To Collar and Keep by Stella Price, Audra Price Page A

over at Ben. “So what is it you hope to gain being here for Olanis and at this meeting?” Harley asked.
    “What do I hope to gain?” Corbin repeated the question, considering the words. “I believe Ben here is interviewing for positions within Tempest. Life, as it is, holds little appeal to me anymore. I’d like to try for something different. More structured.”
    “Not to mention that almost all of your wild brethren want your head,” Ben added from where he stood at the liquor cabinet, pouring himself a drink.
    “There is that.” Corbin flashed a smile. “But the accusation of poaching has been taken grossly out of context. Those women came to me of their own free will. I mean seriously, who would want to live in a tree?” He sneered at the thought. “Little or no amenities, exposed to weather and hygiene leaves much to be desired. Give me luxury and fast cars any day of the year. It’s not my fault their women agree.”
    Harley laughed and looked at Ben. He agreed with Corbin . “So you’re not on good terms with the wild Satyrs . What about the old school ferals from down south?”
    “I’ve had my share of run-ins with them but nothing serious. We get along just fine.”
    Yet another point in his positive column. No other clan was able to deal with the feral families, and a member that could help Tempest observe the niceties and customs of their country cousins would be something else that would propel Tempest back to the top spot. Harley made a thumbs up sign discreetly to Ben who was pouring three more glasses.
    “Impressive.” Ben nodded, passing out the glasses. “If it wasn’t for the bounties on your head and that you have issues that I don’t want to commit Tempest to… How many of these girls do you have?” He took out a sheet of paper and passed it to Corbin who gave it a read over.
    “The last three, they’re all I have at the moment. The others left of their own accord. I don’t force my women to stay,” he answered after awhile.
    “Good. I’m willing to allow you into Tempest on a temporary basis only. There will be restrictions. If you’re not willing to comply, you can leave now.”
    Harley took his glass and watched the elder Satyr to see what he was going to do. He would be a valuable asset if he could play nice. Tempest was looking better and better for a Satyr looking to change his fortunes.
    “What kind of restrictions exactly?”
    “The girls. You give them back with an apology to their previous owners.”
    “Okay,” Corbin said with a frown. “Is that all?”
    “No. I don’t want you taking any more girls attached or otherwise. You’re a reasonable age. I assume you can go lengthy periods of time without feeding?” Ben asked calmly, setting his drink aside and taking a seat behind his desk.
    “I guess you could say that that,” Corbin said more warily.
    “Good, how long?”
    “I can survive on three feeds a month,” Corbin said reluctantly after some thought.
    Three a month? Harley was impressed. His father was one of the elder elite like Milton , and they both couldn’t survive on anything less than seven. Corbin was a find indeed.
    “Good.” Ben grinned. “Then you’ll stick to that. You’ll move here so we can monitor you closely, translating and so on.”
    Corbin nodded stoically.   “Okay.”
    “And sell your properties. We can keep the extra money in a fund.”
    “Now that’s just cruel,” Corbin gasped.
    “Is it?” Ben smiled.
    Harley shook his head and finished his drink. “Why not just keep them in escrow? Depending on what he’s got and where, it might work for later on, retreats and such. Don’t be too hasty, cousin.”
    “See? That’s why I need you around. Agreed?”
    “Fine.” Corbin nodded in agreement. “How temporary will temporary be?”
    “No way to tell, we’ll have to see how you get on.”
    “As your de facto consigliore, I suggest till Tolanor, the deep winter holiday,” Harley said. “That way during the