Chapter 14 · Take My Brother Off the Block

"One million."

The voice comes from the back. A man in a charcoal suit, no face I recognize. Kael doesn't move.

"One point two." A woman near the loading dock, silver rings on every finger.

Selene stands on the cargo platform like she's hosting a gallery opening. The spotlight catches the obsidian pendant at her throat. She doesn't even look at me.

"One point five."

"Two million."

My wrist burns. The blood mark pulses under my sleeve, hot enough I'm choking on my own heartbeat. I can feel every eye in this warehouse drilling into me. Kael's hand closes around my elbow.

"Stay still," he says, low enough only I hear. "Don't give them a reason to look closer."

"They're already looking."

"They're looking at money. Let's keep it that way."

Selene raises one hand. The bids stop. She smiles like she just won something.

"Two million," she says. "Going once."

Kael steps forward. His voice cuts through the warehouse. "Three."

Every head turns. Selene's smile doesn't slip, but something flickers in her eyes. Recognition. Satisfaction.

"Mr. Mercer," she says. "I was wondering when you'd join us."

"I'm here for the contract," Kael says. "Not the conversation."

"Of course.