"Fine. Let's go." Devyn led her to a bright orange modified Scorpion HX in the garage. It was very old, a classic, and too gorgeous to be driven. He claimed the driver's seat, and she settled into the passenger seat, soaking up the leather smell. Rather than start the engine, he peered at her expectantly.

"Slaves don't get to sit up front with their masters." He pointed behind him. "It's back there for you."

"But I'm not really a slave. And what's more, there's no backseat."

"You are tonight. And there's an extended trunk."

If only she was a slave. A game of master-slave might have been fun. Not that I'm wishing for it. "I'll be more comfortable back there, anyway," she said, shimmying through the space between the driver and passenger side. She had to hunch over to fit.

He'd had the car updated with self-steering and programmed it to stop at Dallas's apartment. Though he didn't have to concentrate on the road, he faced forward, silent, the entire drive there.

As the vehicle slowed and idled just in front of the building, she saw that Dallas was already outside. He claimed the front seat.

"You look nice,"^she told him, and he did. He wore a suit identical to Devyn's, only a lighter color, because Devyn had bought it for him.

They were the epitome of wealth, while she was the tart du jour. Her hair was loose and curled wildly down her back. She'd stained her lips with the cherries Devyn had given her.

Dallas turned. His eyes widened as they scanned her. "Is my tongue hanging out? Because damn, you look good enough to eat. Seriously, I would buy you up in a heartbeat if you were for sale."

"Attention straight ahead," Devyn growled.

Dallas grinned, but he didn't obey. He winked at her. "The view's better back here."

"Everyone's going to be staring at me and my ridiculous costume when we arrive, anyway," she said. "And no, Devyn, that's not a wish."

"No one will be staring at you," he replied.

"'Cause I'll be dressed just like all the other female slaves," she said, mimicking his earlier lofty tone.

"No. Because they'll be staring at me. They won't be able to help themselves. Have you not seen the suit?"

Dallas laughed and finally focused on Devyn. "So what's my motivation for this role?"

"I told you." Devyn flicked him a glance. "You're a rich businessman, my friend, and looking for a little pop tart. When I told you about the auction, you simply had to come along."

"You plan on buying anyone yourself?" Bride asked him.

"Can't. Everyone knows my penchant for variety, and it would seem odd if I purchased more of the same."

"And how long have I owned Bride?" Dallas asked.

"Like you can afford me," Bride said with a snort. "Have you not seen the bra?"

Once again, Devyn programmed the car. Autopilot kicked on, and they eased onto the road. Sensors knew when to stop and turn, so Devyn was able to spin in his seat and peer back at her. "You're a vampire, but that's not obvious, so it won't seem odd that I'm with you."

She shrugged. She hadn't been concerned with what anyone else thought about the two of them together.

He pursed his lips. "So you're good to go?"

What was wrong with him? "Yeah. For myself. Do you think Macy will be okay?" The other agents were going to be there, as well, simply hidden in the shadows, surrounding the building, watching and protecting.

"I know she will be," Devyn assured her gently, his irritation melting away. He reached back and clasped her hand, then drew it to his mouth for a kiss. His gaze never left her, was filled with fire and want.

He's touching me again! Joy burst through her, potent and sweet.

"Should I close my eyes?" Dallas asked with a laugh. All too quickly Devyn released her and turned away.

Bye-bye joy.

"We're almost there," he said. "Bride, you are not to leave my side. Understand? And you aren't to speak unless I ask you a question."

"I'll be a good girl, Daddy, I promise." She didn't like being told what to do, but submitting made sense. She'd never been to one of these things before and didn't know what to expect. Well, except for perverts. Better she remain near Devyn than fang someone for getting grabby.

"This is getting kinky," Dallas said", wiggling his eyebrows.

"Dallas," Devyn said, ignoring his friend's comment, "you are only to bid on vampires. Male or female."

"Great," the agent said dryly. "My luck they'll both be males, and I'll seem gay and lose my street cred with the ladies."

Looking tired all of a sudden, Devyn scrubbed a hand down his face. "If that's the worst that happens, I'll consider this a perfect night."

Devyn was on edge. He'd gone to a lot of trouble to make Bride look as if she belonged at his side, so as not to disgrace her more than would be necessary, and she didn't seem to care. More than that, he didn't like taking her to a slave auction and giving her a glimpse of his past. A past that had bruised her confidence once already.

When this was over, would she finally leave him?

Probably. With her newest ability, she could do anything she wanted. And he knew she still wasn't completely on board with the marriage.

Was he?

I don't want to examine myself right now. He wanted to examine her. He gave her money, but she didn't spend it. She hid it throughout the house. He stayed away from her bed, but she didn't seem to realize the great honor he paid her.

How long before she left him? How long did he want her to stay?

He'd probably hoped, on some level, that if he reverted to his old ways and cut off all sexual contact, he would grow tired of her faster. That hadn't been the case, however. He wanted her more now than ever. And he'd wanted her too damn much before.

Part of him now wanted to give her the world and watch her face light up. Like when he'd given her the necklace and then that basket of fruit. For the latter, her eyes had widened, teared, and her lips had curled into a half-smile. She'd even placed her hand over her heart. He'd felt like a conqueror, powerful and capable of anything. Over silly little pieces of fruit.

He didn't know what to make of himself. He didn't know how to handle these ... feelings. His mouth curved into a grimace. Yes, feelings. He had them. For her. What exactly he felt, though, he didn't know. Whatever it was, it made him want to kill someone.

Tonight, he might have his chance.

If he was lucky, he'd run into the guy who had placed an order for her. Devyn planned to take his head. Then he was going to buy the vampires that were on sale and give them to Mia. Of course he would allow Bride to question them first and learn all that she wanted about her people. Then boom, done, his obligations to AIR would be over. Bride would be safe, and Mia would be pacified. Total win/win.

Only one blade hovered over his head, threatening his plans. Dallas's vision. He had to be careful. On guard. He might be confused by his current situation, but he wasn't yet ready for it to end.

"Two minutes, and we'll be there," he announced.

Dallas rubbed his hands together in glee.

"Someone told you that you don't really get to own the slaves," Bride said to the agent. "Right?"

"He's a danger junkie," Devyn explained.

Dallas shrugged sheepishly.

All too soon, the car slowed, easing to a stop. In front of them loomed a large warehouse, cars parked all around, humans and otherworlders meandering inside. The women who weren't slaves wore formal gowns. The men who weren't slaves wore suits like his. The slaves were as scantily dressed (or undressed) as Bride.

He pressed a button on the car's console, and all the doors slid open. Outside, a valet stood at the ready, helping him and Dallas out. Bride was ignored. Devyn should have allowed her to emerge on her own, that was the way of things in this sinful world, but he didn't. Couldn't. He'd touched her hand earlier, and it had nearly electrified him. He needed that again, if only for a moment.

Tentatively she placed her fingers against his. So soft, so smooth, so warm. Again, electrifying. She stood, her gaze scanning left and right.

He'd once brought Eden Black to a gathering just like this. He'd wanted other men to look at her- she'd been dressed very similarly to Bride-and envy him, but he wanted to kill everyone who glanced at Bride. She was his. Right now, she was his wife.

A wife he was taking into a lion's den. I'm seriously screwed up.

Because of Eden, he had killed a very important man in this seedy world. Everyone here knew it, and a few had tried to keep him out tonight. But he had placed the right amount of money in the right hands, so here he was.

He released Bride and moved beside Dallas, who was no longer smiling and radiating good humor. Dallas was frowning, eyes slightly pained. A vision trying to kick its way inside his skull? Or was Dallas simply in agent mode, determined to protect Devyn from the vampires who had killed him in his latest vision?

Together they strode forward, Bride trailing behind them. He couldn't see her, but he could feel the energy she emitted. It was the only thing that relaxed him. They wound around cars, bypassing people strolling leisurely. At the front door, two armed guards greeted him. Ell-Rollises. Tall, hideously muscled, and torturously ugly. They had scaly yellow skin, and no nose that he could see. Maybe that was why they smelled so bad.

The race made the perfect guard dogs, for they were completely susceptible to their owner's commands. Whatever was demanded of them, they performed to the letter. Nothing swayed them.

"Name?" one asked in a gravelly voice. "Devyn of the Targons. Two guests." The guard scanned the names on his computerized list and nodded. "Armed?"

He laughed. Silly question. "Of course I am."

"All weapons must be removed," the second alien told him firmly. "I meant I'm armed with cash, puppy. Now get out of my way." Both sets of beady eyes roved over him.

"Can't," the second said. "Not until you're cleared." He held up a small black box and, gazing at the screen, moved it over his body. An X-ray, Devyn was sure. But he wasn't armed in any fashion that could be detected.

"Clean," the guard said, then scanned Dallas and Bride. "Clean, as well." Both aliens moved aside.

Devyn strode into the building, certain the others followed him. He frowned. There was a strange vibration wafting through the air, a vibration that prevented him from locking on a single individual's energy, so he could manipulate their actions. It was the same vibe he'd gotten off Nolan, last time he'd tried to fight the otherworlder.

Well, fuck me, he thought next. They'd somehow done it on purpose to keep him in line. Smart of them. Wouldn't stop him from killing someone, though. His gaze shifted through the decadent world he hadn't realized until just then that he'd given up. He hadn't been in months, and hadn't wanted to come. Now he knew why. This wasn't where he belonged anymore.

The men were leering at the women, and the women- those who weren't peering dejectedly at their feet-were sizing the men up. There was more skin displayed here than usually found in his bedroom. Twelve rows with twelve seats each stretched in front of him. Only the front row was already occupied.

At the far wall was a platform with three lines of people, both male and female, all orherworlders of some sort. They were chained, their arms anchored to a beam above them, and robed. Anyone wanting a sneak peek could saunter onto the platform and part those robes, touch, even taste.

A wave of regret slammed through Devyn. Yes, regret. He'd thought living this way would keep him from regrets. Now, the truth hit him and hit him hard; he was looking at things as Bride must. He'd bought women who were traumatized by their treatment. Women who had been used and humiliated. Of course they'd been happy to leave with him.

Most likely they hadn't wanted him. Most likely they'd only wanted freedom from this.

Devyn couldn't help himself. He reached back, slid his arm around Bride's waist, and tugged her beside him. He needed to feel her, to know she was here and that she wasn't leaving him. Yet. He needed her goodness to mute his darkness.

She didn't protest as he'd expected. When would he learn that with her, he just needed to stop expecting? She always managed to surprise him. She even placed her palm on his lower back, under his jacket so no one could see, and grazed her nails over his shirt, tickling his skin to remind him of the pleasure they had shared together.

Pleasure he hadn't allowed himself to enjoy for an entire week.

Had they been alone, he might have snatched her up, ripped those pants off her, and pushed her against the wall while pounding inside the sweetness of her body. Respect be damned.

"I want to examine the merchandise," Dallas said coldly, every inch the buyer he was supposed to be.

Devyn knew he wanted to find the vampires. "This way." He released Bride and led them toward the stage, as whispers rose from the masses. Whispers about him, he was sure. What was he doing here? they wondered. Who was he with?

Before they could leave the sitting area, however, a tall, muscled warrior stood up and turned, as though he was aware of Devyn's every movement. Devyn stilled abruptly.

Though a year had passed, Devyn recognized the man instantly. McKell. The McKell. Power hummed from him in great waves, as though it was barely leashed.

Dread coursed through Devyn, Dallas's warning echoing through his mind. You'll begin a chain of events ...

The vampire had pale skin and vivid violet eyes. Black-as-night hair. A perfect face, wide shoulders, and a thick body built for war. His fangs were so long, they protruded over his bottom lip.

Would this man, the first vampire Bride would see, appeal to her? Would she want to leave with the bastard? Good thing Devyn's wishes weren't the ones coming true. The entire place would have erupted into flame just then.

He didn't move aside and allow her to see the warrior. Not yet. If he were lucky, they'd get through this encounter without either Bride or McKell fully catching sight of the other.

"Ah, hell," Dallas muttered. "The countdown has begun."

Hell was just about right.

"Devyn of the Targons." McKell inclined his head in greeting. "Id like to say it's a pleasure."

"As would I." He'd half admired the vamp and his cruelty until this moment. "But alas. I can't without lying. What are you doing here?"

"Many things. Since you told us of these auctions, we have come to buy back our own, as well as any meal that might strike our fancy." His purple gaze strayed to the form behind Devyn's back. Or tried to.

Devyn reached behind and ensnared Bride's arm, holding her in place so that she wouldn't inadvertently reveal herself. He'd been to several auctions since returning the girls, but he'd never noticed a vampire in the bidding crowd. "Kind of takes you out of hiding, doesn't it?"

Giving up on seeing his "slave," the bloodsucker once more met his stare. "We've already been discovered. There's no longer any risk. Instead, we are now determined to show those who wrong us the error of their ways."

Threat received. And ignored. "Well, I hope you enjoy the show. Now, if you'll excuse us ..." He squeezed Bride's hand, pulling her beside him as he passed the vampire, still never really giving the man a good look at her.

He should have known she'd find a way to see who he'd been talking to. Suddenly she jerked backward, stilled, gasped in disbelief. Then she gasped again, in pure pleasure this time. "You're here," she said. "You're really here."

Wonderful. Devyn swung around, a wooden blade in his hand. Wood-because the X-ray only checked for metal. He pressed it into his thigh, ready to strike at any time.

McKell peered down at Bride's tattooed wrist for several heartbeats, silent. Then his gaze swung up, locking on Bride's face, seeming to drink her in. "It's you," he said. "It's really you. This is a day I have dreamed of for so long I can hardly believe it's finally here." There was awe in his voice. Awe and determination.

"What's going on?" Devyn demanded, not liking the way they were looking at each other.

McKells attention remained fixed on Bride. "I've been searching for you, Maureen. Searching for my bride."