Chapter 1 Sold to an Old Man at My Birthday Party

Seraphina Vale's Perspective:

Today's my 18th birthday, and here I am, staring at myself in this floor-length mirror, all dolled up in the evening gown my dad, Carol Windsor, got me.

Since Mom passed away, I've been living with Carol. My stepmom, Ophelia Johnson, hasn't exactly been a peach, but I've kept quiet about it to keep things easy for Carol.

Things between Carl and me had been pretty rocky for a while. But today, he threw me this big 18th birthday bash, just for me.

Maybe this meant Carol still wants us to be close again, right?

"My little princess, are you ready?" Carol's warm voice drifted through the door.

"Yeah, I'm ready," I said, opening the door with a mix of nerves and excitement.

I'd pinned my golden hair up into a rose-shaped bun, using the crystal hairpin Mom left me. The dress Carol gave me fits snugly around my chest, making my pale skin-pop. The waist was cinched, showing off my figure, and the high slit showed off my long, straight legs.

"Wow," Carol said, looking genuinely impressed. "Trust me, you're gonna be the belle of the ball."

I blushed and looked down, feeling even more excited about the party.

"Let's go. The guests are waiting," Carol said, offering me his arm.

As I took his strong arm, memories of my childhood came rushing back—like when Carl would lift me high above his head while my mom watched, always telling him to be careful. Those were the happiest times.

Feeling that long-lost fatherly love brought tears to my eyes. I held onto Carol's arm, savoring this rare sense of security.

"Where are we going?" I asked, full of anticipation.

"You'll see when we get there," Carol replied with a smile.

I figured he had some surprise planned for me, so I followed him out of the house, feeling excited and hopeful.

After about an hour's drive, we pulled up to this super fancy banquet hall. The luxurious decorations and dazzling lights blew me away.

My stepmom, Ophelia, never let me go to any parties. To keep Carl from feeling bad, I always pretended I wasn't interested. So, this was my first time seeing something so grand.

By the pool, there were sexy female wolves and handsome, muscular male wolves dancing closely, each embracing the night with a wild charm.

I felt out of place and took a step back, feeling awkward.

I thought it would be a small gathering, but Carol had gone all out. Clearly, he did care about me; he was just always busy with work. Maybe I shouldn't have distanced myself from him.

Just then, Carol called my name.

I lowered my head and hurried to catch up. Carol led me through the back garden, down a narrow path, and finally to a room.

"Dad, I can't believe you threw such a big party for my birthday. I'm so happy!" I rested my head on Carol's shoulder, feeling blissful. "I love you, Dad!"

"I love you too, my dear. Wait inside. I have something to take care of," Carol said, opening the door for me.

I nodded happily and walked in without a second thought.

Under the room's luxurious chandelier sat a male wolf about Carol's age, dressed in a suit but looking at me like I was a piece of merchandise.

I froze, suddenly feeling like I was in the wrong place. I turned to leave, but the door was locked from the outside.

Panic and fear washed over me, making me break out in a cold sweat. My legs went weak, and I could barely stand.

I had no clue what was happening or what I would face next.

"Dad! Dad!" I pounded on the door frantically, my heart racing like a startled deer.

The wolf approached me with a glass of red wine. The pungent smell of alcohol and tobacco mixed with strong perfume emanated from him, causing me to cover my nose and step back in revulsion.

"Are you Seraphina Vale? What a lovely name. I'm Baron Smith, and I'm going to be your first man. Your father has promised you to me in exchange for a piece of land. This is already a generous offer. Tonight, you better serve me well!" Baron said, reaching out toward me.

"Don't touch me!" I recoiled, bumping into a chair with a loud crash that echoed in the room.

"There must be a misunderstanding. I'm here with my dad for my birthday party. I don't know anything about a land deal. Please let me go. My dad will come and clear this up," I pleaded.

I tried to stay calm, but fear made it hard to breathe. I was trembling, my mind buzzing like an alarm.

"Birthday party?" Baron laughed mockingly. "This is a high-stakes business gathering for werewolf nobility, the most secretive trading place. You should be proud to be sold for the price of a piece of land!"

His words made my head spin. This wasn't my birthday party at all. Why did Carol bring me here? Did he not know, or did he do it on purpose?

Dizziness overwhelmed me, and a sudden, unbearable heat coursed through my body.

Through Baron's sly expression, I saw an incense stick by the vase.

I realized he had drugged me with an aphrodisiac, and I had to leave immediately.

"Come here, Seraphina," Baron said, reaching out with a lecherous grin.

I mustered all my strength to push his hand away but stumbled and knocked over the vase, falling into the shards.

The pain brought me back to my senses. I grabbed a piece of the broken vase and slashed at Baron as he lunged at me.

"Shit!" Baron yelled as I cut his cheek. He roared at me in anger.