Refugee (The Captive Series Book 3) Read Free Page A

not.”
    His answer was accompanied by a
collective inhalation from the crowd. Aria’s annoyance vanished as
apprehension surged to the forefront. They were in danger here if
Braith didn’t tread the right path, and judging by the crowd’s
reaction, he had just made a serious misstep by disobeying the
request.
    “No?” Though he tried to hide it, Aria
detected disbelief in the man’s voice.
    “No.”
    She cringed. Braith wasn’t used to
being ordered about nor was he used to anyone questioning him,
except for maybe her, and he certainly didn’t react well to it. He
was not versed in diplomacy like her father, Daniel, Jack, and
Ashby. Braith was used to giving the order and having that order
obeyed. As prince, he’d never had to learn anything different, and
he wasn’t willing to tolerate insolence now.
    Aria wished she could talk to him,
reason with him, but if she opened her mouth and exposed any sort
of feeling between them, then they would be in even more peril then
they were now, if that was even possible.
    “I’m sure you understand that
sometimes, when your toys are shiny and new, you tend to like to
keep them to yourself,” Ashby interjected smoothly. Aria took no
offense to being called a shiny toy. She felt only relief at
Ashby’s light tone and thankfully easygoing demeanor.
    “She is new then?” the vampire
inquired.
    “Oh not brand new,” Ashby replied
flippantly. “Are any of them anymore? It’s hard to find something
that hasn’t been battered and tossed aside now.” His comments were
met with snickers and muttered agreements from the crowd. “But she
is new to my friend here, and as I’m sure you’re beginning to
realize he’s none too bright, and he really hates to
share.”
    Braith stiffened, irritated by Ashby’s
words. Aria held her breath, hoping Braith would keep his composure
as the muscles in his arm rippled against her. The man, who had
inquired to buy her, pondered Ashby’s words. “No, none of them are
untouched anymore.” He made a regretful sound. “Damn shame too.
What about yours?”
    Ashby jerked the hood back from
William. “It’s a boy, and a redhead to boot.”
    The hideous vampire chuckled. “Ah,
neither of those attributes appeal to me.”
    Aria held her breath, praying that
William wouldn’t explode, that he would hold his tongue despite his
pride and arrogance. Ashby jerked the hood back over his head. “Not
my preference either, but I don’t have to look at him to enjoy
him.”
    There were a few titters from the
audience. The tension in the air eased. “Ah well, perhaps if you
pass through again...”
    “I’m sure my friend will be far more
willing to discuss a deal then.”
    Some of the crowd began to disperse as
it became apparent no blood would be shed today. Ashby and the man
exchanged a few more words before they finally said their goodbyes.
Braith was so rigid she was frightened he might break his teeth if
he didn’t unclench his jaw. The buildings fell away as they slipped
free of the confines of the town. The bleak landscape enveloped
them, as they were encompassed by The Barrens.
    Aria barely had time to take her first
easy breath before Braith’s arm wrapped around her waist. He pulled
her firmly against him and kissed her with an intensity that left
her breathless and limp. His fangs pressed against her bottom lip,
nicking it enough to draw a drop of blood. A small groan escaped
him as he nibbled lightly before his tongue swept in to claim
possession of her mouth. Pulling her hood back, he burrowed his
hand into her hair and tenderly cradled her head. She was enveloped
by love, aflame with need as she clung to him in a desperate
attempt to stay grounded despite the rising desire threatening to
engulf her. She forgot about everything that had just transpired in
her desperation to get even closer to him, to feel even more of
him.
    William coughed faintly and then more
loudly as neither of them acknowledged his existence. He cleared
his