Captive: Hopeless

Chapter 12 - Deals

"Thane wanted to broker peace with us and set me a task. I had to prove my willingness by freeing you from Azera's grasp and treating you decently. She didn't want to let you go until I could offer something she wanted or needed," the satisfaction in those last words reminded her a little of Azera when at her most conniving.

"Being the dark fae queen, she had some high demands." He sounded peeved, and she suspected he had to agree to something he didn't approve of but could not avoid.

Trepidation churned in the pit of her stomach.

"I may not sell you, give you away, or get rid of you. The lady probably feared I would hand you to your father, but..." He grew quiet, and a self-deprecating smile touched her lips.

"He does not want me," she stated as a fact, and he didn't like that she knew, nor did he approve of her father's choice. It was almost amusing.

Kay once had a real father, even if he was not biologically related to her, and she did not need Thane.

***

Marcus motioned for her to sit down, and when she did, he walked over to his desk and seated himself. He looked more intimidating behind that expanse of mahogany, and power radiated from him like a presence.

This was a man of power.

"She demanded that I either claim you as my concubine or give you to one of my men," Marcus' measured words caught her attention as he gauged her reaction, but she had long since learned to keep her thoughts to herself, her expression remaining impassive. Only extreme duress drove her to lose her cool.

"That would be an unwise course of action, sir," she said, and he frowned, waiting for her to explain her words. "I am almost a pure blood, and my mistress refused to have me bedded, despite numerous offers of money and favors. Why do you think that is?" she asked, and he leaned back in his comfortable, leather-padded chair, waiting for her to share her theory with him as if she were his equal and not a new piece of property.

"Do not call that woman your mistress again; she has lost her hold on you," he bit out, and this intrigued her.

"Akira is my sister, and Thane is my father. What do you think would happen, sir?'

She watched the gears in his head turn as his face became colder, harder.

"They mentioned the word succubus and the fact that my diet would change accordingly," she prompted, and he leaned forward, realizing he got taken for a fool by both Thane and Azera.

"Kanye did not change," he denied, and she did not flinch before the power of his challenge.

"They told me that she is not as pure as I am, but it may be a lie, and since I did not grow up around these people or in your world, I cannot speak for its truth."

It was the most she had spoken in years, and it felt odd.

"Then I cannot give you to Duncan," Marcus' anger pulsed against her skin.

For once, she was not the one being manipulated and thwarted.

"I have a fiance, and we are about to get married."

Someone knocked, and he frowned, but before he could speak, a woman entered.

Tall with dark blond hair and dressed casually in designer jeans paired with a beautiful red blouse, she gave off the same aura of power as he did.

"Am I interrupting?" She asked, and he stared at her for a moment.

"No, Claudia, please come in. I think you should hear this," Marcus invited.