_Astrid’s POV_The air was filled with the smell of sweat, smoke, and fear.I stood barefooted on the cold, marble stage, arms bound in front of me, my wrists raw from the rough rope that tied tyen together. A single spotlight bore down on me, blinding me, as faceless figures in the audience murmured, their voices low and expectant. The auction house reeked of wealth and sin, the kind of place where men bought flesh with the snap of their fingers, where lives were measured in gold and power rather than worth.The auctioneer, a man in an expensive suit, lifted his hand. "Lot 43," he announced, his voice spreading across the big room. "Twenty years old. Untouched. A rare find. We’ll start the bidding at twenty thousand!"A shiver ran down my spine, but I clenched my jaw, refusing to let them see me break. My heart pounded in my chest, each beat coming as a drum of my impending doom. I wanted to scream, to run, but there was nowhere to go. I was trapped.My father had already pulled me
_Astrid’s POV_I woke up to the sound of the heavy iron doors creaking open. My head was pounding, and my wrists were sore from the rope binding them.The place smelled of damp stone and something metallic—smell of blood. I had barely adjusted to my surroundings when a set of heavy boots echoed through the room, making my breath hitch.What now?"Get up," a rough voice commanded.I hesitated for only a moment before I was yanked to my feet. The auction was over, and now I belonged to someone—someone dangerous. My mind was still reeling from the shock of last night. Sold like an object to a man who watched me with those piercing eyes, unreadable yet filled with something dark.The man who bought me.I swallowed hard, trying to steel myself. I refused to crumble, no matter what was ahead.Two men stood in front of me now. One I recognized instantly—Zarek, the twin who had claimed me. His cold dark eyes bore into me, assessing me like I was nothing more than a mere possession. But the
_Astrid’s POV_I glanced at the door which had been closed shut before me, feeling perplexed. What now?I had blatantly rejected that dress just now and if that maid hated me to her bones, she would definitely tell a lie to the Alpha about me. I bit my lower lip and moved to take a seat on the squeaky bed, letting out a sigh of exhaustion.“Goddess, what’s going to happen to me now? Please protect me." I begged, palm cupped in an apologetic way. If only she would help me get out of this place, I would do anything she requested of me.Taking in the sight of the room, I felt mortified and somewhat comical, who would have thought that I would ever make it to a bedroom without leaking roofs?“The irony." I murmured and released a small smile. The house I lived in with my stepfather was owned by my mother. She had given it to him a few years before she died and requested that he pass on the house and trust fund she had left behind for me.Eventually, when it was time to give it up, he co
_Astrid’s POV_When I got dressed for the party, I made my way out of the room and straight downstairs towards the ballroom. The moment I stepped in, I wanted the earth to swallow me in an instant. The room came alive with the laughter, soft mucis and clinking of expensive glasses. The rich and powerful werewolf world filled every corner, and their presence was suffocating.I forced myself to stay calm as I moved forward, my head held high even though I could feel the stares of the dozens of people in the room.I was the only human here, it was normal to stare.Also, the dress was the worst part. Thin, barely covering anything, and way too tight. The red fabric clung to my skin painfully, the hem equally stopping at the upper thighs, making every step feel like a battle to stay decent. I found a corner to hide myself in, but before I could make my way towards the place, I caught sight of Zarek and Zade. They were both seated at a round table not so far from the stage as they shar
_Astrid’s POV_ The door shut behind Zade with a firm click after he placed me on my bed and left me alone. Alone, humiliated, and still feeling the lingering heat that refused to leave my body all because of the drink Zarek made me consume. I collapsed onto the cold floor, pressing my cheek against the wooden surface in hopes that it would cool my burning skin. It didn’t. My heart still pounded in my chest, my emotions swirling between frustration, humiliation, and something dangerously close to despair. I couldn’t stay here. Not for another hour. Not for another minute. I didn’t care if this Packhouse was filled with powerful werewolves who could probably sniff out a mosquito at twenty paces. I didn’t care if the person who “bought”—ugh, the word made me sick—was an Alpha who thought he owned me now. I wasn’t staying. I wasn’t going to be some pet they dragged around at their convenience. I pushed myself up and took in my room—a pathetic excuse for a guest chambe
_Astrid’s POV_ My breath hitched as my heart pounded in my chest. I knew they would catch up to me, but never this fast. And like I said before, I would never go down without a fight. I tried to run again, even though I knew it might never sit well with Zade. Honestly, I had thought of him as some kind of saint or something. I thought he would save me from his brother or perhaps let me go. But I was wrong after all. Zade was no different from Zarek, only that he was always calm, compared to his brother. “Don’t even think about running.” he warned coldly. “Turn around," His deep voice rang from behind me. He hadn't shifted to chase after me, hadn't roared in anger like Zarek would always do. His voice remained calm even when he dished out his order. I opened my mouth, but no words came out. I was scared to my bones. Suddenly, I felt like the whole world was closing in on me. My mind screamed at me to run, but my body wouldn't move. “I said turn around!" This time,
_Astrid’s POV_Darkness clung to me like a second skin, hefty and suffocating. I didn’t know how much time had passed since the punishment. My body still ached painfully from the lashes, but it wasn't the pain that haunted me. It was the memory of the guard’s lifeless eyes, the blood pooling beneath his neck and head, the way Zarek had ended his life without hesitation.I had seen violence before. I had lived in its shadow for as long as I could remember. But never had I witnessed someone's life snuffed out so easily, so mercilessly and right before my eyes.I wasn't sure for how long I had hidden in my room. A day? Two? A week? It was like a blur to me. No one had even come to see me. Not Zarek nor Zade. My meals were delivered in silence, the guards outside my door never uttered a single word either.I wasn't sure if I should feel relieved or concerned.Zarek had left for some Alpha business according to the whispers from the guards when they thought I was asleep.But no one knew
_Astrid’s POV_My mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water as I gazed at the man before me. Missed him? In his dreams. But I couldn’t say that out loud. The last thing I wanted was another punishment while I was still healing.“Get up,” Before I could process my next words, his cold tone rang out again. This time, I dared not disobey. I slowly crawled out of bed and sat on the other side.“Come here,” He demanded again, his scrutinizing gaze lingering on my form for some odd reason.I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat, then slowly got up to my feet. Slowly, I moved towards him, my heart beating faster than ever.What was he planning to do? What did he want with me at this time?Was he finally going to kill me?Oh, Goddess.When I was close enough, I paused. I peered at him when he made no move to approach me. What was he thinking? Why the hell was looking at me that way?“I see you haven’t recovered fully,” He slurred, even though he wasn't drunk.Something felt o
Zarek groaned with each passing minute as time ticked by. He glanced at the entrance of the mansion again, wondering what the hell was keeping that woman in there. Today was a very unfortunate day, why? Because their father, Alpha Vincent, had requested that the twins bring their future Luna to him. The moment he heard that the boys chose a wife, he had informed his wife happily, thanking the goddess for finally touching their hearts. He had urged them, together with their mother, to settle down with one of those women they kept moving around with. Also, they could settle with anyone, except for the human girl they brought home. He had heard so many stories about them already.Zarek’s foot tapped a furious rhythm against the gravel as he leaned against the black SUV again, arms crossed, jaw tight.“She’s been in there for a goddamn hour,” he growled again, glaring at the front doors of the mansion like they personally offended him. “What the hell is she doing in there, applying a
The ballroom shone in black and red, filled with the finest of werewolf royalty. This was no ordinary event, it was the official masquerade ball held by the Elder Council. A rare occasion where all Alphas gathered not to battle, but to make peace.Zarek stood stiffly near the edge of the crowd, his mask barely covering the annoyed twitch of his jaw. Beside him, Zade remained calm, as always, though his eyes scanned the room with a calculating edge.Tonight, they were not here as warriors or rulers. They were here to apologize.Formally.It was the Council’s condition. If they wanted to be considered for the Gehman title, they had to win back the trust of the Alphas they had recently clashed with, either through bloodshed or cold disrespect.Zarek hated every second of it.He downed his champagne in one gulp and muttered, “This is a damn circus.”Zade smirked under his mask. “Play nice.”Before Zarek could respond, a voice rang out from behind them.“There they are! The future Luna an
_Astrid’s POV_I couldn’t remember how long I had been here.Days? Weeks? Time didn’t make much sense in this place. Valerian’s home, or prison, if I’m being honest, was cold, both in feeling and in spirit. The windows were large, but they didn’t open. The guards outside my door didn’t speak. And the silence that filled the halls screamed louder than any cry I’d ever let out.At first, I tried to stay strong. I told myself the twins would come. That Zarek, with his sharp tongue and wild temper, would burst through the door. That Zade would hold my hand again and quietly promise me that everything would be okay.But nothing came. I didn't know if they would ever come either, considering the letter I left on the table in the kitchen. The one Valerian had made me write. He had held me at gunpoint and made me scribble down the letter with shaky hands.And the worst part? Gideon had a hand in all these. It turns out that Valerian wanted me, Gideon wanted me to leave the twins. The best
_Zarek’s POV_“I didn’t understand back then. I was scared.” Cassia explained for the hundred and fourteenth time after cleaning my wounds.Zade sat there and watched her like she grew a second head or something.Cassia wouldn't stop begging us to take her back, that she was a changed person. But I would rather eat glass than believe she changed her foolish ways.“Cassia, just give up," I told her and ran a hand through my hair."Never! I'm not lying to you, I love you both! My brother… he’s made me see things differently. He’ll be here tomorrow, he just wants to talk.”I raised a brow at that last one. “Your brother?”She nodded. “Yes. Caelen is coming.” Yes, he shared the same name as Zade's wolf.Great. Just what I needed. Another high-ranking wolf in this fucking circus. “Alright, you can stay here for today, after the meeting with him by tomorrow, you’d leave with him.” I sighed and slowly stood up. I needed sleep, to let Creighton recharge a bit.Cassia tried to follow me, but
_Zarek’s POV_Blood. Fucking silver blood.It soaked through my shirt and burned like hell, and still I was standing, barely. Zade helped me to the car while I clenched my teeth so hard I thought they’d crack. The warehouse reeked of blood, death, and betrayal. We had wiped out every damn wolf who turned on us. Every single one.Except for that motherfucker Veyric. He ran like the coward he’s always been. Next time I see him, I’ll bury my claws in his damn throat.“Drive,” I growled, slumping into the back seat as Zade climbed in beside me. My whole body throbbed, but I didn’t care. Not yet.The second I opened my eyes to see who was in the driver's seat, my face fell. I saw Gideon, the same one who was supposed to be guarding Astrid. He was waiting in the car, blood splattered across his shirt but unharmed. Too fucking clean for a guy who was supposed to be protecting Astrid.“What the hell are you doing here, Gideon? Where is she?” I snapped, my voice cold.Gideon shifted in his sea
Gunshots and the sound of tearing filled the air.Zarek and Zade were covered in the blood of the men before them.When Zarek saw a van filled with more men arrive, he cursed under his breath and turned to Gideon. Now things have become horrible.“Fuck, Astrid, go!” Zarek’s voice was rough and wild, the sound of it filled with more command than fear. “Gideon, take her!”Astrid was frozen in place, her legs unwilling to move, even as her heart thundered in her chest. She didn’t want to leave. Not now. Not when the world was tilting sideways around her. Not when Zade and Zarek were already charging into a fight they didn’t start. What if something happened to them?Even in the middle of trying to survive, they only thought about her.“Zarek—” She called, her lips trembling and her voice cracking.That was when the shot rang out.It happened so fast, that she barely saw it. A flash of metal. A bang and a choked sound.Zarek stumbled slightly as the bullet hit him in the arm, blood bloomi
Zarek glared daggers as realization dawned on him. The man they were doing business with—Veyric—stood just a few steps away, a silver-plated gun aimed straight at Zarek’s chest. Behind him, three more of his men raised their weapons, pointing them at Zade, Gideon, and Astrid.Zarek’s jaw clenched. “What the hell is the meaning of this, Veyric?”Truth be told, the twins hadn't seen this coming.Yes, they knew there would definitely be an attack during the receiving of the packages, but he never once suspected that the one person they should be wary of was the main trader.The one who was supposed to hand everything over to them.Goddess, they had blindly trusted him.Zarek felt his anger boil over in his chest at the betrayal.Veyric smirked. His eyes shined faintly with a cold kind of pride. “Bold of you to think we’d give you this shipment for just that little money.”“If you wanted more,” Zarek said slowly, keeping his voice steady, “you could’ve said so. We’d have given you more. Y
_Astrid’s POV_I should’ve stayed behind.That thought circled my head like a hawk as I sat stiffly in the back of the dark SUV. The leather seats were cold, but not as cold as my nerves. My palms were sweating, even though I kept them hidden inside my dress. The same dress I thought made me look badass when I left the pack house. Now, I just felt small.Zarek and Zade sat in front. Zade was behind the wheel, his face carved in stone like always, and Zarek was next to him, drumming his fingers on the dashboard to some beat only he could hear. Occasionally, they exchanged quick looks and short words I couldn’t hear over the engine. They were calm. Well, maybe this mission wasn't a deadly one. But I still couldn't help feeling fear crawl up my skin.I heard from my father one time of how he had gone to receive a shipment with a few people too, and a brutal war broke out. In a war that killed almost hundreds of people, he happened to be among the survivors. And I knew it was the same for
_Astrid’s POV_“Here you go," Ori handed me the glass of water and I swallowed the pills in my hand.Once done, I handed it back to her with a grateful smile. “Thank you so much, Ori."“You're welcome. But I have to ask, for how long do you plan to take these human pills?" She asked, her gaze lingering on my face.“For as long as possible. Since I chose to stay here with the Alphas, there's no doubt that we’d always get intimate. I can't afford to get pregnant with their child since I’m just a human.” I said with a soft sigh. It had been one week already, and yes, I always had Oriana bring me human things to prevent pregnancies since Zarek and Zade never used protection each time they fucked me.I couldn't imagine getting pregnant for werewolves. So I chose to take the pills to avoid any problems.She nodded in understanding and suddenly grinned at me. “By the way, the Alphas seem to like you so much. Look how they've been hovering around you all the time, even pulling you along to me