Hot Blooded Obsession

The Mercenary Kael POV: "Welcome, my fierce warrior! I trust my selection of slaves will meet your discerning needs.” the oily merchant drawled, his smile all gold and silver teeth, hungry for coin. "You're a formidable one! Your name?" "Kael," I rumbled, my voice low. "Kael... the Kael of—" He lowered his voice, "—of Khoros?!" I simply stared at him. "Y-You are most welcome here." And there it was—fear. That's what my name brought to anyone who recognized it. I preferred not to speak it unless necessary. Now, I'd either be rushed along or unwelcome, unless there was a call to slay a beast, steal something, or commit murder or pillage; the list of gruesome tasks was long. I was in this brothel, weary of squandering my hard-earned coin on fleeting moments with a pleasure woman. I traveled and worked alone, but I couldn't keep spending like this; I'd end up broke, toiling to exhaustion only to lose it all to some w***e who tired easily. I was here to select a companion for myself—a s*x slave to do whatever I wished while I battled the formidable beasts and demons of these lands. I would use her until I was sated, then choose another. I didn't fall in love or marry. Why would a mercenary? Any day, I could encounter a formidable warrior, and that day would be my last. Children? I didn't care for them. Though I might face that burden with the woman I chose, that would be a worry for when it happened. I knew of remedies to rectify that problem. I surveyed my selections. "This one, my lord? She is most exquisite?" the greasy, foul-smelling slave master drawled, caressing and sniffing the woman's hair, eyes closed in what seemed like bliss. I gripped her jaw, moving her face around. She was smooth, showing no signs of wear from the fields. I then grabbed her hair, and she winced. "Hmf, weak," I grumbled. She had shiny yellow hair and was beautiful, but I had no patience for weakness in women. "Okay, my good sir, how about this one? She just arrived, barely touched," he said, moving to the next woman, looking between her and me. I gripped her jaw to make her face me. "She is taller," I said, approvingly. I was a large man; I didn't need a small, short woman; I needed her at least close to my face. "Too skinny," I declared, lifting her arm. "No meat!" I spat, moving on to yet another woman. This was the third brothel and third kingdom I'd visited. I was going to pay good coin; I had a right to be picky. Frustration gnawed at me; I ran a hand through my hair. Then my gaze snagged on her. She was looking at me with undisguised contempt, though it vanished the moment our eyes locked, replaced by an indifferent blankness. "How about," I said, my gaze unwavering, "that one." I pointed directly at her. She was undeniably unique: antlers, a red silk dress, piercing grey eyes, and dark hair. And those lips. I'd seen much in my travels, but her likeness was entirely new. "Stand up, woman," I ordered. Her eyes shifted from the merchant to me; he seemed visibly uneasy. She stood, and I approached to conduct my inspection. A mask obscured her face, which I removed. I opened her mouth and checked her hair, my grip firm. She met my gaze sharply, yet showed no reaction. A smirk touched my lips. I lifted her arm and, right there, stripped her bare for all to see, turning her as I still held her hair. She allowed it. "Yes..." I rumbled, a deep satisfaction in my voice. "She is the one," I declared, gripping her rear and spinning her back around to reveal her heavy, full breasts. "Not skinny, with some substance, yet not overly large—substantial enough to accompany me on my steed." "V-very good, fierce one. But, I regret to inform you, she is not for sale... she is... priceless and my employee." My glare fixed on him. "Everyone has a price, name yours!" I demanded, my patience wearing thin. I hadn't come all this way to be denied. "She offers me significant services, beyond mere companionship with men; she possesses other unique, unmentionable skills," he stammered quietly, sweat beading on his brow. My eyes began to burn red. I truly wished to avoid shifting here, but I could feel my fangs extending and my claws sharpening. "I have! Many more. Please, follow me this way!" I moved to follow him, a furious thought burning in my mind: just kill him and take her. "Now, my good sir, behold!" he announced, unveiling more women, a diverse array of shapes, sizes, races, and even species. I shook my head. None of them possessed her unique look. I wanted her. The one with the piercing gaze and an unyielding aura. "Enough," I stated, my eyes still lingering on the women. "I'll depart." As I made my way out, I glanced back. She was watching me, her dress now restored, sitting exactly as before. A small, victorious smile touched her lips. Heh. Don't fret, my seductress, I mused, a sense of satisfaction settling over me as I exited the brothel, the air heavy with the odors of lust, perspiration, and metallic coin. I'll claim her, by theft if necessary!