To Collar and Keep Read online

  Ben nodded his greeting to Sebastian. “So I trust things went well last night. You know I want details.”

  “A gentleman never tells, luckily I’m not a gentleman, and she wasn’t a lady.” Bastian winked and sat down. “And you? How was my sister?” He frowned at the question, seeming to think better of it. “Never mind the details. I trust she’s wearing your collar and content to be a Beloved?”

  Harley laughed. He had to give it to Bastian. He was a Satyr with heart. Her own father hadn’t even asked about his daughter when Harley saw him in the elevator before making his way down to the meeting, yet her little brother wanted her happy and content where she ended up.

  Harley nodded at his newfound friend and smiled. “Bella is indeed happy and off to spend a good chunk of my money. Stunning creature in all aspects, and a mind to rival mine. I still have to thank your father.”

  Bastian scoffed. “Don’t bother, he won’t care. The treaty is cemented and now she’s your problem. Father never enjoyed her extracurricular activities.”

  Which was probably why he didn’t even speak with him in the elevator earlier. He had no use for Harley anymore. “No? He didn’t like her bettering herself?”

  “No, he felt she should be more interested in the length of a Satyr’s cock than in the contents of a vial in a lab. Not that she’s not interested in the former, I’m sure, it just wasn’t a priority.”

  Harley nodded. He appreciated that his Beloved wasn’t a nymphomaniac, but enjoyed him thoroughly. The woman was the best of all worlds to him, and steps above his former pet. “Then fuck him. The less I have to talk to your family, the better. No offence, Bastian.”

  “None taken. So Prince Esben? I figured I should call you that because of the official nature of the visit, I wish to petition to join Tempest. Greece and the family business holds no appeal for me.”

  “And I’ve got a place for you here if you want it. I need a liaison between Tempest and the other clans. You’d get to travel about a lot.”

  There was no doubt in Harley’s mind that Ben would take Bastian into Tempest. Ben wanted clansmen he could trust and like, ones young enough to help him stick it to the council and help change the course of Satyr history. Bastian had potential for all that.

  Bastian blinked and chuckled. “Wow, I didn’t even have to grovel. I would be happy to serve as clan liaison, Prince.” He bowed. “That was far too easy.”

  Ben laughed. “You think that now, just wait till you see what I’ll have you doing.”

  “Anything is better than the shit they have me doing at home.” He smiled at everyone.

  Harley shook his head. “Bella will be happy to see you’re going to be on the same shores as her. So that makes what, Ben? Two? Three?”

  He nodded. “It’s not bad really. Of course I wish you’d reconsider your stance on joining us. We could really use your…,” he trailed off with a frown. “What is it you do again?”

  “You have no use for my expertise, unless of course you’re opening a business venture where you send hookers to the moon by way of rocket science. I’m not saying no, you know that, but I have a place I should be in Rummer. Provided my father decides that it’s time to give up his seat.”

  “Yeah, cuz, that’s gonna happen.”

  Harley had his suspicions as well, though he didn’t really want to voice them. Boris was not forthcoming with anything involved with Rummer International yet, and even though he kept dangling the position over Harley’s head, he never once stated anything. It was something that he would have to look into.

  “Regardless. You know I didn’t say no. So now that your little talk with Bastian went quicker than anyone thought it would, how long do we have till the wild Satyr shows up? I could use a drink. Anyone else?” He looked at the clock on the mantle and shook his head. “It’s five o’clock somewhere.”

  Ben grimaced, glaring at the clock. “Way to change the subject. We’ve got a little time. I highly doubt a wild Satyr will be early.”

  “You don’t? If he’s here to petition you, cousin, then he will be not only on his best behaviour, but prompt as all hell.”

  “And that is prompt,” said a deep voice from the doorway as the Satyr walked lightly into the room, the step down not fazing him. “Princes,” he greeted with a smile, his eyes taking in the study. “And in such an interesting setting.” He looked over the old oil paintings of the Tempest leaders and families.

  “You think? I keep meaning to have those burned.” Ben waved a dismissive hand at the paintings. “This place needs to be modernised.”

  “Truly?” The wild Satyr flashed a wicked grin. “Can’t say I disagree with you there, but the paintings are your heritage. Says a lot about a man who wants to burn all of that.”

  “Why not burn them? He knows nothing of them anyway, as I’m sure you know. Welcome, Corbin, is it?” Harley smiled and cocked his head at Ben, who handed off his son to Alexander. “Your promptness is commendable, but then again something tells me you’re of the old guard anyway.”

  “Once.” He smiled, bowing his head politely. “And burning them denies you the chance to learn, and I believe they are your family as well, Prince Harley.” He pointed to a painting of a young man next to an older Satyr. “Your father next to his.” He then pointed to an older painting of a large group. “Your great-grandfather and his concubines. Along with your grandfather, his three sisters and his younger brother.” He finished pointing to a young boy around fifteen. “And that group again.” He motioned to another few paintings as the children grew up, this time the little boy was missing.

  Harley looked over at Ben and raised an eyebrow. “And the child?” He smirked, figuring it out. “So you belonged to Tempest or to Rummer?” he asked and sat back. “You’re obviously well versed. But can you read Puckish?” Harley asked so Ben didn’t have to.

  There were several journals left in Missouri at the Tempest compound that led up to the birth of Ben and the mysterious disappearance of his clan. If Corbin could read Puckish, it would be invaluable to Ben and would do much in swaying his decision to accept him into Tempest.

  “The young Tempest prince ran away with his father’s youngest concubine,” Corbin said with a smile, tapping the image of a beautiful young woman that looked to be younger than the boy. “As for my Puckish, it’ll be rusty, but I’ll be able to manage it.”

  “I see.” Ben nodded thoughtfully.

  “Interesting. They couldn’t have been more than thirteen. Though times as they were back then…” Harley looked over at Ben. “So what is it you hope to gain being here for Olanis and at this meeting?” Harley asked.

  “What do I hope to gain?” Corbin repeated the question, considering the words. “I believe Ben here is interviewing for positions within Tempest. Life, as it is, holds little appeal to me anymore. I’d like to try for something different. More structured.”

  “Not to mention that almost all of your wild brethren want your head,” Ben added from where he stood at the liquor cabinet, pouring himself a drink.

  “There is that.” Corbin flashed a smile. “But the accusation of poaching has been taken grossly out of context. Those women came to me of their own free will. I mean seriously, who would want to live in a tree?” He sneered at the thought. “Little or no amenities, exposed to weather and hygiene leaves much to be desired. Give me luxury and fast cars any day of the year. It’s not my fault their women agree.”

  Harley laughed and looked at Ben. He agreed with Corbin. “So you’re not on good terms with the wild Satyrs. What about the old school ferals from down south?”

  “I’ve had my share of run-ins with them but nothing serious. We get along just fine.”

  Yet another point in his positive column. No other clan was able to deal with the feral families, and a member that could help Tempest observe the niceties and customs of their country cousins would be something else that would propel Tempest back to the top spot. Harley made a thumbs up sign discreetly to Ben who wa
s pouring three more glasses.

  “Impressive.” Ben nodded, passing out the glasses. “If it wasn’t for the bounties on your head and that you have issues that I don’t want to commit Tempest to… How many of these girls do you have?” He took out a sheet of paper and passed it to Corbin who gave it a read over.

  “The last three, they’re all I have at the moment. The others left of their own accord. I don’t force my women to stay,” he answered after awhile.

  “Good. I’m willing to allow you into Tempest on a temporary basis only. There will be restrictions. If you’re not willing to comply, you can leave now.”

  Harley took his glass and watched the elder Satyr to see what he was going to do. He would be a valuable asset if he could play nice. Tempest was looking better and better for a Satyr looking to change his fortunes.

  “What kind of restrictions exactly?”

  “The girls. You give them back with an apology to their previous owners.”

  “Okay,” Corbin said with a frown. “Is that all?”

  “No. I don’t want you taking any more girls attached or otherwise. You’re a reasonable age. I assume you can go lengthy periods of time without feeding?” Ben asked calmly, setting his drink aside and taking a seat behind his desk.

  “I guess you could say that that,” Corbin said more warily.

  “Good, how long?”

  “I can survive on three feeds a month,” Corbin said reluctantly after some thought.

  Three a month? Harley was impressed. His father was one of the elder elite like Milton, and they both couldn’t survive on anything less than seven. Corbin was a find indeed.

  “Good.” Ben grinned. “Then you’ll stick to that. You’ll move here so we can monitor you closely, translating and so on.”

  Corbin nodded stoically. “Okay.”

  “And sell your properties. We can keep the extra money in a fund.”

  “Now that’s just cruel,” Corbin gasped.

  “Is it?” Ben smiled.

  Harley shook his head and finished his drink. “Why not just keep them in escrow? Depending on what he’s got and where, it might work for later on, retreats and such. Don’t be too hasty, cousin.”

  “See? That’s why I need you around. Agreed?”

  “Fine.” Corbin nodded in agreement. “How temporary will temporary be?”

  “No way to tell, we’ll have to see how you get on.”

  “As your de facto consigliore, I suggest till Tolanor, the deep winter holiday,” Harley said. “That way during the celebrations, you can revisit everything, and if Corbin has performed up to snuff, you can welcome him in with a party.”

  “I can live with that.” Ben smiled. “But don’t mess up, I don’t give second chances.”

  “And I won’t need one.” Corbin downed his glass in one swallow.

  “Good, now go and arrange to give the women back.”

  “And the party tonight? Will we be seeing you, Corbin?” Harley bent down and picked up Jared, who had crawled over to him. The child gurgled and laughed as Harley set him on his lap.

  “You might, if I can get everything in order to the prince’s satisfaction. May I speak freely for a moment?”

  Harley shrugged. “Doesn’t bother me any, Corbin. Ben?”

  “The suggestion isn’t for Ben, it’s for you. I couldn’t help hearing your discussion before I came in. I know your father reasonably well and to put it bluntly he’d rather cut off his nuts than step down from power. An heir apparent was purely for show and perhaps to keep your mother happy. Ben’s father always made sure his sister got what she wanted. I’d maybe have a talk with him before investing too much of your life into Rummer.”

  Harley smiled and nodded. “Your concern is noted, Corbin, and I thank you for speaking your mind. Boris has his issues, but I do believe you have a point. You seem to know much about him and my mother,” he said as Jared turned and crawled up the rest of his lap. “Now Ben, are you and Minerva coming to the party tonight? Or is that crusty fuck of a father-in-law holding you and the child captive?”

  Ben shook his head. “No, we’ll be there, later though. Milton’s milking all the time he can get from the little fella.”

  “I wouldn’t trust Milton, either, but I’m sure you already know that,” Corbin said.

  Ben nodded and Corbin continued, “In regards to your parents, Harlequin, I made it a point to know them.”

  “Well, that’s vague as hell. Milton is a ponce, seriously. Ben is an evil genius when it comes to dealing with him. Who is going to be at the Tempest section tonight?”

  “Some of the new folk. It should prove interesting.”

  “Understatement.” He looked at the clock on the mantel above Ben’s head and smiled. “So is that right? Or have we actually been in a time bubble. It feels like I have been here far longer than I think I have.”

  “That’s just my charming company.” Ben smiled. “Time’s working just fine. So Corbin? You staying for a while? ”

  Corbin nodded and walked over to the oxblood couch and sat, a small smile on his face.

  Jared giggled and stuck his thumb in his mouth.

  Harley shook his head and stood, bringing the prince to his father. “So what’s the afternoon’s activities? With the ladies off stimulating the economy and all…”

  “I don’t have anything planned, but I’m sure we can manage something fun.”

  “I did have a suggestion, Ben, seeing as Tempest is getting back into the normal family business.”

  “Yeah, go on…”

  “Why not check out the old storefronts? I mean there are several in New York that should be reopened. Have you even looked at the old business books?”

  “Haven’t looked yet,” Ben said with a roll of his eyes.

  “You know, more and more I’m thinking I should be your right hand.”

  Ben laughed. “Because I’m an evil mastermind but not so business-minded?”

  “Because your priorities are off.”

  “Off? Not quite, I’ve just got other things to do. It’s hard being me.”

  “Fair enough. Let’s take a look at the books then and take a field trip.”

  * * * *

  “Is this seat taken?” Mina asked as she stopped next to Arabella. The party bus was quickly filling, Beloveds and concubines taking their seats in groups. Arabella sat close to Stephanya, Harlequin’s mother, but apart from everyone else.

  She smiled up at Mina and gestured to the seat Mina was enquiring over. “Please, Lady Tempest.”

  Mina sat and looked about, then leaned in. “Please call me Mina. Like my Satyr, I abhor the titles, pomp and circumstance. I’m just Mina. I didn’t get a chance to mention it before, but congrats on Harlequin.”

  Bella smiled anew at mention of Harley and bowed. “I thank you, Mina. He is…,” she looked around at the other women of Satyr who had already scorned her, choosing to sit on the far side of Stephanya, “coveted?” she asked with a lower voice.

  Mina looked over at the others and pulled a face. Then she looked back at Bella. “Harlequin is an only child,” she said in an equally low voice so that Lady Rummer couldn’t hear. “And the females of Rummer have all had their eyes on him since he hit his adulthood. I understand that he has never dallied with any of them, choosing more…human pursuits.”

  “That explains the warm welcome from the clan.”

  Mina put her hand on hers. “Don’t be bothered by it. I had to deal with it as well when Ben was gifted me. For about six months after, they were wretched harpies, especially because we were blessed with a convergence pregnancy. They are jealous because our Satyrs are the be all and end all, and they won’t share.” She grinned.

  Bella nodded. “Still, this must be what my mother feels like when she’s with the other women my father has. They don’t get along much.” Which was an understatement. Bella had no idea how her mother put up with the other concubines’ sniping and spite.

  “Quite possibly. So tel
l me, how are you enjoying court so far?”

  They talked quietly as the bus rolled to their destination, an outlet mall about an hour south of where the hotel was, drinking the champagne and eating the strawberries that were offered to them by the staff. By the time they made it to their destination, they were all pleasantly tipsy. She felt better for the time spent with Mina and quickly found herself liking her more and more. The girl relaxed her and it was good to just see a friendly face that wasn’t her Satyr’s mother.

  Bella stayed with Mina, Stephanya and Mina’s mother, Ellen, as they made their way around the shops, either staying ahead of the crowds or just behind them. It was great, and Bella learned a lot from Stephanya about Harley’s childhood. His mother was all too happy to talk about her son as most mothers were.

  “Harley was always extremely bright, much to Boris’ pride. I remember when he was early in his development, must have been about five, he would sit with Boris and listen as Boris explained complex equations. Harlequin picked them up quite quickly.” She smiled.

  “So he’s always been interested in the sciences?” Bella asked as she walked beside her mother-in-law.

  “Oh, yes. His passion for science almost rivals that which makes him such a potent Satyr. He’s always found a way to balance it though. You won’t have to worry, Arabella. He will enjoy both parts of his life, and you won’t want for attention. He’s always been good at balancing his studies and his women,” Stephanya said matter-of-factly.

  Arabella wasn’t worried, not after the conversation they’d had the night before. He already seemed devoted to her and her happiness, and nothing would change that.

  They had made their way into Dolce & Gabbana to meet up with the rest of the girls. The store was closing for two hours for a ‘private party’—the whole of the Satyr females.

  They were met with treats—chocolates, strawberries, peach wedges and more champagne. The entire group buzzed and murmured while marking off what they wanted on their purchase cards as the showing progressed. Once again Mina and Bella were cloistered to the side, away from the majority of the girls.