Page 26 of His Place in the World
He watched as the auctions continued, but he couldn’t focus.He was terrified for Angus, and it only got worse when the auction was over.It meant Angus and Ryland would have to mingle again, and Del didn’t know how he’d be able to stand watching that.
He held his breath as Fulton stepped onto the balcony where Ryland and Angus had been sitting before they could leave.
“A new face,” he drawled, ignoring Mercer and Matt.
He didn’t ignore Angus, though.Angus stared at the floor as if he was afraid, but Del could see that wasn’t true.He was angry and possibly afraid of what he’d do if Fulton tried talking to him.
“Where can I retrieve my purchase?”Ryland interjected, placing himself between Fulton and Angus.
Fulton chuckled.“Eager?”
“I paid half a million dollars for him, so yes.I’d like to take him home.”
“And skip dinner?”
Del couldn’t see Ryland’s face anymore, but he could imagine his expression just by his tone of voice when he next spoke.
“I didn’t come here to have dinner with people I don’t know and couldn’t care less about.I came here for the shifters, and now that I have one, I’m ready to head out.”
“I can assure you that the food is perfect, as is the company.Most buyers stay to talk to other like-minded people, and business connections are often formed.Besides, if you’re planning to attend more of my parties, maybe it would be good for you to get to know the others.”
Del’s mouth was dry.He needed Angus to get out of there.His skin crawled as he listened to the conversation and Fulton’s voice.The man wasn’t just an asshole.He sold people and became rich on their torture, and he clearly didn’t care one bit about them.
“Take me to Tyler,” Ryland ordered.He leaned closer to Fulton, but Del and the others could still hear him.“Now.I’ll pick up my purchase and head out.If you want to talk about business, you’re welcome to contact my company.”
“Should I invite you to my next party?”
“Only if you have something interesting to sell.”
Ryland reached back, and Del could see he took Angus’s hand.He dragged Angus along as he pushed past Fulton.Del expected the asshole to try to stop them, but instead, he said, “Take him to the cages and hand him his purchase.I’ll see you soon, Mr.Young.”
Since Ryland hadn’t introduced himself, Fulton shouldn’t know his name.He’d clearly looked into him, which wasn’t surprising but still gave Del the creeps.
It was hard to breathe as Del looked at the screens at the progression Angus and Ryland made.They were taken away from the balconies and the auction area and into a more spartan hallway with gray cement walls and floors.From there, they entered a room that made Del swear and look away.
When Fulton had mentioned cages, he hadn’t been lying.Two rows of them lined the walls, some empty, others containing the shifters who’d been auctioned.They were visibly scared and pressed against the back of their cages.Tyler was, too, when the group stopped in front of his.
His cage was open, but he didn’t step out.Del wondered how they were going to do this for a moment, then sucked in a breath when Angus stepped forward.He looked straight at Tyler and offered him his hand, and after a moment of hesitation and a look behind Angus, Tyler took it.He allowed Angus to pull him out of the cage, and Del wasn’t surprised to see his father slide out of his jacket and drape it over Tyler’s shoulders.Tyler looked back at him and jerked as if surprised.His eyes were wide, but thankfully, he didn’t try to run when Matt put a hand on his shoulder and guided him away.
Del was so tense he felt he might snap.He followed Angus’s path on the screen, and as soon as they were at the exit, he shot out of his seat.Remi called out something, but Del didn’t stop.He opened the back door of the van and rushed out.Even if Angus didn’t need him, he’d be there for him, dammit.
Del wasn’t the only one running toward the limo Ryland and Angus had arrived in.Doyle was with him, silently supporting him.They reached the limo before the others, and Del slipped in.He wanted to go straight to Angus, but he knew better.No matter how much he wanted to help, exposing them would only make things worse.
Doyle had to hold him back when the limo door opened.Ryland slid in, his eyes widening when he saw Del and Doyle.Angus was right behind him, and Del was surprised not to see Tyler with him.Instead, Tyler was wrapped in Del’s father’s arms, wearing his too-long jacket.
Mercer made a disgusted sound when he looked back as he climbed into the driver’s seat, but thankfully, he didn’t say anything.He turned on the engine and drove off faster than he should.
Del grabbed Angus and pulled him into his lap.He wrapped his arms around him and buried his face against his mate’s neck, telling himself that Angus was safe.He could touch him, feel him, and he was okay.
“Let’s go home,” Ryland said.
They did.It was late, so they didn’t linger once they reached pack territory.They’d talk about the mission and how Del and Doyle had messed up tomorrow.The only problem was that Del wasn’t ready to go home with his father and leave Angus behind, so he clung to him as Toby led Tyler inside to one of the guest rooms.
“Meeting tomorrow,” Cam declared as he looked at their group.
“Thank fuck,” Remi muttered.“You and I need to talk, Ry.”
Ryland ignored him.“Will Tyler be okay?”he asked Cam.
