24690 (20 page)

Chapter 33

West

I still couldn’t believe it. One good rape and my slave had turned completely around? She was even loving, snuggling up next to me as we’d gone to sleep. The papers … she signed without so much as a pause. I’d been anxious to get back to Whitlock, but after the ease of our union, I suddenly wasn’t in such a rush.

A yawn came from Everleigh and she winced, jolting awake. Her stare came to mine and where I expect the old slave to return, she smiled, wrapping her arm around my chest. Mine came up, pulling her closer. I couldn’t speak. Couldn’t think of what to say. I was married … to Bram’s dream girl. And she was here, holding to me—the Master of Whitlock.

“Are you hungry?”

“Starving.”

“You haven’t eaten much in the last few days. I’ll order breakfast while you get ready.” I paused in breaking away from her. “Do you need me to help you?”

Softness, almost adoration eased into her features. “I’m not sure.” Cautiously, she eased to a sitting position, closing her eyes for a few seconds. When she scooted to the bed and stood, she shook her head. “I think I’ll be okay.”

Each step she took to the restroom was small. The closer she got, the better her pace became. I reached for the phone, hitting Eli’s number.

“Breakfast.”

“No good morning?”

I sat up, stretching. “Good morning. Get me and my wife some breakfast and make it good. Do you know what my slave likes to eat?”

“How the hell would I know?”

“Because you’re supposed to be my new high leader. You need to know this shit. One of everything.”

I hung up the phone, turning to head to the other bathroom. Pain webbed out in my shoulder and I groaned through the annoyance. It didn’t take me long to go through my routine and get dressed. Everleigh was trying to fasten the strap of her heel when I came back into the room.

“Let me get that.”

I walked over, crouching before her. She kept quiet as I buckled the straps and pulled the slacks down over her ankles.

“Thank you.” Her mouth closed as she peered down at me. “Master?”

“Husband,” I corrected, standing. “Master, in the bedroom. Husband all other times.” I pulled her in close, not able to resist the happiness that was filling every inch of me.

“Husband,” she said, placing another kiss on me. “I like that. I like you, this way.” Another kiss. A knock had anything else she meant to say dying off as her attention went to the door. It was enough to sour my mood. I wanted her affection. Needed it.

“That must be breakfast. Come in!”

The door opened and Eli pushed a cart inside. It was obvious his mood was just as bad as mine suddenly was.

“One of everything. Just like you asked.” He took off the lids, turning to my wife as he pulled a notepad from his pocket. “Apparently, it’s my job to know your favorite foods for future reference. Let’s start with breakfast.”

“Can it wait until after we eat?” I snapped.

Lower his lids narrowed as he glared.

“It’s okay, husband. Really, I don’t mind.” Her smiled dropped completely as she faced him. “Yogurt: strawberry. A banana, a slice of toast, with the butter on the side. And one small bowl of oatmeal with brown sugar. Cranberry juice, not orange, and a glass of water. For lunch, I will take one of three things. The first will be grilled chicken salad. No tomatoes, with ranch dressing. The second: steak, cooked medium, not rare, and definitely not overdone. It is not to be over six ounces, and there will be double the vegetables, which will be a mix of broccoli and carrots. Not asparagus, not potatoes. The third will be grilled chicken and vegetables. The same as before—broccoli and carrots. And not over six ounces of meat for that either. Dinner, the same as lunch.”

Eli’s stare came to me, but my attention went back to Everleigh as she threw me the sweetest smile. “How was that? Worthy of a Master’s wife?”

I didn’t think about the possible pain I would put her through. I pulled her to me, crushing my lips into hers. The way her body softened into mine and she wrapped her arms around my neck swept me away even more. I didn’t mind her directness toward the guards, just not me. It was actually perfect for Whitlock if I wanted to make my mark.

“If there will not be anything else, I’ll take my leave.”

The irritation in his voice had me breaking away to look at Eli. “Do you have a problem with my wife’s authority toward you?”

“Of course not. Mistress Harper only responded with what you asked me for.”

“So it’s me you have a problem with?”

“Not a problem. Just don’t forget who your friends are.”

He glanced at Everleigh before turning to head for the door. When it shut, I turned back to my wife, pressing my lips into hers again. “Let’s eat. Then we’ll go home. I’m going to have them reopen Ol’ Master Whitlock’s wing. We’re going to have the best of everything. I’m going to make sure of it.”

A soft cry left Everleigh’s lips and her fingers clawed into the table as she sat down. I reached for her hand, refusing to apologize, but still letting her know I was here. Her lids opened and she took a deep breath.

“I’m sorry, I wasn’t thinking to be careful. You were saying, Ol’ Master Whitlock’s wing? I thought that place was haunted.”

I laughed, giving her hand a squeeze as I sat and began making my plate. She quickly began following my lead.

“There are no such thing as ghosts. Besides, even if there were, the bastard can kiss my ass. He was the biggest asshole I ever knew … but I admired parts of him. He was a powerful man. I wanted power like that someday.”

“And now you have it.”

I joined in on her smile, baffled by her change. It was like night and day. Whatever I’d done with that rape, worked.

“And now I have it,” I repeated. “Are you saddened to be going back? I know you didn’t like this place, but it has to be better than looking at white walls?”

“Whitlock makes me feel safe. Everything out here is so open. Things are constantly moving and that makes me anxious. Cars and helicopters, I don’t like them. I like Whitlock. I like feeling confined. That’s where I belong.”

“Are you sure?”

Her head tilted. “What are you asking, husband?”

“Nothing. I’ll be coming to the outside on occasion. Probably not here, but Denver, Los Angeles, Reno, New York. I go all over. I just wasn’t sure how you felt about traveling with me.”

“Sounds overwhelming,” she grinned. “I would come if you wanted me to, but I won’t deny that it makes me nervous.”

“We’ll see what happens.” I grabbed my coffee, adding sugar, while Everleigh sampled the fruit. I ate light, just watching. There was something I couldn’t put my finger on. She was a slave. I’d obviously sent her reverting back to that status after the rape. Why else would she be so compliant to give me everything? And this new mood of hers. She said she was grateful that I didn’t kill her, and that was why she was this way, but was it the truth?

“Are you going to try to run before we leave for Whitlock?”

Everleigh paused mid-chew, slowly swallowing. “Why would I run? That leaves me stranded here. I don’t want to be here.”

“Maybe that’s just what you want me to think. Maybe you’ll leave so you can try to find some of your distant family.”

“And put them in danger? I’d have every master in Whitlock after me. No, thank you. I’m content exactly where I am.”

I nodded, frowning even more. If she wasn’t planning to escape, what was it? She had stabbed me. There was hate in her, then, and it hadn’t suddenly vanished. Unless, the rape screwed her up in the head enough to make her see she was in the wrong.

“Are you going to try to kill me?”

Again, she paused. “And go to a new master? Probably one who will peel back my skin, or slowly burn me alive? No. I would be lying if I said that I didn’t have contempt toward you. I am still very upset and angry at what you did to me. But I deserved it. I see that now. I’m lucky to have a master …” She grew quiet. “A
husband
who wants to take such good care of me. And you’re not mean all the time. I saw my mistake and I’m grateful you chose me.”

I stayed quiet, drinking coffee.

“It’s the children, then. You’re doing this for them.”

Her hands came down on the table and she leaned more toward me. “They weigh heavily on my mind, but my behavior is not based around them. Yes, I’m worried about their safety. I don’t want them apart of Whitlock. But you’re the Master. You know how I feel and what I’d like to happen. It doesn’t change that the decision is ultimately up to you. I’m your wife now. Something I never thought I’d be to anyone. You have no idea what that means to me. I’ve been
blessed
, and for that, I am devoted to you.”

“I appreciate that, but you have to know. I won’t be releasing them. I can’t. If Whitlock is going to thrive, it has to be done. I’ve watched the decline in funds since Bram took over. His way just wasn’t working. He tried to clean it up. He tried to make things better, but it was only a matter of time before it fell down around us. I mean, look at how empty Whitlock is. It never used to be like this. Men like the masters there, they don’t just pay for slaves. They pay for murder, pedophilia, all of the stuff that would have them arrested here. That’s what Whitlock is about. And that’s the way I will make it again.”

Everleigh’s eyes lowered and I grabbed a slice of bacon, tearing into it.

“Don’t pout. I don’t like pouting. It’s just the facts and it’s best to move on. I won’t be swayed. Why don’t you focus on something else? Interior design. You can look through colors and fabrics and all that wifely stuff and fix up our new wing just the way you want it.”

Her eyes eased up, then, and her head lifted. “You would let me fix our place anyway
I wanted? Me?”

“With the exception of pink. No pink. Or yellow, for that matter. Unless it’s more gold. Other than that, yes.”

A smile appeared and comfort within me grew.
Simple.
I’d give her something to do and she’d stay out of my business. Married life wouldn’t be so bad, and Whitlock would once again reign supreme for the men who wanted to pay a fortune for their sins.

Chapter 34

24690

“This isn’t good. This shouldn’t be happening.”

My words came out rushed as I glanced up to Eli, who was standing at my side. We were a few feet away from West as he continued his speech about the
new
Whitlock. The stage we stood on was centered in the middle of the field at City Center and master and slaves could be seen for as far as the green stretched out. I could already feel the energy of the large crowd shifting as our new leader’s statements darkened into ones these men could have only dreamed about.

“For too long you have been denied what you pay for. It never used to be this way. The Whitlocks’ started this place generations ago to cater to what we
really
wanted. What we needed! Now we begin, again. With me, the old ways will return. To start my reign, I will hold the most elaborate, the most sought after, auction in years. The Cradle will be opened and from here on out, will thrive.”

Cheers roared in scattered locations, making the unease seep into my bones. I jerked my gaze to Eli and couldn’t stop the panic breaths from leaving me.

“Before we go more into that, let me ask you this. Does your slave have a problem taking orders? Have you been wanting to teach them a lesson? One they’ll never forget?” West’s hand shot up and a guard not a few feet away jerked a large white sheet free. “I give you our stalks. Lock them in. Remind them who the master is. I guarantee they won’t think twice about disobeying you again. Whip them. Beat them. Rape them in front of everyone. Let whoever comes along rape them. They’re
your
slave. Shouldn’t you be able to discipline them however you want?” He turned, glancing behind him. I couldn’t follow his stare. I already knew what was there.

“This,” he said, his arm rising to the gallows. “Is what used to be our foundation for entertainment. No more White Room private deaths. Trial and public execution. To make things interesting … and entertaining,” he said, smiling. “We’ll bring back The Wheel. Who remembers The Wheel?”

Again, cheers echoed around. But it wasn’t from the slaves. Their horrified expressions couldn’t be hidden as they stared on. It was a like a hit in the gut as I watched, terrified for them.

“With a spin of the wheel and their death will be chosen. Guillotine, the rack, impalement, rat torture, the tub, the breast ripper. You name it; we got it. I’ve even added in two of my favorites. Maybe there’s more than one master who needs to be rid of their slave? Let’s all be friends. Let’s have some fun. Ever heard of the republican marriage? Let’s tie them together and torture them as one. Drown them, or set them on fire. Your imagination is limitless. Maybe you can throw them in the tub and watch them slowly get eaten away over the weeks by maggots and pests. Whatever you like. Or, if you’re not ready to be done with your slave, you can always just silence the mouthy ones. Remember our tongue ripper? Haven’t heard of it? Ask around. It’s the long term answer to all of your problems. And me, your new main master, is here to help however I can.”

“The auction! Tell us about the auction!” Someone yelled.

“Wife.” West motioned me over and for the life of me, I couldn’t move. It took Eli’s hand pressing into my lower back to get me heading to the front of the stage. Once I got to his side, he turned me to face the crowd. “Let me officially introduce all of you to my wife. That’s right,
wife
. The option was never available to you before, but that’s all about to change. Maybe you’re not into killing off slaves like others. Maybe you love your little pet. Marry her or him. You won’t be able to leave with them outside of these walls, but at least they’re yours like they’ve never been before. I cater to all of our needs. Including, The Cradle. For more information on our auction, I hand over the reins to my wife.”

My head quickly shook.

“Tell them what I told you earlier.” West’s voice was slow, yet full of authority … anger.

I swallowed hard, facing the crowd. Silence was damn near deafening as they waited.

“The …” I glanced over at West as he nodded. “The auction will be held in four w-weeks. It will only be for those in The Cradle.” My eyes burned as I turned to West, begging him with my stare. When his head tilted down for me to continue, I took a deep breath, going on. “It will be for all ages. Fourteen children, the ages range from f-five years old to twelve.”

My voice cracked and I did everything I could to keep the tears in. West made it to my side, kissing my cheek as he picked up where I left off. I heard nothing more. All I could see was the faces of the children I’d spent time with. Their eyes, their smiles. And now the man I was married to was hellbent on destroying their lives.

“I leave you all with what we have out so far. The stalks are for your personal use. Use them as you wish. We have one set up now, but there will be a total of eight before the day is out. If you wish for The Wheel and want to skip the White Room for your slave, put in a request with our high leader, Eli. We’ll prepare everyone for the show. Have a good one.”

The moment West’s hand rose to wave, the masters went wild. I didn’t hesitate to follow him off the stage. I wanted out of here. Slaves were already screaming and I could hear multiple arguments brewing in the distance.

“Shall we escort you to your quarters, Master?”

Although I heard the guard’s voice, it was West’s growl that drew me from looking at the chaos of a fighting slave being pulled toward the stalks. She was screaming, slashing her hands toward anyone she could get within reach of to try to hold on to.

“I’ll be going to Master Kunken’s quarters. Follow behind, but stay outside and wait for us.” West turned to me, speaking angrily under his breath. “He’s the main master under me and he wasn’t even here. That’s unacceptable. I want to know what was so fucking important that he couldn’t show his support.”

West guided me forward. His irritation had his pace almost impossible to keep up with. I was practically running at his side.

“Husband, please.” I fought not to fall from the damn heels he’d made me wear. Understanding seemed to dawn and he came to a stop. The battle was obvious in his features as he gazed at me. Rage—restraint. Restrain won.

“I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking. Here I am, dragging you behind me like a slave. Forgive me.” He leaned forward, pressing his lips to mine. “I’m upset. I shouldn’t be taking it out on you.”

“I only didn’t want to fall and embarrass you. I can try to keep up, but maybe at a little slower pace?”

He smiled, wrapping his arms around my waist as he eased me into him. “The only way you’d hit the ground is if I put you there. But I’d never let you fall.”

Heat engulfed my cheeks as my hate for him ignited. “Thank you, husband.”

“Of course. Now, come. We’ll meet with Master Kunken, and maybe you can visit with your slave friend, Red, while we go over business. If, of course, he permits.”

“Red?”

“Yes. The red-haired girl.”

Julie!

“Oh, yes. Thank you. I would love to visit her.”

“Don’t get your hopes up. He may not want her socializing with someone of your … independence,” he said, moving into my ear and tugging against it. “Let’s get this over with. I want you. I want to bathe you like before.”

My lids blinked slowly and the dread was all too real. “If it pleases you.”

“It would please me, immensely.”

Fingers dug into my lower back for only a moment before he pulled away, holding my hand as we began to walk again. When we came to a door, I couldn’t help the eagerness that began to push away the fear of what lay ahead with me and West. I held to visiting Julie like a lifeline. Like it was the only thing in the world that mattered. She could be my happiness. My friend, in a time where no one was to be trusted.

West’s knocking was answered almost immediately. At the smell that met us, I felt my head jerk back.

“Master Harper. Please, come in. Master Kunken thought you might come.”

The shorter man stepped back, opening the barrier for us to enter. From the stench, to the master’s guard before us, I suddenly didn’t want to continue.

“Thank you.” West nodded, leading us deeper into the metallic aroma. My apprehension only increased as I was faced with Julie. She was sitting at a table in the dining room, eating a large plate of fruit. Grapes and watermelon were like a mountain, piling high before her. She looked sick as she forced herself to swallow and wipe the juice from her mouth. A grin appeared, but faded just as fast. Her eye was nearly swollen shut and her cheek was massively bruised with a slight laceration across it. My heart sank as I held tighter to West’s arm.

“Master. What can I do for you?”

A large man rounded the corner of the kitchen, coming into view. Blood was thickly covering his arms, up to his elbows, and the smell filling the apartment was suddenly clear. He wiped his hands down the nearly saturated apron and I could tell by his tone that he wasn’t happy. All hope of talking to Julie faded as he got closer.

“I sent word that you were to attend my announcement. You’re the highest of my main masters, you should have been there.”

“My man took notes and relayed them to me just seconds before you arrived.” He paused. “My position would have said I supported you, but I’m afraid my attendance would have done more harm than good. I’m glad I decided not to go.”

“Why is that? If I remember correctly, I had your vote. I mentioned bringing back the old ways and you were intrigued.”

He nodded, glancing over at me before turning back to West. “You did, but I assumed it was only for the Cradle. This … brutality you evoke. It
doesn’t benefit me. I was here through Old Man Whitlock’s reign. This place wasn’t safe. Not even with the masters having their own personal guards. And you plan to make it like that again.
But worse.
You’ll turn this place into a bloodbath of carnage and slaughter before it’s over with. And it’s your right. Maybe some men like public pandemonium, but it will never work. Not here. When you break down barriers and make death public, you ignite a beast in every man. Animals don’t get along very well when you introduce them to a feast of food and sins. It will never be enough. They’ll want more—more blood, more torture, more punishments. You’ll make hunters of us all. They’ll find ways to use this against their enemies. And they will destroy this place. Probably you with it. You should have kept the majority of Bram’s laws and just opened the damn Cradle. That would have been the best option.”

West stiffened beside me. “His laws held us back. These men—you—pay good money to do as you please, here. Just because you don’t like your business to be public is your own problem. Every master has a right for what they pay for.”

“They pay for the laws that are currently set. They knew what they were getting under Bram’s rule and they were content with that. What you offer now will be your undoing. I’m telling you, they would have been just as gratified had they not known the difference. And for the ones who did, they were adjusted to the change. Now you set the monsters free from their luxurious little cells. I hope you’re ready for the repercussions that will follow.”

“We’ll be able to handle the outcome. I don’t fear their savagery. There’s beauty in barbarism. You just have to know how to flow with the ferocity or else you may drown. I won’t let Whitlock sink with the added violence. I plan to make it prosper more than it ever has.”

Master Kurken shook his head, snapping his fingers, angrily. Julie scattered from the chair, nearly falling over herself as she slid to her knees at his feet.

“You think you know what these men are capable of because you got a small taste of it growing up. But you have never led them. You never saw the true depth of their evil. Old Man Whitlock sheltered you boys more than you know.”

The master gestured his fingers, cracking the guard into action. He walked toward the older man, handing him a large jagged knife. Julie let out a whimper, shifting below. I could see her need to run. The terror on her face left my nails clawing into West’s jacket as I tried to make myself stay still.

“Not all men share the same sins, Master Harper. Exposing the darkest will eventually smother out any light that remains within these stone walls. Can you lead if all you have is the pitch black void that surrounds you? Will it eat you alive? Consume you as well?”

Plump fingers buried in Julie’s hair and her cry left me trying to take a step closer. But it impossible. West had already broken his arm from mine and was holding me around the shoulders so that I was stuck at his side. The guard rushed up with a metal tub and Julie’s body tried to shoot up to stand, but his hold of her hair only left her legs and hips moving off to the side while she tugged and screamed in his grip.

“Uncle, please! Uncle!”

Master Kunken didn’t stay a word as he stared down my husband. He jerked Julie to stand straight and wrapped his arm around her forehead. The slice of the blade cut across her throat from ear to ear while blood gushed free in a fountain of deep, red crimson. The clink of the stream splashing at the metal below had sobs coming from me before I could stop them. Movement blurred in the distance, but I saw nothing but the life leaving Julie’s eyes as her body spasmed in his arms. And maybe I saw my own dying a little, too. A minute of hope for finding a friend—a lifetime of heartache for even thinking it was possible.