The twins stood in front of him, creating a shield that separated Astor from the man named August. He was too scared to look them in the eyes, to make contact with the one who had obviously approached them because of him. All he had to do was to stay away from trouble, the woman's words at the library coming back to him, like a splash of cold water. Trouble always seems to follow you. She was right, Astor thought, hoping he wouldn't create an issue tonight.
"You two, move. I am very intrigued to meet the new possession of our Alpha." he told them in a very rude manner. Astor expected Ren to step in, and scold him in some way about what he said but nothing happened. The twins moved to the side, their heads bowed revealing Astor who was on the verge of shaking. "Raise your head." he commanded him.
He was scared. His throat felt dry and his heart was racing in his chest, anxious about what was going to happen. Memories of beatings, and the sounds of swearing in the air came back to him. Everything he had ever experienced being the outcast, he dreaded to relive this, in such a scary place. He was away from home, away from everything he knew and a wrong move could bring his demise.
Astor raised his head obediently, seeing how the man stared at him. He scanned him from head to toe, inspecting every detail on his body. Indeed he was treated like a specimen, a newly bought toy. Ren was standing behind August, observing, alarmed as he waited for his next words.
"So this is him?"
"Yes sir. We brought him in from the Highfangs." Ren answered. He had called him sir, Astor noted. He was not going to defend him, no matter what happened. He realized, thinking back at what Niss had said about the Elders. This was not the time to make a mistake.
The stares he received felt disgusting. Now most of the guests, even the ones further away from them had their attention in their little group, observing silently.
"How much did you buy him for?" he asked and Astor unwillingly looked at Ren. He didn't want to know, he didn't want to hear the price on his head, the money his brother had gotten for throwing him away. His head fell again, disappointment in his expression when he felt August's hand grasp his chin and jerk it up, forcing him to look at him again. "I didn't tell you to move, did I?"
"I…I am sorry." he apologized. Tears were forming in the corners of his eyes. This whole situation was awful. The werewolf's touch on his cheeks, the pressure he applied, how he turned his head from one side to the other, treating him like some kind of doll he was interested in getting.
"How about we gather up with the others? I am sure there are many guests you would like to meet." Ren said, trying to get him away.
Astor's eyes locked on him, a distraction. He hoped their eyes would meet, that the Alpha would see his pleading stare to be freed from this situation. If this did not end soon he would end up crying right there in front of everyone.
"I don't care about them." August said, rejecting his offer. Ren looked like a wild dog put on a leash but he couldn't see it, since his back was turned to him. At any moment he seemed as if he would snap, get free, and rip him to shreds. Deep down Astor hoped he would do it, lose control, and end his humiliation but judging from what was at stake there he was sure he wouldn't do it in the end. "I want him." he stated and Astor's eyes rounded.
"Excuse me?" Ren asked.
"I want him. I will buy him from you. I have never seen a werewolf like you." he commented. "Your eyes, your hair, your pale skin…." he continued, pressing his fingers deeper into his skin, moving closer with a mischievous smile. "The things I could do…"
"I think that's enough sir."
It was Nash. He grabbed August's wrist, bringing it down with his strength and breaking their disgusting connection. Unwavering he stepped in front of Astor.
"You're making him uncomfortable." he continued.
"You rat, how dare you touch me!" August exclaimed angrily. "What are you going to do for this?" he asked Ren. "If you had let me discipline your followers like I had asked you to then they would not have the audacity to…"
"You are very right." Ren said, closing his eyes for a second as he took a deep breath.The Alpha stepped forward, his golden eyes turning cold as he stood in front of Nash with an enraged expression. "We do not disrespect the Elders." he told him but it sounded more like a threat. Then he raised his arm slapping him so hard Astor was sure he heard his jaw crack. He gasped, shocked by the sight as Nash stumbled, disoriented. It took him only a second though to stand properly again and bow his head.
"Excuse me. I made a grave mistake." he apologized and August scoffed.
Ren had hit him. He had seemed so kind all this time, even though his exterior was rough and his words few he always acted very restrained, with no hints of violence in his behaviour but now Astor was not so sure about what he believed. In front of everyone he had hurt Nash, he had allowed that disgusting man to touch him even though he had said no one would hurt him there.
Their eyes met for a fatal second, his disappointment strong, his aversion hitting the Alpha like an arrow right in the heart. It was obvious how the white-haired wolf felt, how something inside him changed that instant and for a split second, Ren seemed terrified.
All that happened in the blink of an eye, the expression of detest, disappointment, and fear. It only took a second for them to lose themselves, away from everyone and judge each other, terrify each other. No one else had to see, no one else would be able to notice the change in them and the terror in Ren's eyes, the disgust in Astor's.
"Let's go sir." Ren said, returning back to reality. "They have been asking for you."
"Walk out of the room silently and go to the garage, we will be going home." Niss whispered in Astor's ear.