Haven 1: Caution: Contents Under Pressure Read Free

there was a little catch in it when he spoke again. “They’ve been eating bugs and rats, Stavion. This is seriously fucked-up.”
    “Just get them to the estate and do the best you can. Ask Malakai for help. He’s small and less intimidating. They might respond to him. I’m on my way.”
    Before he headed off for the Redway estate, he turned and strolled back in through the double doors, his heart sinking when he found the room empty. He led his Enforcers, but he didn’t want to be in charge of an entire coven. With so few members left of the Redway Clan, perhaps he could petition the elders to let them join the Snake River Coven.
    “Ah, Leader Shogard, can I help you with something?” Elder Winters entered from the far side of the room with a bright smile. “You look troubled.”
    “I want to petition The Council to have the Redway Clan join the Snake River Coven.” There was no sense in beating around the bush.
    Besides, he didn’t have a lot of time to spare. The sun would be up soon, and there were still things he needed to do before he retired for the day.
    “Are you sure that’s what you want?” The elder linked his hands together in front of him and tilted his head to the side. “You’re a great leader, Stavion. I think your people will need you now more than ever. Can you honestly say that your old coven leader has a vested interest in these men’s welfare?”
    Stavion blinked several times. “You heard?”
    Elder Winters just smirked. “There is not much that I miss.” He regarded Stavion seriously for several seconds and dipped his head. “I will speak with the other elders and have an answer for you shortly. I do hope you reconsider, though.”
    Stavion dipped his head respectfully. “Thank you, Elder. Anything you can do would be appreciated.”
    The elf waved away his gratitude with a genial smile. “Don’t thank me yet. I’m still hoping that you come to your senses. I understand the amount of responsibility that your position affords, but there are also benefits. You can do a lot of good as a leader. More so than you could as merely an Enforcer. Think it over, Stavion. I’ll be in touch.”
    Stavion nodded again and hurried out of the meeting hall. Nothing on earth could make him change his mind. Until he was free of the burden, the elder was correct, though. He had responsibilities that needed his attention, and the sooner the better.

Chapter Two
    Huddling on the bed, Jory drew his knees up to his chest and pressed as far into the headboard as he could go. No one had tried to hurt him or force him to do anything he didn’t want to do, but they were just so damn big! He’d never seen men so big before.
    He was free of his dark, cold, and terrifying prison. He’d been given his own room with a comfortable bed and real food to eat.
    They’d even allowed him to bathe and given him clean clothes to wear.
    He was still waiting for the other shoe to drop.
    While he hadn’t had the greatest life growing up, he’d always thought his parents loved him. And maybe they did. Apparently, they loved money more, though. He hadn’t always been a slave, forced to do the bidding of his “masters” or risk severe punishment. His parents had sold him when he was fourteen— on his birthday. He dared anyone to name a shittier birthday gift.
    His bedroom door creaked open, and a big man he hadn’t seen before stepped into his room. Jory’s entire body shook violently, and he tightened his arms around his knees. This was it. This was where they forced him into the basement or chained him up outside like a dog.
    “Hello, little one.” The man’s voice was deep, rich, and silky smooth. He spoke softly, gently, and didn’t move any farther into the room. “I’m Stavion, leader here for all intents and purposes.”
    Jory couldn’t move. He couldn’t speak. His heart hammered loudly, and the air caught in his constricted airway. Moving his mouth, he tried to force sound through his lips,