“Once I discovered your special abilities, I contacted my cousin who runs our local MC.He saw us together one day and told me if I no longer wanted you, I should give you to him.He offered money to sweeten the pot.”
“You’re selling me?”She gaped at the crazy man, and his expression never wavered.He meant every word.She spluttered, “You can’t do that.”
“You’ll do what I tell you, or your mother and sister will suffer.”
Panic roared through Nyree before commonsense broke through her anxiety.Manu was monitoring her family.He wouldn’t let anyone hurt them, and she trusted her cousin implicitly.Once he gave his word, he never broke it.She inched farther away and smiled sweetly.“I don’t think so.”
Ari fired again, but it was a warning shot.He didn’t mind knocking her around, but he wouldn’t shoot her because he needed her healthy and alive.
“You’ll attract attention.”
“Perhaps, but it doesn’t matter.This is what’s going to happen.You will come outside with me.We will sneak from the settlement to a quiet place where you can do your dragon thing.You’re going to take me across to the far side of the island where my cousin will meet me with his boat.”
Nyree’s mouth dropped open.The dozens of flaws in his plan made it laughable.When she was in her dragon form, she could toast him with her fire or drop him deep in the mountains.He’d vanish without a trace.If he thought she’d calmly follow his instructions, he truly was ridiculous.
“How much is your cousin paying for me?”
“One million for you and your sister.”He smirked at her.“Virgins are a hot commodity, and with her powers, she’s worth more than you.”
She’d bet anything he didn’t have her mother or sister.Not yet.“How do you know your cousin will come with a boat?”
“He’s there now.Waiting for my arrival.”
“I see.”
Ari chortled, and the sound held a hint of madness.“My contact is looking forward to meeting you.He wants to fuck you and breed powerful dragon offspring.”
“This man believes your tall tales?”
“Bah!You admitted you were a taniwha already, and I’ve seen you shifting and flying with my own eyes.I have video footage, which proved useful while arranging the sale.”
“Moron,” she snapped, disgusted with herself for ever thinking she’d loved this man or had a future with him.
“Stop mucking around,” Ari said, his voice hard and as flat as his pale eyes.“My cousin has people watching your mother and sister.Cooperate, or your mother will die.”
Nyree tried to speak, but fear grew knots in her throat, preventing words from forming.She trembled even as she tried to think of a plan.She didn’t believe her mother was in immediate danger, but she couldn’t be certain.It wasn’t as if she could check.It would take time to contact Manu.She had to believe Manu had kept her mother and sister safe.
“All right.”The words emerged as a whisper instead of the snarl she’d intended.
“Nyree?What’s wrong?”Tawera’s voice slid into her mind.
Relief almost took her out at the knees.She closed her eyes before realizing Ari was watching her closely.She opened her eyes and edged toward the door in the direction Ari indicated with his gun barrel.
“I’m fine.You?”There was no point telling Tawera the truth.They needed to remain calm because she didn’t trust Ari one bit.
“My head aches.Should I tell someone he is holding you at gunpoint?”
“Yes, approach the security team from the visiting ship.If you can’t find them, let Carolyn or Keith know what is going on without telling them about our dragon status.”
“It must remain a secret.”
“Yes.”
“Do as he says.We will come for you.I am an excellent tracker.”
“Move!”
While she’d been concentrating on Tawera, Ari had drifted closer.He jabbed her in the back, and a kitchen chair went flying when her foot caught the leg.
