the stage. My heart raced, a wild drumbeat in my chest. I tried

ickly dashed my hopes. The room was dimly lit, the air thick with smoke and the scent of d

ight blinded me for a moment, and the roar of the crowd hit me like a physical blow. Faces blu

neer's voice boomed. "A fresh young mai

place, my mind screaming in silent horror. At least I sho

is face, stood beside the auctioneer. He waved his hands to

housand dollars," the auctioneer

ng on me like I was livestock. Each bid felt like a slap

, thirty thousand. The numbers became a blur, and my vision swam with

ment. He was clearly thrilled by the prices they were callin

arely audible over the din. But no one list

and spilled down my cheeks. In that moment, I felt

m the crowd. My heart plummeted, and I instinctively wrapped my a

torn from my shoulders, and the crowd roared with approval. Humiliation

e called out, and the au

another c

, the numbers climbin

. I dared to open my eyes, squinting t

ollars," a voice rang ou

eyes turned to the speaker. My breath

an air of absolute authority. His eyes, cold and calculating

most powerful packs in the country. As the wealthie

s a fortune, far beyond what any ordinary maiden would fetch. The

would buy me. Memories flooded back, memories

en working at the diner just for fun, unlike today

held himself with commanding authority. His eyes flicked around the room like a predator sizing up its prey, sending a shiver down my spine. It w

tically ran the diner on her own. Mildred scurried around him, her

m me. They were new in town, all awkward smiles and hopefu

ipping with disdain, "lost, are we? T

er boyfriend's jaw clenched, but he said nothing

cross the diner, "doesn't take kindly to outs

ot in my chest. Alpha Evon wasn't just arrogant, he was cruel. He reveled in the power to break people, to extingui

I was a piece of property. My sto

like the Red Sea. The other Alphas averted their eyes, dreading his gaze.

n of such a high price had him practically salivating. When Alpha E

roveled, his voice thick with

elt like a rabbit caught in a wolf's gaze. He stepped up onto the stage

commanded, his

under his scrutiny. He reached out, and I flinched, expecting a blow. But i

softly, but there was no kindnes

d down my cheeks, and I hated myself for showing weakn

orward. Two of them stepped up, their faces expressionl

a mask of smug satisfaction. I wanted to hate him, to scream at him for what he had done.

ards the exit. Whispers followed us, but no one dared to

n. What would become of me now? How would I survive under the ru