A commodity

Chapter 4 A commodity

NIA’S POV

At this point, I have to agree with fate; I'm not among the lucky folks the goddess chooses to grant whatever wish they desire. When I thought I could run and never return with Kingston's help, despite my broken heart and cluelessness, I didn't mind picking up my pace. It's frustrating that I'll be returning home to the Hayes home.

However, I didn't get the chance to run too far before Mindy caught up with me. I hate that I'm a half-breed. The disadvantage of being half wolf and half human is that you can never speed up enough or better than a full wolf. I have no idea how Mindy found out about me leaving when Kingston had shielded me from curious eyes. I thought I had gone far enough to rest, but Mindy jumped out of nowhere and scratched my face.

Despite my struggle to free myself and fight back, her bones crushed me, and when it felt like she might kill me, I gave in—surrendering myself to a miserable life and accepting that I would never be free. I feel regretful now that I cringed away from getting killed by the rogue wolf that tore my father apart. If I knew the life I would have many years later would be nothing to write about, I would have died earlier.

My body made a thumping sound when Mindy tossed me to the hard ground at the foot of the said Alpha and my devil-incarnate-called parents. I turned to look appropriately and realized everyone had returned to having fun. Nobody bothered to look back to find out if I was okay. There are too many cruel people around here. My eyes met with Kingston, and I could see sheer pain in it. I know you tried, brother, but life is never what we planned.

"Took you long enough," I heard the chilly voice of the said Alpha mocking me. The Alpha called out to someone, and they brought a suitcase to him. I didn't need a seer to tell me it was full of money. Stephanie's expression was too clear, while Levi practically drooled at the sight. A guard handed the suitcase filled with money to them, and like an unrealistic view, they made a delightful sound, hugging each other while Stephanie held the bag tightly to her chest.

Kingston lingered in his stead, watching me keenly as I could see the wheels turning in his head. I shook my head at him as a single tear rolled down my face. It's a warning for him not to do anything stupid. I have had enough attention drawn to me as it stands. Before I could get a chance to tell him that I appreciated his effort, I got lifted off the floor like a pile of trash and dragged toward a door by two guards. I didn't bother to look back, knowing I had finally reached the end of the road. A guard took me through a long hallway and tossed me into a room. I must admit the room looks more excellent than I have ever had.

"Get yourself cleaned up. There is a dress on the bed; ensure to change into it in the next ten minutes and wait for the Alpha to come," one of the guards who looked the most unfriendly ordered.

When they left the room, I rushed to the door, hoping they would be foolish enough to open it. The doorknob didn't budge, and I was the stupid one. Why would I be let off so quickly after the alpha paid such a significant bounty on my head? Sitting on the cold floor, I curled up against myself, reminiscing on the thoughts that would be roaming through the mind of my adoptive family—no doubt they would be able to sleep well at night, unconcerned about me.

Shutting my eyes tightly, I felt a sting at the back of my eyes. I have been trying to cry, but all to no avail. I feel dehydrated, and my eyes can't take any waterworks. My life has finally come to an end. I hear rumors that the Alpha discards the concubines whenever he feels dissatisfied. I wonder what would become of me when he finds me unappealing. My mate was quick to reject me, let alone an Alpha that is so full of himself.

Nobody wants me, and that is a fact. I don't even have a full wolf to help me overcome this torturing moment, and no friends or family to reach out to for help. I am all by myself. Despite the pitiful state my entire body was in, tears refused to show themselves. I haven't been able to reach my wolf, and it's almost like she is taking her time to come to me, just like I had a hard time shifting. Now that I got rejected by my mate, I doubt if she would ever show herself.

Giving in to fate, I stood up begrudgingly, took the dress, and headed to the bathroom. Turning on the shower faucet, I shivered when the water hit my skin like melted ice. I stood under it, hoping the water would wash away the misery surrounding my poor life. It seemed like I was spending too much time there with the water wasting away. I don't like being wasteful.

The dress is the most provocative one I have ever touched, but staring at myself in the mirror and how it hugged my body made me feel beautiful. An odd chuckle rolled out of my lips; maybe this isn't a bad idea. But then, I know this is all a facade. When reality comes crashing, I hope I can still withstand the storm. On second thought, I would prefer it if I get swept away by it. I am too exhausted to continue with this life.

Settling on the foot of the bed, I stared blankly at the door with my heart racing so hard it felt like it might leap out of its cage. My anxiety was getting the best of me, and goosebumps rose on my arm. It feels like prostitution. A few hours ago, I only wanted to meet with my mate. And here I am, sexily dressed in a strange room, waiting for my buyer to come for me. Nothing short of a commodity.

The doorknob moved, and I froze in my stance. The aura he emits is enough to melt ice.