Chapter 4

[Ivan's POV]

I didn't quite know what to think about what I was seeing.

From what I could remember, Arissa was a meek and demure girl. How was it possible she was now this cold and malnourished creature I was seeing?

"I thought she was put to death for Gillian's death." I murmured, keeping my gaze fixed on Arissa.

She seemed oblivious to the crowd that was screaming and cheering for her. Her blank gaze never wavered from where the beast she would be fighting would come from.

"How could I let her escape her crime so easily?" Isaac asked. "She deserves so much more."

So much more... well, you could say that this was definitely that. It was clear she endured regular beatings and the will to live was now completely gone.

"Arissa…"

Tania's feeble voice drew me from the arena. She was now leaning forward, her hand over her mouth.

"She's alive." She breathed as her eyes filled with tears. "SHE'S ALIVE!"

A pain-filled wail escaped Tania's lips as she broke into sobs.

"Isaac, she's alive!"

"Of course she is, my love." Isaac murmured, wrapping an arm around Tania's shoulder.

I didn't quite know how to take the scene in front of me. Sure, Arissa was alive, but how much longer? And if she managed to survive this battle, how many more would she have to endure?

As I continued to ponder this, a loud roar ripped through the air, indicating that the fight was beginning.

Silence fell all around. Screeching metal from gates opening was all that could be heard.

Leaning forward, I waited while a large black bear made its way into the ring. Most would run in fear the minute they saw it, but Arissa remained in place, looking almost bored.

"What will you do?" I murmured, growing increasingly interested in the woman who was once a disgrace.

Arissa's body tensed and an aura of bloodlust began to surround her.

Lifting her hands, she braced herself as the bear surged forward, mouth open.

The two slammed together in the middle of the arena, sending dirt flying. Arissa clung to the bear's front paws while the creature struggled to break free.

After a moment of struggle, Arissa gained the advantage, twisting until the bear's legs snapped.

A loud roar of pain echoed through the air. The beast fell to the ground.

Arissa wasted no time jumping onto it's back and biting down on the neck. Blood could easily be seen beginning to flow before Arissa yanked her head back, tearing the bear's flesh away.

Standing, she wiped the bear's blood from her mouth while watching the life fade from its eyes. The fight was over just as quickly as it started.

Two men quickly rushed onto the field, clamping silver cuffs on Arissa's wrists. She didn't fight or try to stop as she was led off the field while the crowd exploded with cheers.

"Amazing, isn't she?" Isaac beamed, drawing my attention to him. "Two months of training and she is now a killing machine."

"Amazing indeed." I agreed, continuing to watch as Arissa slowly disappeared.

If you asked me, "amazing" was an understatement. She was miraculous and the perfect woman to make me an heir.

"Brother," I said, my resolve solidifying."How much do you want for her?"

"What?" Isaac sputtered, his eyes growing wide. "You want to buy her?"

"That's correct." I came here today with the intention of buying a woman to help me make an heir. And after watching that battle, I knew that Arissa was the perfect candidate. "I need a strong heir, and that can be achieved with her help."

It didn't take a genius to realize that Arissa was strong and agile. Not to mention, she was the daughter of an alpha, so she had the right bloodline.

"But she killed your nephew." Isaac pushed back, unable to accept my request. "I'm sure one of my newer omegas would..."

"No," I snapped. "I want her. How much? "

For a moment, Isaac remained silent, clearly unable to make sense of my decision.

"Are you sure about this?" He said slowly, finally breaking the silence. "She is dangerous; don't regret it."

"I have never once regretted a decision." I retorted. "Now, let's discuss payment."

[Arissa's POV]

Pain whirled through me as the guards led me back to my cell. Even though I had managed to take that bear down, it didn't mean that it hadn't done damage.

Wincing, I looked at the long gash that marred my forearm and let out an annoyed sigh. It looked like I would be sporting another scar.

"So, how is your day?" I asked conversationally, deciding to distract myself from the pain. "Arrest any interesting characters recently?"

The guards ignored me, keeping their gazes fixed straight ahead as we descended a steep stairway that led to the high-security portion of the dungeon. a place I now proudly call home

"Tough crowd." I grumbled, giving up on talking.

Snapping my mouth shut, I let the guards throw me into my cell and slammed the door behind them after removing my cuffs.

Instead of getting up off the ground, I just flipped onto my back and placed my arms behind my head. Fixing my gaze on the roof, I waited until they were gone before jumping up and grabbing my ratty blanket.

Ripping off a piece, I began to wrap my wound until I heard footsteps making their way towards me.

"You forgot something?" I called, stepping forward and grabbing my bars. "Or have you finally decided to answer my question?"

I waited as the footsteps grew louder and louder before finally a man with raven black hair and blazing blue eyes appeared.

Curiosity peaking, I took in his strong build and insane height. He looked familiar, but so foreign. Who was he?

"Who are you?" I asked, cocking my head to the side. "Are you a burglar? If you are, I hate to tell you, but you've found your way to the looney bin and won't get anything here. "

I waited as the man considered my words with a smirk.

"I'm only here to take one thing." He rumbled, his smile broadening. "I'm here to take you."