Chapter 2: Sold to the Alpha.

“Why did you bring me here?” I cried, my lips quivering as we stood outside the famous Alpha's Den. The electric sign looked above us, casting a dire glow over the eerie faces of those that walked into the building.

This was the dark heart of the werewolf kingdom, where Alphas bought and sold lower-ranking werewolves, like commodities.

While many seek sexual pleasure, others desire servants to fall at their feet and romance their egos. The rest needed warriors to defend their packs in times of war. Slaves could be sold for as high as a million dollars, depending on the bidder and the quality of the slave.

Rogues, who desperately wanted to belong to a pack, willingly brought themselves here to be auctioned.

The Moon goddess forbids me to partake of such horrors.

“No! I don't want to do this”, I protected myself, struggling to be set free from my uncle's clutches.

It didn't matter how hard I pulled. His hands were far too strong for me. He twisted my wrist, dragging me into the den, desperation and exploitation lingering in the air. My heart sank to my stomach, as I watched a girl, a few years older than me, being auctioned off.

Her eyes showed nothing but fear, she pleaded for mercy with them. But, the blood-sucking men present acted like they couldn't see it. But, the expression in her eyes didn't go unnoticed by me. It bored holes in my skin, knowing that I could be next.

“Sold to Alpha Ryker, for the whooping sum of three hundred thousand” the auctioneer's voice echoed, with emotions absent in his voice.

Wind blew through her flowing red hair, as her agony became even more obvious in her face, the moment she was handed over to her new owner. I swallowed my own saliva, wondering if I would suffer the same fate as her.

“You don't have to do this. Uncle Ethan, please just let me go". I pleaded, tears rolling down my cheek. He took a quick glance at me, hissed and turned his face away.

He gave off a stern look, as he dragged me to the center of the stage. He ensured I stood on the exact spot where the red-haired lady was sold. The spot on the floor was boldly engraved with a star.

.

“She is going for two hundred thousand” he yelled, as everyone's attention was drawn to me.

Murmurs began to erupt in all corners of the room.

The way they stared at me, made me feel like a harlot. I noticed how some of them bit their lower lips in ecstasy, as they undressed me with their eyes. I crossed my legs, as I hung my head low out of pure shame.

"Three hundred thousand dollars!" a voice shouted from the crowd. I lifted my gaze to see a man old enough to be my father.

"Five hundred thousand!" another voice bid, and a brief silence fell. This time, it was a young man with scars etched into his face, like he'd battled a tiger.

As Uncle Ethan prepared to hand me over, a deep, commanding voice echoed from the back.

"Two million dollars!"

The room fell silent. Though I couldn't see the speaker, his voice sent shivers down my spine. The hairs on my skin stood on end.

Alphas parted, creating a pathway for the mysterious bidder. Something about him made my heart race.

Alpha Kayden stood tall, his late twenties frame chiseled to perfection. His sleek brown hair framed a handsome face, accentuated by a sharp jawline. Dark brown eyes seemed to pierce through the room.

Dead silence gripped the space, no one daring to bid higher or utter a word. I wondered who this man was, commanding such fear.

"You're finished," Uncle Ethan whispered, his grip on my hand tightening. He dragged me toward Alpha Kayden, his aura suffocating.

As I drew closer, my breathing faltered. His palm felt icy, sending shivers down my spine.

A chilling smile spread across his face, and my wolf screamed in alarm. "Alpha Kayden!"

My uncle bowed. "She is yours now, Alpha Kayden."

Rumors flooded my mind: Alpha Kayden's brutality, his wolf form, and the pets he'd killed for minor offenses. My hands trembled in his grasp.

A spark within me ignited a desire to fight, to resist this fate.

"No! He can't sell me off to him!" I screamed internally. Rumors of Alpha Kayden's brutality, his wolf form, and the pets he'd killed for minor offenses flooded my mind.

My hands trembled in his icy grasp as I imagined my fate. "Let me go!" I cried out, struggling to break free.

"Down, girl!" Alpha Kayden twisted my wrist, forcing me to submit.

"Give him the money," he commanded, snapping his fingers.

A man in black attire rushed forward, carrying four briefcases. The transaction was swift, final.

I'd been sold to the cruelest being on earth.

A lump formed in my throat as I tried to cry, but my tears refused to flow.

Alpha Kayden's grip on my hand remained firm, as if he expected me to flee, as he led me to the black limousine.

Alpha Kayden tossed me into the limousine like a disposable bag. "Take me to the packhouse," he ordered the driver, his voice firm.

The driver nodded, adjusting the rearview mirror before starting the engine. A crimson curtain separated the back seat from the driver's, making the space feel claustrophobic.

Alpha Kayden glanced at me briefly, his eyes piercing. He reached across my chest, and I flinched, anticipating a blow. Instead, he secured my seatbelt.

"What's your name?" he asked, without looking at me.

"H-Hannah," I stammered, my tongue dry.

"You're mine now, Hannah," he stated, his tone possessive.

I lost track of time, trapped in fear. The car's halt snapped me back to reality. Alpha Kayden had already exited; I only realized it when he opened the door.

"Come on," he commanded, offering his hand.

I stared, confusion and fear warring within me.

"Take my hand," Alpha Kayden commanded, his voice firm but gentle.

I hesitated, unsure of his intentions. "I don't have all day!" His tone darkened, and I quickly obeyed.

As we entered the grand packhouse, I marveled at its opulence. The staircase shimmered like gold.

"This will be your room, my little princess," Alpha Kayden said, opening the door to a beautifully decorated space.

I turned to him, our gazes meeting. He cupped my face, and I braced for a kiss, but instead, he released me.

"You're not allowed to leave this room without my consent. You'll eat and sleep here. Inform me if you need to leave, or else..." His warning trailed off.

I nodded, intimidated.

For three days, I lived in luxury, treated like royalty. Alpha Kayden's kindness contradicted the gruesome rumors.

As I gazed out the window, thoughts of my family flooded my mind. My little brother's anticipated birthday party for me now seemed like a distant memory.

Guilt consumed me, and tears fell. I wiped them away, staring blankly at the ceiling until darkness claimed me.