It’d been more than a month since she’d last seen Marathin Hershey, the demon who’d abused her when she was at her most vulnerable. His eyes lit up at the sight of her, that cruel smile she recognized all too well pulling at the corners of his mouth.

Flashes of her time with him passed through her mind’s eye—of the humiliation when he snapped the ring around her clit; the fear rising in her throat when she read his intentions for her; the anguish when he forced her legs apart and seated himself inside of her; the horror as he tore apart the people trying to save her from his abuse.

She trembled and clutched harder at Kain’s hand. She wasn’t alone anymore. She wasn’t his victim.

“That’s her,” Marathin said to his six companions. “Selma, you’re safe! You made me very worried, young lady.”

Selma shuddered at the eagerness in his eyes as he raked them over her body, before focusing on Kain.

“My Lord,” Marathin continued, “I thank you for bringing me my charge. She’s been a very naughty girl, running from her procurement in Massachusetts.”

Kain made no motion to release his grip on her hand, his focus on one of the other demons. “I am uncertain what makes you think to stop a Lord Protector, Agent, but I suggest you state your business quickly.”

The demon—apparently the leader of the group—hesitated for a moment. “Sir, we’re here to bring the Breeder back to her Procurer.”

“The man who let her escape in the first place?” Kain arched an eyebrow. “And who failed to alert the proper channels? Since when does the Agency handle runaway Breeders?”

The leader narrowed his cold eyes ever so slightly. “The Agency’s business is confidential, my Lord.”

“Confidential or not, you are proposing a Procurer who has failed to keep a new Breeder safe—and who failed to follow protocol once she escaped—simply be handed over responsibility for her care once more. No. The girl is under my protection. I will bring her to her auction—and if she requires further preparations beforehand, I will oversee them.” The massive demon by her side seemed to grow even taller as he asserted his dominance.

“You are outside your jurisdiction, young Lord,” Marathin said, his voice barely managing to skirt insolence. “The Breeder is mine. She should be of no interest or consequence to a Lord—and I am sure you have a territory to run.”

“I’m not going with you!” Selma hissed, pressing closer to Kain as she clutched his hand. “You’re a rapist and a murderer, and I’d rather slit my throat than have you touch me ever again.”