Kevin’s POV
“Cancel all my appointments. I’m going out.” Ivan said to his secretary once we stepped out of his office.
“Out?” She squeaked, seeming more shocked than he had been when I had told him to take me to where the count lived.
“Yes, out. I have an urgent meeting to take care of.”
“Okay, sir. I will call and cancel your appointments in the next ten minutes.”
“Do that. See you soon.” Ivan said and walked out.
She looked at me and Liam with a skeptical expression as if she wasn’t sure she would see her boss soon. She was smart for thinking that way.
Liam whispered softly under his breath, knowing I could hear him as we stepped out into the open. “What are you doing? Are you trying to get yourself killed by asking to be taken to his house? That guy hates your guts. He wouldn’t let go of Ella even if you see him.”
I smiled. “Don’t worry, Liam. I have a plan.”
“I hope it is a good one.” He nodded.
Ivan turned back and scowled at the sight of me and Liam lagging behind and talking. “Aren’t the two of you coming? I didn’t cancel my appointment for you to waste my time.”
“You seem to be in a bad mood, slave finder.” I chuckled.
“You would be if you are being forced to go to a meeting you already know the outcome.” He hissed. “I told you to not call me that.”
“I think the title suits you.” I smiled.
He ignored me and slid in behind the wheels of a car close by.
“I hope you know what you are doing. Not that I don’t trust you.” Liam repeated.
“I do.” I said and slid into the car, sitting at the back.
Liam nodded and slid into the passenger seat. He buckled himself in, glanced at me and turned to Ivan. “Let’s go.”
“I’m not your driver.” Ivan grumbled but he started the engine.
We got to the count’s house and I looked around hoping to find a glimpse of Ella around but I didn’t. I wondered where she was.
We met the butler who took us to the count’s study after Ivan told him why we were there.
It wasn’t long that we were seated in the study that the count strolled in.
“I hear I have some unexpected and unwanted guests.” He said as he walked into the study.
I ignored his jibe, studying him as he walked in. He still had the same arrogant look I saw in his eyes the other day.
“Ronald, this is the alpha of Blood Moon pack, Kevin and his beta, Liam.”
“I’ve already met the asshole alpha.” Ronald said. He flicked a glance at Liam standing like the soldier that he was behind me and scowled. “I guess you are scared to come here alone seeing that you came here with a bodyguard.”
I snorted. “Actually, Liam is here to keep me from ripping your head off your neck.” I smiled, baring my teeth at him in a show of dominance. “I have anger issues when dealing with dummies, especially the arrogant ones.”
“You come to my house to insult me.” He bristled, his eyes twitching.
“Actually, you started it. Who calls their guests unwanted?” I said, plastering a fake smile on my lips.
He snorted.
“Let’s be civil now.” I said. “Let’s talk business.”
“What do you want?”
“What I’ve always wanted.” I didn’t wait for him to be done speaking. “Ella?”
He frowned. “You mean slave number seven?”
“I don’t care what you call her.” I said, my voice restrained. “Her name is Ella. How much do you want for her?”
He turned to Ivan. “He must have offered you a lot of money for you to forget codes and come here, asking me to let go of a slave I already bought when you know that is not done.”
Ivan blushed. I shook my head at his pathetic self. It was no wonder he couldn’t get Ella free. He had a face that divulged everything to the enemy. I was going to do this my way, the only way I knew.
“How much do you want for her? Silver? Gold? Cash? Name it.” I asked.
“You seem to think I’m poor.” Ronald smiled.
“Compared to me, you are.” I smiled back at me.
“Arrogant fool.” He hissed.
“I could say the same about you.” I retorted.
The two of us glared at each other, anger simmering below the surface. Liam stood by patiently and watching us.
Ivan was the opposite. He looked stressed as his eyes darted from me to Ronald. “Can we stop this testosterone war and reach a conclusion, gentlemen?” He laid the emphasis on the gentlemen as if he was trying to convince himself that we were.
Ronald was the first to break our eye contact. “I’m not letting go of my slave, even if you promise me all the riches in the world.”
“Okay.” I said, standing up.
He seemed surprised at my immediate acceptance. “Okay? You are giving up that easily? I thought you loved her. Slave number seven would be disappointed to know her mate gave up already.” He chuckled.
“Believe what you want to believe. I’m done here.” Ella wouldn’t believe I gave up on her. I even refused to let go of her when she was trying to fool me that she was someone else.
“Why did you bother coming when you knew you were going to get him worked up and unable to convince him?” Ivan asked.
I turned to him. “I had to give him a chance to see if he had a brain but he is not worth my consideration.”
“I heard that.” Ronald growled.
“You were meant to.” Liam said and walked out after me, both of us fuming with anger.