Re: Holding Pens: Stiles
Derek stared at the boy, openly surprised by his resistance. He hadn't expected the slave to try to break his hold, and especially not to try to strike him. It made him reconsider his plan, but only for a moment. If Derek didn't take the boy home, he shuddered to think of who he might end up with. Once the boy realized he was safe at the Hale estate, he would calm down and be grateful. Derek was sure of it.
He channeled his look of surprise at the boy into one of disbelief at the auctioneer. "Not even if he was in perfect health," Derek argued. "He's clearly untrained. He's pretty, I'll give you that, but not worth the same price as a domesticated slave. It's not economical."