Auction of Despair

I stood on the stage feeling exposed, ridiculed and ashamed.

Dressed in a daring blue gown that hugged my figure, the off-shoulder neckline revealing just enough to hold attention, I felt the heavy, revolting stares of the Alphas as they trailed over me. Their eyes lingered, dark with something sickening, and my stomach twisted in protest. I wanted nothing more than to turn away or throw up. But then I caught my father's silent, piercing look, a warning in his eyes that froze me in place. I knew that if I let him down now, there would be hell to pay.

“ Look at them. They look delectable. Very sexy.” One of the Alphas said laughing as he walked up to us.

He reached out for one of the other girls and squeezed her breast making the other Alphas laugh in response as they saw the girl's surprised expression. I could tell she was young and naive despite her beautiful body and it made me sick that my father would do this to his own people. To girls from our pack. He was the Alpha and no one dared to oppose him. Not even me.

“ I like this one.” Another Alpha said as he walked up to the podium and my heart raced.

Moon goddess, please let it not be me.

A quiet sigh escaped my lips as I watched the frail young Alpha walk up to the stage, his eyes clouded with fever as he reached out, pulling yet another girl into his arms. She shoved him back instantly, defiance flashing in her gaze. A fierce determination to protect herself. But as I watched her stand her ground, I knew that her resistance was a risky move. We were only five so I knew that this wasn't going to sit well with my father or-

“ How dare you?” The Alpha asked as he slapped the girl hard, making me fall to the floor, and my father did nothing.

He didn't even help.

After seconds of beating, the girl lay down on the floor, not moving, and my eyes widened. Was she dead? I felt tears gather in my eyes as I stared at her and I knew that could be my fate. The girl got carried away and only four of us were left on stage remaining.

“ I want this one. You, in blue.” A man called out and I stared at him.

My eyes widened as I realized he was the man I had rejected his advances a few months ago, Alpha Emmett of the Steelcrest Pride. Watching him walk up to me, I felt my head reel, and I stared at my father, silently begging him to help me.

“Alright, gentlemen, the auction is about to commence. Please take your seats. Once it begins, the girls will be yours,” my father announced, cutting off the Alpha’s advance toward me.

I held my breath, my heart pounding wildly as I closed my eyes. The first girl stepped forward, her fear was evident as she turned to display her dress and figure to the men seated beside my father. Their eyes lit up with desire, and I felt disgusted.

“Twenty million,” The first one called out.

“Fifty million,” Another countered, and I watched in horror as tears streamed down the girl’s face.

“One hundred million,” The third Alpha said and my eyes widened in disbelief.

“Is that the final offer? Going once... Going twice... sold! This exquisite lady now belongs to the Alpha of the Delta Pack,” My father shouted with a glint of happiness in his eyes. My legs trembled beneath me as the reality of the moment.

After what felt like minutes, I trembled when I heard my name being called dragging me out of my thoughts. I stared around me and realized I was the only person left on the stage. All eyes seemed to be lingered on me. My father called my name, urging me to come forward, but I stood frozen. My legs wouldn't move.

“ April, come forward.” My father said, gritting his teeth, and I took a step forward as I saw his threatening stare.

Standing alone in front of the hideous men staring at me, tears instantly filled my eyes and I closed them. I clutched the sides of my dress, desperately trying to tug it down, but it clung stubbornly to my hips, refusing to budge.

Then, my father's voice pierced through the haze of humiliation. “This is April. She’s an orphan, her parents having died when she was young. She just turned 18 and she is a virgin. Please remember that.” Each word struck like a dagger, making my heart ache with sorrow.

My parents were gone? The realization that he could so easily cast me aside as his daughter in front of those men shattered something within me, and I began to weep uncontrollably.

“Aww, look at her crying. Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of you,” Emmett jeered, his mocking tone slicing through my sobs as I stood there, exposed and vulnerable on the stage.

“ Let's start.” My father called out and I stared at him.

“ Fifty million.” One of the Alpha called out, and I felt my knees buckle under me, making me crash to the ground.

“ Seventy million,” Emmett called and my heart stopped.

“ A hundred million.” A voice called out making me stunned.

Did I just hear correctly? A hundred million? The fact that someone was willing to pay a hundred million for me was beyond breathtaking. My surprise mirrored in the faces of the other Alphas as they stared up at the person who had made the bid. He was sitting far away so I couldn't see his face.

“Two hundred million,” Emmett shouted, determined not to back down.

I noticed a smile spreading across the lips of the mysterious man, and a wave of dread washed over me. Who was he?

“Five hundred million,” he announced, and my heart stopped for a brief moment.

“Five hundred million? Are you willing to raise the stakes, Alpha Emmett?” my father asked, and I saw frustration and disdain flicker across Emmett’s face. He was clearly not pleased. “Sold! April now belongs to... May I know your name, sir?” my father inquired as the mysterious man rose from his seat, striding into the light.

Finally, I could see his face.

“Duncan Blackwood, the Wolf King.” the man declared, leaving me breathless. My father and the other Alphas dropped to their knees in submission, shock etched across their faces.

I felt a chill run down my spine as I realized the stranger who had betrayed me was the Wolf King. What had I just gotten myself into? My thoughts raced with dread as the reality set in. I was now bound to the most feared and powerful man in the realm. Just as his piercing gaze locked onto mine, I knew my fate was about to take a dangerous turn.