CHAPTER 2

~Shannon~

I gathered the broken pieces of myself and rushed out of the hall, Damien's words still repeating in my head like an endless echo.

I had had enough for today. I thought this would be one of those rare days when I wouldn't have to feel bad about not awakening my wolf strength for the past two years. But things turned out even worse. As if that wasn't enough, Damien had just rejected me.

The pain was unbearable.

I got into a cab, heading home-the only place where I could find some peace when things like this happened. I had no one else. No friend. No mate. Nothing.

My life was a mess.

As I reached the packhouse, my gaze fell on father. But he wasn't alone. He stood with a group of men, all of them deep in conversation. Their expressions were serious, their voices low.

Something felt... off.

Curious, I moved closer, wanting to know what was going on.

"Hey, Pops. What-"

Before I could finish, strong hands grabbed me. A rough palm covered my mouth before I could scream. My heart pounded as I kicked and struggled, but the person holding me was too strong.

Fear gripped me.

I fought harder, but it was useless. He dragged me toward a waiting vehicle and shoved me into the trunk. My legs were quickly tied with thick ropes, the tightness making me wince.

I looked up-and my blood ran cold.

Father.

I expected to see worry on his face. Maybe panic. Maybe even anger at the men for doing this to me.

But no.

He was smiling.

Not a kind smile. Not a concerned one. It was a wicked and satisfied grin. His eyes flashed with mischief, making my stomach twist.

"Oh, sweet daughter." He said as he leaned forward, his voice dripping with fake concern. "You look troubled. Is anything the matter?"

My chest tightened.

How could he be asking me that when he could clearly see that I was in danger?

I sucked in a deep breath, forcing myself not to yell at him. My entire body trembled with frustration and fear, but I knew yelling wouldn't help. I needed his help, no matter how much I hated begging for it.

"Dad, please," I whispered, my voice breaking. "I don't know who these men are or where they're taking me. But you need to stop them. Please."

Tears burned at the back of my eyes, threatening to spill. My heart pounded against my chest, every beat a desperate plea for freedom. I swallowed the tears rising in my throat, clinging to the last bit of hope that my father would save me.

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palm. Whoever these men were, I would come for them. If I made it out of this alive, they would pay dearly for treating me this way. But first, I had to escape their grip.

Father leaned in close, his breath warm against my ear.

"You really want me to help you, huh?" His voice was a whisper, dripping with mockery.

I flinched as his fingers trailed through my hair. That touch, the same one that once comforted me, now made my skin crawl. It felt like poison seeping into my scalp.

His next words shattered me.

"Well, what if I told you that I'm the one who sold you to them?"

The air was sucked from my lungs. My breath hitched, my pulse roaring in my ears.

"This isn't true, right?" My voice was barely audible, a desperate whisper. "Tell me this is all a joke."

I stared into his eyes, searching for a sign-any sign-that he was lying. But all I saw was indifference.

My tears spilled over, hot and endless.

Why? Why would he do this to me? Why were all these happening at the same time-on the same day?

A sharp pain twisted in my chest. This wasn't right. This really had to be a sick joke.

Just then, mother stepped out.

Her smile stretched slowly across her face, but it wasn't warm. It was cruel, just like father's.

She marched toward the vehicle, her movements slow, deliberate. When she reached father, she locked hands with him, her eyes suddenly taking on a dissatisfied look.

"Don't tell me you're yet to get rid of this thing," she said, her voice laced with disgust.

My stomach dropped.

Surely, she wasn't referring to me because she hadn't even looked at me. Hadn't acknowledged my presence.

But then she spoke again and this time, she said my name.

The world around me crumbled.

"What?! Are you two really trying to get rid of me? Selling me off to these... these assholes?"

Father's head snapped toward me, his jaw tightening. His voice was low, laced with venom.

"One more word from you, and I might just teach you a lesson before they take you." He threatened.

But I didn't care anymore.

What more could he do to me? He had obviously done his worst. He had already betrayed me in the most unforgivable way.

I straightened my back, lifting my chin defiantly. My entire body was trembling, but my voice was steady when I spoke.

"Go ahead. Do your worst, old man. What else can you possibly do after selling me to people I don't even know?" I shouted, my voice raw with fury.

Father's gaze darkened. He leaned in slightly, his expression oddly calm.

"I'm sorry it had to happen this way, Shannon. But you're useless to us in this pack. There's no point keeping you when we can sell you for a decent sum of money."

My heart twisted so violently as his words echoed in my head.

So he wasn't joking.

I had been holding onto the foolish hope that this was some sick game. Some twisted test.

But it wasn't.

It was real.

The car's engine roared to life, and before I could process what was happening, it zoomed off.

Panic surged through me. I twisted and turned in the trunk, my wrists and ankles bound so tight I could barely feel my fingers. The ropes burned against my skin, but the pain in my chest was worse.

I choked back a sob, my father's words echoing in my mind.

"You're useless to us."

The weight of their betrayal settled heavily on my chest. I was nothing to them. Nothing but a transaction.

Minutes passed-though it felt like hours-before the car came to a stop.

The trunk opened with a rough yank. Hands grabbed me, pulling me out.

I stumbled forward, my legs weak from being bound so tightly.

As we stepped into the building, my eyes went sore at the sight before me. My stomach twisted in horror.

The open hall was filled with women wandering aimlessly, their bodies exposed, their eyes empty.

My breath quickened. My knees nearly buckled.

No.

No, no, no.

My eyes reeled in disbelief as the realization hit me hard.

A brothel?

CHAPTER 3

📍Shannon📍

I stood frozen at the gate, my breath hitching as I took in the scene before me. I was both dumbfounded and embarrassed as my eyes stayed glued to the spot.

Before I could react, strong hands clamped down on my shoulders, pushing me forward. A startled gasp escaped my lips as I stumbled, barely catching my balance. They didn't care. Not one bit. My heart pounded in my chest, a mix of fear and frustration burning inside me.

Just then, someone else joined us. I felt it before I saw him-the shift in the air, the way the men around me straightened, lowering their heads in respect. And when I finally looked up, I understood why.

The man standing before me was clearly in charge. His gaze was sharp, unreadable, and he carried himself with a quiet authority that made my stomach twist.

He let out a smirk which sent my mind spinning in thoughts. I was almost getting lost in his calm hazel eyes when I felt his rough grip on my shoulder.

His grip was firm but not painful, yet it sent a violent shiver through me.

"Shannon, right?" He asked, facing the men who had brought me. They nodded in return, their heads still bowed in silent submission.

The man nodded in satisfaction, accessing me like I was some piece of furniture. When he was done, he cupped my chin slightly, tilting my face up.

"You have just the right qualities I need." He said, his smile mischievous. "I bet our clients will be thrilled to have you on board."

The blood drained from my face, my eyes reeling in curiosity.

Clients?

My mind raced in thoughts, searching for anything that wasn't the horrifying truth forming in my head.

No, no, no.

It can't be.

I couldn't even imagine myself being in the same shoes with those women I had seen earlier. They looked lost and helpless as they were tossed around by the watchmen, and I couldn't imagine myself being treated that way.

I flinched as the man's fingers crept toward my neck, trailing up to my face with a sickening slowness. My breath hitched, panic coursing through my veins. I raised my hand to stop him, but before I could even think of it, he seized me, his grip unyielding as he pressed me hard against the wall.

I gasped, my pulse echoing in my ear. His fingers dug into my sides, his body blocking any chance of escape.

He shoved my hair aside and leaned forward, his breath warm against my face.

His dark gaze bore into me, his eyes trailing at me in a possessive glare. "Listen to me, woman," he hissed, his voice laced with authority and warning. "You belong to me now, and the sooner you realize that, the better for you."

He turned sharply to his guards, his tone cold and merciless. "Seize her and take her into one of the rooms."

Without hesitation, the guards lowered their heads in obedience before grabbing both my arms, their grip tight around my wrists.

Panic surged through me as they dragged me toward the massive building ahead. My heart pounded violently against my chest, and I struggled, but their hold was too strong.

Then, suddenly-

A voice rang out, bold and commanding, slicing through the air like a blade.

"Stop."

The guards stopped immediately, their bodies stiffening as though a force had jerked them back. Their hands trembled as they loosened their grip and released me, stepping away as if afraid to be near me any longer.

Confused, I sucked in a shaky breath and turned towards the direction of the voice.

To my utter surprise, the once-dominant man-the same one who had spoken to me with such boldness just moments ago-was now trembling on his feet. His once-powerful stance had crumbled, his head bowed in total submission.

Then, in unison, the guards fell to their knees, their foreheads nearly touching the ground, fear etched across their faces.

My heart pounded even harder. Who could command such fear and respect?

The man who had claimed ownership over me earlier struggled to speak, his voice barely above a whisper. "M-My king... what brings you here?"

His voice cracked under the weight of his fear, and the silence that followed was overwhelming.

The man behind the voice stepped forward, his large frame towering over us like a mountain against tiny grains of sand.

"Let her go." His deep voice carried a weight that sent shivers down my spine. Without hesitation, he marched straight toward me, his piercing green eyes locked onto mine. Then, to my utter confusion, he reached for my hand, his grip firm yet oddly gentle.

A soft, reassuring smile flashed across his lips before he turned to the man in charge of the building.

"I think I've found exactly what I'm looking for."

The words sent a jolt through me.

My jaw dropped, my mind reeling with thoughts.

What?

He nodded, as if confirming everyone's unspoken questions. Then, in a voice that left no room for doubt, he said, "I would like to have her."

The shock hit me like a slap.

Me? Of all people? In this miserable state?

As I searched his face, something about the way he spoke sent a chill running down my spine. There was something else beneath his words-something dark.

But he wasn't done yet.

Before I could pull my hand away, his grip tightened-firm and possessive. His cold eyes bore into me, rendering me completely restless. I felt stripped bare under the weight of his intense gaze.

"I have chosen her..." he continued, his voice slow. "Not as a hooker, but as a breeder-my personal breeder."

My stomach twisted.

No.

A cold sweat broke out on my skin as his words settled in. This couldn't be real. It had to be some sick joke.

The boss, the one who had been running this whole operation, looked just as stunned as I was. His mouth hung open, his brows furrowed in disbelief. He sucked in a sharp breath before shaking his head.

"I'm sorry, my king, but I think you might be making a mistake. I don't think-"

"This is no mistake." The man cut him off, his tone sharper now. "I want her, and I mean every bit of it."

My breath caught.

He was serious. Dead serious.

The sheer confidence in his words left me frozen, unable to turn my gaze away. Who's he? And what does he want from me?

Just then, he said something else that made my blood run cold.

"Name your price."

CHAPTER 4

📍Shannon📍

I stared at the boss, my heart pounding in my chest. Every nerve in my body screamed for him to say no. To refuse this deal. To keep me here-anywhere but not with this man.

The stranger's offer hung in the air like a heavy storm. A breeder. He wanted me to be his breeder. My stomach twisted at the word.

Minutes ago, I had fought like hell against the guards dragging me into this building. But now, I would rather stay here, in this hellhole, than go with him. Because I knew-deep in my bones-I wouldn't survive him.

The man standing before me was powerful, dangerous. His presence alone sucked the air from the building. His sharp gaze pinned me down like a prey. There was something in his stance, in his voice-possessive, ruthless. Going with him meant writing my death wish with my own hands.

"So, what do you say, Mr. Manager?" The man's voice was calm, but beneath it, there was something darker. A warning. A demand.

The boss hesitated, his lips pressing together. Then, to my horror, he offered a tight smile and stretched out his hand. "I guess we have a deal, my king."

The floor beneath me might as well have shattered. My entire body went rigid.

What?

This can't be.

He had claimed me just minutes ago. He wasn't supposed to give in so easily. He was supposed to fight for me, to refuse. Instead, he gave in without so much as a second thought.

Why? What was it about this man that made people bend to his will? Even the boss-who was speaking with so much authority minutes ago -looked terrified.

The man moved towards me, his pace slow and calculated. "That was quick." He reached for me, but I pulled back, shoving his hand away.

"Don't you dare touch me!" My voice rang out, fierce and unwavering, shocking even myself. "I am not going to be anyone's breeder. Especially not for some stranger."

He laughed. A deep, mocking sound that sent a chill running down my spine.

The boss, however, was furious. His face twisted in rage as he faced me. "Did I just hear you turn down the king's offer?"

I didn't flinch. Didn't move. I had been tossed around like a pawn for too long. I was done being weak.

Before I could react, strong hands grabbed me from behind. I thrashed and kicked, but it was useless. They were too strong. I was hauled toward a sleek black car waiting at the entrance.

Through the tinted glass, I caught sight of them-shaking hands and laughing with so much excitement. My chest tightened. I had been traded. Again.

First, my parents had sold me. Then the boss. And now, I belong to this man.

Tears burned my eyes. Was this my fate? A never-ending cycle of being passed from one monster to another?

The door swung open and he slid in beside me, his face unreadable. The air in the car grew thick, suffocating.

"Drive," he ordered, his voice cold.

The car roared to life, speeding down the road. I sat frozen, my body trembling. I shot a quick glance at him. His face was blank, his gaze locked ahead. But there was something in his eyes-something I couldn't quite name.

Minutes passed in suffocating silence before the car finally came to a stop.

The door opened, and he stepped out. Instantly, his guards were on me, pulling me out of the car. My arms ached from their iron grip.

"Greetings, King Evan."

A soft voice pulled me from my daze. A woman who seemed to be in her mid-twenties, bowed before him, her posture submissive.

I blinked.

Evan?

That was his name? A name that sounded so... normal. Almost gentle. It didn't match him at all. He was anything but gentle.

Who was he? And why did everyone fear him like he was a god?

He barely acknowledged the woman, his expression as cold as ever. And that's when it hit me.

It wasn't just me. He didn't care about anyone.

A chill ran down my spine. Was this why the boss had handed me over so easily? Was this why no one dared to oppose him?

Tears welled up in my eyes, but I swallowed them down. Crying wouldn't save me.

But this man wasn't done yet. He turned to his guards, and his next words left me completely breathless.

"Get her into the guestroom and have the maids prepare her for tonight."

My breath seized.

Tonight? What does that even mean?

An unsettling fear gnawed at me but before I could process his words, his guards were already on me, grabbing me tight as they led me into a strange room.

Some women were already there, waiting. The moment the guards threw me in, they approached me, their faces warm with smiles.

"We have been ordered to get you prepared, milady."

The words landed like a slap. My pulse quickened.

So it's really not a joke.

I pulled away from their grip, resisting every attempt they made to force me into the bathroom.

"I can do it myself." I said, my voice shaky now. The women exchanged glances with themselves, smiling in a quite suspicious manner.

They shook their heads, their faces defiant. "I'm sorry, but we were strictly ordered not to let you do anything. We need to take care of you so you don't feel fatigued from what you'll be doing tonight."

"And what's that?" I inquired, becoming increasingly fascinated.

They become silent again. I nod and let them do their thing.

They assisted me in showering, and when we returned to the bedroom, they brushed my hair and prepared a nightgown for me to wear. It's a thin, see-through white lace nightgown.

When I put it on, it fitted wonderfully around my curvaceous shape, leaving little to the imagination.

I really want to ask them why I am dressed like this and why I have so many rose petals in my bath. What are they preparing me for?

But before I could get an opportunity to ask them anything, they were already gone.

Just suddenly, the door burst open once again, bringing with it an overwhelming atmosphere.