Chapter Four

Hunter

Inside the vast auction chamber, I found myself seated among dominant individuals eagerly awaiting the commencement of the event. The room radiated nobility, decorated with excessive flourish that reflected the affluence of the people gathered here. Anticipation lingered in the air, yet an unease coursed within me. Beside me, Justin, my loyal Beta and confidant, sat watching. His full locks and penetrating blue eyes scanned the room, observing the other influential figures with a cautious demeanor. Justin remained vigilant, ensuring my safety and well-being even in the presence of potential allies or adversaries.

A rush of frustration ran through my veins. As the ruling Alpha of Creakstone, I resented being confined within the walls of this venue, concealing my true identity behind a mask. But reluctantly, I found myself here, compelled by circumstances beyond my control. Time slipped away relentlessly, and I was aware of the pressing need to find a suitable woman who could bear my child, to secure the future of my kingdom.

Like an resisting burden, a curse weighed heavily upon me, constantly reminding me of my solitary existence. While other Alphas reveled in the pride of recognizing their true mates, I remained trapped in a world absent of light, unable to experience the magnetic pull that should guide me to my destined mate. The curse stripped away the joy and certainty that should accompany the discovery of one’s true mate. And it left me with an insatiable yearning, an emptiness that could not be filled by mere physical attraction or shallow companionship.

Desperation had consumed me as time slipped through my fingers. As the Alpha King of Creakstone, I shouldered the heavy responsibility of securing an heir to ensure the stability and future of my kingdom. Yet, lacking the ability to sense my true mate, this task became a challenging ordeal. Why had fate deemed it necessary to inflict such a cruel fate upon me? Why must I be denied the simple pleasure of finding the one who was destined to complete me? I had asked myself countless times. Each passing day intensified the urgency to find a suitable woman. I was driven to seek out someone who could bear my child, a rightful heir who would safeguard the legacy of my bloodline.

As murmurs grew louder within the room, my attention was drawn back to the present. The auction was about to commence, and my gaze swept across the array of masked faces. Each Alpha gave out an aura of power and authority, and I wondered if any of them faced a similar predicament as mine.

Justin had unearthed this auction, believing it to be a place where I could find what I sought. Although reservations lingered within me regarding its questionable nature, I knew deep down that possible alternatives were scarce, as I had searched and failed to find any. Reluctantly, I had agreed to attend, hoping that fate would guide me to the woman who could fulfill my needs.

My impatience rose at my core. Time was not on my side, and the weight of responsibility as an Alpha King bore down upon me, fueling my determination to find a woman capable of providing one.

Adjusting my mask, a surge of frustration mingled with a glimmer of hope coursed through me. Hope that among these candidates, perhaps I would discover the one who could fill the void in my heart. That, I would break free from the curse that has haunted me for far too long. Taking a deep breath, I steadied my emotions, preparing myself for the spectacle that was about to unfold. The auctioneer ascended the podium, commanding the undivided attention of the room. The first group of women was summoned, and the bidding commenced.

As I settled into my seat, my focus fixed on the platform where the auctioneer stood, ready to present the line of women to the already eager audience. The announcer’s voice resonated, capturing the room's collective attention as he called each woman’s name, one by one.

“First on the stage,” the announcer started, “we have the exquisite Veronica,” he declared. “With her winding red curls and enchanting smile, she possess a charm that is certain to captivate any potential suitor I assure you all. See for yourselves.”

Bids immediately began to pour in from all corners of the room. Enthusiastic Alphas struggling for the opportunity to claim the girl as their own. The numbers soared higher, increasing with every passing moment.

Finally, with a decisive strike of the price, the announcer proclaimed, “Sold to the highest bidder!”

The cycle of auction was repeated, with women of diverse attributes and features gracing the stage. The announcer’s voice danced through the air, painting vibrant images of each woman’s allure. Some possessed breathtaking beauty, while others emitted irresistible air of mystery. As the bids flooded in, the auction room buzzed with anticipation. Influential and powerful men proudly showcased their wealth, placing bids in hopes of securing their chosen companions. Prices skyrocketed, reaching staggering heights as desire and ambition intertwined in a web of competition.

“Next in line, we present to you all, the enchanting Grace,” the announcer proclaimed again. “Her graceful demeanor and poise embody the epitome of elegance.”

The bids skyrocketed once more in a whirlwind of enthusiasm, engulfing the room. Admiration and curiosity swept through the onlookers, blending with the jingling of coins and the rustling of bidding cards. And once more, the final proclamation rang out, “Sold to the highest bidder!”

The scene played out repeatedly, with each girl summoned to the stage, every sale sealed with a declaration. The auction pressed on, its unyielding pace accompanied by a buzz of anticipation and hearts pounding with desire. Yet amidst the flurry of activity, none of the girls called forth managed to catch my attention. Their attributes were acknowledged, but the connection I yearned for remained elusive.

As the auction progressed, my gaze wandered, seeking that rare spark. The room buzzed with commotion, as men eagerly sought to possess these women. However, their allure fell short of my desires, leaving me detached from the bids and sales. Turning to Justin, I noticed a flicker of concern in his blue eyes, his thick brown hair gracefully covering his forehead. A heavy sigh escaped my lips as irritation crept in me.

“This isn’t unfolding as I thought,” I grumbled, my voice tinged with frustration. “None of these girls resonate with me. I can’t force myself to choose someone who doesn’t genuinely captivate my heart.”

Justin placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder, his touch offering a warm comfort. “Alpha, be calm,” he advised, his voice steady. “We knew this wouldn’t be an effortless task. But I have faith that the right woman will come along. Patience is crucial.”

Nodding, I resolved to steady my racing thoughts.

As the auctioneer’s voice reverberated throughout the room, a sense of anticipation rekindled in me. “And now, ladies and gentlemen, our next contender,” he proclaimed, his voice carrying an authoritative tone. “Come forward, young lady!”

A hush fell upon the crowd as the room held its breath. And then, she materialized. Her presence possessed an almost unnatural quality as she stepped onto the stage, her lengthy black hair cascading delicately, veiling her face. The impatient auctioneer raised his voice, urging her to move towards the center.

Intrigued, I observed as she obeyed, her steps measured and delicate, as if harboring a hidden vulnerability. Her petite figure seemed to shrink inward, instinctively responding to the hungry gazes of the other Alphas fixated on her. The intensity of their desire suddenly awakened a protective instinct within me. Then, as if drawn by an invisible force, she lifted her gaze, her eyes meeting mine. Time stood still as her vibrant hazel eyes locked with mine, captivating me in their depths. In that moment, the chaos of the auction hall faded into the background, leaving only her and me.

“Ladies and gentlemen, feast your eyes upon our next participant, Amelia!” the auctioneer declared, infusing his words with a touch of flair. “Behold, a rare beauty endowed with the most enchanting features!”

The audience was hypnotized by her allure. Her complexion seemed to radiate under the soft glow of the auction hall’s lights, enhancing her presence. The auctioneer’s voice brimmed with admiration and awe as he described her delicate features, “Her petite frame exudes an air of innocence and vulnerability, captivating you graceful.”

“Now, gentlemen,” he continued, “let the bidding for this rare beauty commence!” he exclaimed, a mischievous glimmer in his eyes.

The room erupted in a frenzy of shouts and bids as each alpha vied for the opportunity to claim her as their own.

“20,000 Luna coins!” one man shouted, determination ringing in his voice.

Another followed suit, raising the stakes with a bid of “30,000 Luna coins!”

The bids escalated while tension flowed the room.

A voice reverberating through the hall, "60,000 Luna coins!” Another man shouted sparking murmurs and exchanged glances among the crowd of esteemed men.

I observed this rare beauty intently, my gaze fixated on her. Standing at the center, she held herself with a delicate poise, a seducing shyness emanating from her. As the bidding escalated, a protective instinct surged within me, urging me to make her mine.

“100,000 Luna coins!” boomed a confident voice, shattering my thoughts.

The bid hung in the air as expected. The room fell momentarily silent, each person contemplating their limits and considering their next move. My heart pounded in my chest, overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment.

Without hesitation, my voice broke the silence, rising above the sea of bids. “500,000 Luna coins!” I declared firmly, my conviction surprising even myself.

The abruptness of my bid provoked a collective gasp, all eyes turning towards me, including those of my beta, Justin, who regarded me with a mixture of surprise and concern.

Taken aback by the sudden jump in the bidding, the auctioneer paused briefly, his eyes widening. Then, seeing that no one dared match my bid, he announced composed, “Going once, going twice… Sold!”