Free Taken by Desiree Broussard Page B

crossed as he glared at those that walked in front of him. Dressed in a Santa costume similar to the one that Kosmas had worn, Keely couldn't help but grin at the sight. It was clear to anyone that saw him that the man was miserable. Zander stopped glaring long enough to yank at the collar. Despite the distance, Keely could swear she saw it rip.
    “That's one pissed off Santa,” Kosmas observed, noticing the direction she was staring. He laughed, clearly enjoying the moment. “Do you think I can convince him to wear it again next year?”
    “I don't think that costume is going to last the night,” Keely retorted, turning her face to meet her mate's eyes. “Maybe someone should inform him that this is supposed to be fun? He looks completely miserable.”
    Just then, the concubines were led out, much to the interest of the spectators. Well-groomed and beautiful, their excited expressions revealed that they, too, had discovered that life on Legionnaire could be quite agreeable. Suddenly, Keely frowned. “Where's the fourth one?” she asked her husband, her eyes scanning the crowd. “There were four, right?”
    Something dark and uneasy flashed across Kosmas' eyes, but he quickly hid it. “The fourth concubine has been... problematic. I've ordered for her to be restrained, in the hopes that she adapts like the other women have.”
    “Kosmas,” Keely sighed, shaking her head. He stopped her.
    “Her confinement is for her safety,” he explained quietly, leaning forward so their heads were close. “Nothing more. Although her strength is no match for anyone here, I refuse to allow her to destroy what we've done. Celebrating this holiday has been good for our people. She'll eventually adapt, but in the meantime, we are going to enjoy ourselves.”
    A large golden cage was carried out, as the conversations ceased. A woman stood inside, a beautiful black-haired female with wide almond-shaped eyes. She gripped the bars tightly, as she stared out with a defiant expression on her face. Keely inhaled, the expression sending her back to the night she'd arrived. The look on the other female's face, the determination in her eyes, reminded Keely of herself, and the desperation she'd once felt.
    Two guards balanced the cage in between them. The concubine rattled the bars roughly. Although she was small, it was clear she was a fighter. And despite Keely's dislike of her confinement, she could see where her mate was coming from.
    The guard's set the cage down, but one of them didn't release their fingers in time. The concubine launched herself at his hand, biting down with a force that was surprising. The guard screeched as he fought to free himself, much to the amusement of the vampires around him. Finally he succeeded, backing away from the cage as quickly as he could.
    The concubine watched him with an expression of disdain, blood dripping down her chin. With just her teeth alone, she'd nearly severed the guard's finger. Kosmas made a funny sound in the back of his throat before adding, “See what I mean? She's feral. I'm not sure it's safe to unleash her on one of my guards. She might unman him.”
    He motioned for the musicians to start up again. The amphitheater quickly filled with the sounds of Christmas music. Keely rolled her eyes. “Please,” she muttered. “I don't think one human female is likely to do much damage to a vampire, especially one of your guards.”
    Kosmas laughed.
    The concubines began to mingle, all except for the one in the cage. “How do you expect her to find a mate, though?” Keely asked thoughtfully. “I don't see her accepting someone, especially if she's this mad. Do you want me to talk to her?”
    Kosmas frowned, his expression suddenly serious. “Absolutely not,” he forbid her, his voice low. “From what my guards have reported, she's dangerous. Do you really think I'd let my pregnant mate around her?”
    “She's not dangerous, she's scared,” Keely argued. “At one time, I was in the