She rubbed her bicep unconsciously, staring up at him with narrowed eyes. “What exactly do you want from me?” she asked. “You were more than happy to sell me weeks ago.”
Eric laughed. “I really should have recognized him when I first laid eyes on him. But if he was willing to pay that much for you, then he’s clearly willing enough to go to great lengths to hold onto you. No idea why he’d take that much of an interest in you, but there’s no accounting for taste.”
She had forgotten just how often Eric had insulted her like that. A few years ago, each jab had made her flinch and wilt. Now, however, she just stared back at him.
How was I ever afraid of you?she wondered.
Something in her gaze must have unnerved him, because he frowned when she met his gaze. It was as if he saw something there he hadn’t before. Something that he didn’t like.
“So how are you planning on using that?” she asked blandly.
“You’re going to be insurance.” Eric walked back to her and began playing with her hair. She leaned away, avoiding his touch. His eyes narrowed, and he tugged her upright by pulling on the lock of hair. “I’m going to tell them that as long as they step aside and hand over the Silverrose pack without fuss, you can go, and they and the rest of the town will live.”
Amber couldn’t help but laugh. “You think they’re actually dumb enough to believe that? They’re going to see through that in a heartbeat.”
“Maybe,” he said. “But I would rather try to avoid a drawn-out fight.”
“Say they believe you, and they decide to actually back down,” Amber said. She batted away his fingers, still toying with her hair. His eyes narrowed, but he didn’t react otherwise. “What’s really going to happen? Because you’re not going to let them live.”
“Look at you,” Eric smirked down at her. “You’re actually thinking a bit.”
“So you’re going to kill them and take over the town no matter what they decide,” she said. “In that case, what happens to me?”
“Depends on how well you behave,” he mused. “I might sell you again. Or, if you’re lucky, I’ll decide to keep you.” He grasped her by the chin and hauled her to her feet. His other hand went to the small of her back, tugging her closer until she was pressed up against him. “I’m not going to lie. I’ve missed having you around.”
Her lip curled in disgust. “Enjoy it while you can. I’m not going to be around for very long.”
Eric let out a mocking, derisive laugh. “What? Do you think your new owner is going to save you? That asshole attacked one of my men. I’m not going to take that lying down. No, he’s forfeited his life.” He grinned down at her, and her stomach curdled. “I’m looking forward to when he comes looking for you. He’s going to be in for a world of pain.”
He was going to kill Cillian.
Her eyes narrowed. “Good luck with that,” she said, trying to keep the concern from her voice, pretending that she wasn’t afraid. “He’s a lot more clever than you give him credit for.”
“Oh, I know all about him,” he said. “I thought he looked familiar. When Chase told me what happened, I remembered the first time we met years ago, when his crew tried to destroy the Night Pack the first time. So I did some research into him.” He smiled down at her. “Really, I should be thanking you. I never would have found him again if it weren’t for you, and I doubt that encounter would have gone quite as well as it had for me if you hadn’t been right there. What, did he see you and decide you were so helpless and pathetic that he needed to play hero to protect you?”
The jab stung. He was right, after all. Still, the insult felt muted, less of a blow. She met his gaze, and once again, his eyes flickered with something like alarm. After a moment, she stood again.
“He’s going to come after you,” she said, trying to keep her voice even.
Eric smiled. “I know,” he said. “I’m looking forward to it. I have a few ways I’m thinking about killing him; I haven’t decided quite yet. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure that you have a front-row seat.”
Before she even realized what she was doing, her hand flew up toward Eric’s cheek. Eric caught her wrist just before it would have made contact.
His eyes flashed dangerously. She recognized that look from when they were dating. It was the look he got right before that smarmy arrogance turned to pure rage. Her breath caught.
Silently, he considered her hand, twisting it as though fascinated. “You’ve gotten some backbone recently,” he mused, then gave her a sickening grin. “I think we’ll have to break that nasty habit. Now, sit.”
He released her, shoving her back. The backs of her calves struck the overturned crate, and she collapsed back on it, nearly toppling over. Eric turned away.
“Keep an eye on her,” he told one of the other shifters who had been watching with interest. “Make sure she doesn’t cause any trouble.”
The shifter nodded. Eric shot Amber one last, smug glance, then strutted away, hands in his pockets.
She glanced in the direction Eric had sauntered off in. A few weeks ago, she had been paralyzed with fear by him. That unease still plagued her whenever he spoke, firing off an insult or making a sly jab. But it felt different, as if he was doing it to someone else, not her.
In a way, he was. She wasn’t the same person she had been the last time they met.
Her fingers tapped against her opposite wrist as her mind began to churn. She needed to figure out how to get out of here. She needed some sort of plan. But she didn’t know how to get more than five feet without someone grabbing her.
