Sold

CHAPTER 2

AVA'S POV

He sunk his fang deep down my neck and the mark was set. A wave of pain crashed through me as the bond took hold, and my knees felt weak. When he finally pulled back, the weight of the situation settled in.

"I don’t want this," I gasped, tears slipping down my cheeks. "I don’t want you."

His jaw locked. "The bond doesn’t care what you want. You belong to the crown now."

He took my hand and pulled me through the crowd. I looked around for help, but all I saw were the cold, judging glares of the people watching. I saw Selene amongst them, and her expression was one of pure disdain.

The King led me to a private study that smelled of old leather and books. My hands wouldn't stop shaking. Then the scent of jasmine and wine hit the air—Lydia was there, her smile too wide and entirely false.

“Your Majesty,” she said sweetly, bowing low that her forehead almost touched the floor. “What a blessing. My stepdaughter is yours. Of course, such a transition requires compensation for the family she leaves behind.”

The air left my lungs. “What are you doing?” I whispered.

King Draken didn't even look at her. He kept his eyes locked on me. “Name your price,” he growled.

“King Draken, no,” I gasped. “I’m not an object. You can't just—”

“Quiet, Ava,” Lydia snapped, then turned back to the King. “The South Pack needs timber, five hundred head of cattle, and a monthly stipend of gold. Do that, and the arrangement is finalized. You can take her tonight.”

I looked at the woman who had raised me. She wasn't ensuring my future; she was trading me for resources.

The King signed the document without hesitation. “Done. Now get out.”

Lydia grabbed the paper and walked out without a second glance. The door closed, and I was alone with the Lycan King.

“You bought me,” I whispered. “The bond is just a transaction to you.”

Draken walked toward me, his heavy boots thudding on the rug. He forced me to look up at him. “Your family would have traded your future eventually, Ava. I simply ensured I was the one you were sent to.”

His words hit hard. I wasn't a person in their eyes; I was a piece of property. I tried to pull away, but his grip was firm.

“You speak as if you've done me a favor,” I whispered. “But you’re just another person deciding my fate. First Jax, then Lydia, and now you.”

At the mention of Jax, Draken's expression darkened. He released me, and I stumbled back against the desk.

“Do not mention him again,” he rumbled. “He didn't understand your value. I do.”

“I am not a thing to be valued,” I snapped. “You took this bond without my consent. Is this how a King rules?”

Draken’s gaze was hard. “I am a Lycan, Ava. We protect what we claim. And we never let go.”

He stepped back and called for his guards. The doors swung open.

“Take her to the Royal Chambers,” Draken commanded. “She is not to leave. If she is harmed or disappears, I will hold you responsible.” He turned to me. “Walk or be carried.”

I stared at him, my jaw locked. “Don't touch me.”

I walked past the guards. “I'll walk. But don't mistake this for acceptance, Draken.”

The guards led me through the lit hallway. I was no longer a member of the South Pack; I was a captive. As we turned a sharp corner toward the royal wing, a movement caught my eye.

I froze. At the far end of the dim corridor, a shadow moved. It was tall and watching from the darkness. I couldn't make out a face, only a pair of glowing eyes.

“Keep moving,” the guard directed.

I moved forward, the sensation of being watched by a stranger prickling at my skin.