Chapter 005: Welcome home

Mila’s POV…..

I still couldn't believe that Knox Mercer bought me.

Gamma Rodney didn’t look at me when he pulled me backstage.

The applause was still echoing from the hall when the door shut behind us, cutting the noise.

My knees felt weak, my heart still hammering like it hadn’t figured out yet that I was no longer on display.

“You did good,” Rodney said finally, breaking the silence.

I laughed—a short, cracked sound that surprised even me. “Good?” My voice shook. “I was sold.”

He stopped walking and turned to face me. “You sold for a very good amount, Mila. Two hundred thousand. That’s more than enough.”

The number didn’t feel real. Nothing did.

I wrapped my arms around myself, suddenly aware of how exposed I still was in the dress.

“Then take what I owe you,” I said quickly, before I could lose my nerve. “All of it. And the rest—please—use it to take care of my father. His medicine, his room, everything.

I don’t want him moved from the hospital and help me pay my remaining debts”

Rodney studied me for a long moment.

Then he nodded.

“I’ll handle it.”

Relief hit me so hard my vision blurred. “Thank you,” I whispered. “Please… if anything is left, keep it safe. Somewhere Bastain’s people can’t touch.”

His jaw tightened at the name.

“I’ll keep some aside for you, in cash, in case you ever need it.”

I was so grateful, tears dropped down my eyes.

I didn’t expect the hug.

But he pulled me in anyway, brief and awkward, like he didn’t quite know how to comfort someone.

I clung to him for a second longer than I meant to. It felt like the last moment of normalcy I’d ever have.

Then it was over.

What Rodney ad I had was a love hate relationship, ever since what happened in the pack that made me sell myself in this hellhole.

“Take care kid” Rodney said and walked out

I changed quickly,my hands trembling as I packed my small bag and changed out of this dress.

When I stepped outside the room, a guard grabbed my arm roughly.

“Move.”

I stumbled forward, barely catching myself.

The hallway led straight outside, where a sleek black car waited at the curb.

Two men stood beside it, the look d exactly alike, they were clearly twins.

But one had blonde hair and the other, dirty blonde hair.

The blonde's one's expression softened slightly when he saw my face. The other dirty blonde one looked unreadable and professional.

I gulped.

Before either of them could speak, I was shoved forward by the guard.

I stumbled almost falling when the blonde one gently held my hand to stable me

“Watch it,” He snapped at the guard, but the man only shrugged and stepped away.

I hesitated before the car door.

My hands were shaking.

This was it.

I slid inside.

The door shut with a final, heavy thud.

Knox Mercer was already there.

Knox Mercer, my mate that rejected me and now he's back and he bought me.

Rina whined at the back of my mind.

Traitor I hissed at her.

She went quiet

The space felt too small instantly—his presence was thick, overwhelming.

He didn’t look at me at first. His gaze was fixed out the window, his jaw tight and his posture rigid.

The car pulled away.

He still didn't say anything

My heart pounded so loudly I was sure he could hear it.

Was I supposed to thank him?

Then he spoke.

“Relax,” he said coolly.

“You look like you’re about to cry. Don’t embarrass yourself further.”

Asshole

I swallowed hard, staring straight ahead.

“I wasn’t crying.”

He finally turned, his eyes cutting into me like blades.

“You should be grateful. You were lucky tonight.”

Lucky.

I laughed bitterly before I could stop myself. “Lucky?” My hands clenched in my lap. “I was dragged onto a stage and sold like furniture.”

His lip curled. “You walked out there.”

The accusation burned in my chest.

“I didn’t have a choice.”

“You always have a choice.”

I turned to him then, really looked at him. “Did I?” My voice shook despite my effort. “Or did you just like pretending I did so you wouldn’t feel guilty?”

His eyes darkened.

“Careful,” he warned quietly. “You’re not in a position to challenge me.”

“No,” I said, my chest tight. “I’m not.”

“As long as you stick to my rules I don't want you here anymore than you do”

“Right” I said

My eyes burned, he was rejecting me again

The rest of the ride passed in brittle silence.

When we arrived at his house I forgot how to breathe.

The mansion was like something out of another world, it had tall iron gates, sweeping drive, glass and stone glowing under soft lights.

It was beautiful.

This was where he lived.

He got out of the car and I followed him into the house.

Inside, everything was polished and meticulously arranged

It had high ceilings, marble floors and the walls lined with art I didn’t recognize.

My footsteps felt too loud, too small.

The softer twin cleared his throat. “I’ll show you to your room.”

I nodded mutely and followed him up a wide staircase, past huge doors that looked like they belonged in museums rather thanin a house.

The room he opened was enormous. Bigger than the entire house my father and I had shared.

“You can settle in,” He said gently. “Dinner’s in an hour.”

I thanked him quietly.

As soon as the door shut, I leaned against it, my heart racing.

I changed into something simpler, my jeans and a loose top trying to erase the auction from my skin.

A sharp knock came barely ten minutes later.

“Mila.”

Knox’s voice

I opened the door.

His gaze swept over me, assessing me and he clearly looked angry.

“Change,” he said flatly.

I didn't have the energy to argue, so I did and came back outside.

“Not enough.” His eyes flicked down. “You’re not walking around my house looking like a house rat we’re having a meeting.”

My face burned with shame.

“I’ll be right out,” I said tightly.

He turned without another word.

I closed the door slowly,my hands trembling.

Enemies.

That was what we were now.

Knox Mercer only bought me to punish me more.

***