Kidnapped for the Auction

Perin - The Auction

“Come on!” said Lance, for seemingly the umpteenth time. “What else have you got going on?”  

“Come on?” said Perin. “You know I’m not interested.” He had no interest in acquiring a wife, and therefore no reason to go to the auction.

“Then just come along to keep me company!” wheedled Lance.

His brother was so annoying sometimes! Perin couldn’t keep the smirk from his face when he asked “Haven’t you got any friends to take, loser?”   But he still got up off the sofa, turned off the TV and went to change his shirt to something less casual.

His brother had been going to the auctions for a couple of years, but had yet to even put in a bid. During a drinking session one day, he had admitted that he wanted someone to be with. He was lonely and fed up with having to find someone new to feed from twice a month, but he said that all the girls at the auctions that he had been at so far were missing something. Perin hadn’t admitted that he sometimes shared these sentiments but he didn’t feel that the auctions were the answer.

As he followed Lance out of the apartment and locked up behind them, the image of the red-haired girl he had collected rose unbidden in his mind. It would be interesting to see what she went for, he decided, feeling a little more enthusiastic about the evening ahead.

They arrived at the bar/theatre that the auctions and most other entertainment events were held in, just as the girls were being displayed. Perin craned his neck to get a glimpse of them, but it was too busy, so they made their way to the bar to get drinks and a catalogue.

When they were seated, Lance flicked through the pages. “Which one did you collect?” he asked. Perin took the catalogue from him and immediately recognised her picture. “Lot six,” he said, handing it back.

“She’s nice” commented Lance, “A nurse, so she’s probably caring. Maybe make a good mother? What was she like?”

What was she like? Mused Perin. “Well, she was frightened of me, but not so much that she didn’t punch me. She was level-headed enough to not go into hysterics. “He didn’t add that he enjoyed the feel of her in his arms or that she tried to resist his commands.

“Sounds interesting,” said Lance speculatively. “Shall we take a look?”

They made their way over to the viewing platform, Perin tamping down his inexplicable annoyance at this brothers interest in the girl; she was totally unsuitable for him.

He spotted her straight away, and although he had found her attractive before, now she was gorgeous.  She had been dressed in a demure blue dress, neither low-cut nor too short, but what it did show was the pale column of her throat which immediately had him imagining where he would sink his teeth, all that lush coppery hair fisted in his hand. This of course meant that every other man here was imagining the exact same thing!

She was standing slightly apart from the other girls, arms folded over her chest and head down, making sure not to look at any of the people who were viewing her. She was obviously trying to be as unappealing and invisible as possible, but it wasn’t working; all she was doing was presenting herself as a challenge. Men notoriously enjoyed a challenge, for a while at least.

“The little brunette is pretty,” commented Lance, obviously unaware of the turmoil inside his brother. “Although she’s only 19. Maybe a bit young?”

Perin gave a non-commital “hmmm”. He couldn’t seem to focus on any of the others, just stood staring at her, Rowan. After a couple more minutes Lance had looked his fill, and they went back to their table to sit down and await the start of the bidding.

“I’m going to try for your redhead.” Said Lance after a couple of minutes, taking a swig of his beer.

“No!” barked Perin, before moderating his voice. “I mean, she’s likely to be difficult. Are you sure you want to deal with all that?” Perin felt a stab of annoyance which he couldn’t really explain.

“I think she’ll be worth it,” he said with a smirk, “You know what they say about redheads!?”

Ok, that annoyance was rapidly turning into anger. “I really don’t think that you should.” He said tightly, although he had no real reason to be angry with his brother.

“Why not?” asked Lance, with a frown. He had obviously realised that his brother was serious.

That was a good question; why not? Perin fell silent for a second trying to think of a reason, but the only thing he could think of was “she’s mine” which was not a valid answer at all! He realised that Lance was watching him, and a slow grin spread across his face.

“You want her!” he crowed. When there was no immediate denial he began to laugh. “You totally do! Well fair enough, I’ll have another look at the brunette and maybe…”

“No.” Perin interjected. “I don’t want a wife.” Which was true, but the thought of someone else having her made him feel enraged.

“Oh really,” mocked Lance. “Then you’re not fussed if I bid on her then?”

Perin clenched his jaw tight in order to stop the snarl at his brother’s words, unsure of what was making him react so strongly.

“Perin, you really want her. I can see it in your face. Are you seriously telling me that you’re not going to bid on her?” Lance asked incredulously.

Perin fell silent again as he considered his options. He couldn’t stand the thought of his brother having her, even though he knew that his brother would be a good husband and father. That would make her part of his family, and having to see her regularly would make it more difficult to get over this fixation, or whatever it was, about her. The best thing would be for her to be bought by someone from one of the other compounds. Then he would likely never see her again, and could carry on with his normal life until her forgot all about her. The only other thing to do would be to bid for her and then take her as his wife.

But he was being honest when he said to his brother that she would be difficult; for the first few months at least she would be angry and constantly looking to escape, fighting him on everything. Plus there was also the possibility that she would forever resent him for taking her from her previous life and bringing her here. So no, that really wasn’t a viable option. Even though his parents would be pleased for him, and it would be nice not to worry about when or how to feed, she was just not a viable option.

He was saved from explaining this to Lance by the auctioneer calling them to attention. Lot one was announced and the bidding began. Tuning out the auctioneer, Perin looked around the room at the males gathered there, wondering which one would end up buying Rowan. One by one, the girls were sold off until only she was left.

“Lot six!” the auctioneer cried. “Rowan Davies.” Perin sat up a little straighter as the first few bids were made, trying to see who was bidding what. One of his colleagues, Steve, and a few unknown males were pushing up the price, but there was one who was really getting his hackles up. He was a younger, blond male in a flashy suit and he had been loud and vulgar all evening.  He was sitting with a group of others, and was looking around the room every time he bid with an arrogant smirk.

This guy was outbidding everything, and Perin realised that there was no way he could let Rowan go to him. He was the sort of i***t who would enjoy making her submit, and he couldn’t allow someone like him to try and break her spirit. Raising his hand, Perin got in on the bidding.

Just until this guy drops out, he told himself. Then he would stop and let someone else make the winning bid.

The price was climbing higher and higher, and the others were dropping out, until it was just the arrogant guy and him. Perin cringed at how much money he was going to have to find, but there was no way he was backing down now.

After a few more bids, the other guy shook his head, sulkily muttering “Not worth that!” and Perin was filled with triumph; she was his!

Hang on, he realised, she was his. What the hell was he going to do now?! He would automatically get a week off work after his wedding, but then what was he going to do with her? A week wouldn’t be enough for her to settle, was he going to have to lock her up for the foreseeable future? Damn it, this was exactly the sort of thing that he didn’t want to deal with. He was an i***t.

“Congrats, brother!” said Lance, slapping his shoulder. “So much for not wanting a wife!” His brother seemed unaware of the colossal mistake that Perin had just made. 

As he waited his turn to settle up with the auctioneer he began to make a mental note of what needed to be done: First, he needed to let work know that they would need to cover his shift for the next few nights. Then he should tell his parents if Lance or a random busybody didn’t beat him to it. He would need to buy her clothes and toiletries and whatever other stuff she needed as she would be presented to him with only the clothes she stood up in. Luckily he kept his apartment pretty clean, so she shouldn’t be horrified when he took her back there later.

By far and away, the most difficult bit would be persuading her to go anywhere with him without having to command her, because if he did then he was certain that her resentment of him would only grow. 

He winced as the auctioneer claimed a larger part of a year’s salary from him, then made his way to the holding area where Jareth was waiting for him. “Hey.” He said in greeting. “This was unexpected. I had no idea that you were looking for a wife. If I’d have known then I would have let you know about new arrivals.”

“I wasn’t looking for a wife.” Said Perin, not really wanting to talk. He was not looking forward to the reception he was about to receive from Rowan, and Jareth knew full well that he shouldn’t be offering any sort of preferential treatment or information about his charges, especially to a warrior whose job it was to ensure such guidelines were followed.

“Well good luck,” said Jareth, unlocking the door. “I think you are going to need it.”

“Thanks,” said Perin sarcastically, before entering the room and closing the door behind him. She was standing on the other side of the room, looking at him with her arms folded tightly across herself.

“You.” She said flatly, unmoving.

“Yes.” He answered, mirroring her tone. When he didn’t say anything further she appeared somewhat confused.

“So are you running a delivery service or something? Slaves straight to your door?”

He couldn’t help but smile at her acerbic comments; the next few days were going to be a bloody nightmare.

Rowan scowled at him. “I’m glad you find my imprisonment so amusing,” she snapped.

“Come on,” he said. “People are waiting.” Shockingly, she stepped forward without complaint, and he realised that he didn’t have her bag with her. “Where’s your stuff?” he asked.

“They wouldn’t let me bring it.” She said dispassionately, but he could see she was upset by the set of her mouth.

“That’s ok.” He told her. “I can get it back for you.”  That may get her to cut him a little slack, he hoped.

“Thank you,” she said, her face softening a little for the first time. “And thank you for picking it up for me in the first place. You didn’t have to do that.”

Wow, thought Perin, maybe she didn’t hate him completely after all. He ushered her out of the door, unsure of how to respond, so they walked the corridors in silence. He noticed her paying attention to the turnings and doors, so it was obvious escape was at the forefront of her mind.

Pausing outside the ornate wooden doors that led to the ceremonial chamber where he would say his vows, he turned to her. “Were you told what happens now?”

“No.” she replied. “What are they going to do?” She looked very vulnerable all of a sudden, and he wanted to reassure her.

“You don’t have to do anything, just stand quietly whilst the vows are spoken.”

“What happens if I don’t?” she asked, the vulnerability replaced by a mulish expression.

“Then you will be commanded to.”

She closed her eyes for a second, resolving herself. “Ok, I’m ready.”

Perin nodded and opened the door. They walked up towards the altar where the magistrate waited. Each compound had their own magistrate who formalised and recorded births, deaths and marriages. Thiers was a rather pompous man called Cashore. He took everything very seriously and Perin was suddenly nervous that he might forget his vows. It had been such a long time since he learnt them, and thinking that he wouldn’t need them until far into the future, he hadn’t read them for years!   

Now, standing in front of the altar facing Rowan, he decided that he had been wrong when he had adamantly declared that he didn’t want a wife. In spite of all the reasons he had given, which were still as real now as they were then, when he looked over and the girl opposite him he could think of nothing more worthwhile than protecting and providing for her.

Rowan was looking around nervously until he sank to his knees in front of her, in the way  that tradition dictated.

“Perin, son of Seton, to this female what do you vow?” intoned Cashore, loudly.

Determined to do it right, Perin looked up and met her gaze, seeing total surprise there. Had she really thought that he was just delivering her? He had assumed that she was just giving him a hard time.  “I vow to protect her and her issue, to provide for her needs, to honour her body and soul.”

She was just staring at him in shock and he smiled slightly to reassure her, only to be met with a scowl. After what she had said before he thought that maybe she would be pleased that it was him who had bought her, but obviously not.

Rising to his feet, Perin turned to Cashore to sign the official register, watching Rowan out of the corner of his eye. He was amazed that she was still standing there quietly, especially after she had been staring daggers at him.    

“Wish you both happiness.” Said Cashore pompously, once Perin had set down the pen.

“Thank you,” he replied, turning to take Rowans arm to lead her out. Instead, she flinched away from him and walked to the door on her own. The certainty that he had felt whilst saying his vows ebbed away and was replaced by trepidation; what the hell was he going to do with her now?!

The heavy doors to the ceremonial chamber wheezed closed behind them, and she turned to face him. “You bastard! Did you think that by being ‘nice’ to me that it would make me submit to you?” She looked like she wanted to hit him again and he was half hoping she would so that he had an excuse to manhandle her back to his, or rather, their apartment, instead of trying to persuade her to walk there of her own volition.

 “Can we not discuss this here?” he asked, keeping his tone reasonable. “There is a banquet tonight to celebrate the new marriages, which I’m assuming you don’t want to attend, so we should just go back to ours and talk about what we are going to do now.”

“Stop it!” she yelled, “Stop acting like I have any choice in any of this!”

He was not going to argue with her in a hallway. “Ok, we’re going home.” He told her. Reaching out, he took a firm hold of her bicep, this time ignoring her pulling away from him. He started to stride towards home, his long steps forcing her to trot to keep up with him, and soon she was lagging behind. Beginning to feel guilty for having such little patience with her, he loosened his grip, and she immediately stopped.

“What are you doing?” he demanded, ready to grab her again if she started to rant at him or tried to run.

“These stupid shoes.” She snarled, dropping to the ground and undoing the thin straps that held the towering stilettos to her feet. He could see red blisters forming where the shoes had rubbed, and he felt like even more of an arsehole.

“Why didn’t you say that the shoes were hurting you?” he asked with a sigh. They must have been hurting before he had frogmarched her through the compound.  She ignored the question and looked sullen, getting to her feet with the shoes in her hand.

“Can we stop this?” he asked, “Can we just get back to the apartment so we can talk? You must be hungry and tired by now.”

“Yes,” she agreed softly. She looked tired and defeated all of a sudden.

“Come on,” he said, and they walked on in silence. Her padding along in her bare feet. The uneasy truce lasted until they were at his door, and he ushered her inside.

“Better give you the tour,” said Perin, trying to be upbeat. He took her through to the kitchen, living space and then pointed to the bedroom and bathroom through the doors. He thought she might freak out if he tried to actually take her into the bedroom with him at this point. She stayed silent throughout, and he wasn’t sure if she was gearing up for another tirade at him or if she was so miserable and exhausted that she just couldn’t formulate a response.

“What would you like to eat?” he asked her, leading her back to the kitchen.

“I don’t want anything to eat.” She said, suddenly angry. “I want all of this to not be true and to wake up in my own bed, nothing but a nightmare.”

Perin let this roll over him with a sigh; he knew that there was a lot more of this attitude to come.

“So what do I do now?” she asked him belligerently. “What does my new life consist of?”

“Well, tomorrow we will go out and get you some clothes and other things you will need. We will eat together and try to get to know one another, spend time together for the rest of the week. And of course, my parents will probably invite us to dinner one evening.” He wasn’t going to be drawn into an argument with her, but she did deserve to know what was going to happen to her over the next few days.

“You are talking like you are actually expecting me to be your wife, which isn’t going to happen.” She dropped the ridiculous shoes and squared up to him like she meant to fight him, or something.

“Actually, it is. When we are in these rooms you can behave however you please, but when we are in public you will behave appropriately, as my wife.”

“Will I?” she asked angrily.

“Yes.” He stated, knowing he didn’t need to tell her that he would command her to if she didn’t.

“So, what I do for the rest of my life is what you tell me to. Sounds wonderful, really worthwhile!” She had clenched her fists and was trembling with rage.

“No.” said Perin. “Once you are settled here you can go out with the other women, you can find a job in the medical centre if you want to. But only once we are sure that you can be trusted not to expose us.”

She was silent for a moment, taking this information in. “How would you decide when I could be trusted?” She asked warily.

“Just when I feel that you accept your life here, and that you wouldn’t want to betray us.” Betray me, is what he really meant.

“So it could take forever, then?” she asked him.

“Theoretically, yes.” He replied.

“Great.” She said sarcastically. “Well on that note, I think I would like to go to bed. Where do I sleep?”

“I already showed you the bedroom. Would you like a t-shirt or something to sleep in?”

“You expect me to sleep in your bed? With you?” She reached down for one of the sharp-heeled shoes and hurled it at him. “You sick bastard! You are going to have to force me because there is no way that I will sleep with you willingly!”

After dodging the shoe, it took him a moment to realise what she was screeching about; she was meaning s*x when she was talking about sleep. Which he wouldn’t turn down if she were offering but he certainly didn’t want to command her for that; he wanted her to be an enthusiastic and willing participant when it happened.

“Yes, I do expect you to sleep with me.” He emphasised the word. “But I will swear to you that I won’t touch you in any way. If that is what I was planning then I could just do it now, I wouldn’t need to wait until you were asleep.”

She looked utterly horrified. Perin went through to his bedroom and got one of his t-shirts from the drawer, then returned to the kitchen to hand it to her. She was still standing where he had left her, arms wrapped around herself.

“Here,” he said. “Sleep in this. Go into the bathroom to change.” She didn’t take it for a moment and he thought that she might refuse and begin shouting again but she obviously realised that he could just command her if she didn’t, so eventually complied and walked into the bathroom with the shirt clutched in her hand.