The Alpha Paid For My Womb

"Stand straight. If I catch anyone slouching again, she'll be escorted out of this hall before the selection even begins."The sharp warning immediately straightened the young woman standing in front of Seraphina. Her shoulders snapped back, her cheeks flushed crimson, and she quickly lowered her head, hoping the royal attendant hadn't noticed her trembling."I'm... I'm sorry.""Sorry?" someone scoffed from behind. "Do you honestly think an apology is going to make the Alpha King choose you?"A ripple of quiet laughter spread through the line."He probably won't even spare her a glance.""He won't look at any of us." That single sentence stole the laughter almost instantly.Several girls turned at once."What do you mean?" A tall blonde noblewoman folded her arms confidently, clearly enjoying the attention."My cousin serves inside the Moon Palace. She's been here long enough to witness every selection.""So?" Five ladies asked in unison."So every time the Queen Mother gathers candid

A gentle knock sounded against the bedroom door just as the first rays of sunlight crept through the towering windows.Seraphina stirred beneath the soft blankets, her lashes fluttering open as she adjusted to the unfamiliar surroundings. For a brief moment, she simply lay still, staring at the carved ceiling above her while trying to remember where she was. The room was quiet except for the distant murmur of fountains outside and the cheerful songs of birds hidden somewhere within the palace gardens.Then yesterday came rushing back. The selection, Alpha King and the Queen Mother.The contract waiting to be signed.A slow breath escaped her lips as she pushed herself upright. The enormous bed hardly creased beneath her weight, its mattress softer than anything she had ever slept on. She glanced around the room, still unable to believe that all of it had been prepared for someone like her. The elegant furniture, the polished marble floor, the silver curtains dancing gently in the morn