Page 9 of Dark Sold Mate

Elle scoffed bitterly. “You expect me to believe that? You spent one hundred thousand dollars on me!”

“Because I couldn’t leave you there!” He exploded, slamming his fist on the steering wheel. “Because the thought of someone purchasing you, touching you, or hurting you made me want to burn the warehouse to the ground.”

Elle went still. “What?”

Silas drew in a sharp breath and made himself speak more calmly. “I have been working on eliminating this trafficking ring. It's a long story. But I promise, you're safe now.”

He watched her face and saw different emotions. From confusion, suspicion, and, lastly, what seemed to be relief. Her shoulders sagged, and her breathing slowed.

“You were investigating.”

“Yes.”

“You are not...you were not there to purchase women.”

“No. Never.”

Elle shut her eyes, her hands shaking.

Guilt twisted in his chest. She had every reason to believe that he could be so cruel. Especially since he had dismissed her in the most inconsiderate manner and allowed his father to banish her without even trying to stop it.

“I'm sorry,” he said quietly. “I want you to know that I regret what happened all those years ago. And I'm sorry. For everything.”

Elle shook her head lightly, wiping her forehead. “Just take me home.”

“I will.”

“Good. Since I must go back to my apartment, to my life, to—”

“No.”

Elle's eyes narrowed. “What do you mean, no?”

“I mean, you are not returning to the human world. I'm not allowing it.”

“Excuse me?”

“Those traffickers saw you. They know your face. They will track you down should I leave you to go back to your life. They will kidnap you, and I may not be able to rescue you next time.”

“Then I'll be careful. I'll move.”

“They're shifters, Elle. They will follow you no matter where you are.

“That's my problem, not yours.”

“The hell it's not.” His wolf stirred within him. “You're not going back there. You're coming with me.”

“Like hell I am.”

Silas restarted the engine. Elle's eyes widened.

“What are you doing?”

“Taking you somewhere safe.”

“Silas, I swear to God, turn this car around—”

“I'm not turning around. You are going to pack territory with me, and you are going to marry me.”