Slave auction - Chapter - 2

Flora–POV

The next day, I did my usual chores: laundry for the pack. I felt the weight of hostile glares from others in the pack. I guessed they blamed me for Luna Methil's incident, but it was Cassie's plot to frame me. During my break, I saw Cassie and Bryan walking hand in hand. What hurt even more was watching Bryan gently caress Cassie's face before they shared a passionate kiss. The pain from last night's rejection was still fresh; seeing them together was like rubbing salt in the wound. Wiping away my tears, I went back to work.

I paused when I overheard my name being discussed in the conference room. "Alpha Jude, please don't punish Flora," Cassie said, her voice dripping with feigned concern.

"Cassie, you're kind to worry about an orphaned maid, but remember, she was fate mate of Bryan. She might also bring trouble for you and Bryan if she stays here," warned Alpha Jude.

"You're right, Alpha Jude," Cassie replied, her voice soft and agreeable.

"Call me 'father', Cassie. You're engaged to my son now," Alpha Jude instructed.

"Yes, father," Cassie replied. "I suggest you banish Flora from the pack, considering her grave mistake."

"You're right, Cassie. I appreciate you aligning with my plans for the betterment of you and Bryan. I'll ensure Flora leaves the pack by the end of the day," Alpha Jude affirmed. Devastated, I retreated to my apartment, my cries filling the space. After a few hours, Alpha Jude summoned me.

"Flora Evers, you've risked my mate's health," Alpha Jude announced to the pack. I wanted to protest, but the words caught in my throat. I glanced at Cassie, who wore a triumphant smirk while Bryan's gaze was icy. "I banish flora Evers from the pack," Alpha Jude declared. Guards escorted me out of the Whitewood pack territory. As I was leaving, members of the pack pelted me with rotten eggs and tomatoes, hurling insults and labeling me as 'wolfless'. Fear and sadness gripped me.

I wandered the forest aimlessly as night approached. Looking for shelter, I halted when I heard a twig snap behind me. Turning, I saw rogue wolves coming. Paralyzed with fear, I watched as they shifted into their human forms, their malevolent grins unsettling. "We will not kill her. Bob?" asked a rogue to his friend.

"We could sell her instead," Bob replied. I swallowed hard, dread flooding through me.

Bob said, "I pick a virgin scent from here and no wolf." I tried to run, but Bob held me tight.

"Luke, help carry her. We're going to the next town's market," Bob ordered. Luke picked me up, and I tried to break free, but it was useless. I cried, wishing the Moon Goddess would save me.

Bob tied my hands and told me to behave, or Luke would hurt me. They took me to a place where many young female wolves were being sold.

"She's a virgin. How much will you give?" Bob asked the seller.

"Fifty thousand dollars," the seller said. Bob handed me over and took the money. The sellers were strong, and they took me to a room where other women were being dressed up.

"Make her look nice for the auction tonight," the seller told a woman. She changed my clothes and put on makeup, telling me to stop crying, or I'd mess it up.

Shackles were fastened around my wrists, and I was soon ushered to the auction stage. The crowd sat anxiously, eager to place their bids on the she-wolves up for auction. As I stood there, I felt a piercing gaze on me. Scanning the audience, I locked eyes with a man with intense grey eyes—a warmth washed over me, indicating the mate bond with a stranger. My heart raced with anxiety. Why was he at this auction? Was he one of the men looking to buy women for nefarious reasons? Many in the crowd ogled us with obvious desire, intensifying my distress.

Suddenly, the man with grey eyes approached me. The slave trader's assistant shouted for him to back off. However, swiftly, the man unleashed his claws and killed the assistant, freeing me from my shackles.

"Hey! Who do you think you are?" the main slave trader barked. But his tone changed when he recognized the man, fear evident in his gaze.