Selma debated not taking his hand, but despite the Governor’s friendly facade, she felt the dark steel behind it as clearly as she did the heat emanating from his skin. And something about that outstretched hand very much seemed like a test—one she wouldn’t enjoy failing.

His smile turned a little sharper when she gingerly placed her palm against his.

“Very good,” he murmured, brushing his lips against the back of her hand. “You’ll find the process much easier this way.”

He led her up the grand staircase and down a series of wide hallways decorated with lush runners and beautiful paintings. At the end of one such corridor, he fished out an iron key from his pocket and stopped by a heavy door. It had been painted white like the others they’d passed, but was obviously much sturdier.

The Governor laid his hand against the wood and murmured some words in a language she didn’t understand. Black light flickered around his fingers before he stuck the key in the keyhole, twisted it, and opened the door.

The suite on the other side had been done up in a style that spoke of centuries past. A large bed dominated the room, but there was also a pretty white sofa set over by a dead fireplace. Two doors led from the main bedroom—and steel bars covered the windows.

“Your bathroom and dressing room,” the Governor said, nodding at the two doors.

Selma hesitated, her eyes sliding from the bars to the bed. “What… What happens now?”

The demon chuckled, releasing her hand to rest his on top of her shoulder. She felt so small and vulnerable as she stared at the bed, trying her best to prepare for what came next.

“I smell your fear, precious one,” he rumbled, petting her hair as if she were a treasured cat. “But I only have desires for my mate. You will not be penetrated before your auction. I will set it for three weeks from now to allow the Lords interested in claiming a mate to get their affairs in order. Until then, you will spend your time in this room, resting as you prepare to be claimed by the Lord who places the winning bid. Worry not—you will be well-cared for.”

Finding strength at his assurance he wasn’t going to force himself on her, she turned to look at him. “Will I have any say in who claims me?”

He smiled as if amused by the notion that she wanted any agency over her own fate. “Your mate will be the Lord willing to sacrifice the most and fight the hardest for you. Were you hoping for love, little Breeder?”