Chapter 1

Elias Vale  Pov

The trunk smelled like gas and old blood. My wrists burned where the zip ties cut deep. Every bump slammed my shoulder into the spare tire. I kept my eyes closed tight in the dark. Breathing through my mouth helped with the fumes, but nothing eased the fear twisting in my gut.

The guards thought I was unconscious. Good. Let them believe it.

"Silver-haired freak," one muttered. "Vale family really did a number on him. Already been through forced heats. Fertile as hell for a male Omega."

The other laughed, ugly and low. "Kael Voss doesn't take damaged goods. If he rejects this one, we're dumping him at the border. Draven's people will pay good money for rare stock like him."

My stomach dropped. Lucien Draven. The name alone made my skin crawl. He was a cold, calculating bastard from some twisted old bloodline. People said he treated Omegas like lab experiments, collecting them for his own sick purposes. I'd rather die here than end up with him.

The car slowed. Gravel crunched. Cold air rushed in when they opened the trunk. Rough hands dragged me out. My bare feet hit wet stone. Pine, smoke, and the sharp metallic tang of blood and dominance filled the air. Voss territory.

"Walk," the bigger guard snapped, shoving me.

My legs felt weak but I stayed upright. The estate rose ahead — stone walls, iron gates, lights slicing through the trees. Pack members watched from the shadows. Their stares burned on my torn clothes and the silver hair that had made my family see me as nothing but property.

They hauled me through heavy doors into a hallway that smelled of leather and polished wood. Whispers trailed us.

"Is that the tribute?"

"Male Omega. Rare."

"Alpha will break him fast."

My heart hammered. I kept my head down but scanned for exits, guards, anything useful. Survival habits I'd learned young.

They stopped at tall double doors. One guard knocked.

"Enter," a deep voice commanded.

The doors opened.

The room was all dark wood and low lighting. A massive desk dominated one wall. Behind it stood Kael Voss.

He was imposing — six-five, broad shoulders, dark hair with silver at the temples, silver-gray eyes that assessed me like I was merchandise. Scars covered his hands and peeked from under his black shirt. This was a man who ruled through power and fear.

The guards forced me to my knees on the rug. My tied hands pulled at old wrist scars.

Kael walked around the desk slowly. His scent hit hard — pine, smoke, raw Alpha authority. It made my body react even as fear gripped me.

He stopped in front of me and gripped my chin, tilting my face up. Firm. Controlling. "Silver hair. They weren't lying."

His thumb brushed my lip. I fought not to pull away.

"Name," he ordered.

"Elias Vale."

He studied me. "They say you're fertile. Family used you like a lab rat."

I stayed silent.

Kael released me and circled slowly. His gaze felt heavy on my scars, my posture.

"Stand."

The guards yanked me up.

"Out," Kael told them. They left. The door shut.

He crossed his arms. "You know why you're here."

"Breeding contract," I said. "You need an heir for your empire."

His mouth twitched coldly. "Smart. I don't waste time on stupid Omegas."

He stepped closer. His hand settled on my waist, heavy and testing. Heat burned through my shirt. My body shivered despite myself.

"Strip," he said. "I don't buy damaged goods without checking them first."

Shame and anger rose, but I had no choice. "Untie my hands."

He cut the ties. I rubbed my wrists, then pulled off my shirt. Cold air hit my skin and all the old marks. I kicked off the pants and stood straight, refusing to hide.

Kael traced a scar on my ribs. "Who did this?"

"Does it matter?"

"Everything about you matters now, Elias."

The way he said my name sent unwanted heat through me. He was dangerous, controlled, and far too aware of every reaction I had.

His hand moved to my hip. "Turn."

I did. His fingers brushed the gland at the back of my neck. I tensed.

"Relax. I'm not marking you tonight."

But the hunger was there in how close he stood. I closed my eyes. "If you reject me, they'll sell me to Draven."

"I know."

His hand rested on my lower back. "You're not what I expected."

"Too broken?"

"Too alive. Most they bring me are already empty."

Kael stepped back and tossed me my shirt. "Get dressed."

I did quickly, confused.

"The contract is simple," he said, leaning on the desk. "You give me an heir. I give protection, money, status. Try to run or betray me and you'll regret it."

My hands shook as I zipped the pants. "And if I can't get pregnant?"

"You will."

"I want conditions," I said.

His eyebrow rose. "You're negotiating?"

"I want freedom inside the estate. No chains. No locking me up."

He stared, then gave a short, dry laugh. "You've got nerve."

Kael moved close again and caught my face in both hands. "Freedom within reason. But you belong to me. Your body, your heat, your child. Make me regret this and I'll make sure you remember who owns you."

My heart raced. Fear, anger, and that dark pull mixed together.

He leaned in. "Agreement?"

I whispered, "Yes."

Kael pressed his lips to my forehead — more claim than comfort.

"Welcome to the Voss pack, Elias Vale."

Riven entered. Kael's hand stayed on the back of my neck as he guided me out.

I felt the weight of possession in the air. Nothing would be the same.