Page 61 of Wrapped in Their Arms

Bright lights blasted down from above, so strong and white they felt metallic on her skin, turning every exposed inch of her into a glowing, vulnerable target.Burnwas at her left andBrightwas at her right—two towering walls of heat and muscle—but even sandwiched between them, she felt naked.Morenaked than she had ever been in her life.

Her hands instinctively lifted to cover herself—her breasts, her sex.Shecouldn’t touch herself but at least she could hide herself from prying eyes.

A hiss brushed her ear like a snake slithering over stones.

“Drop your hands and show your goods,” the alien stylist whispered sharply, her breath cold as ice.“Oryou’ll get a taste of pain.”

A tremor shot throughNoelleas she lowered her arms to her sides.Herfists clenched so tightly her knuckles ached.Herbody felt exposed—trembling and utterly defenseless, and the silver filigree collar around her throat suddenly felt like it was choking her.

BlessedVirgin, please… help me through this!

The lights were blinding.Shehad to squint to make sense of the shapes moving beyond them.Avast semicircle of seats rose in tiers, packed with alien bodies—some massive…some spindly…some shimmering and some covered in scales or fur.Theair was full of muffled murmurs, clicking tongues, guttural growls, and strange scents she couldn’t place.

Three figures in particular stood out.

To her right, in the front row, was a creature that looked like a giant praying mantis crossed with a jeweled statue.Itsentire exoskeleton glimmered with shifting colors—reds, greens, and blues—as though tiny gemstones were embedded under its translucent shell.Itslarge black eyes had no pupils, and its delicate, segmented forelimbs rubbed together in a quick, eager motion.

Farther back, she saw a creature made of fog and shadow—literally.Atall, thin, wraithlike being whose outline flickered like a flame, as if its body refused to fully solidify.Itseyes were pale blue lanterns in a face with no mouth at all.Ittilted its head, silently studying her, the faint mist of its body curling around its seat like smoke.

And on the left side of the room sat something that looked like a reptilian centaur: a hulking, six-legged beast covered in dark green scales, with a humanoid torso rising from its middle.Itshead was wide and flat, almost crocodilian, with two rows of small, needle-like teeth and a crown of bony frills.Itflicked a long, barbed tail back and forth, clearly impatient.

Noelle’s pulse banged against her ribs.

Dios…what kind of people are these?Whatare these creatures going to do to us if they buy us?

The alien—who was now acting as an auctioneer—floated to center stage, hands raised, her silver robes fluttering like wings.

“Ladies, gentlemen, and beings of all configurations,” she trilled, her dual-toned voice echoing across the chamber, “Feastyour eyes upon our next offering!Arare, delightful item—abreeding trio, also known as asexual triad.”

A murmur rippled through the crowd.

Burn stiffened atNoelle’sside, his jaw clenching.

Bright muttered, “Gods!”under his breath.

The auctioneer gestured grandly towardBurn.

“This big male here would make anexcellentbodyguard.Musclesupon muscles!Strengthbeyond what most species can evenimagine.”

Burn growled low, and even though she couldn’t see it,Noellefelt his fury rising like static in the air.Hiseyes must be going red—clearly, he hated being displayed like some kind of animal.Shefelt the same way.

“Next,” the alien auctioneer said, sweeping her arm toBright, “Wehave a certified accountant.Excellentwith numbers, ledgers, and calculations—perfect for managing estates, businesses, or personal wealth.”

Bright’s expression didn’t change, butNoellesaw the way his throat bobbed as he swallowed.Themeat-market-like atmosphere was getting to him too.

“And last but of course not least…”Thealien’s gaze slid toNoelle.“Thislittle female.Anexcellent maid—petite, compliant, and above all,fertile.”

Heat floodedNoelle’scheeks.Shestared at the stage floor, her breathing shallow.

“And look at those breasts—so ripe for making milk!”the auctioneer crooned.“Herwomb has been thoroughly mapped as well and is ready for implantation.”

A roar of approval rumbled through the alien crowd.

Noelle’s face burned.Shewanted to sink into the stage and disappear.

Madre deDios… this can’t be happening.HowcanIbe standing here like this in front of all these strangers with everything on display?

Burn stepped closer to her, his massive body pressing protectively against her side.“Thisis fucking bullshit,” he muttered.