"Name?"
"Milo."
"Age?"
"Nineteen, ma'am," I replied.
The black and gray merle werewolf looked down her nose at me. She paced around me with an eyebrow raised. "He was raised by you?" She turned to my master.
The old werewolf nodded. "I raised him since he was born. The boy knows his place. I make sure all of my humans have any rebellion beaten out of them."
Bowing my head, I swallowed hard. Her hand landed on top of my head.
She picked up a section of the light brown hair and hummed. "How much would you like for him?"
"I was hoping for $800."
"$800 seems low for a boy of his age. What's wrong with him?"
My master laughed hesitantly. "He's healthy as ever, but as you can see, he's not made for farm work. His mother was on the smaller side and he took after her. As hard as I tried, I could get him to fill out. He hasn't had any training when it comes to household cleaning, either." He took a deep breath. "It's an honest price, ma'am. I price all my slave on what they are worth."
"Hmm..." She grabbed my chin and turned my head side to side. "He'll do." She pushed me toward the werewolf that had accompanied her there. "Pay the man and take him to the house. I have some other appointments I need to attend."
She walked back to her car where a human in a suit opened the door for her. I glanced over my shoulder at my master.
He nodded at me. "Do as you're told and you'll be fine." He grabbed my shoulder and led me over to the werewolf. "He's a good boy. Milo has never caused any trouble."
The werewolf narrowed his eyes. "For his sake, I hope." He took out a wallet from his robe and counted the bills. He passed them to the other werewolf. The man grabbed my wrist as my old master counted the money.
My chest started to tighten. I was really leaving this place. I tried my best to do the work, so I never thought I'd ever be sold. A head popped above the fence. My little sister waved. My eyes started to burn. Taking a deep breath, I got myself under control. It was done. I'd have to get used to my new life.
***
I climbed out of the car to find an older human waiting. She had her hands on her hips. "Well, let's go."
I hurried after her. She led me through the courtyard to the back of the house.
I peered up at the three-story buildings. "Wow."
She took me to a large building behind the garage. "Here, now."
I jogged to catch up and stepped into the slave house. It was nicer than the one back home. Stairs led to the floor above and doors lined the wide hallway.
"Alright." The woman faced me. "I'm Julie. I'm the head maid here on the Jamestown Estate. I make sure everything gets done and done right. If you have a problem, come to me. You need to not be bothering the masters of the household. They're not afraid to strike down a mouthy slave."
Taking a deep breath, I nodded.
"Don't speak unless you are asked a direct question. Do exactly what you are told by any werewolves. They outrank you. Even an omega."
I kept nodding.
"Stay clear of Mistress Rosette."
Wringing my hands together, I peered up at Julie. "Was she the werewolf who bought me?"
"What did you she look like?"
"Black and gray kind of swirled all over her body."
"That was the mistress. She has one son and two daughters. Jazette is the older and already mated but lives nearby. Miss Arianna is fourteen and the young master Collin is the oldest. Our master works with the alpha. He's rarely home."
"How will I know which one they are?"
"They're dominant werewolves, even if you don't figure it out right away it shouldn't matter."
"Yes, ma'am," I whispered, lowering my gaze.
Julie looked me over. "You are a timid thing. Even for a human."
"I know my place."
"Good," she stated. "This way." She turned sharply and led me upstairs. Julie opened a door and moved out of the way. "This is where you will be sleeping. I believe the bottom two are taken. So either of the tops bunks can be yours." She pointed. "The bathroom is downstairs. You know better than to use anything but the servant facilities, correct?"
I nodded.
"Mistress doesn't like humans," she said firmly. "We're simply cheaper than paying omegas."
I glanced between the top bunks.
"There are clothes in the dresser. Change and come downstairs. I have some things you can do before I send you up to see the young master."
Flinching, I slowly turned. "I have to see him?"
Julie motioned to the black band around her neck. "Tracker and identification. Mistress requires it. She also sends us to do most of the shopping and if an officer finds a human without one around here, it doesn't end well."
Taking a deep breath, I pulled out the drawers to find bleached cotton shorts with a drawstring. Another had shirts, but when I lifted one up, I saw it was way too big for me.
"I'll see if the Mistress will permit me to get something smaller. The other boys that will be staying with you work on the farm." She looked me over again. "They're a bit bigger." Stepping into the hall, she closed the door.
I pulled my shirt over my head and rubbed the scar on my shoulder. I had a couple others across my back from being hit with a switch. The werewolves here had nothing to worry about. I knew my place. After changing my clothes, I folded up my others and went downstairs.
Julie took them from me. "The flower beds around the house need weeding. Be sure to throw them away in the bin by the garage. Got it? Stay busy and I'll come get you when the young master is ready."
***
(Collin)
"Collin! Collin!"
Groaning, I rubbed my forehead. What did she want?
"Collin." The door opened and my mother entered. "There you are. Are you busy?"
I tapped a claw on the desk with a mound of paperwork scattered across the surface. "What do you need?"
"I just wanted to remind you that we are going to Randolph Estate for dinner."
I let out a deep breath. "I don't know if I can attend."
"What? Since when?" She sat down on the arm of the couch that was positioned in front of the fireplace.
I held up my tablet. "It's taking longer than I thought it would. Northern Ridge isn't helping either. They're trying to raise tariffs on us. I'm in the process of finding other clients and cutting all ties with the pack."
"Your father would be happy to hear that, but I'm sure it can wait until tomorrow."
Sinking back in my seat, I swayed from side to side. "We're not the only ones trying to cut connections with Northern Ridge. There's plenty of competition."
"Collin," sighed my mother. "Ebony is home from college."
"Tell her hi from me."
She rolled her eyes. "Collin."
"Mother," I retorted.
"I think it's time you two talk."
"What about? The reasons why she cheated on me. Though rumor has it she got to experience what it feels like herself. Wish I knew the guy so I could buy him a beer."
"Collin." My mother's muzzle fell open. "Where did you hear that?"
"Arianna." I scrolled down my reports.
"That girl," she muttered, shaking her head. "She shouldn't be spreading rumors about others."
I scoffed at the comment. "She heard it from Ebony's little sister. It's not a rumor when it's the truth."
My mother stood. "You will be coming with us, so finish up what you have to before seven. Understood?"
"Hmm..."
"Oh"—she stopped on her way to the door—"I bought a new slave to help with the house chores. You need to put a collar on him."
"Him?"
"Yes," she sighed. "I wanted a girl, but the man had this tiny boy. I think he has some Asian in him. Anyways, the man talked me into taking him."
"Fine," I breathed, rising to my feet. "Tell Julie to send him up. I'll go get a collar out of the vault."
"Thank you." My mother waved. "Remember be ready at seven." She shut the door.
Letting out a deep breath, I sunk into my seat. Collaring a human, it always was a great way to welcome a new slave into the estate.