Purchased!!

*** Amelia ***

When I arrived at the small house I shared with my stepfather, I immediately noticed that there was an unfamiliar carriage outside. The gold braces around the horses told me that they belonged to someone wealthy; I had no idea that my stepfather was expecting guests today, and clearly, neither did he- My stepfather would have never let me out of the room if he knew he was going to have guests.

As I entered the house, my heart flipped- I immediately recognized Lucian's tall, broad-shouldered frame. What was he doing here, and why was he speaking with my stepfather? I hesitated for a moment, wondering if to approach them, but then decided against it. Whatever business they were conducting was none of my concern. I am just disappointed that he had something to do with my father; in my book, that automatically points him out as a bad person.

Their conversation stopped as soon as they noticed my presence, and I could see the shock on Lucian's face, his eyes widening as he turned to look at me. I bet he didn’t think he would meet me here; didn’t he say he was on the King’s errand? There was no exchange of words between us, but I could feel the tension in the air.

Sensing that something was not alright, I quickly grabbed the basket of supplies and made my way to my room. I didn’t want to have anything to do with whatever business they had, not like that was even a choice I got to make. I could hear the hushed voices of Lucian and my stepfather from inside my room, but I couldn't make out what they were saying- another perk of being a werewolf which unfortunately, I have been denied.

For some reason, my heart was pounding in my chest as curiosity ate at me, but I tried to calm myself down. I had always felt that my stepfather was involved in something dangerous, but I had never been sure what it was. Now, with Lucian in the picture, I knew that things were about to get even more complicated. If he really was who he said he was, then this was a royal business and who knows what dirty secrets lie behind the throne of the Kingdom?

When my stepfather entered my room a few minutes later, my fears were confirmed.

"Pack your things, girl," he sneered. "You're leaving."

I was taken aback by the suddenness of his announcement, I had no idea where I was going or why. All I knew was that my stepfather had a sinister look in his eye, and I didn't trust him, not like I ever have.

"Where… where am I going?" I asked amidst stuttering, trying to keep my voice steady.

"That's none of your concern," he replied, his tone cold and threatening. "Just do as you're told." He instructed and walked out.

I felt a wave of fear wash over her but I knew that I had to obey. As I hastily packed my belongings, I couldn't help but wonder what Lucian and my stepfather were up to, and more importantly, how they were connected to the mysterious Alpha King.

I felt a knot form in my stomach as I packed my few possessions. My stepfather had made it clear that I was leaving, but I had no idea where we were going or what would happen to me once we got there.

** **

My heart felt like it had stopped beating as my stepfather dropped the bombshell on me. I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

"What do you mean, purchased me?" I asked, my voice trembling with fear and anger; those words didn’t make sense to me right now.

My stepfather sneered at me, clearly enjoying my distress. "Exactly what it sounds like, girl, the man out there is the Beta of the Alpha King, he has just paid for you on behalf of King Darius, and you now belong to him."

“What? Father! You sold me off to some stranger?” I said in shock as the realization hit me.

“Oh shut your trap, girl. I would give you out, even for free if the King demands it.” He lashed back at me.

“Don’t make it sound like you have no choice in this? You are desperate to get rid of me,” I fired at him.

“And when have I ever denied that? I am just happy I got to make a lot of money out of you, I didn’t think you would amount to this much in life but for some reason, you are worth a sack of silver.”

"Why would you do this to me?" I cried out, tears streaming down her face. "I trusted you! you were supposed to be my father, you were supposed to protect me."

My stepfather sneered at me, his eyes cold and unfeeling. "Stop whining like a baby, Amelia. You're just a worthless Omega," he spat. "This is the best thing that could have happened to your miserable life."

At that moment, I realized that my stepfather was right. I was crazy to think that something good could come out of my life, it has been tragedy after tragedy.

My heart sank as I realized that I had no choice but to go along with this. I had no family or friends to turn to, and I was completely alone in the world. Right now, I felt sick to my stomach at the thought of being sold like a piece of property. I loathed my stepfather even more for doing this to her. I desperately wanted to escape, to run away from this nightmare, but I knew I had nowhere to go- I was trapped.

"What does the Alpha King want with me?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady as I slowly came to terms with the new twist in my miserable life.

My stepfather shrugged. "Who knows? Maybe he needs an Omega for something. Or maybe he just wants to collect you like a trophy. Either way, it doesn't matter. You're his property now."

It was obvious that he was very excited to be getting rid of me, I felt a wave of despair wash over her. I couldn't believe that my life had come to this, at the same time I was curious to know why King Darius specifically chose to buy me. Was I nothing more than a pawn in the games of powerful werewolves, or was there more to this story?

I am just an Omega without a wolf, a rare and undesirable combination in the werewolf world. What use could he possibly have for me?

My thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the little bedroom door, my stepfather opened it to reveal Lucian on the other side. “I am sorry for the delay, Mr. Lucian, she's all packed and ready to go," he quickly announced, a smug grin on his face. "She's all yours now."

I could feel her heart racing as Lucian turned his attention to me. "Are you ready to go?" he asked, his voice gentle. He seemed sad with what was going on, I guess he was only carrying out orders on behalf of the Alpha King, so I really don’t blame him for any of this.

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. As we got into the carriage, I couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding. I didn't know what the future held, but I knew that I was no longer in control of my own life. Funny, I never was!

As the carriage pulled away from the small house where I had grown, a howl echoed through the evening, sending shivers down my spine. I immediately knew that my life would never be the same again.

To be continued!!