CHAPTER 2: THE CHANGE

MARIANA'S  POV

I took a last glance at my house and my entire life flashed before my eyes. My parents just gave me to the Alpha in exchange for money, how terrible was I to have served such treatment?

I was pushed into a car beside the Alpha. Fear crawled all over my body due to the aura radiating off the Alpha. However, I knew I had just one chance to get myself out of this mess so I turned to stare at him.

Looking at the Alpha’s eyes, I know he's probably thinking the same. Why will a stupid, commoner like me challenge his authority?

Honestly, I didn't really care what he thinks, he could as well shove his opinion down his throat. My thoughts were on my brother, Flint and my parents- I don't think I can call them my parents anymore, considering the fact that they sold me to the Alpha just to repay their debts.

My heart raced faster as different thoughts spiralled around my head. The peering gaze in his eyes told me there was something more to this whole thing and I can't place it but a question bugged my mind so I said.

“Am I ever going to return home?” I asked, my voice laced with fear of the unknown but I had to do it. My parents don't care if I die but I had my life planned out already and getting sold to the Alpha wasn't on the list. He looked at my face and let out a weird smile.

“What makes you think you're not going home?” His gruff, deep voice replied. I rubbed my sweaty palms against each other, while staring at the Alpha.

“That is neither a yes nor no. Does it mean I'm never returning home?” I asked again, cautiously this time because he seemed to be getting irritated by my attitude.

He released a chuckle and stared back at me before saying “Well, you can…If only you can pay me back what your parents owe me.”

“How much is it? I'm sure I can pay it back” I answered, frantically although something told me I would never be able to afford what my parents borrowed.

The Don looked at me with a glint of mischief in his eyes, “I see you're determined to go home and I'll let you do that immediately you pay back what your parents owe me which is one million dollars.” He said and I felt my heart slam against my ribcage.

“What? That's impossible.” I yelled in shock. This time, I earned myself a curious and somewhat amused look from the Alpha. I beat no sane person in their right mind would question the Alpha but I was not only fighting for my life, I was fighting for my dreams as well.

“Beats me too. I don't know why your parents borrowed such a huge amount but I don't care. They gave you to me in exchange for the money they owe me which means you belong to me now, you're my property.” Tears trickled down my face as he talked, there's no way I'll ever get out of this with such a huge debt, how would I even get the money?

“But because you're so determined to go home, I'll make you a deal, huh? You work for me until you can clear your parents' debt and you can have your freedom but if not, I own you forever, you have twenty four hours to get back to me, alright?”

I had so many thoughts running through my mind. I wiped my tears with my hands and looked out of the moving bus. The Alpha whistled a happy rhythm and nothing else made me angrier than that. I've heard a lot about how cunning, manipulative and ruthless he is but right now, he didn't look like any of that which was more dangerous.

I've learnt that people who looked terrifying in places of power were the most ruthless but how will I get the money to pay this debt? Tears hung at the brim of my eyes and I pinched myself hard in order to stop the tears. My whole life has been nothing but misery but this is the worst of it.

The car screeched and came to an abrupt stop, bringing me back to reality. I looked around and couldn't help but stare at the magnificent mansion we're parked in. The building was painted black including the floor. It had a mysterious and foreboding aura to it and I couldn't help the shudder that went through me asi I stared at the mansion in awe.

“Are you done staring?” A gruff voice broke into my thoughts and before I could process what was happening, a pair of rough hands pushed me out of the bus and I staggered, almost falling to the ground.

“Careful with the girl” Another voice added and I turned to look at the Don who had a sly smile on his face. “Can't you see she's admiring the house?” He asked, still smiling and I creeped out by his smile.

Men with guns surrounded the whole house and they had their heads bowed as the Don stepped out of the car. “Sorry Don” The head guard apologized and I frowned my face at his attitude. “Take her to the quarters and I'll send for her later,” The Don added.

Before I could tell what came over me, I grabbed the Alpha’s  trousers and went on my knees with tears in my eyes.

“Please let me go, I promise to work and pay your money but there's no way I can work here and get the money. Please”

“Young lady, I think it's best that you stay here with me, alright? Now, let go of me before I crush your face with my shoe” He said, yanking himself away from me.

“Take her away,” He said, facing the driver.

“Yes sir” He responded, saluting while holding my hand with a tight grip. He pushed me to the front and I took in the view of the house for the last time, knowing it'll probably be the last time I would see it.