Page 30 of Sold Wolf Slave

“Of course she is. That’s the whole point of the fighting ring.” Pierce folded his arms, eyes flashing as he frowned down at me. “So are you going to agree to fight me again, or am I goingto have to report this and have the higher-ups take her away when I accuse you of cheating?”

I growled as my wolf howled. He wanted nothing more than to dig his claws into this asshole’s flesh and tear him limb from limb for just a fraction of the things he had said about Kendra. But even if I weren’t furious at the way he leered at her or the way he insisted on categorizing her as a prize, I would need to fight him. I couldn’t afford for him to start walking around, accusing me of cheating. There would be too much attention on me, and odds were he would still get his rematch either way. Saying yes was the best way to keep the mission intact.

“Fine,” I snapped. At least this way, I would enjoy kicking his ass again. He deserved it.

Pierce grinned, showing too-sharp teeth. “Excellent. Tomorrow, then. First thing at the pits.”

“Sounds great,” I said. “Now get the hell out of here.”

He barked out a laugh. “Excellent,” he said. “I’m going to enjoy tearing you limb from limb.” He glanced over my shoulder, and I had no doubt he was eyeing Kendra with undisguised lust. “And I’m going to enjoyyouafter.” He winked.

“Get out of here before I claw your eyes out,” I snapped.

Pierce laughed, throwing his head back. Then he caught sight of my expression. He sobered, something like worry flickering across his features. Then it was gone a moment later. He gave a sneer, along with a derisive snort, but turned and walked away.

I slammed the door shut. “Asshole,” I muttered. I walked past Chris and Nolan to Kendra. My hand went to her shoulder without thinking. “Are you okay?” I asked.

“I’m fine,” she said. “I’ve dealt with creeps before.” She gave me a speculative look, he mouth open as if she wanted to say something. Then her mouth clamped shut again. One more questioning look, and she scurried away without speaking.

I watched her, concern washing over me. Something had unnerved her. Was it Pierce? Something I had said? I had this overwhelming urge to go after her, to check and make sure it wasn’t something I could fix. I took a half-step in her direction before Chris and Nolan stepped in front of me, each of them with similar expressions of surprise.

“What?” I asked.

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Chris asked.

“Why wouldn’t it be?”

“Oh, I don’t know,” Nolan mused, rubbing his chin in mock contemplation. “Maybe because this seems like a needlessly reckless situation. You just agreed to a fight where, if you lose, you are going to die. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.”

“What else was I supposed to do?” I snarled. “Let him take her? She’s not something to be traded.”

“Are you sure that’s why you’re so adamant about protecting her?” Chris asked.

My eyes narrowed. “What are you talking about?”

Nolan and Chris exchanged bemused looks. “We’ve rescued plenty of women before. I’ve just never seen you act like this before,” Chris said.

I frowned, brow knitting together as I stared at the two of them. That wasn’t true. Was it? I was just helping out a woman who needed help. We were forced into an incredibly awkward situation. She was in a bad spot, and I was helping her—the way Iwould any woman. But one look at Chris and Nolan told me that wasn’t going to cut it.

“She’s also useful to the mission,” I said. “She knows things about Cain and the workings of the operation, and she’s determined to take him down. We might not find another person willing to tell us as much about him as she is.”

Even as I said the words, I had to wonder if it was exactly the truth. Something about Kendra felt different. I could sense her always, could feel her the second she walked into the room. I wanted to help every woman in this damned place, but Kendra was special. I felt as though I might move heaven and earth to keep her safe.

Which was a problem when it came to the mission. If she ever got in the way, what would I do? Was agreeing to this fight the first sign that she was clouding my judgment?

No, fighting Pierce would help the mission. It would establish me as someone tough and interested in keeping my slaves. That was the real reason I was doing it… right?

The thought that emotions might be dictating my decisions instead of what was right for the job unsettled me. I had always been good at keeping myself in check. If Kendra was going to jeopardize that…

I shook my head to clear it. It didn’t matter. I couldn’t back out of the fight with Pierce even if I wanted to. Not if I wanted to keep up the pretense.

Chapter 11 - Kendra

I was back at the fighting pits. This time, instead of massive, roaring crowds, there were only a handful of us: Pierce, Will, Chris, Nolan, a couple of shifters who oversaw the match, and I.

Once again, I was back in chains, one of the overseers holding me in place. Will had argued against it, but women who were to be considered prizes were always chained, no matter what. Just in case they decided to run. Not that running would do much good.

Pierce and Will emerged from either side of the pit. So similar and yet so different from the first time this had happened. Pierce swaggered forward with a smirk. He caught me looking and gave me a wink that nearly made me want to vomit. Will’s eyes narrowed at the sight. His fingers curled into a fist as he slowed to a stop in front of Pierce.

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