Free Uncharted Territory (The Compass Series Book 3) by Tamsen Parker Page A

the next time someone asks you if you’re a witch, you’re not to be afraid, understand?
    “Your sister was a brutal, nasty little wretch, and your parents were spineless dilettantes who had no business raising children. What they did to you was atrocious, but it doesn’t matter anymore. The next time someone asks you if you’re a witch, you’ll remember it’s because you’ve enchanted them and they can’t imagine someone with your beauty and allure isn’t supernatural. Are we clear?”
    “Yes, sir.” I’ve tried so hard to shore up my defenses around this particular soft spot, and I’ve done a decent job, too. But for all my efforts, it’s mostly camouflage. Hunter’s just added substance and weight to the paper fort I’ve put up. From now until the day I die, I won’t be afraid anymore. Instead of feeling six years old, hurt, sick and terrified, I’ll hear Hunter Vaughn saying in his rich, silky voice that I’ve beguiled him. No, I won’t be afraid anymore.
    “There’s a good girl,” he murmurs and brushes a kiss by my ear. “Let’s return you to Mr. Walter before he thinks I’ve absconded with you, shall we?”
    He doesn’t wait for a reply. Instead he scoops up my clutch, hands it to me, and opens the door. I let him herd me down the stairs and through the restaurant to the bar where Rey is sitting on a high stool being chatted up by a himbo-looking blond in too-trendy clothes. He’s plastic next to Rey’s classic good looks and subtle elegance. Hunter doesn’t hesitate to interrupt their conversation, perhaps sensing as I do that their interaction isn’t going anywhere.
    “I believe this belongs to you.”
    Unlike the first time, he doesn’t sound hostile, only envious.
    “That she does.” Rey’s tone has changed as well. They’ve come to an understanding. Good. I suspect—hope—they’ll be talking quite a bit in the near future. Before he nudges me toward Rey with the hand resting on my back, Hunter leans down and says softly but surely into my ear, “The next time I see you, we’ll finish what we started last night.”
    My eyes go wide as I take the few steps I need to reach Rey. When I turn around, Hunter’s headed to the exit and doesn’t look back.

Chapter Eight
    ‡
    Year One
    “O n your knees, sweetheart.”
    We’ve arrived at Hunter Vaughn’s house for my first official playdate, and the modest pleasantries are over. I drop to my knees and fold my hands in my lap, eyes cast down.
    “Very nice.” Hunter’s hand, a hand I’m becoming familiar with and fond of, comes to rest on the top of my head. “Is she leash-trained?”
    “Not yet. You could try her, though. She’s a fast learner. She likes the collar.”
    It’s disconcerting to be thigh-high to these men who’re discussing me like livestock, but I sit back on my heels and focus on my breathing.
    “Not today. Soon enough.”
    The idea of Hunter leading me around, tugging at the end of a leash clipped to my collar, brings uneasy excitement. Embarrassing, yes, but potentially stirring as well. As Hunter’s stroking my hair, they talk about other people they know. Apparently a Dom got drunk at a play party over the weekend and caused quite the stir. Luckily no one was hurt, but Hunter still seems uncharacteristically agitated.
    “You won’t be seeing him here again.”
    “I think that might be a little harsh. Allen’s not the first—”
    “No,” Hunter snaps. His hand tightens in my hair, making me gasp. “Do you want him anywhere near her? Because I don’t.”
    “Of course not.” Rey breaks out his tranquilizer voice and to good effect. Hunter’s fingers loosen on my scalp, and he pets me again.
    “Actually, I wanted to speak with you about that. I don’t want anyone near her.”
    We move to the dining room where a pretty blonde girl, not much older than me, brings plates of endive and pear salad to the table. She doesn’t blink an eye at the fact that I’m once again on my knees at