I Never Loved the Man Who Bought Me

The man who'd bought me watched my face, testing me. “Thinking of running?” After I was trafficked, I didn't cry or make a scene.

Instead, I became this handsome man's wife and played the sweet, obedient girl every day. I smiled and promised him, “I'm yours in life, and I'll be your ghost in death.

I'll stay with you through every lifetime.” At last, he let down his guard and leaned in to kiss me. What he didn't know was that I meant every word. He had destroyed my life.

Of course I was going to drag him down to hell with me. Chapter 1 Fate always seemed to save its cruelest jokes for decent people.

An old woman had asked me to help find her lost dog. That was how I was lured into an alley. One hand clamped over my mouth; another covered my nose. I was drugged unconscious.

I closed my eyes. I opened them. From then on, my life sank into endless darkness. I woke with a start.

My brain seemed to have held on to the terror of those last moments before I was drugged. By the time I fought my way awake, I was soaked in cold sweat.

I couldn't tell whether the foul smell filling my nose was making me sick or the sudden, overwhelming fear was making it impossible to breathe. My hands and feet were icy.

For a moment, my mind was blank. “Well, another one's awake.” A man's voice.

He seemed to glance back, then gave a couple of dry chuckles. “So what?” a woman answered, her voice harsh and raspy. She smacked him. “What do you keep looking back for?

Watch the road. They can't get away.” The man laughed again. “Right, right. Not like they can get away.” Little by little, my senses returned. I forced myself to stay calm.

Don't be scared. Don't be scared. It turned out that telling yourself not to panic did nothing when the fear was absolute. Tears were already spilling uncontrollably down my face.

With my mouth sealed shut, my sobs caught in my throat, escaping as the mournful whimpers of a trapped animal. Sadly, I wasn't much better off than one.

I closed my eyes for a moment and told myself with something close to grim determination: Sunny Greene, you have to stay calm! You have to get out! Mom and Dad are waiting for you!

You can't just accept this! You have to get out! Crying rose and fell all around me. I looked warily at my surroundings and understood where I was. My hands and feet were tied.

I'd been crammed into a small van with ten other young women who shared my fate. Some were still unconscious. Others had woken before me.

The same shock and terror filled their eyes, and their bodies wouldn't stop shaking. Eleven of us, thrown into that cramped van like cargo.

Bodies piled on bodies, heads pressed together. There wasn't room to stretch at all. Black cloth covered the windows completely.

I couldn't see outside, couldn't call to anyone passing by, couldn't note a landmark or even the general direction we were traveling. My heart sank further.

The van drove through the night, jolting along and taking more turns than I could count. I'd never seen the man at the wheel before.

But the woman—I would never forget her face as long as I lived. She was the old woman who had asked me to help find her dog. I'd just left the old street. It was quiet there.

This was my second year applying to graduate school, and I'd specifically chosen a study room on that street so I could concentrate without being disturbed.

That day, I'd gone to collect my things from the study room before heading home. Chapter 2 All that hard work had finally paid off.

After countless grueling days and nights, I'd been accepted into graduate school! My happiness hardly needed explaining. I could already see a wonderful future beckoning.

I never could have imagined that what waited outside the study room was hell. I was carrying my books and had only gone a few steps when I saw a stooped old woman crying nearby.

I paused in surprise just as she looked up at me. Wiping her eyes, she approached, and I instinctively took a few steps back.

She said a great deal, mumbling through a thick rural accent. I listened carefully for a long time before I could make out the gist of it. She wasn't from the area.

She'd come to the city to care for her pregnant daughterinlaw, who had just sent her downstairs to walk the dog. Her grip on the leash had slipped, and the dog had run away.

She didn't know anyone or anything around here. People couldn't understand her accent, and she didn't know how to use a cell phone.

She'd been looking for hours without seeing a trace of the dog. Her son and his wife didn't like her much to begin with, she said.

They cared more about that dog than they did about her. If she lost it, they'd make her pay for it. She wiped away more tears. I admit I felt sorry for her.

But I was still a little wary. “How about this, ma'am? I'll find a police officer for you.

They can help you look.” She waved her hands insistently. “Why call the police over a thing like this?

If it turns into a big fuss, my son and his wife won't be any happier with me.” I hesitated. Seeing that, she hurried on. “Please, sweetheart, just have a look over there for me.

If the dog's not in that alley, I'll stop looking. They can yell at me all they want. These old legs can't take another step.” I softened.

It was only a quick look down an alley, wasn't it? Two minutes, at most. I agreed and walked quickly toward it.

Keeping her description of the dog in mind, I searched every nook and corner. Maybe I was too focused on finding it. Or maybe the traffickers were simply too practiced.

I never noticed anyone behind me. Only when a hand clamped over my mouth did the truth hit me like an electric shock.

My brain had barely begun to react before I lost consciousness and collapsed. When I woke again, I was here. “We're here. Stop fucking sleeping.

Wake up!” We'd jolted along until I couldn't tell day from night. I'd fought to stay awake, but hunger and cold had worn me down.

Exhausted in body and mind, I'd fallen asleep without realizing it. Now, before I could even open my eyes, a foot struck me. “Fucking wake up!

All of you!” The pair stopped the van, opened the door, and dragged us out. My hands and feet had long since gone numb from the restraints.

Their rough pulling made my legs give way, and I hit the ground hard. Dirt. It had rained recently, and the damp, earthy smell rushed up at me. I immediately looked around.

Mountains surrounded a desolate village. As far as I could see, there was nothing but mountains. I clenched my teeth. Once again, despite myself, tears welled up.

Then another kick landed in my side. “What's taking you so long?

Get up, you little bitch.” Tears sliding down my face, I gritted my teeth and struggled upright, swaying until I found my balance.

The man was about to hit and curse at me again when an old man carrying a load on a shoulder pole happened past.

He craned his neck for a look, then greeted him delightedly. “Eugene! Got new stock?” Chapter 3 The man turned at the sound of his voice and smiled. “Sure do, Mr. Atkinson.

Brought you another shipment.” Clearly interested, the old man set aside his shoulder pole and stepped closer. “How many pieces this time?” “Eleven altogether.

Every last one a good one!” The man chuckled and gave the young woman in front of him a casual kick. “Oh, good!

Good!” The old man clapped his hands, laughing. “The old bachelors here sure are lucky to have you.

Eugene, you and your woman have done this whole village a world of good.” “Oh, come on,” the man said with a laugh. “Someone's got to make sure the folks in Briar Hollow have children, right?” I shook all over as I listened.

I wanted to rush forward and take a knife to him then and there. The old man's smile turned lecherous.

He lowered his voice. “Out of those pieces, how many are sealed stock and how many are opened?” “Haven't checked yet. My woman's getting things ready.

Won't be long.” An equally filthy smile crossed the man's face as he looked us over. “But I'd say most of this lot are sealed.” Only later did I learn that these were their code words.

A “piece” meant a woman. “Sealed stock” meant a virgin. “Opened stock” meant a woman who'd already had sex. Sealed stock fetched more than opened stock.

Women who were considered good for bearing children cost more than the thin, scrawny ones. “I'm ready, honey.

Bring them in so I can check.” The woman leaned out of the wooden house beside us and beckoned. The man shoved us inside.

One young woman couldn't bear it anymore and broke down sobbing. He slapped her across the face.

Another tried to use the commotion to escape, but with her hands and feet tied, she couldn't take a proper stride.

She'd barely moved before he grabbed her by the hair and hauled her back. Once we were inside, I realized the horror had only just begun.

The woman stood behind a hanging cloth, with a bed behind it. She pulled a young woman over, dragged down her pants, and reached inside her to check whether she was still a virgin.

Screams soon followed. The heartbreaking sobs made my scalp prickle. Sweat kept gathering on the tip of my nose. What could I do? What could I do… I was next… It was almost my turn!

Fear and panic closed around my throat. I stood stunned, hardly daring to breathe. The young woman ahead of me limped out, choking on her sobs.

The woman poked her head around the cloth and pointed at me. “You. Come here!” Think of something, Sunny Greene! Think of something!

Just as she was about to pull down my pants, I seized her hand in desperation.

She paused, caught off guard. “Ma'am, I'm scared it'll hurt.” I looked up at her through my tears, making myself seem meek.

She recovered, looking impatient. “Then put up with it.” “Ma'am,” I said quickly, “you've been at this so long. You must be tired. I'm still a student.

I've never done anything improper, so you don't need to trouble yourself with me.” She frowned, about to speak, then stopped. Her eyes narrowed. A weight settled into her hand.

She didn't need to look to know it was a bracelet. She looked up at me, and I smiled. “Right, ma'am? I'm a good girl. I've always known what I should and shouldn't do.

You don't have to worry about me.” After a long moment, I heard her give a muffled grunt of assent. She waved me out. At last, I let out a long breath.

My nerves, stretched taut all this time, eased for a moment. Chapter 4 Without thinking, I touched my wrist.

The expensive bracelet Mom had given me when I came of age should have been there. Now my right wrist was bare. I didn't regret giving up a bracelet.

But I suddenly understood that, from now on, staying alive—keeping all my limbs intact—would mean giving things up. Things I'd always treasured. Things I'd always stood by.

Things I'd always taken pride in and considered untouchable. My circumstances left me no choice. This was the only way to survive. And only if I survived could I find a way out.

The inspections ended. They made us stand in two lines: sealed stock in one, opened stock in the other. The man paced between us, his mouth full of filth.

He grabbed one young woman. “So pretty, and already used up. I was counting on you being sealed so I could get more money.” His insults were vile.

Finally, his wife reminded him, “Enough, honey. It's time.” He paused and stopped. “All right.

Look sharp when the time comes.” His gaze swept over us. “Take your clothes off.” My heart clenched. One young woman clutched desperately at her clothes, her jaw set in resistance.

They picked up a whip. “Are you taking them off or not?” The whip came down, sending her stumbling several steps.

Crying, screaming, the crack of the whip—the sounds stabbed at my ears. Amid the chaos, I slowly undid my buttons.

I was the first to take off my outer clothes. “Well, here's a good girl.” He seemed surprised that I'd done it quietly, without crying or making a fuss.

He turned to the others, who were still sobbing and screaming. “If you all had as much sense as her, would I need to whip you?” In the end, threatened with violence, every one of us stripped down to our underwear.

The man nodded in satisfaction and beckoned his wife over. “You can take them now.” They led us to a large clearing, where a crowd was already waiting. I looked up.

They were all men. Older men, to be precise. They were obviously impatient, craning their necks from far away and constantly looking around.

I didn't know who spotted us first, but someone pointed. The crowd erupted, and every gaze shot toward us at once. For the first time, I understood that a look really could kill.

Greed. Curiosity. Lust. Depravity. Eagerness. Their stares clung to us like pus, disgusting, inspecting our bodies with ill intent. I was going to throw up.

Pain came in waves through my chest. Looking at those faces, I knew that, unless something happened, one of them would soon buy me.

Then I would struggle without any hope of escape, be beaten and penned up, bear one child after another until I was nothing but a breeding machine.

Hell lay right in front of me, plainly visible. I closed my eyes in despair. “Eugene, you're finally here.” “About time. I missed out on the last lot.

Been waiting more than half a year.” “Me too, me too.

Todd's wife is pregnant already, and I haven't even touched a woman's hand.” “Eugene Atkinson, you have to let me pick first this time.” … People in the crowd shouted over one another.

The man called Eugene smiled, his eyes narrowing. “Easy, neighbors. Don't rush. I brought plenty back this time. Chapter 5 “Same rules as always. You see one you like, you buy her.

If two of you want the same one, she goes to the highest bidder. “Opened stock starts at five thousand dollars. Sealed stock starts at ten thousand.

Briar Hollow can keep up with the times too. They call this an auction in the big cities.” Eugene Atkinson swept out his hand. “All right, neighbors. Start picking!

Feel these pieces all you want. Get a good sense of them before you choose.” The crowd moved at his command. Screams rose all around me.

I instinctively dodged a groping hand reaching for me. But men were everywhere. I avoided one, and another pressed close. Despair swept over me again. I couldn't breathe. No!

I couldn't just let them do whatever they wanted to me! I had to find a way out! I scanned the faces around me warily.

Without exception, they belonged to weathered, middleaged bachelors. No! I was almost ready to give up when I turned and caught sight of the spectators on the edge of the crowd.

Children, old people, and a few young men who had just come back from the fields. They watched, talking and laughing, as though they were used to this.

As though nothing could have been more ordinary. Something stirred in me. Young men. The lesser of two evils.

Under the circumstances, compared with those old bachelors who already had one foot in the grave, the younger men were clearly my best option.

They'd been indoctrinated too, but at least it wasn't so deeply rooted yet. They could still listen to reason. Perhaps I had a chance.

Maybe the desperate determination in my eyes was simply too strong. One of the young men looked up from his conversation, and our eyes met. In that instant, I chose him.

I dodged frantically, slipped out of the crowd, and hurried toward him. He looked startled.

Taking his hand, I gazed up at him through tears, my voice soft, my expression wounded. “Honey, buy me.” He froze, clearly not understanding what had just happened.

Laughter had already broken out around us. The young men he'd been talking with laughed and slapped his shoulder.

His face quickly flushed, the red spreading to the tips of his ears. He stood rigid, too nervous to know what to do.

I kept at it, gently shaking his hand and pleading softly. “Honey, please…” I gazed intently at him. For a moment he met my eyes, then hurriedly looked away. Innocent and shy.

The sort who blushed just from holding hands. At any other time in my life, a boy like that would have made my heart race. But now, in this hell, I hated every person here equally.

His companions doubled over laughing. “Look at you, Brett! It's always the men who pick the pieces.

Never thought we'd see a piece come looking for you! “Brett Atkinson, have you ever even touched a woman? Look how red you are! “Why don't you buy her?

Give your grandma a big, healthy grandson.” … The commotion soon drew Eugene Atkinson and his wife over.

When they saw I'd left the auction area and run here without permission, their brows drew together.

They came forward and yanked at me. “What are you trying to pull now, you little bitch?

I'm telling you, you're not getting away!” With no outer clothes to grab, they pinched and twisted my bare flesh. I gasped in pain. Red marks instantly covered my pale skin.

As they were pulling me away, a quiet “Eugene” stopped the man.

Chapter 6 I hurriedly looked up at the speaker, but he wasn't looking at me. “What is it, Brett?” Eugene waited for him to go on.

The man called Brett finally glanced at me, then looked away at once. “I want to buy her.” Eugene stared. So did the men who had just been joking that Brett should buy me.

None of them had expected him to actually do it. Neither had I.

Eugene scratched his head. “What did you say?” “How much?” Brett's voice was deep and full, with a rough edge. “Well, now.” Eugene laughed. “You in a hurry for a wife too?” Brett pressed his lips together without answering.

Eugene came over and patted his shoulder. “Growing up, huh? Finally wanting a woman.” He chuckled. “But we respect our elders in Briar Hollow.

Plenty of the older men are still bachelors. It's not your turn yet.” He pulled me along as he spoke. I struggled desperately, looking to Brett for help again.

He turned his head away. “Honey!” I called again, almost begging. His fist tightened. “Eugene.

Name your price.” The man stopped and smiled through narrowed eyes. “Never took you for such a romantic, Brett.” He pointed at me. “You want her?” Eugene licked his lips. “You've got good taste.

Let me put it this way, boy. She's a little skinny, but she's the prettiest of the lot. And more importantly, she's sealed stock.

Naturally, that doesn't come cheap.” Brett stayed silent, his face dark and unreadable.

Eugene raised two fingers. “At least this much.” Everyone around him cried out. “Twenty thousand dollars?” A young man with a buzz cut nudged Brett's shoulder. “Brett, you couldn't afford that if you sold your house, could you?” “Brett, Albert and the others saved for years before they could afford wives.

You're still young. If you really want a woman, you can buy one in a couple more years.” Everyone tried to talk him out of it at once. He lowered his eyes and seemed to waver.

My heart slowly sank. My lips began to tremble. I was about to try again when an old man pushed his way over from the auction area and grabbed me. “Heh.

There she is.” He turned to Eugene. “I liked this one the moment I saw her. Give me a little discount, Eugene. Been a bachelor half my life.

Finally scraped together enough to buy a wife. I'm counting on a big, healthy boy next year.” I threw his hand off my shoulder and backed away in disgust. “Of course.

With you and me being old friends…” Eugene smiled. “Tell you what, Norman. I'll knock five thousand off.

Fifteen thousand and she's yours.” The old man hesitated a long time, looking me up and down. At last, he said, “Fine. Fifteen thousand it is. Can't help it.

She's the one I want.” “That's what I mean about your good taste.” Eugene's eyes crinkled with his smile. “Look how pale and soft she is.

She's sure to give you a nice, fair, chubby boy.” The old man chuckled too. A sickening chill went through me.

I tried to pull away, but Eugene gripped my hand tightly and passed it to the old man. Struggling was useless. The people here were astonishingly strong.

Chapter 7 “Well, aren't you stubborn?” The old man gave a nasty smile. “Let me tell you something. I didn't spend all that money to put up with your attitude.

You dare disobey me, and I'll break your legs.” He started dragging me away. I knew exactly what was waiting for me.

I fought with every bit of strength I had, but villagers came over to help hold me down. Just as the group was hauling me away, someone spoke. “Twenty thousand.

I'll buy her.” The sudden silence caught me in the middle of my struggle. It took a moment to register. Every head turned toward the voice. “Eugene, let me have her.

I'll pay twenty thousand.” The clearing erupted. I stared for a couple of seconds before I understood what he meant. Eugene plainly hadn't expected it either.

He looked Brett up and down several times before speaking. “Boy, there's a time and a place for bluffing.” He clicked his tongue. “It's not that I'm looking down on you.

But never mind anything else—your sickly little sister's already drained your family dry. Where are you going to get that kind of money?” He waved him away. “Go on.

Wait a few years if you want a woman. You're a goodlooking boy. Save up some more.

You'll have no trouble getting a wife.” Before Eugene could finish, the old man holding me interrupted. “Eugene, why waste your breath on this kid?” He turned on Brett with a curse. “Don't start more shit.

You just have to make trouble for me, don't you?” Brett's eyes chilled as he stared at him. He still didn't speak, but the force of his silence was intimidating.

The old man abruptly shut up. Then Eugene seemed to remember something.

He clapped his hands and let out an “Oh!” of realization, pulling Brett aside. “I get it now, Brett.” He patted the young man's shoulder. “Still sulking at Norman over what happened last time? “Didn't you already make a scene about that?

Didn't you get even for your sister?” Eugene smiled. “Norman said it was a misunderstanding. Stop holding on to it. “Buying a woman is serious business.

He's got a family line to carry on.” Eugene nudged Brett. “Don't be childish and butt in just to make Norman look bad.” Brett said nothing. His face remained stony.

The old man was growing anxious. He was afraid that if this went on much longer, what he already had within his grasp would slip away.

He hurriedly pulled Eugene back, took the bill of sale from his hand, and prepared to stamp his thumbprint on it.

As the old man was inking his thumb, someone snatched the paper away.

A pen scratched across it twice. “Done.” The man who had signed pushed the pen and the paper into Eugene's hands, leaving the old man standing dumbstruck with the ink pad. “Eugene,” Brett said after a pause, “I'll bring you every cent of that twenty thousand.” Eugene scratched his head, speechless for a long moment.

Eventually, he nodded. After all, no one really wanted to turn down money. Brett left the crowd without a word. People fell silent wherever he passed.

I stood frozen too, afraid to move. He'd taken a few steps when he realized I wasn't following. He turned back without looking directly at me. “Come on,” he said quietly. Oh!

I came to my senses and followed him in silence. Chapter 8 I stayed three steps behind him. I'd been in a daze ever since I was taken.

The exhausting journey, hunger, cold, and constant anxiety had left my already frail body weaker still.

I swayed as I walked, unsteady on my feet, the ground seeming soft as cotton beneath me. He, meanwhile, strode ahead at a brisk pace. I'd only been a few steps behind at first.

Before long, he'd left me several meters back. The paths twisted and turned, and every wooden house looked the same.

Afraid of losing him, I clenched my teeth and struggled to keep up, too worried to think about my weakness or exhaustion. I'd overestimated my strength.

Partway up a slope, I couldn't hold myself up. My foot slipped, and I fell. Tears filled my eyes, but I didn't have time to cry. I only wanted to get back on my feet.

Silently, I prayed that he wouldn't go too far. I knew that if I lost him, I'd be at anyone's mercy.

In this situation, I was like someone drowning far out at sea, and he was a plank of wood.

He wasn't a rescue boat, but he could at least give me temporary safety in this place that devoured people. I had to use his strength to stay alive.

Without stopping to wipe my tears, I struggled up. But in my panic, I stepped badly again. Just as my strength failed and I was about to fall, two broad, strong hands steadied me.

I looked up and met his eyes. The manners ingrained in me took over, and I automatically said, “Thank you.” He didn't answer.

He withdrew his hands, an awkward tinge of red appearing at the tips of his ears. Afraid he'd think I was a nuisance, I found my balance and hurried to say, “I'm all right.

Let's go, honey.” I gave him a sweet smile. He glanced at me, then immediately looked away. Suddenly, he took off his outer shirt. Alarm shot through me. My scalp prickled.

He wasn't going to… Now? Out here? Shocked and frightened, I kept backing away. He frowned at me. He already looked fierce when he wasn't smiling.

That dark look made me tremble, and I didn't dare move. He pulled me toward him. Cold sweat broke out all over me. I closed my eyes, my lips shaking. But he didn't do anything else.

Then I felt a weight on my shoulders. I hesitantly opened my eyes and realized he'd draped his shirt over me. Relief swept through me.

Once he'd done it, he turned away and stopped looking at me. His shirt was long and oversized, big enough to wrap around me and cover me when I had nothing on but underwear.

Clutching the fabric, I followed closely behind him. This time, he walked more slowly. He no longer hurried; he even slowed his steps deliberately.

Every so often, he stopped and waited for me. It was a long walk, and he stayed silent throughout. At one point, he paused.

I thought we'd arrived, but when I looked up, I saw a shallow creek ahead. I was trying to decide which stones to step on when my feet suddenly left the ground.

The world spun as he hoisted me over his shoulder. “Ah!” I was startled and panicked. He frowned slightly and strode through the creek without a word of explanation.

My heart pounded. Once we were across, I waited for him to put me down. But he didn't let go. He kept walking with me over his shoulder.

My face flushed despite myself. “I… I can walk.” He ignored me.

Chapter 9 Just as I resigned myself to being carried, I heard his low voice. “Just up ahead.” A fence enclosed a small yard with two or three little wooden buildings.

There was a room on the east side, another on the west, and a living room in the middle. Most homes here had that layout. This one simply looked more rundown than the others.

He set me down in the yard. Children who couldn't keep a secret had already run to every corner of the village, telling every household that Brett had bought a wife.

Neighbors peered out at us, their chatter and laughter making a constant racket. I stood with my head lowered, awkwardly avoiding their stares.

Noticing my embarrassment, he said, “Come inside.” He instinctively reached for my hand to lead me in, then pulled his own back just before touching me. I noticed.

So I took his hand myself. He froze. I smiled at him. “Honey, once I walk through that door, does that mean I'm part of your family from now on?” His face flared red.

After a long pause, he gave a muffled “Yeah.” “Then you have to be good to me, honey,” I said sweetly.

While he stood there blushing too hard to speak, I added, “I'll be good to you too, honey.” Brett was completely red now. Even his steps had turned awkward.

He nodded hastily without daring to meet my eyes. An excited cry came from the inner room. “Brett!

Brett's home!” It sounded like a little boy. “My younger brother,” Brett explained, though he still wasn't looking at me. “Grandma, Brett's home!” Two people came out: a boy of about ten and an old woman leaning on a cane.

For a moment, everything went quiet. “Brett,” the old woman rasped. “Come here.” He stepped forward. “Grandma.” Without warning, she raised her cane and struck him hard across the back.

I jumped. Brett grunted in pain but said nothing, simply taking the blow. “Showing off! That's what you get for showing off!

Twenty thousand dollars, just like that!” Her accent was so thick I could barely understand her. I could only guess at parts of what she meant.

Apparently, twenty thousand dollars was everything they had. This was no time to buy a woman, especially just to spite someone. What a waste of money.

I stood there uneasily, not knowing what to do. Suddenly, she looked up and glared at me, starting in my direction with her cane.

Brett straightened abruptly. “Grandma!” She trembled, then muttered another curse. “Little brat.

Get yourself a wife, and there goes your conscience. “I'm going to see if this wife of yours is worth the twenty thousand you spent!” She stopped in front of me and lifted aside the shirt draped around me, looking me up and down.

She kept shaking her head and sighing. “Look at those skinny arms and legs. No good for bearing children.

Never mind working the fields—will she even be able to give you a big, healthy boy?” She pinched my cheek and turned to Brett. “What good is a pretty face? Go exchange her.

In a couple of years, I'll buy you one who's good for having babies.” Brett's face darkened.

Chapter 10 “Owen,” the old woman called to Brett's younger brother beside her. “Go get Eugene.

I'll talk to him myself.” Just as the boy was about to step outside, Brett barked, “Don't you dare!” Perhaps none of them had ever seen him that angry.

Everyone there was stunned. “Grandma,” he said coldly, “don't worry. Your grandson's got plenty of strength.

I've never let you go hungry before, and I won't start now.” The old woman opened her mouth but couldn't produce a word. Then he glanced back at me. “She's the only one I want.

I'm not trading her for anyone.” Brett