Author: Greeting everyone! This was supposed to be up last week but I was not feeling well. I also want to thank all of you for your reviews/favorites/follows. You all are amazing and I hope that you enjoy the chapter!
—
They were the deepest set of purple eyes he had ever in his life gazed blankly back at him. Her heart shaped face was just as dirty as the torn rags the she wore. It bore several bruises and scrapes in different stages of healing. The bottom of her bow shaped lips had been busted open as if something hard had collided with it.
A small trickle of blood had bubbled from it making the scent of lilies and vanilla stronger.
Her long, waist length black hair was dirty and had matts littered throughout it.
Her tattered and wore dress, if you could even call it that, was so loose around her body Mori couldn't accurately gauge just how much she weighed. Whether it was a healthy weight or not. The dress stopped just above her scraped up knees.
She was also barefoot.
Her breathing was uneven and labored as if she wasn't able to take deep breath.
The collar around her throat was so tight that it seemed to cut into the skin around it. It blocked the sweet spot where a male would place his mark in order to claim his mate.
A low growl escaped at the sight of it. He fought the urge to rip it from her and bury his face into the what he hoped was silkened skin. Inhaling that mouth watering scent from her's.
MINE! Masaki snapped aggressively through the bond. TAKE THAT OFF HER!
" Ah, I see this little fawn has indeed caught your eye, young man." The slaver said, moving to place a hand against Mori back and guided him closer to the girl.
Mori fought the urge to snap the man's arm for the slight. To fight the urge, he kept his stormy grey eyes locked onto the small female before him.
" Come, dear consumer. Take a closer look."
Mori noticed the smallest tremble rippling throughout her small frame. He saw just exactly how tight the collar was, he guessed it must have been cutting off her airway. The scent of blood was stronger now, and without thinking, he reached up to wipe the drop away from her lip, causing her to flinch.
CRACK!
The attendant had struck the female's back with a whip for that small motion.
" My apologies, it knows better than to move when on the selling block."
Rage floored him at the act and a flicker of his powers slipped from control.
SHATTER!
" WHAT THE!"
A full length mirror located near the back of the seller's area, where he had kept the rest of his slaves.
Boy-
" Would you like to try her out, dear consumer?" The slaver said, completely disregarding the disturbance.
" W-"
" No need to worry about receiving any push back or lip from this one, good sir." The slaver said before sinking his hand into her matted locks and shoving her down onto her knees. " We've beating it out of her. It won't even make a single yelp when struck."
" Remove her collar." Mori said coldly, his eyes beginning to turn silver.
" Unfortunately we cannot remove its collar until purchase and delivery has been made." The slaver said twisting his hold on the girl's hair, tilting her head back. " Can't have the thing escaping, can we?"
Mori felt a surge of rage barreling down his bond with Masaki.
Mori saw the slavers hand reach down and grab ahold of the top of her dress, twisting the fabric as if he was about to tear it and expose her chest for all to see.
" Now, open your pretty little mouth so this good male here can take it for a spin, wh-"
WHAM!
" DEAR ERIS!" The attendant screeched as Masaki emerged from the surrounding blackness and barreled into him.
" WHAT THE-"
WHAM!
The slaver's words were cut off as Mori's hand clenched around his throat before slamming him into a nearby post. He leaned menacingly into the male, his fangs inches from the slaver's ear.
" Her collar," His voice became icy sending fear rippling throughout the male. " Remove it."
—
Himawari trembled as a massive black and white Fae cat ripped the slaver apart. She squelched down the urge to vomit at the sound of tearing flesh and screams the quickly became mixed with sounds of gurgling.
" Don't look!"
Himawari heard the red haired girl tell the smaller one. She saw the red head grab the younger, shielding her from what Himawari could only imagine was a horrific sight.
Screams echoed all around the docks as realization of what was occurring at that one stall became clear. She shakily
She was suddenly jerked onto her side when the Fae male who had stopped at the stall slam her owner against a pole.
" Her collar," She heard a deep baritone voice snarled, causing her skin turn cold.
She didn't want to look at the male, they were all the same anyway.
Beautiful predators.
They didn't bother to care for the wellbeing of those weaker than they were. They only cared about how much power they could exude over their lessers.
Just before the attendant had brought her out to show the buyer, he had been whipping her. What had her crime been to deserve it?
She had sneezed.
The attendant had jumped when she had sneezed and that was that. He had slapped her across the face, causing her lip to split open.
Her back hadn't even healed from her previous lashing when he began a new session.
He had only stopped when he heard a possible buyer was outside.
She couldn't hear the rest of what the male Fae was saying as the sounds of bones being crushed and tendons being torn echoed in her ears.
The attendant's gurgling had finally ceased and she felt her own breath catch in her chest when she heard a low growl from the feline.
So this is how it is going to end? She thought to herself as she felt its green eyes fall onto her. If anything, let it be quick.
Once this was finally over, would she see her mother again?
What about her father?
If her dreams and memories were true, she had had one at one point.
He had been handsome too.
His smile had been luminous and whenever he had wrapped his arms around her, she had felt safe.
She had never been afraid when her father and mother were in her dreams.
Her mother had died over a decade ago.
Her father…she didn't remember what had happened to him, or if he had ever truly existed.
Sometimes, late at night, she thought she felt a traces that he might be real. If slave camp traveled into deep, lush forests she thought she could hear a voice whispering to her.
As if willing her to let it know she was there.
But that feeling was always fleeting and just as soon as she would register it…it was gone.
Maybe, once this was over she would finally see her mother and possibly her father again.
Make it quick, please! She thought closing her eyes, wincing as the cold metal of the collar dug into her flesh. She tensed when she felt the creatures hot breath wafting onto her. Pain rippled throughout her body at that slight of movement.
A soft whine came to her ears, as if the felid was also in pain.
Little Rabbit?
A gentle male voice echoed in her mind causing her to pause.
Are you injured, Little Rabbit?
Who? She thought cautiously.
Great, she was hearing voices right before she was going to die. Or maybe she was already dead. Maybe the Fae Beast was so quick when it killed her, she didn't even notice it.
She cracked her eye open just enough to see a pair of lime green eyes and a large pink nose staring curiously back at her.
FUCK! She thought as she realized the she was nose to nose with the Fae Beast.
They were so close that she could count the whiskers on each side of its nose.
Your heart rate appears to be irregular, Little Rabbit. Are you injured?
" Masaki…how badly injured is she?"
Her heart rate appears to be rapid and irregular.
My heart is racing because I'm about to be killed! Himawari thought fearfully clenching her arms close to her chest.
The danger is neutralized, Little Rabbit. The voice said once again in her mind, just before the tiger's warm tongue swipped comfortingly against her face. None shall harm you further.
Wait! She thought nervously. Is the beast talking to m-
" Can you sit up?" The baritone voice of the Fae male who had attacked the slaver came to her ears. It was a lovely thick sound that sent her already racing heart into over drive.
Calm that heart, Little Rabbit. Masaki chuckled as if sensing her reaction. No need for it to wear itself out just because of this simpleton of a boy.
" I'm going to sit you up slowly." The male said as he placed a strong hand securely up her shoulder. " This may hurt a little."
Her entire body screamed in pain at the movement. She winced and bit back the yelp that threatened to escape her.
She knew that whenever she made the slightest sound, the slavers would beat her. She didn't know what this male would do to her.
Probably sick his pet on me. She thought earning a displeased mrrow sound from the creature. Panic floored her when she saw the beast itself stand.
This idiotic boy would never command me to do that!
W-Wait…you can hear my thoughts?
A small chuckle filled her mind as the creature encircled her, lightly brushing its head against her uninjured shoulder.
I shall pass the delay in realization due to the shock of the situation.
Its huge! She thought as it crept closer to her. Just one of its paws could cover her entire face and crush it with just the minimalist amount of effort. She flinched when the creature laid behind her.
Pain rippled through her as the male laid her carefully against the creatures side.
Good thing I would never dream of it, Little Rabbit. And yes, my size is rather impressive. Masaki thought as his tail wrapped protectively around her waist.
" I'm going to remove these chains now." She heard the male say and panic rushed through her.
NO! She thought when she saw his hands coming towards. NO! HE CAN'T! She then did something she had never imagined she would ever do.
She shoved him.
And he must not have anticipated the action because he fell backwards onto his backside. A startled look plastered across his handsome face.
His grey eyes were wide in surprise.
OH NO! She thought in a panic. I'M DEAD FOR SURE NOW!
—
AHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Masaki's laughter filled Mori's head as the realization of the small human female pushing him sank in.
THE MIGHTY HIGH LORD OF NIGHT'S HEIR KNOCKED FLAT ON HIS ASS BY THIS LITTLE RABBIT!
It's not that funny, Masaki. Mori thought.
FROM THIS ANGLE I CAN ASSURE YOU IT IS! I CAN'T WAIT TO TELL ISAMU AND YUUTO ABOUT THIS WHEN WE RETURN!
Mori sighed in annoyance before he looked at the female and registering the look of fear in her amethyst eyes.
Her scent was heavy with her terror that he could have cut it with a knife. When those beautiful eyes met his own she quickly looked downwards. As if the mere act of making eye contact would be a death sentence for her.
You don't know what they did to her to make her think like that. Masaki said, nuzzling her lightly.
" I'm not going to hurt you." Mori said in attempts to reassure her. He moved closer to her only to have her shy away. At least, as away as Masaki would allow. Any time she made an attempt to dart away, he would gently bring her back by grabbing the back of her dress with his teeth. " You do not have to have that on you, you know."
Her mind is complete and uncontrollable chaos. Masaki said. I cannot get her to understand your intent.
You can hear her thoughts? Mori asked in surprise.
This will be difficult to remove those shackles with her awake. Masaki said. You may need to make her sleep to remove them.
I don't know if I-
" YOU THERE! ARE YOU TRYING TO STEAL THOSE HUMANS!"
Mori's grey eyes narrowed at the voice. Fear began surging from the female. " Don't worry, they're not going to touch you." He said in attempts to reassure her.
Stay with her.
If you thought for a second I was going to budge from her side, then you are more stupid than I originally thought. Masaki snapped back as he nuzzled the female's shoulder comfortingly.
Mori rolled his eyes before he stood to face the couple dozen security guards and vendors.
" You there! Did you murder those fine vendors to steal their stoke?" One yelled.
" The selling of humans was outlawed in these lands over five centuries ago." Mori said casually, placing his hands into his pockets.
" What's it to you?" Another sneered, his hand resting on the hilt of a saber.
" Yeah, we're simply fulfilling our Goddess given rights to exert our authority over lesser creatures." A third laughed. " If humans weren't meant to be ruled over, then why were they made so weak?"
" I'll give you one chance to release your slaves and surrender." Mori said calmly, tilting his head to the side, a bored expression on his handsome face.
" Or what?" A random male laughed from the crowd. " There's just one of you!"
" Go fuck yourself, boy! Give us the cunt and maybe we'll let y-"
SNAP!
SCHLING!
" OH FUCK!" A slaver screamed as bolt of spiral black shoot suddenly from the chest of the male beside him.
" Wait…that face." The first slave said as he looked straight at Mori, his face loosing all coloring.
SNAP!
" OH HECATE!" Another screamed as another spiral burst through another member's chest.
" I wouldn't bother bringing that particular goddess into this mess." Mori said, his eyes glowing silver. " You harm innocent women and children and you think invoking Hecate's name is a smart move? No, you fools. You've lost your one free pass."
" THAT'S MORINOZUKA, TAKASHI!" One slave screamed. " THE HEIR TO THE NIGHT COURT!"
" Come." Mori said calmly as billows of dark smoke swirled, encircling the surrounding area. Completely cutting off the escape of the slavers.
" My lord?" A male voice asked before a silhouette emerged from the smoke.
" Capture the slavers and take them to the cells." Mori said in a calm voice that masked his internal rage. " Kill any that resist."
The figure nodded as several more silhouettes emerged from the surrounding blackness.
" Do not harm the humans." Mori said as he turned back towards the Masaki and the female. He paused when he saw that the female had fainted.
Seeing the shades appear must have been the final straw. Masaki said as his tail snaked protectively around her waist.
Perhaps. Mori thought as he walked towards them. This will make it easier to remove her chains and treat her wounds.
He didn't understand why he didn't simply allow the Shades to relocate her to a refuge treatment. Honestly, he usually wouldn't care about someone like her.
He rarely interacted with Humans.
Most Humans seemed almost identical to him. There were a minuscule amount that ever stood out to him.
This one however, had almost a Fae like quality to her. She, even though was dirty and bruised, was absolutely gorgeous.
Her delicate bone structure made her seem as fragile as a newborn fawn or a small bird.
He was hesitant to touch her, fearing she would break or shatter.
Hurry up, stupid boy. Masaki snapped, causing Mori to come back to his senses. She requires a healers attention.
Of course. He thought, crouching down to cradle her against his chest.
She was virtually weightless against him as he adjusted her lightly in his arms. He had to be careful not to touch the open wounds on her back
" Kagerou." Mori said, gaining the attention of the Shade he had originally communicated with. " Feel free to use whips to herd the straggling slavers."
" Of course, My Lord."
—
Mitsukuni. Mori thought calmly as he set the girl gently down onto his massive bed. Are you awake?
A long childlike whine rang out in his mind.
Why are you awake right now, Takashi? A sleepy childlike male voice answered.
I have returned from Hunting and require Reiko's assistance.
You're not hurt are you? The childlike voice became instantly alert and serious.
No, however, I do have someone here who does require her skillset.
Can wait until the morning? The voice asked. She is asleep right now.
Mitsukuni…
Ooookay, but you know how she is when she first wakes up.
This will not end well for you. Masaki said as he rested beside the female.
I don't trust anyone other than Mitsukuni and he trusts Reiko.
She is formally of the Night Court's inner circle. Masaki said.
Mori was silent for a while, an unreadable look on his handsome face.
And now she's your cousin's mate. Masaki said. She's not going to do anything that will betray or hurt him. Which means-
" There had better be a good reason why you disturbed my slumbers, Takashi." An irritated female voice said suddenly.
Mori looked up to see what appeared to be a female in her late teens. Her disheveled black hair gave her the appearance of just being asleep.
The bags under her eyes and the naturally paleness to her skin gave her a gaunt appearance.
Her onyx eyes bore hateful daggers into him as she marched elegantly towards him.
" Reiko." Mori said calmly, subconsciously taking a step closer to the bed.
" You do not seem to be injured, so why was Mitsukuni so distressed?" Reiko said, the irritation in her voice becoming an eerie melody. " I do not approve of my Mitsukuni being distressed, Takashi."
" I just need your help, Reiko." Mori said narrowing his grey eyes. " No need to take that tone with me. Once you are done, you can return to Mitsukuni and your slumbers."
Reiko stared blankly at him, her flames of annoyance flickering behind her onyx eyes.
" I need you to heal someone, and not make a big deal out of it."
Reiko tilted her head slightly, like a bird of prey calculating its next move.
" Who?"
" Her." Mori said stepping to the side and gesturing to the small female on the bed.
