Bound at the Ball (Siren Publishing Allure) by Lea Barrymire

do that? Why leave the lights off when females would be traveling through the maze of males? Especially if they are freshly mated. She was afraid, fear causing her breaths to come quick and jagged. She couldn’t imagine what some of the softer-souled females would feel.
    Maybe those females had mates that walked them along the yellow path. Maybe they didn’t have to walk the gauntlet. She glanced up just in time to stop from running into another male. She sucked a gasp in when she noticed the scarring on his cheek. Gods, what had happened to him? She tried to pull her gaze away before he noticed her staring but she wasn’t quick enough.
    “What are you looking at, female? Why are you out here without an escort? Why are you clothed?” He stepped into her personal space and grabbed her arm, keeping her from pulling away.
    “I’m following the yellow path. He told me… he got a call to go to the detention area. My arm band is glowing.” She reached for her sleeve with shaking fingers to pull it up and prove that she spoke the truth. Her fingers started tingling from the harsh hold the male had on her arm.
    “So I see. You’re Sabar’s, huh? Well, on your way, then.”
    She wanted to turn around and scream at the male. Let him know that she had been on her way when he stopped her, but she kept the impulse under control. Sabar’s words echoed in her head, reminding her that she was not yet under his protection. If she did something stupid she’d be punished no matter if she was to be his mate or not. A deep breath helped clear the anger.
    “Rella?”
    She stopped in mid-step and turned quickly to find Bana rushing toward her. She smiled until she saw the look of fear and concern on her sister’s face. Glancing down Bana’s body showed she was covered in welts and red marks. She’d been whipped, harshly. The realization made Rella’s stomach clench.
    “What happened to you? Why are you wearing welts? Were you punished?” Rella couldn’t help but reach out for her sister. What had she done in such a short time to warrant the markings she now carried?
    “Nothing. Don’t worry about me. We need to leave. Marena was taken home ill, and I fear that she will need us.” Bana walked slowly around Rella as she spoke in hushed tones. “Did he force you? Did he rip your binding off? Is that why you’re wearing his shirt? Is it hiding marks?”
    Her last question was whispered so low Rella wasn’t sure it was even muttered. She looked at her sister and recoiled from the fear she could see naked in her eyes. Before she said anything else, Bana’s words registered. Marena was ill?
    “How do you know she’s ill, Bana?”
    “One of the males was told through their communication device. Come, we must get home to make sure she is okay. I’m not sure father is there, and if not, then Marena is home alone.” Bana grabbed Rella’s arm and started heading in the opposite direction, away from the yellow room.
    “Wait, I need to go the other way first. I need—” She pointed to the lightly glowing stripe on the floor.
    The palm that slapped against her cheek was dainty but struck with enough speed to bruise her. Rella sucked in a breath and tried to keep from reacting to the contact.
    “You will do as I say, Rella. I am your elder sister, and that places me above you. You will submit to my orders, do you hear me? You’ve sassed me for the last time tonight. We are going home. I don’t care what you think you need to do. I know where you were going. He petitioned father this morning. I can’t believe that warrior wants you.” The venom in her sister’s voice made Rella cringe. “He can have you tomorrow. Right now, I need you home with me. He can punish you for running later. You deserve anything he gives you anyway.”
    Rella’s mind was still foggy from the slap. Her ear on that side of her head was ringing, and it made everything around her seem slightly off. Everything was blurry and fuzzy. She struggled for