Chapter 4

Phoenix

Two Months Later

"Where the hell are you?" I want to snatch this fucking mask off my face. Instead, I grip my phone so hard it groans under the pressure.

"I'm not going to make it," Dad responds. I take a step forward as the line moves up.

"Why? I thought we were doing this together, but you're hardly around anymore. What is going on?" I keep my voice low as I glance around to see if I can spot Marcus or the dean. I'm pretty sure I recognize Anna's father. She's probably going to be sold, too.

The auction isn't a terrible idea if people are doing it willingly. From what I can tell, there are some people that do. But not all members are vetted, so there's no guarantee if they're bought they'll be treated well. I've set my sights further than just trying to find my mom.

I want to take these sons of bitches down and turn this into something people want to participate in. Not something they're forced to do.

"I think I've found a lead on your mother."

My jaw aches from how hard I'm clenching my teeth. "What do you mean? And why am I just now hearing about it?" My voice is deadly and if I was talking to anyone else, they'd be back tracking right now, but not my dad.

"Because I'm still not sure. I'm going to follow it and I'll let you know." He hangs up. I want to punch something. I glance around again; maybe I can find Marcus and punch him. I'll be going to one of the fights tonight after the auction to blow off some of this built up tension. Something is not adding up, and it's pissing me off.

I inhale slowly as I stop in front of the host and hostess. I tip my lips up in a small smile and they both return it. "Thank you for coming," the man says. The woman doesn't speak, and she doesn't look at me; she keeps her eyes downcast. She doesn't look afraid like the last hostess. Maybe she wants to be a part of this.

When I turn to walk away, I hear him praise her. "Such a good girl, pet."

"Thank you, Sir," she responds.

The interaction does something to me. Opens up a world of possibilities. The thought of having that type of relationship with McKenzie flashes through my mind. The girl lives for praise. Or maybe it's approval because of the asshat she grew up with.

I turn that part of my brain off so I can focus and see if I can gather any more information about these auctions. I find my seat at the back of the room again. I like to be able to see everyone. The auctioneer steps forward in a black tuxedo and blue mask.

"Good evening everyone. Tonight we have nine up for bid." There's some grumbling. Last time there were thirteen. Even then, there were more buyers than people for sale. He motions for everyone to quiet down. "There is another graduation happening soon, so hopefully there will be more at the next one."

Fuck. Will Marcus try to sell his daughter at that one? Or will he let her have a life for a little while?

I still have six more months before they'll consider allowing me to join the council. I'll find a way if that happens.

Marcus and Dick sit in front of me, not realizing it, and I want to punch the air at my luck. They're deep in conversation, so I'm sure that's why they haven't noticed. I shake my head. Marcus should be more aware than that. Unless he doesn't realize I'm here. I've been wearing masks that cover my entire face. I know my eyes give me away, though, so I've tried not to look at anyone directly.

"Will she be in the next auction?" Dick asks Marcus.

Marcus shakes his head before he finishes. "I'm waiting until the last possible moment." Before they can continue, the auction begins.

I sit back in my seat and watch while I think over Marcus' words. He almost sounds like he doesn't want to sell her. After the auction is over, we're told where to go. If you want to watch, it's on the other side of the house. Those who want a room to themselves know where to go. They escort those who are sharing to a larger room upstairs. And those who want to mingle can go to the dining area.

I walk that way so I can listen some more and see if I can begin networking. I didn't stay last time. I couldn't stomach the thought of everything going on. This time I told myself not to be an asshole and suck it up.

When I enter the area where the food and drinks are, I'm greeted by more people than I expected to see. I assumed the majority would be ready to go watch or participate in whatever activities they had planned for the evening. I didn't expect to see Marcus or Dick in here, either.

I grab a drink and find a corner to stand in as I observe and try my best not to be noticed. It's been a while since Marcus has seen me, so he may not recognize me, but Dick would probably recognize me.

"You didn't buy anyone?" A woman stops next to me. She has cropped black hair. She's wearing a black mask and a black dress.

I take a sip from my drink. "I didn't see anyone that interested me."

She hums as she takes a drink from her wineglass. "It's disappointing more men aren't for sale at these things." She sighs. "Would you be interested in going to a room?"

I chuckle and eye her. "No, thank you."

She sighs again and gulps down her wine. "I figured as much, but thought I'd ask anyhow." She taps her empty glass against mine. "Maybe I'll see you at the next one." She disappears in the crowd and I shake my head in amusement.

At least she wasn't another Kelly that gets offended at everything. The girl would not drop the fact that I wasn't going to prom tonight. She even had the nerve to text me earlier today and say she'd save a dance for me.

Dick passes in front of me, filling his plate with finger foods. Marcus is walking with him, but he's not eating anything. "You should have stayed at the school tonight. With prom going on, someone needs to be there to watch her."

This man confuses me. He never shows up to parents' weekend. He's going to sell her at an auction. But he seems concerned about her.

"She's not going to prom," Dick says around a mouthful of food. Marcus grimaces as do I. Caleb didn't ask her to prom?

"I thought you said she had a boyfriend," Marcus says.

Dick shrugs. "I think they're more friends than anything else. He did ask her, but she said she doesn't dance and told him to go with his friends."

I scowl. I assumed she was going to prom with Caleb. I already had a discussion with him after he left her at the lacrosse game. He swears he hasn't touched another girl, but I don't know if I believe him.

"Will you be coming to graduation?" Dick asks.

Marcus runs his hand through his hair. "Yes. I'm not missing that. I'll have security with me when I come." Dick nods and begins eating again.

I push off the wall and leave. I can't give them an opportunity to spot me, so it's best I leave now. Marcus seems concerned about McKenzie's safety. It doesn't make sense. The man who took my mom. Is he nervous that my dad and I will take her in retaliation?

That was the plan when my dad first told me she was at the school. Even the first time I saw her, I was determined I would break her. But the more I got to know her and the more I realized she was a victim, I realized I couldn't do it. She's unlike anyone I've ever met. So, I decided instead of breaking her, I was going to make her mine. She is mine. She just doesn't know it yet.