief coursed through Bree at the sound of James’ voice. The man dropped her arm and she stumbled backwards towards James. He put his arm around her waist, and pulled her back until her body was pressed firmly against his. His hand cupped her hip and when he spoke, she could feel the vibration in her back.
“Go back and join your friends.”
“Now hold on half-breed.” The man smiled at him. “I wish to purchase this slave from you. How much for her?”
“She is not for sale.”
“Come now, everything is for sale.” The man crossed his arms across his chest. “You have more than enough slaves. Sell this one to me – I’ll give you a fair price for her.”
James, his nostrils flaring angrily, spoke softly. “She is not a slave.”
The man arched his eyebrows. “Well then, she is free to make her own decision.” He winked at Bree. “My home is not as large as the half-breed’s but that isn’t a bad thing is it? You will spend less time cleaning and more time warming my bed.”
There was another vibration against her back as James growled low in his chest. His hand tightened on her hip. “The woman belongs to me.”
A look of disgust passed over the man’s face. “Keep her then. I wouldn’t take her into my bed knowing she has spread her legs for a half-breed Red.”
James growled again. Bree could feel his chest expanding against her back and she glanced upwards, her heart constricting with fear. His eyes were green and glowing, and she tried to step away from him but his arm tightened around her waist.