Page 108 of Cruel Master

Kendrick’s movements are stiff as he leads her to the wooden seat. She sits, scans the crowd once, then looks at the floor. I can’t blame her. It must be a horrible, intimidating sight.

Kendrick clears his throat and speaks briskly, as though he wants to get this finished fast. “As money isn't of any use here, any unattached Brother who wishes to take on this woman as their Ward shall make their case as to why they should be chosen. I will make the decision.”

A murmur runs through the audience at that. We’d all been wondering how Kendrick would handle an auction where currency isn’t of any use.

Kendrick continues. “In the event that no one steps forward, Dimitry’s Ward will be granted full accommodation and resources to live out her life in the Compound as she sees fit.”

His tone strongly implies this is the best outcome. Jacob mutters, “Don’t think anyone’ll put their head on the chopping block for this one. Who’d want to piss off the big man?”

Who indeed? I start to relax. Kendrick raises his voice. “If anyone would like to present themselves, please step forward."

Surely no one will. There can’t be—

“I’ll take her.”

A brash voice rings out, and a man struts up to the stage. He’s in his sixties with a jowly, pinched face and ruddy skin.

Jacob stiffens. “Fuck me. That’s Edward. He wanted Quinn before I took her. He’s a right cunt.”

Kendrick’s face darkens, disapproval radiating from him as Edward ambles on stage. The woman in the chair shoots a quick glance at him and flinches. Does she know him? Has she run into him before?

Edward looks around at the empty stage, then smiles and holds out his hand toward the woman in exaggerated courtesy, but his eyes glimmer. “Excellent. It looks as though you’re mine now. Come. You’ll stay with me tonight.”

The woman flinches away, and Edward’s face hardens. “Don’t get off on the wrong footing, Rosalie.”

Rosalie. The way he says her name implies familiarity, and the pleading look she shoots toward Kendrick cements it. She knows Edward. She’s scared of him. This is—

Kendrick’s voice is a whip crack. “Step back, Edward. She’s not yours yet.”

Edward jerks back, and his voice turns obsequious. “Sorry, sir. I’ll observe the formalities, of course. I only wanted—”

“Why do you believe you should have her?”

Edward leers at Rosie and all but licks his lips. “I’m familiar with this Ward. She…knows me, so it will be an easier transition for her. I know what she needs.”

Kendrick’s face is stony. “Is that so? I’ll take it into consideration. Does anyone else wish to step forward?”

No one speaks up. Kendrick’s jaw works, and he takes a heavy breath. He shoots a glance at Rosalie.

“In that case, I’m putting myself into contention.”

There are a few seconds of absolute silence, then whispers break out all over the room. Sebastian mutters, “No fucking way.”

My thoughts exactly.

Kendrick takes a step toward Edward, and there’s something threatening about the way he moves. Edward shrinks back astep, looks at Rosie, then seems to find his backbone. “By the rules of engagement, I don’t think—”

“I make the rules. I choose the winner. And I’m choosing myself. Take a seat, Edward. She’s mine.”