Page 96 of Haunted

“I claim Sadie Reynolds for one full year,” his voice carries through the chamber, steady and certain. “She belongs to me completely.”

The surprise ripples through me like cold water. A year. Landon has never kept anyone for more than a few hours, let alone an entire fucking year.

Sadie tenses and looks like she’s ready to bolt in what appears to be a protest. But when Landon reaches for her, she doesn’t pull away. Her body language speaks louder than any voiced denial ever could—the way she leans into his touch even as she shakes her head, a pretty flush of pink spreads across her chest despite her apparent reluctance.

“I don’t want this,” she whispers, but her voice lacksconviction, making it sound like she’s trying to convince herself more than him.

“Your body says otherwise,” Landon replies, his hands already working to remove her silk wrappings.

Mira tenses in my lap as Landon guides Sadie to the center platform. I feel her breath quicken, her breathing quickening as my brother positions the tech expert exactly where he wants her.

What follows is a masterclass in control and dominance. Landon takes Sadie with rough yet controlled strokes, every touch calculated to break down her resistance while building her arousal. She fights him—verbally, at least—but her hips move with his rhythm, her moans betraying the pleasure she’s trying to deny.

“Please don’t,” Sadie gasps even as she arches beneath him. “I can’t... this isn’t me.”

“This is exactly who you are,” Landon’s voice carries absolute certainty. “You needed someone to bring it out in you.”

I feel Mira’s reaction in real-time—her breathing becomes shallow, her skin flushing pink as she watches Sadie surrender to my brother’s manipulation. The eager little fucktoy on my lap is getting aroused watching another woman being fucked. That knowledge sends a dark spark of satisfaction through my chest.

“You like watching,” I murmur into her ear, keeping my voice low enough that only she can hear. “You’re getting wet simply watching her submit.”

Mira’s sharp intake of breath confirms what Ialready know.

Movement in my periphery catches my attention. Julian approaches, his ice-blue eyes focused intently on where Elliot sits with Theo. The art dealer looks thoroughly debauched after last night’s activities. Still, there’s something in his expression that suggests he’s far from finished.

“Xavier,” Julian’s voice cuts through the sounds of Landon fucking Sadie. “I need to speak with you.”

I gesture for him to continue, though my attention remains split between his words and the way Mira responds.

“I want Elliot for the year.”

Julian wants to claim another hunter—something that’s never been done in the history of our events.

“That goes against every rule we’ve established,” I reply carefully, studying his face for any sign of deception or momentary madness.

“Rules can be changed.” His voice carries the same cold certainty that made him invaluable in our financial operations. “Elliot participated as prey both in the orgy chamber and the feast. He submitted beautifully. I want him as mine.”

I follow Julian’s gaze to where Elliot sits beside Theo, and what I see there makes my decision for me. The art dealer’s refined composure has cracked wide open—his usually impeccable clothing rumpled from the Hunt. Still, it’s the expression on his face that seals it.

The anxious wave of anticipation playing across his aristocratic features is all I needed to see. His handstremble slightly, and I catch the way his breath quickens when Julian’s eyes lock with his.

After forty years of keeping people at arm's length, Elliot Chambers had perfected his emotional distance. But Julian crashed through those defenses, revealing the passionate hunger Elliot had suppressed for so long.

“Very well,” I say, my voice carrying through the chamber. “You may go next.”

Julian’s mask conceals his expression, but I hear the sharp exhale that escapes him. He’d been holding his breath, waiting for my answer. The normally ice-cold investment banker actually cares about the outcome.

Mira shifts in my lap. I feel her tense against me as Julian approaches the platform where Landon is finishing with Sadie.

“I claim Elliot Chambers for one full year,” Julian’s voice cuts through the chamber with absolute authority. “He belongs to me.”

I watch Elliot grip the edge of his chair until his knuckles turn white.

“Julian, I...” Elliot’s voice breaks.

“Stand up,” Julian commands.

Elliot rises on unsteady legs, every line of his tall, muscular frame broadcasting his internal struggle. It’s always surprising to see him out of a suit, covered in ink and muscles, as he comes across as the proper gallery owner. And now, the predator has become prey, and he’s discovering he likes it.