DAPHNE

“Worthless! Absolutely, useless.”

The loud, terrifying voice of my father brought cold shivers all over my body as he threw the money on my face. I was kneeling in front of my father and my stepmother, shivering… in fear, of course.

The last time I made this amount of money, I was flogged mercilessly because I couldn’t sit for so many days. My fear is that I don’t know what punishments they would give me tonight.

Before I could say another word, my stepsister kicked my leg, making me fall on my face. There was a broken glass on the ground, so my palms went straight into the shattered glass, and I winced in pain.

Smiling maliciously, she stood up and stepped hard on my hand. Blood gushed out of my palms as she kept pressing my palms hard to the broken glass with her feet.

“You wolfless omega, you’re just a freeloader in this house. You can’t even make money with those night blind eyes of you.” She gritted her teeth.

Glaring hard at me, my stepmother scoffed and turned to my father whose face was expressionless. “Honey, I don’t think we should still keep this thing around. Of what use is she to us if she can’t make more money? This is barely 100 bucks.”

“That’s right. Do you go out all day just to make peanuts? Seems you’ve forgotten why we even let you stay here, huh?” My father yelled at me again.

Tears flooded down my cheeks, and I sniffed hard. “I’m sorry, Dad. The market was really so bad today. I hardly made any sales, and all my rice cakes went bad.”

“Bullshit! If that f****** rice cake is not getting sold, why don’t you try the brothel? I’m sure you’ll make a lot of money from there, swine!” My stepmother snorted at me.

“Mom, how do I get the Hermes designer handbag this weekend for the party when this good for nothing sister of mine can’t make enough money?” My stepsister, Chloe, cried out.

Silently, I prayed that I wouldn’t be flogged today because my whole body was still sore from the beating I received the previous day.

“There will be no leftovers for Daphne tonight, and she will pass the night, kneeling under the rain.” My father shouted, before walking away.

Without being told, I knew that I would be done if I didn't do as he said. So, I struggled up with my bleeding palms. The thunder kept rumbling loudly, it was raining heavily.

“Get out, you punk. I want to have the door shut.” Chloe kicked me, and I fell off the balcony.

While I was still groaning in pain, I could hear her laughing hysterically. Why do they derive so much joy from making me suffer? What have I ever done to them?

My name is Daphne Knight. I’m an omega, 22 years old, and my family loathes me so much. My father is the beta of our pack, The Dark Iron pack while I’m just his illegitimate daughter, who he had with his omega slave, my late mother. Everyone in my pack calls me a jinx because my mom died while saving me from a fire, and it was rumored that the witches are after me… that I can’t tell why. So, I was brought to my father when I was 10 years old.

All my life, I was treated like a slave by my family. My father, my stepmother, sister, and my stepmother’s son, Andy, hates me so much. They only consider me to be a money bank because all I do is work my ass out, and give them the money, then get starved.

I knelt on the hard ground, groaning in excruciating pain because my knee was wounded from the push my stepsister gave me. They see me as a slave instead of family. As a matter of fact, tonight’s punishment was the fairest because other times when I made little money, they would hit me with sticks, lock me up in the dungeon without food.

I literally ate from the crumbs that fell from their table. Asides working for them, I do the laundry of almost everyone in the pack, I do the dishes yet given leftovers to eat.

The rain wasn’t going to stop anytime soon, but I was already drenched and shivering in the cold. My vision was already becoming blurry, it’s past 10pm, and I have eaten since today.

I raised my face, and saw a figure walking towards me with an umbrella. It was my stepbrother, Andy. My legs were cramping, but I managed to hold on.

When he got closer, my stepbrother’s gray eyes were looking me up and down in my drenched clothes. I could tell he was lusting over my body. He kept scanning my body like he was going to undress me with his gaze. Immediately, I covered my breast region with my hands, avoiding his stare.

“Silly girl, you still have the audacity to do that, huh? Well, I like it when you play hard to get.” He winked seductively at me.

Ever since I was brought here when I was 10, he had been trying to lay his hand on me. He was ten years older than me, though. I didn’t even want to think of what he would have done to me if my stepmother hadn’t warned him to leave me alone because I was the one making money for the family.

Then, he touched my neck, and goosebumps ran down my spine as I slapped his hand off. He laughed a little and said, “Fierce! That’s what I like about you. Tell me, has anyone punctured that hole in between my legs?”

“Stay the hell away from me, Andy. Let me be.” I managed to yell … It wasn’t even a yell because my voice was cracked.

He quickly threw the umbrella away, and grabbed my collar. I could feel his hands on my firm breast, and I struggled to free myself.

“Very soft breasts you’ve got there.” He licked his lips.

With all the strength I had, I pushed him away and got up from where I knelt despite my cramped legs. “Get away from me, Andy.”

“Oh, Daphne. Do you think you’d be able to stop me? It’s raining, and no one can hear you.” He tried to pounce on me again. However, I quickly pulled out my hair pin from my hair, making my long hair fall on my back.

Stretching the pin to him, I growled. “Come close to me if you dare. I’ll stick this pin right into my chest.”

He wanted to get closer again, but stopped when he saw a torchlight pointing directly at us. It was the security.

He retreated, picked up his umbrella and snapped his finger at me before walking away.

“Moon Goddess… why?” I mumbled as tears fell down my cheeks.

DAPHNE

Splash!

“Wake up, you lazy ass.”

I jumped up from the patio chair at the balcony where I had passed the night as a bucket of cold water was thrown all over my body. My messy hair dripped of water. My stepmother had poured water on me just to wake me up.

“Good morning, mom.” I managed to speak with a shaky voice.

Glaring hard at me, she spat at me and said. “Do you think you’re on a vacation? Don’t you know that it’s morning, huh? You’d better get into the kitchen and prepare something for us to eat.”

“Okay, mom.” I replied, but she walked away with a glance. I struggled up from the chair where I had passed the night. Likewise, I was feeling cold especially for the fact that I was drenched in the rain the previous night.

Of course, I know there was no time to waste, so I proceeded into the kitchen. My stomach kept grumbling… I was very famished.

Well, I cook the food, but I don’t even eat it. The times I ate in the house, I ate on the bare ground while they ate at the dining table. I guess, it is taboo for me… a wolfless omega to eat on the same table with them.

A few moments later, I was already done with breakfast. So, I started serving at the dining table. I was about to get into the kitchen when I heard my stepmother’s voice, whispering. So, I moved closer to the door, eavesdropping.

“Mom, when are we kicking that asshole out of this house? I can’t stand her anymore.” Chloe sounded rather angry.

“Chloe, sweetie… in a few days, she won’t be a problem anymore.” The subtle smugness in my stepmother’s voice made me aware that they were talking about me.

What does she mean?

My heart started pounding, I was panicking because I don’t know what next they want to do to me. I know I shouldn’t be eavesdropping… if they find me doing that, I’ll surely get heavily punished. But her words got me even more curious, I was keen to know more.

“They’ll take her, and we’ll get the money.”

My eyes grew in panic. I was literally shaking uncontrollably.

What was she talking about? Who are the people going to take me and give them money?

“Is this the breakfast you were supposed to make?” A voice said behind me, and I jerked up, startled.

It was Andy. I knew I was done because he was getting to make matters worse for me. I noticed that the voices in the room had gone silent. They must have heard what Andy said.

“Daphne!” I heard my father’s terrifying voice from the room.

He was there all along, huh?

I’m finished. I thought of fleeing, but I knew that was impossible because Andy was standing right in front of me.

Andy walked towards the door, twisting the doorknob, the door threw open.

Taking a deep breath, and mustering courage, I walked into the room, not daring to look at anyone’s face.

“Father…” my voice was trembling.

“I’ve already known that she’s nothing but trouble. She was eavesdropping like a mouse at the door.” My stepmother smirked.

“You were eavesdropping on us?” My father gave me a death stare.

I could perceive the scent of alcohol, and I know how horrible it is when my father drinks. I redirect his attention immediately. “Father, breakfast is ready.”

“How ridiculous of you to think that you're preparing breakfast would make us forget the crimes you’ve committed, you punk.” My stepmother scoffed.

Before I could say another word. Slap!

My father landed a resounding slap on my cheek, making me stagger backwards. I tried to open my eyes, but my vision went blank. My father raised his hand again to slap me, but surprisingly, my stepmother stopped him.

“You’ll kill her.” My stepmother held his arm, and continued. “Edward, honey, have you forgotten that pretty face and voice are her biggest assets? You would rather not ruin it, do you?”

“She’s not earning enough money, and she’s also bad mannered. Why would the moon goddess give me such a useless wolfless child?” My father roared angrily.

I was sitting on the ground with my palms cupping my left cheek that was already red from the slap I received.

“Well, honey…” Alice, my stepmother, patted my father’s back, and continued. “There’s no doubt that she’s more of a disappointment than we expected. However, you have already spoken with Theodore. You know what the plan is for her. In a few days, we’ll have all our financial problems solved, and she’ll be less of a burden to us.”

My father’s frowned face beamed with smiles on hearing what she had said.

“You seem confused, daughter.” My stepmother mocked me. “Honey, why don’t you tell your bastard daughter the good news? I bet she’ll be so pleased to hear that.”

Alice’s smiles got me agitated. If she was so happy about something, then it must be bad news for me.

Squatting down to my level, my father raised his hand and patted my hair.

Then, he said, “You’re going to do a massive job for me. One that will change our lives for good.”

My heart raced faster as I waited impatiently for the sentence.

“You will serve the Alpha of the Red Moon Pack. It looks like he’s in need of a plaything, and he’s willing to pay a lot of money just to obtain you.”

My jaw dropped in shock.

My eyes frantically went back and forth between my father and Alice, his wife. The look on Alice’s face showed nothing but amusement.

My father, I call him father, but he sold me off like I was a commodity. How could he? How could he sell off his child?

I was terrified, speechless and shocked. The Alpha of the Red Moon Pack? The dreaded Alpha? The Alpha who was rumored that he killed his mate, and tore her into pieces?

How could they? How could my family do this to me?

DAPHNE

My pillow was already wet from the tears I was shedding. My hands and legs were chained to the bed, and I couldn’t move.

Today is the day that my buyer was coming to take me far away… to the deadly pack, the Red Moon pack. The dreaded pack all over North-bridge. It was rumored that their Alpha is a monster. He killed three of his Luna's and lived all alone. Worst of all, he never found his mate all these years. Now, my father sold me to him as his slave.

I was still crying my eyes out when the door creaked open, drawing my attention. My eyebrows puckered when I saw Andy and his sister, Chloe at the entrance. I turned my face away, of course they are here to mock me.

“You look quite pathetic, Daphne.” Andy laughed hysterically.

Ignoring him, I continued sobbing quietly. I groaned in pain as Chloe grabbed me by my hair. “Loser! You know your place, don’t you? I’m the favorite daughter of the Beta, and guess what? I’m definitely going to be the Luna of our pack when the Alpha proposes to me. Likewise, I’m sure you don’t know what it means to be treated like a princess.” She laughed mockingly.

“Let…let go of my hands.” I managed to push her away, and my hair fell down my shoulder.

She was about to grab my hair again when Alice’s voice made her change her mind. The door of the room opened and Alice walked in with a bunch of keys.

“What are you guys doing here? And you, Andy, will you stop f****** around with this SL*t? Our distinguished guest is almost here, we can’t keep him waiting.” She scolded him.

Glaring hard at me for the last time, Chloe stormed out of the room.

“Mother, why don’t you find something to entertain yourself with, and stop worrying what the hell I do with her.” He snapped back at her.

“Then, feel free to explain yourself to the Alpha of the Red moon pack.”

Alice knows exactly how to handle her lustful son. This time, Andy didn’t object. I know he isn't concerned with what his mother or father says. He had no respect for anyone! It was just shocking to me that even a monster like him would not dare to disobey the Alpha of the Red Moon Pack.

However, Alice walked to the bed where I was chained, and unlocked the keys to the chain on my feet and on my wrist.

“Go into the bedroom and dress up. The servants will send a dress for you in the next ten minutes. Get ready, our guest is here. Don’t act awkward if you don’t want me to throw your useless, seductress mother’s ashes into the river.” She threatened.

Struggling up from the bed, I walked into the bathroom. My eyes were all swollen. From the bathroom, I heard the bedroom door close.

I turned on the shower, and stood under it as tears poured down my cheeks. I felt so miserable. Then, I heard a faint knock on the door of the bathroom.

“Who’s there?”

“You got lucky, Daphne. This luck will run out eventually though.” It was Andy’s voice. I didn’t reply to him, so he continued. “When the Alpha of the Red Moon Pack is done with you, you’re mine. I’ll make you beg for me to cum on that pretty face of yours.”

I felt so disgusted by his statement that I clenched my fist tight. Well, after his statement, he left the room because I heard the door close.

Eventually, I took my bath as I was instructed and walked out of the bathroom. My eyes narrowed at the sight of the pretty dress on the bed… A strapless black body-con dress. It was embellished with diamond stone all over it. Furthermore, it has an elegant embroidery pattern on it.

I loved everything about this dress.

How could I not? This is the first designer dress that I’ve ever worn. It’s the first gift from my family too… on the day that they sold me off to a cruel alpha for money and power.

As a Beta’s daughter, I was supposed to have been loved, respected and cherished. I would have been spoiled and treated like a princess, and one day, when I was of age, I would meet my mate, wearing this pretty dress.

Probably, my mate would be an Alpha who would declare me his Luna. That would be something a mother and father would be so proud of. Their daughter becomes the queen that she’s meant to be. But here I was… the lowest of them all, not even worth caring for. A motherless omega.

I took off my bathrobe, and stood in front of the vanity mirror. In the reflection, I could see the red sore marks on my neck. My skin was bruised and scarred from years of abuse. My hazel eyes were already swollen from crying.

All I saw in myself was a poor girl who was being sold off like a cheap sheep by her family.

Why did this have to happen to me? What did I ever do to deserve this?

At last, I was able to wear a designer dress like other girls from noble families. But it wasn’t for meeting my mate.

It was for meeting my new master… a dreaded, murderous Alpha.

In a few minutes, I was led out of the house by a group of men. One of them had some discussions with my father and handed him a bag full of dollars. The man was undoubtedly the Beta of the Red Moon Pack.

From a distance, I watched my father and stepmother leap in excitement as they opened the bag of money. They sold me off like a sheep, with no single regret.

“Hey, you move.” One of the men who looked fearful yelled at me. They had a handcuff around my wrist as they led me into the Rolls-Royce. I got into the car and they drove off.

Now, a new chapter of my life is opened.