Captured Read Free Page B

not much was known about the vampire stronghold, she had heard a little about the prince. She’d heard rumors of the future leader, of the one that would one day rule all of their fates, if his father was ever killed. She had also heard that he was just as cruel and heartless a bastard as his old man was.
       Aria straightened her shoulders, a wave of defiance washed through her as she clenched her jaw and lifted her chin. She didn’t know what came over her, but her terror swiftly vanished in the face of this man, and now she was angry. Pissed actually, royally pissed by the inhumane and unfair treatment of her fellow man. The wolf brushed against her, startling her slightly, but she was able to keep her surprise hidden as the animal settled at her feet.
       The vamp holding her shivered slightly, his fear became almost palpable. Apparently some of the rumors she had heard about the prince were true, as everyone seemed to be afraid of the creature before her. The prince’s mouth quirked slightly, amusement flitted briefly over his hard features. The thick glasses he wore covered his eyes, but she could feel his attention riveted upon her, feel his keen interest as he watched her.
       “She will come with me.”
       A collective gasp escaped the crowd, but it was swiftly covered up, and silenced, by the sharp looks of the two men behind the prince. The auctioneer sputtered slightly, his eyes darted swiftly to Aria, then around the rest of the stage. “Your highness, we have others…” he broke off, looking frantic as he searched for help that was not forthcoming. “ Better looking ones.” Arianna bristled, her nose scrunched up as she shot the auctioneer a dark look that he didn’t notice as he was too focused upon the man at the foot of the steps. “Ones that I am sure will be far more to your liking. I will select one if you wish.”
       “No,” the prince responded forcefully. “I want that one. Give the man his money back and give her to me.”
       The man holding her released her instantly; he could not get away from her fast enough as he retreated hastily. Aria swallowed heavily, fear trickled back through her. All of these people were terrified of the prince, and he was now laying claim to her . What did that mean? What did he want with her, and why on earth would he choose her when the auctioneer was right, there were far better looking women here?
       Aria turned slowly toward Max. His eyes were wide; his nostrils flared with the force of his rapid breaths. Terror was written all over his face; however it was not terror for himself , but for her . Aria shuddered, her hands clenched hold of her elbows as she held herself tightly. Though she found herself oddly unafraid of the prince before her, she was scared of the reaction everyone else was having to him. He must be a vicious monster if everyone was so afraid to move or speak around him.
       “Come here.” She jumped slightly at the sharp command, but she found her feet frozen in place, she could not move toward him. The auctioneer was gaping at her like she was a total moron, but she could not bring herself to move. Finally, having decided that she must be a complete idiot, the auctioneer stepped toward her and reached out to grab hold of her arm. “Do not touch her!”
       The auctioneer jumped, stumbling slightly back as the prince’s barked command rang sharply out. The auctioneer had gone completely pale, sweat poured down his face as he gaped at her. It was his reaction that finally snapped some sense into her. She could not stand here all day, the prince would only come for her (he did own her now), and she did not know what he would do if he had to retrieve her. There were other innocents on this stage, and Aria suddenly feared that the prince would hurt them if she continued to disobey him.
       Max took a swift step forward, his mouth parting slightly. She shook her head sharply at him, terrified of what would happen if