Chapter 4: Sold

Jane's POV 

I stuffed my meager belongings into a small bag with wooden hands. I had nothing of value except the blue dress I had scrimped and saved for years to buy. The beautiful fabric now seemed like a cruel joke. 

Too soon, heavy boots sounded downstairs as the Alpha's guards arrived. David called for me to come down. Lifting my chin, I descended the stairs slowly, refusing to show how deeply this hurt. I would not give them the satisfaction.

The guards barely glanced at me as they turned to leave. I started to follow numbly.

"Wait." 

The sharp command made me freeze. Turning, I saw May glaring at me, hands balled into fists. For a wild moment, I thought she was going to attack me. Instead she growled out, "This is no less than you deserve, you little homewrecker. Trying to seduce my mate..." Venom dripped from her words.

I opened my mouth to defend myself out of habit, but then paused. What does it matter now? She would believe what she wanted. So I simply met May's hateful gaze unflinchingly until she looked away, then followed the guards outside without a backwards glance.

The journey passed in a blur. Night had fallen by the time we arrived at the sprawling Blood Fang estate. Trepidation crept down my spine as I surveyed my new prison.

"Move."

The guards led me inside the grand foyer and up a sweeping staircase. My apprehension grew with each step that took me deeper into the viper's lair. At last we stopped before an ornate set of double doors. Exchanging a look with his companion, one of the guards rapped his knuckles sharply on the carved wood.

"Enter." The cold voice from last night responded. 

The guard pushed open the door and gestured me inside. I swallowed hard, clenching my bag tightly as I stepped into the spacious room. The door clicked shut behind me with a note of finality, leaving me alone with the Alpha.

Damon lounged casually in a high-backed chair near the balcony window, still dressed in black. Though he appeared relaxed, his piercing gaze followed my every movement like a hawk tracking its prey.

"There you are, little one." His tone was amused, as if he knew how intimidated I felt in his presence. "Come closer." 

I approached slowly, my heart pounding in my throat. He rose with fluid grace and circled around me. I stood very still, sensing his large form at my back as he inspected me from all angles.

"Yes, even lovelier than I recall." His voice held a note of satisfaction. "You shall serve me well."

Indignation temporarily overcame my fear. I whirled to face him. "Is that all I am to you? A breeder to serve your purposes?" I demanded hotly before I could think better of it.

His eyes glinted with surprise and interest at my outburst. Then his full lips curved into a mocking smile. "Of course. Our agreement with David was quite specific." 

The casual words were like a slap, reminding me I was nothing but a transaction to them. Anger drained away, leaving me hollow inside. 

"What if I refuse?" I whispered.

Damon tilted my chin up, forcing me to meet his calculating gaze. "Little one, you are in my territory now. And I always collect what is owed to me." 

His thumb brushed over my bottom lip in a deceptively gentle caress. "One way or another, you will fulfill our bargain," he purred. "Best accept your place here."

I jerked my head back, glaring up at him. But despite my bravado, we both knew I was trapped. There was no refusing this powerful and ruthless Alpha who viewed me as merely a means to an end.

With an amused chuckle, Damon released me and strode to the door. Pausing with his hand on the knob, he glanced back.

"I will give you tonight to settle in. We will begin your duties tomorrow." His smile was devoid of any warmth or kindness. "Sweet dreams, Jane." 

The door closed softly behind him, leaving me shaken. 

"What fate awaited me on the morrow?"

The rumors about Alpha Damon being cold and ruthless turned out to be terribly true. From the fearful glances the servants gave me after showing me to my room, it was clear they all walked on eggshells around him.

I couldn't blame them. After my tense encounter earlier, I now found myself under the complete authority of this dangerous wolf. He viewed me as nothing more than a tool to gain heirs.

My only consolation was this luxurious suite of rooms he had provided. I took my time exploring the spacious room, walk-in closet, and lavish bathroom. The hot shower felt heavenly, washing away some of my tension and uncertainty.

After donning a soft nightgown, I sank into the plush bed, emotionally drained. But sleep eluded me as I worried about what the next day would bring.

All too soon, I woke the next day, blinking against the shards of afternoon light filtering through the heavy curtains. For a moment, I was disoriented, unable to place my surroundings. The large four-poster bed, lavish furnishings, and ornate rug were so unfamiliar.

Then the memories came rushing back - being brought to the imposing Blood Fang estate, meeting the notorious Alpha Damon face to face. I suppressed a shiver recalling his cold amusement as he informed me of my new "duties" as his breeder.

Sitting up, I glanced around warily, but found myself alone in the spacious room he had assigned me for the night. I wasn't sure whether to feel relieved or uneasy that Damon wasn't here.

A knock on the door made me jump. A round-faced beta woman bustled in, giving me a quick curtsy.

"Good evening, Miss Jane. I'm Mara, the head housekeeper," she introduced briskly. "The master has requested you join him for dinner in his study once you've washed and dressed."

Join him for dinner? Just how long have I been asleep? My nerves jangled discordantly at the thought of being alone with Damon again so soon. But I merely nodded mutely and allowed Mara to chivvy me into the adjoining bathroom.

To my delight, a steaming bath had already been drawn. I sighed blissfully as I sank into the fragrant water, letting the heat relax my tense muscles. The Nightingale pack had rarely allowed me such luxuries.

Reluctantly leaving the comfort of the bath, I changed into a prim white nightgown, bracing myself for what was to come.

The walk through shadowed corridors behind the silent guard felt like a death march. Too soon, we arrived at an ornate set of double doors which he pulled open and gestured for me to enter. Taking a deep breath, I stepped into the lion's den alone.

My roving gaze found Damon lounging before the enormous fireplace, looking every inch the powerful conqueror. He had shed his jacket, the white shirt beneath clinging to the hard planes of his chest. His eyes followed my movements like a predator, boring into me.

"Come here, Jane."

I started moving before I realized it, his compelling voice reeling me in helplessly. I halted an arm's length away, trembling faintly as he uncoiled from his relaxed pose with lethal grace. Fear and anticipation twisted my insides.

Damon circled me slowly, so close I could feel the heat radiating from his large frame. I kept my eyes fixed straight ahead.

He made a low sound of approval. "You look exquisite in white. So innocent...for now."

My skin prickled at the unspoken promise in his silken tone - he fully intended to strip that innocence away tonight.

Coming to stand before me once more, his fingers grasped my chin, tilting my face up to his. I met his dark gaze defiantly, refusing to cower. Amusement flickered in the black depths.

"I enjoy this spirit in you, little one," he purred. "But you will learn obedience in my bed."