"No pain," Rhyn said with a husky chuckle.
"Not too much pain, and I'll raise you a promise not to fuck you till you're dead," Jared offered.
"Jesus," she muttered.
"He ain't coming here," a voice down the hallway snickered.
"But I am!" another chortled.
She touched her neck delicately, tracing the scars. They were jagged and ugly, similar to those on her arms. Lankha was a lifesaver, but she didn't intend to spend the rest of her years being torn apart by some sadistic vampire with a hard on.
"We'll see," she said at last.
She hoped no one ever came for her, and she'd never have to choose which predator to end her life. The monster across the hall was no option, and Jared was little better. The others…she wondered if Lankha could defend her. Based on his cowering every time Rhyn roared, she doubted it.
Even Kris was better than any of these creatures, and she'd barely tolerated him! Her thoughts turned to him with some bitterness. What kind of human protector allowed one of his own men to turn her over to something like Sasha? Did Kris even know about Jade's betrayal?
"Hey, Lunchmeat, what do you call a human running down the street?" Jared called.
"What?"
"Fast food."
Several of the monsters snickered. She rolled her eyes and retreated to her bunk, hoping Sasha planned to give her time to rest before attacking her.
"Damn you, Kris."
"Kris?" one voice echoed.
"The Council's Kris?" another snarled.
"Yeah," she answered.
"He sent you here?" Jared asked.
"Don't know. My luck's gone to shit since meeting him."
"Rhyn, you hear that?"
She glanced toward the dark cell and saw the silver eyes flash dangerously.
"You know Kris and Sasha are brothers, right?" Jared continued.
"No, I didn't."
"There were seven of them. Sasha betrayed the others and aligned with the Dark One. He goes through Hell and collects us freaks down here."
"Hate Kris."
"He must die!"
"Kris." Rhyn's low voice was the most sinister of all the monsters' complaints.
He drew out the name, and she sensed a personal connection to the white-haired man.
"Kris's not stupid enough to send you here. My guess is Sasha snatched you. This is the only place immortal pets can't get you, or anyone else," Jared theorized. "Hey Rhyn, bet Kris wants this one back."