by Claire Marta
“There are smaller covens dotted along New England, do you plan on overtaking them? Dominating the whole Eastern seaboard?” Malcolm asks. “There are a lot of you fucking Rochesters running around, we know that. However, even with us as your allies, or friends if you want to call it that, the other American covens, with a few European ones I’m sure won’t go for it.”
“We won’t be taking anyone over. We’re only looking to eliminate the English bastard.” I reply. “And don’t try to act like we’re doing something wrong, either. Carr’s allies aren’t big. Mean as fuck, but not big. We know he’s been after everyone in this room, not only us.”
“My family is very selective. We have powerful allies, but we’re choosy, why should we help you?” Dominic asks.
“Because you value family. So do we. My brothers and I are close. I wouldn’t blink if I had to kill them of course, but I might feel some inkling of guilt afterwards.
We want to do what is best for not only our family, but for those who serve under us.
We’re not so high up our own asses to not see when our people need us. After all, my sister is from a family my father thinks is nothing but scum. We see their value.”
“Ahh, yes, the Benson assassin. I had heard she married one of you.” Argo muses. “I knew her as a young girl. She was a bitch.”
Phillip laughs. “As the one bound to her I can tell you she is still a bitch.”
As if on cue Sheila walks in with Michael.
My younger brother still moves slowly. I don’t blame him, after being shot multiple times and sitting for who knows how long, alone, with the wounds open and bleeding.
Sheila, like the vicious protector she is hasn’t left his side, unless she was at mine. I cannot wait until all of this is over and done with, so we can go back to normal.
As normal as our family can be anyway.
“Michael, Sheila, so glad you can join us.”
“Oh hush, we had things to do.” Sheila snaps. She spots Argo and gives him a smile I have never seen before.
It’s light and dare I say, genuinely happy.
“How have you been? It’s been too long since we’ve seen each other.” She embraces the older vamp.
“That is true. You need to bring your husband around sometime. I’m sure the family would love to meet him.”
“Once all this nonsense is done with and everyone is dead I will.”
She then perches herself on the arm of the sofa that Phillip, Oscar, and now Michael are sitting on.
“I didn’t believe my husband when he said you agreed to come, Dominic.”
“Yes, well, we decided it was best to align ourselves with you. Least we see a takeover in our future.”
“Never. I wouldn’t allow it. Plus, my brother isn’t that dumb.” Sheila looks at me, then smirks. “Or maybe he is.”
Her eyes briefly flickers to Malcolm, but she doesn’t say anything. She then eyes the guards and I can tell when things change.
Her back stiffens and she sucks in a breath.
She stares at the guard behind Dominic for several long moments, long enough to have everyone in the room shifting.
“Is there something wrong, dear?” Argo breaks the silence.
Sheila seems to come back from wherever she was. “Yes, sorry, I thought I recognized Dominic’s guard, however, I must be mistaken. It’s been a long few weeks. Not enough blood, sleep, and too many almost deaths to count.”
Phillip wraps his arm around her. It’s clear Argo doesn’t believe her, but he lets it go. “I assume it’s safe to say everyone in this room will support you and your family, Damien.” Argo faces me. “Just tell us what you need.”
“You’re invited to the auction at the Carr house, are you not?”
“I am. Despicable thing he is doing. I don’t know what they do across the pond, but that is something that would never be tolerated in normal circles.”
“It’s safe to say that Jonathan Carr is far from normal.” Oscar remarks.
“True. The men who will be attending that fiasco are the worst of the worst. I only got an invitation because of who I am.”
“I assume you all are aware that up until a week ago we had the princess in our possession?”
“I wouldn’t call Ava Carr a princess,” Argo says. “More like a spoiled brat.”
“Yes, well our name of princess is rather derogatory. Anyway, I want you to take Sheila and Oscar with you. Along with two of Sheila’s brothers. They’ll be in disguise of course. Oscar’s eye color is too identifying, and everyone will remember the redhead with bloodlust.”
“You want me to aid you in re-kidnapping Carr’s daughter?” Argo can’t hide his surprise.
“That is correct.”
“Done.”
“Then I am going with you. I was invited, I was not planning on attending. However, I would love to see this play out.” Dominic says. He can’t hide his glee. Seems Mr. Cautious is a bit bloodthirsty.
Rodriguez and Vega push off the back wall and move closer so we can plan. The last thing we need is for this to go to shit.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Ava
TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT. REVULSION and rage reinforce the remoteness I have called on to get me through the next few hours.
What Jonathan Carr has in store for me won’t be pleasant. I refuse to call him Father now. He’s so far from a parent to me that if I could splice out my own DNA and remove him from my being I would.
Working the bristles of the hair brush through the length of my long wavy hair I take comfort in the repetitive motion. It shines, soft and healthy. My skin is also glowing with health.
Only a few marks now hint at the abuse I have suffered in my confinement.
Within, the scars remain on my psyche, bleeding, festering with a need for revenge.
“Time to go down.” Magar’s tawny brown eyes meet mine in the mirror.
He’s now the shadow at my side. Never far and always watching. My watchdog to make sure I don’t do anything to embarrass the coven.
Without a word I place the brush down and push my bare feet into a pair of black heels. I’ve been ordered to look my best. Adjusting the straps of my little black dress, I check my makeup.
The smoky eyeshadow enhances the radiance of my amber eyes. A little rouge brings colour to my pale cheeks, and blood red lipstick paints my lips to finish of the effect.
I look elegant, a flawless perfection of a lie. This is not me. This is just the puppet I am expected to be.
Turning, my heels click as I cross the floor to where my guards stand waiting.
“You look beautiful.”
Expression remote, the smile I give them doesn’t reflect my dead insides. “Thank you.”
Briggs, the one who has never spoken a word, opens the door and leads me out.
The urge to bolt is a strong one. Going down those stairs is something I dread to do. I know, however, I know what the consequences will be if I were to run.
More suffering. More pain.
As we reach the top of the staircase the sounds of voices float up from the level below.
Grasping the banister with a shaking hand, I pause for a moment to gather my resolve.
Whatever happens this evening I need to keep my head. My only chance is to go through with this farce. Under the shadow of Jonathan Carr I don’t stand a chance, but perhaps once I am taken by whomever buys me, I might be able to kill the man whom has ruined my life since the day I was born.
Don’t resist. Magar warns me softly in a whisper through my head. Whatever happens do not fight back. You will only make it worse.
I don’t respond. Maybe he knows what awaits me. I’ve seen the watchful pity in his gaze, and it makes me wonder if he’s genuine, or itf it’s just another tool to trick my broken mind.
With the grace I was taught by my mother I glide, with a fake confidence, down the stairs.
“Good evening Miss. Carr.” Ivan drawls from his position just inside the
library door.
Panic momentarily steals my breath. This is the first time I’ve seen the fucker since the assault.
As his hungry, lustful look strokes its way up every inch of my dress I feel the blood drain from my face.
“Your father has instructed there are to be changes, and an addition or two to your attire.”
Taking a jerky step back my guards bar my way.
“Don’t you fucking touch me.” I spit.
Ivan grins, showing off perfect white teeth. “You have nowhere to go and if you make this difficult I will be more than happy to punish you.”
The thought of his stinking, grunting body writhing over mine again makes me feel sick. Standing my ground I can’t stop my legs from shaking.
Reaching behind the door he retrieves a metal stick. At each end of the spreader bar cuffs have been attached.
Stalking forward he circles behind me.
I stiffen instantly when his large fingers curl around my wrist and forces it back. Before I realise it both my arms are immobilized, preventing me from lowering them.
This has to be some kind of sick joke. Jonathan is really not taking any chances with me tonight.
Ivan’s hand snakes around to grip my jaw. Using his strength he wrenches my mouth wide before fitting something in between my teeth.
The rubber ball gag is fastened tight as I shake my head, unsuccessfully trying to dislodge it.
“Oh, one last thing.” The Russian murmurs.
As he rips the material of my dress down the back I feel cold air hit my exposed skin.
Eyes screwed shut I hold in the sobs as the lacy wisps of underwear follow. Next something rigid yet supple is fastened around my neck. It’s not hard to work out it’s a collar.
“You two go keep an eye out front, I can take it from here.” Yanking the leash he is holding, Ivan deliberately makes me stumble.
Gaze downcast, I don’t look towards Briggs or Magar as they walk away. Seeing a glimpse of compassion is the last thing I want to see. Humiliation tries to crush me, but I refuse to let them see it. Never again will I let my vulnerability show.
Like a prized broodmare I’m paraded into the library in nothing but my heels for the audience that awaits.
The rumble of voices quickly dies down.
Eyes crawl over my naked form. Every male present is inspecting me with a perverse sexual intent.
Taking in the scene my attention darts around the busy room. Faces swim before my gaze and for one split second I think I see someone familiar, but when I refocus they’re gone.
“If you gentlemen would like to go ahead and get a better look that’s fine.” Jonathan Carr’s words are pleasant as he lounges in his favorite chair. “After all, one of you will be purchasing her.”
Eagerly the crowd moves across the room to surround me.
Hands squeeze my arse. My cheeks are separated, rectum penetrated. Fingers rove my hips, greedily touching and invading.
An outraged protest is muffled by the ball gag clamped between my lips. With my arms cuffed and extended against my will they have unimpeded access.
Rage swells almost choking me.
I am not a piece of meat. Flesh for their taking. Whore to whoever has enough funds to buy me.
My pussy is examined, parted and fingered. Next come the fondles and testing of my breasts.
If they think I am enjoying this attention they are wrong. Every face I see I file away. Each violation I add to my list of who I will kill when I get the chance.
“She’s quite a looker, isn’t she.” A man with dark hair comments as he twists my nipple painfully.
“I’d happily ride this bitch every night and not get tired of these tight holes.” Another boasts.
Finally, rising from his chair, Jonathan straightens the lapels of his best Italian suit. “I’m glad my daughter is to your liking. Now let’s get down to business. Ivan take her outside.”
Tugging on the chain my jailer leads me smugly from the room.
Behind us the bidding is already in full swing as amounts of money are called out as the door clicks closed.
Time ticks on while we stand waiting by the stairs. It feels like hours have past when it can’t be more than thirty minutes.
Uncomfortable, I try to relieve the strain on my wrists, still incapacitated by the bar.
Jonathan is deep in negotiations. The thick of haggling of a price for me, as if I am a possession to be bought and sold.
“Are you wondering which one you’ll end up with?” Ivan’s voice is amused. “They all know they’ve got to keep you on your back until you produce an heir.” He removed the ball gag, thankfully, my jaw aches from wearing it just a short time.
“It doesn’t matter who it is.” I mutter just under my breath, not giving him the satisfaction of looking his way. “I’ll kill them if they touch me.”
In an instant he had me pinned with my bare back against the wall. His hard-packed, muscled frame cages me in, making me recoil in disgust and fear.
Squeezing my cheeks together painfully, Ivan uses the pad of his thumb to roughly smear the last of my red lipstick across my face. “I thought I silenced that defiance of yours when I brought you back. Maybe you didn’t learn your lesson.”
Now I realise why he took the time to remove my gag. He’s trying to rile me, but it isn’t going to work. My temper is on lockdown. I don’t intend to waste it here.
No, I am saving it for when I am free and can unleash it at its full potential.
“If you leave a mark on me whoever I belong to now might not be so happy.” I point out, unable to keep the quiver from my voice.
His touch makes me want to scrub every place he’s come into contact with clean.
Clenching and unclenching my bound hands, I feel panic trying to override me as my head begins to spin.
“With the reputation these guys have that’s the least of your worries.” He replies.
I don’t dare to even think about what he means. Any hope that I might be acquired by someone with a heart dies a sudden and painful death.
The sounds of shouting wane as Ivan pushes away from me.
As the door of the library is thrown open Jonathan can’t hide his glee as he emerges.
To his left a tall reedy, unattractive vampire shakes his hand. “Let me know when you want to move against Lucius and I’ll send over my men. In the meantime I’ll make a start on giving you a grandson.”
“Lucky bastard.” Someone grumbles.
“If you have trouble breeding the bitch let me know. I don’t mind giving you a hand.” Another one laughs.
“I already have three bastards, I don’t think getting her knocked up will be a problem, or take very long.” The male who must have bought me assures the group with a grin.
Chuckling Jonathan strolls across the hallway towards where Ivan and I are waiting. “Morgan Steel won the bid. She’ll be going with him back to New Orleans tomorrow evening. In the meantime they will consummate their mating in the guest house.” He announces, not even bothering to glance my way. “I want plenty of guards on duty while he enjoys himself.”
The thought of Morgan touching me sends my breathing into sharp pants of anxiety. I know my father is desperate for a male heir, but I had not expected that conceiving one would start tonight.
Wrapping the length of my hair around his meaty fist Ivan forces me down jerkily to my knees.
“That’s right, whore, get down and grovel for your new Master.” He jeers.
Controlling my movements he proceeds to tow me forwards until my forehead meets the cold floor.
I don’t resist. Instead I close my eyes and try to focus on something else.
“Kiss his foot.” The order is a growl.
My lips touch the tip of Morgan’s shiny black shoe.
A round of masculine laughter breaks out from above.
“I thought you said there would be a problem with her?” Morgan comments.
“Oh don’t let Ava
fool you, she has a temper under all that compliance. One you need to watch and beat out of her when necessary.” Jonathan warns.
“Oh I have better methods.”
The sole of the same shoe I have just touched presses down firmly on the back of my neck flattening my face painfully against the cold marble.
“If my whores disobey me I blind them.” Morgan confides to those gathered round. “A silver needle straight into the eyeball and left for three days permanently removes sight. They don’t cause my trouble after that.”
Raising my gaze I meet a pair of blue eyes. The man is short with dark hair. Unlike the rest it doesn’t look like he is enjoying the show. Noticing my regard he gives me a wink.
“Is she a virgin?” Morgan asks.
“No.” Ivan responds as I feel him caress my behind. “I can confirm that every hole she has have been fully tested.”
Biting the inside of my cheek I taste my own blood. I feel so degraded.
“Why don’t you just take her right now?” Someone suggests. “She’s in the perfect position with her arse up in the air.”
The thought of being fucked in front of my father and his cronies makes bile burn in the back of my throat. Grinding my teeth I swallow my protests. Now is not the time to fight back.
The pressure of the foot leaves my neck but I don’t bother to move.
“I am not an animal.” Morgan responds. “Besides I intend to enjoy her right up until dawn and I won’t do that in a drafty hall.”
“Then we won’t waste anymore of your time.” Jonathan cuts in. “Let’s have a round of drinks to celebrate and then she’s all yours.”
The men hurry back into the library as they tell each other filthy jokes.
As Ivan peels me off the ground my frantic gaze locks onto a face I know no longer exists. Green eyes, not silver fixate on mine, so familiar a tingle races up my spine. Oscar?
When I look again he’s gone.
“Take Miss. Carr...I am sorry I mean Mrs. Steel to the guest house to await her husband’s pleasure.” Ivan tells Magar and Briggs as they enter from outside.