Chapter 003: The auction

7years later…..

Mila's pov…

The car was silent, as I sat at the back of Gamma Rodney's car, the car hummed along the highway, and every flickering streetlight that passed outside made my heart beat faster.

My stomach twisted, and my hands were fisted so tightly that my nails dug into my palm, almost drawing blood.

“Don’t look so nervous,” Rodney muttered, glancing at me briefly. “It’ll only make things worse.”

I swallowed hard, trying to steady my trembling voice.

“I… I’m fine,” I whispered, though the word tasted like ash on tongue

I wasn’t fine. I wasn’t fine at all.

Rodney was taking me to an auction.

This wasn’t just any auction. This was the legal, high-profile, Alpha-controlled auction — the one every wealthy pack member, every influential Alpha, every member of the North packs and surrounding territories attended.

All the women came willingly, they were all dressed to dazzle male wolves, to flirt and to show themselves off.

They laughed backstage, adjusting their skimpy gowns and whispering to each other, about who would purchase them.

They were all clearly happy to be here.

Not me.

I was dragged here. It wasn't my choice, I was being forced to do this.

Since my father was severely ill, I had to take do many debts to help him, I couldn't loose the only family I had.

This was the only way I could pay off or risk being killed and my father being killed.

Rodney parked outside a sleek, black-glass building. The entrance gleamed under the floodlights like a beacon of wealth and power.

I could hear the faint murmur of voices, the occasional laugh of male wolves, the Alpha aura radiating off this building was so strong, Rina yelped in fear.

My stomach turned. My wolf, Rina, stirred restlessly inside me, growling, restless, warning me.

Danger, Be ready and protect yourself.

Rodney didn’t give me a chance to protest. “Move,” he said shortly, his hand at the small of my back, pushing me forward.

Backstage, the women were a stark contrast to me. They were gowns that shimmered under the lights, and had on smiles that radiated confidence, their heels clicking on the floor.

A woman pushed a dress into my hand.

“This will look good on you, smile girl it attracts the wealthy buyers”

I scoffed at that.

The dress was a deep crimson sill and the cut was so high on the hips, that it barely covered me, the plunging neckline threatening to reveal all my tits.

The straps were so thin they felt like they could snap at any moment. My bare shoulders and back gleamed under the lights.

I was given a number

28

I was still trying to look decent when a woman pushed me out as the usher shouted

Number 25,26,27,28!!

I took a deep breath.

Now or never, Mila, think about your sick father and all your debts, it'll only be for a little while.

I stepped on the stage, my heels clicking on the floor.

I swallowed, forcing myself to breathe, to hold my head high, but I felt exposed, vulnerable, like a lamb among lions.

Rina pressed against my chest, her presence tense, sharp, warning me to stay alert.

The auctioneer’s voice boomed over the room, calling the first woman, number 25 to step forward.

Cheers erupted as the confident woman stepped forward. One by one, they were assessed, bid on, praised, admired.

A shimmering blue gown. $15,000. Another, a daring gold ensemble. $18,500. The crowd murmured, and numbers raised high, applause echoing.

And then it was my turn.

I hesitated and caught Rodney's eyes backstage glaring at me.

I stepped onto the platform, every eye in the room locking onto me immediately. The lights hit me full-on, blinding me briefly.

My cheeks burned, my stomach twisted, and my throat went dry. I scanned the crowd desperately, searching for anyone, anything familiar —

The bids started slowly. $5,000. $6,000. My pulse quickened with every number. $10,000. $12,000. My stomach dropped as whispers spread through the room.

“Who is this one?” “She’s stunning.” “Where did she come from?”

My heart was pounding in my chest, every nerve screaming to flee, but I couldn’t. Rina pressed against my chest, tethering me to the spot, the bond flaring uncontrollably. My legs felt like lead, my breathing shallow.

$15,000. $18,000. My eyes darted over the crowd, scanning every face.

And then —

The bids skyrocketed. $25,000. $30,000. $35,000. I swallowed hard, my hands gripping the sides of the platform. My cheeks burned with humiliation. I had never been on display like this. Never.

Then someone said $200,000.

Everywhere went drop dead silent.

That voice.

Everyone turned to look at the man who dropped the highest bid, and I did.

And I froze.

Knox Mercer.

My chest stopped and I could feel my heart beating out of my chest.

He was sitting there, wearing a black suit, he looked perfect as usual.

He didn't change a bit, I could see some tattoos peeking out, but his eyes were still that piercing shade and they were locked on me.

Mate.

Rina whined

The dull sche returned again.

My mouth suddenly felt very dry.

He had grown taller, broader, more commanding in these seven years. His presence dominated the room even without him moving. And now, he had just purchased me.

My pulse rattled in my ears.

$200,000. My legs nearly gave way.

Rodney’s hand pressed into my back.

“Stand straight. Act normal.”

Normal. How could I act normal when the man who had shattered me years ago, who had rejected me when j was eighteen,was now controlling my fate with the lift of his hand?

The crowd erupted in applause. Flashing lights captured every detail — my bare shoulders, the skimpy dress, the undeniable curve of my hips.And all I could do was stare at him.

Knox Mercer.

I pressed my hands to my thighs, trying to steady myself. Tried to hold back tears, tried to hide the way my body responded despite everything.

And Knox’s eyes didn’t leave mine.

I had imagined this moment a thousand times over the years. I had dreamed of seeing him again, of confronting the past, of reclaiming my pride. But this — this auction, this humiliation, this raw, undeniable connection — was nothing like I had imagined.

The final gavel slammed. The crowd erupted, a mixture of awe and approval.

My knees felt weak,.my chest burned and Rina whined softly.

Knox Mercer had bought me.

And my world had just shattered.

***