The Monster Within

Sold

Present Day

Hollis stood before the crowd of jeering, salivating men. It was so bright on the stage with the lights focused on her, and despite the warmth, she was shivering. It was difficult to see anyone's faces clearly in the crowd, but she wasn't all too sure she wanted to; just knowing these men were seeing her naked was enough to make her want to vomit.

The bidding began, the man speaking so fast his words were a messy jumble in her ears. Her chains shifted, softly clanking, still so cold against her skin. She felt like she would always be this cold, now. Until she was in Oberon's arms once more, she was going to remain frozen.

Paddles were raised in the air, each one with a different number on it. Soon, her prospective owners were whittled down to three men. She squinted against the bright lights. One man was seated right up front. He was older, with greying hair and a tanned, lined face. He was stoic, but something in his lingering gaze made her feel uneasy. He was almost smiling at her. She shifted, trying to cover her nudity with her legs as she raised her arms to cover her breasts.

The other man was paunchy, old, with a mean look in his eye. She grit her teeth against her fears. Ryker had said they would be here, right? Cole, and maybe Oberon?

Another paddle raised, topping the last two offers. Her eyes settled on a mop of dark brown curls, and warmth finally spread from her chest and throughout the rest of her body. Cole glanced at her, and though their eyes met, they kept their emotions in check. She yearned so badly to leap from the stage and into his arms, for he was one step closer to Oberon.

But then, she felt it. Her head snapped to the side of the room. Jez stood, still chained but wearing a flimsy cotton dress, and next to her was the most breathtaking man Hollis had ever seen. He wore a deep navy suit, trimmed to fit his body perfectly. His eyes blazed a bright gold as they locked, his jaw ticking, his clasped hands trembling.

She felt tears leak from her eyes and coat her cheeks as they held one another's gaze. She would be in his arms soon. She would be safe once more soon. She would never let him go, ever again. She refused. That hope had kept her alive in her prison, and now that hope had flamed from a small spark to a raging forest fire.

The auction continued, the prices rising ever higher, but their eyes remained glued to one another. It wasn't until the crowd gasped, until Oberon's eyes turned into slits of rage, that Hollis tore her attention from him and to the man seated right in front of her.

"Did I hear that correctly, sir?" the auctioneer stuttered. The man nodded gently.

"Ten million going once..."

No, no, no, no!

Hollis' eyes flew to Cole, who was sitting forward in his seat, turned and staring at Oberon for help. Her eyes flashed back to the man, a sick smile curling onto his lips.

"Going twice..."

Oberon stormed forward, drawing the attention of those around him, and Cole leapt up, dashing to stop him. Hollis felt hope leave her chest, extinguished now like a small candle in a gust of wind. They didn't have enough money to buy her. She was going to be sold. She would be this man's slave.

Trembling, icy cold once more, she turned her eyes to the man.

"Sold!" the auctioneer called. There was applause, shock throughout the crowd at such a stiff price. The man stood, outstretched hand reaching for Hollis. Her eyes swept to Oberon's. Cole was whispering to him, holding him back, but just barely. Hollis had never seen him so livid before, and the sight made her knees buckle.

She stumbled, lightheaded, but her new owner was quick to catch her. She recoiled at his touch, but he was strong as he swept her into his arms. She allowed herself to peek up at him as he stalked to the side doors, strong and sure as he held her.