We leave the gates and ride along the concrete path. As the realisation sets in, I get it and I drop my eyes to the floor of the cart. I follow a small crack from one rusty nail to the other. I shouldn’t celebrate this day or force others to enjoy it with me because just over the next hill is our destination—an entire city filled with the humans we are forced to serve.
This is not my purpose. My mind chides me again and I nod my head subtly. It might not be my purpose in the long run, but for now it’s all I have.
Chapter Two
Nine
The large, wrought iron gates of the town open and allow us through. The town is caged behind a fence for the same reason the Unfortunate camp is, to prevent us from running. Even the Fortunates live like prisoners, closed off from the outside world to keep what they believe they’re owed. I wonder how many Unfortunates have run? I wonder how many have successfully broken out of here and never looked back? We are situated—on two separate hills up high away from the thick forest to the left and the never ending abyss of sand and water to the right. They couldn’t have made it too far and the chance of them surviving on their own is slim to none, and yet, I still envy them. I wonder if they’ve slept under the stars at night or napped under the shade of a tree during the day... I’d die happy if I could do that at least once in my life.
The horses pull us through the very outskirts of Freeport (how ironic). I’ve never been to the town before—obviously—and strangely, I find the clacking of the horse shoes over the cobblestone pavement soothing. After a solid ten seconds in the town, I can no longer keep my eyes on the dull cart and I let them flick all over the place—over the impossibly tall skyscrapers in the distance and over the Fortunates in their fine suits and pretty gowns that spatter the walkway. They stare back at me, admiring me closely. It hits me then that I’ve never been in the presence of a Fortunate before and seeing them so close is absolutely terrifying. I quickly drop my gaze, remembering one of the many, many rules that govern how I live my life. Don’t make eye contact with a Fortunate unless they address you directly. I’m quite curious by nature—even more so now I’m looking at something other than a dull brick wall or scuffed floor boards. In class, they told us that curiosity is wrong and will get us killed. Personally, I don’t see the harm in it.
The air is warm, offering a very nice medium between hot and cold. I peer through large shop windows and see Unfortunates in their plain, worn tunics running stores—all with tired looks on their faces. I wonder if I’ll be sent to the town to work? I’d like that, to be out and about and in charge of something.
We pass through the almost rural outskirts quickly and the closer we draw to the large estates behind it, the more nervous the other girls seem. My stare flicks over each of them. Water wells in most of their eyes—some even sob—but I’m not going to show weakness. The Fortunates are a dominating bunch. They like fear—they crave it, probably live off it, and these girls will be chosen before I am.
The rude redhead seems to have the same idea as me. She’s hunched into herself, her arms still crossed over her chest. She remains firm, her eyes not betraying whatever emotion she feels inside.
The estates begin to loom over us and we travel closer to the one in the middle. Its large brick structure with thick, white columns that seem to bear the weight of the building stand out to me. Carved into the stone is a picture of the side of a lion’s face—Sario—one of the leading Fortunate families. I swallow hard. This family goes through slaves quicker than any other. Class taught me that the father lives in the city and his two sons run the household. I shudder at the thought of why they go through so many slaves. Flashes of girls screaming while the fat, greedy men beat and rape them assault my mind and I quickly push it from thought. I won’t let that be me.
Soyer stops the cart and leaps off the top, hitting the ground with a thud. He slowly turns toward us, his lips curling into a wide, evil grin as his creepy, brown irises zero in on us. “Get out and line up at the door.”
I’m first to exit the cart and I force my chin up on a slightly proud angle. It’s a cover to trick them. Deep down, I fight the urge to cower in the corner of the cart and hide from everything. On the other side of those large, wooden doors our selection is waiting, our future.
I trail up the dark, square tiles and walk up the three wide steps. Every time my foot connects with the concrete step, my heart thuds. Boom. Boom. Boom. I stop in front of the doors. I’m so close I can smell the lacquer. I hold my breath, but the smell forces its way through my nostrils and assaults my senses. I hope I get assigned anywhere but this house. My eyes stay locked on the head of the black lion carved flawlessly into the wood. It quickly reminds me who I am and who these people are. Predators and prey…
It seems I filled my own head with fairy-tales between the camp and here. Please don’t let this become my home. We’re told the Sarios are the most brutal, the most unsympathetic, hard to handle family out of them all. If that’s true, I might just entertain the idea of suicide if I’m chosen to live here.
I feel the other girls line up behind me, but I don’t dare look over my shoulder in fear of betraying my own emotions. I hear the heavy lock of the door shift and my teeth chatter together once, twice, three times before I clench my jaw to stop it. The doors pull open and my eyes immediately fall onto the Unfortunates that hold the large, brass handles. They avoid making eye-contact with us and it puts me on edge. I eye their nice crisp, white tunics. I have to admit, they look healthy. They look well-fed and looked after, and for a brief moment, I wonder if the Sarios are as bad as everyone makes out… I peel my gaze from the Unfortunates and onto the wide, marble staircase in front of me. A man—an important looking man—leans against one of its elegant rails.
“You’ve outdone yourself this time, Soyer.” He stalks down a few steps, reminding me nothing of the brave lion on the door and more of a sly wolf. “They’re all gorgeous.”
Behind me, I hear a whimper. Whoever it is, they need to get their emotions in check before they’re swiftly dealt with. Don’t stand out and get a job in the kitchen. That’s my plan.
“How many do you need, Michael? I thought I’d let you have first choice.”
Michael rubs the palm of his hand over his stomach like he’s contemplating his next meal… definitely a wolf. “Two, I need two. If it was for me, I’d pick the redhead…”
His dark, grey eyes flick over us one by one until his eyes settle on me. Painful tendrils of dread burrow in my chest. Don’t look at me, I urge him. Don’t pick me! His slimy gaze slides down the length of my body and I grit my teeth against a scowl.
“My son, however, prefers—” Michael’s eyes flit to my breasts and I almost cringe. “Darker haired girls.”
He descends the last few steps. The next few strides swallow the distance between us and places him right in my face. My heart races, pounding relentlessly in my ears. “Tell me, Unfortunate, do you know how to please a man?”
I swallow hard and shake my head. None of us do—at least I think none of us do. “No, sir.”
How humiliating. I don’t want to be called out in front of everyone. He eyes the brunette next to me and I almost sag in relief, until his stare drops to her chest before returning disinterestedly to her face.
“You’ll do just fine for Master Kade,” he says to me. My heart stops cold as tears sting my eyes. “You’ll make him happy, I’m sure.”
“It’s his twenty-fifth birthday already?” Soyer wonders aloud.
Michael nods. “It’s gone quickly. I’ll take this one—” His swollen, warm fingers grip my shoulder and he pulls me into him. My stomach sinks and I bite my tongue against a cringe. I go with it, not daring to fight against him—not when Soyer has his index finger rested casually against the trigger of his rifle. He flicks a lock of my hair over my shoulder to read the number behind my ear. “Nine.” My skin crawls at my name falling from his lips. “Yes, you’ll be the perfect first Unfortunate for him—you’ll sat
isfy all of his needs.”
First slave? All of his needs? The words ring through my mind and panic threatens to sink in and take over. No, that can’t be right. I told him, I told him I’ve never ‘pleased’ anyone before—hell, I’ve never pleased myself before. First slaves are the direct right hand to a Fortunate. They handle most errands, attend most parties, and handle any request from their Fortunate, both in and out of the bedroom. No other Fortunate can tell a first slave what to do unless given permission from the owning Fortunate. My sinking stomach tightens as I recall my training… reciting it like a text book.
“Don’t worry, slave.” Soyer chuckles, bringing my quivering bottom lip to attention. I purse my lips. “Master Kade is quite the leader. I’m sure he’ll show you exactly what he likes.”
Michael mumbles his agreement and releases me, pushing me to the side. I almost sink to the ground. I can handle dishes, clothes, and dusting, but sex? Pleasure? I wouldn’t know where to start and when to finish. I force myself to stand still and strong with my hands behind my back, like I was taught, and I think I manage to conceal my inner distress.
“I’ll take the blonde, too.”
I glance at Thirteen from underneath my brow. She’s shaking—her entire body trembling as she bites her lip to prevent herself from crying. Poor girl. She did everything she could to not get picked.
“We need more kitchen staff and you remind me of honey soaked pancakes.”
Soyer shoves Thirteen and she jolts forward, running the rest of the way to me. She stands beside me, her body shaking slower now. She’s content with her position, and why wouldn’t she be? She didn’t have to ‘please’ one of the infamous Sarios. Michael turns on his heel and heads for the stairs. “Nine, come.”
Without hesitation or a glance over my shoulder, I follow him with feigned confidence in my steps. I don’t want them to think I’m weak. I don’t want them to have a reason to torment me. I’ll do my job. I’ll serve Master Kade and do whatever he wants me to do. It’ll be easier on me if I detach myself from my body, too. It isn’t mine anymore… Kade is undoubtedly going to destroy any love I have for it with his hands and other parts of his anatomy. While Michael’s back is turned, I run the palm of my hands over my hips and across my belly.
Well, I guess this is goodbye, old friend.
Chapter Three
Kade
He’d finally slipped into the solitude of his own room, away from his insisting father. ‘It’s your birthday in a couple of days.’ His father’s voice rang through his mind. ‘It's Sario tradition to receive an Unfortunate on your twenty-fifth birthday.’’
Kade dropped into his large leather chair behind his wide oak desk with a heavy exhale. He didn’t want a gift from his ‘father.’ He didn’t want anything from him, let alone an Unfortunate—a whore. He had no problem getting sex whenever he wanted, and he received it willingly from both Fortunates and Unfortunates alike. Kade was a good looking man. He knew it and he was told enough. He believed it was because of his attractiveness that he never had to forcefully take sex from anyone. Even the Unfortunates willing gave themselves to him. He’d barely lift a finger and they’d agreeably bend themselves over his desk, ready to be fucked. Kade had always thought of himself as commanding and it was actions like that that confirmed his belief. He had an undeniable presence and he used it to his advantage whenever he could.
Kade sat forward in his chair and glanced down at the mining documents he’d been prying through for the last two weeks. Something wasn’t right. His mines were collapsing, closing off important tunnels and barricading his slaves inside. Something was happening. He studied the map laid out before him on a large screen, trying to find a pattern.
Nothing.
A creak crept through the room as his door opened, but Kade didn’t bother dragging his gaze toward his father, keeping it fixated on the map.
“Well, here she is.”
He stared at his map for a few seconds more. In his head, he tried to imagine what she looked like—dispassionate eyes, sickly thin, and no doubt shaking like a leaf, too. With a sigh, he lifted his gaze. He felt his pants tighten as his sight travelled up her purple gown, over her wide hips and narrow waist before settling on a very nice pair of voluptuous breasts. He’d never seen an Unfortunate so well-endowed in that department. He dragged his eyes the last stretch—over her milky chest and onto her face. Her eyes were a light shade of violet and her hair, long and auburn. She stood so fiercely and she’d look unafraid if he ignored the uneasy tremble in her fingers. Kade immediately furrowed his brow. She was beautiful—a goddess—too pure for his dark, sinful gaze to rest on, and he wanted to destroy it. The glimmer of relief in her eyes as she realised she was his and not his over-fed father’s intrigued Kade. Why? Why did she prefer him over a harmless old man who probably couldn’t get it up? Kade could get it up, easily, and could inflict a lot more damage to her sweet opening than his father would.
Her wet, pink tongue quickly slipped out to moisten her lip. The small movement snapped something inside Kade and he wanted nothing more than to control her, to wipe the look of hope off her face. Michael has good taste and this poor Unfortunate drew the short straw, being as pretty as she is.
She was his now and the thought excited Kade. It travelled down to his stomach, wrapped around his semi-hard cock and settled in his balls. He wanted to fuck her now, to show her exactly how things were going to go. Lucky for her, he’d already had sex today, an hour ago to be exact, so Kade forced indifference and dropped his attention back to his map. “I don’t want her.”
He lied. He liked to play games and he liked to be difficult. There was no excuse short of ‘that’s just how he was raised.’ He also didn’t want to give Michael the satisfaction of making him happy. Besides, he knew he couldn’t dive into his Unfortunate right off the bat—mostly because rape did nothing for him—and if he had to get her to want it, he had to break her down. It wouldn’t be hard. All Unfortunates were the same—they craved love and attention. She would, too. She had no parents. No siblings. She had no friends, not even a name. She was a blank canvas and he could paint whatever he wanted on her, turning her into the whore he suddenly wanted her to be. But before he could do that, he had to make her willing to bend for his love. He had to make her desperate for his discipline, his attention, and his demands… and she would be eventually.
“She’s a gift. You have to have her, and since I’m hosting the Selection in the backyard, you might as well participate.” With one sly, overt look at the Unfortunate, he turned to leave. “Oh, by the way,” he added, glancing over his shoulder at Kade. “Her name is Nine.”
∞ Nine ∞
Fortunates are the reason for my nightmares—the scariest things I can think of. Screw ghosts and demons, they have nothing on the people that run our society. Unfortunately, my nightmares don’t disappear when I wake. They seep over into my reality, crushing any positive emotion in their wake. As sick as it sounds, Fortunates also star in my pleasant dreams too, the naughty ones. My body could never deny that there’s a certain beauty in the power they possess and the control they demand… in my dreams I take the control from them, making them feel as powerless as I do, and the man sitting in front of me, ignoring me like the Unfortunate that I am, reminds me of every single naughty dream I’ve ever had. I swallow. I can do this.
I can’t believe how healthy he looks—glowing olive skin and healthy dark hair—oh my. In the Unfortunate camp, everyone is skinny, but him… I’ve never seen someone so in shape. I keep my head angled down as he signs papers on his desk, but I let my eyes flicker to his frame. He has wide, broad shoulders and the fabric of his formal button up shirt exposes the clothed rises and depressions of his torso muscles. The rest of his body is hidden behind the huge table, so my gaze takes a detour, roaming up his strong neck and onto his countenance. He has a well-structured face, not a trace of anything that would suggest he’s malnourished. I’ve never seen anyone so alluring. In my min
d, I pictured my master to be fat and old… everything Master Kade isn’t. He’s strong and beautiful… which also makes him absolutely terrifying. His intense, volcanic glass irises flick to me and I instantly drop my stare. Shit. My stomach rolls and threatens to upturn what little sludge I ate this morning. I shouldn’t have looked at him, not without his permission, but I couldn’t help myself.
My palms begin to sweat and I want to rub them over my dress, but I keep them poised behind my back in fear of my own life. I’ve yet to learn his temperament. My heart kicks in rapid pulses, threatening to shake me to my foundations as I feel his dark eyes rake me in a way that makes my throat run dry. He drops a pen and the sound of it crashing to the desk sends a jolt of fear through me. Oh, no.
Master Kade pushes out from behind the desk and I hear his large, heavy footsteps close the distance between us. Involuntarily, my muscles tense and I flex my fingers, bracing for his next move. This is it, my first punishment for looking when I shouldn’t have. How could I have been so stupid? A long silence passes and I watch his nice leather shoes until he finally speaks.