Rein's Pov
The inside of the sleek black vehicle was too quiet for comfort. No words were uttered since they shoved me inside. Two guards were seated at the front while I was at the back seat, shackled with chains, dressed in almost nothing but a thin, nearly transparent white cloth that offered no warmth or dignity.
I pressed my head against the window, watching the trees blur as the car moved. The last event of that auction flashed through my eyes—those eyes. The man who uttered the word "Mine" like I was his prized possession.
My stomach churned.
I was bought.
They really bought me.
For what? Breeding.
I still did not know who I was. What they saw in me. But if the whispers and lip-reading were right, they believed I was a fertile female wolf. Something valuable.
I touched the collar wrapped around my neck. It felt cold. Not willing to give up, I had tried desperately to scream and escape, but the auctioneer injected something into my neck that silenced my voice and weakened my limbs.
Now I was mute, unable to move.
But my mind was raging.
The vehicle slowed down. I sat upright, and the sight of a worn-out gate came into view. Statues of little wolves were placed side by side along the gate. Beyond it was a mansion that looked like a dark castle—elegant but imposing.
As the gate creaked open and the car drove through, I could feel it—that energy.
Power, dominance, and something ancient.
I was not just entering an ordinary estate.
I was entering their den.
The car stopped, and one of the guards stepped out and opened my door. But I did not come out. I was not stupid.
"Out," he said.
I hesitated.
He grabbed my hand and pulled me out roughly. I almost fell to my knees, but I stubbornly stood on my feet—just barely.
Another figure came out from the doorway. Tall, broad-shouldered, with blonde hair. His golden eyes locked onto me. A different Alpha from the one who bought me.
"Good day, Alpha jake," the guard said, bowing in respect.
Another Alpha.
"I see they brought her," he said, his voice low and disinterested. "Where is Fred?"
Fred.
I wondered who that was. Was he the Alpha that purchased me?
The guard answered, "He is in the council chamber. We were asked to bring her in, clean her, and prepare her room."
The blonde Alpha scoffed. "Room? You mean a cage?"
My hand clenched unconsciously upon hearing that.
He turned his gaze to me, assessing me not in a lustful way, more like he was evaluating a tool.
"Come on, breeder."
Breeder.
The word echoed in my head like a never-ending nightmare.
I did not move. I could not.
He stepped slowly towards me. "You can walk, or I will drag you."
A moment passed. Then I lifted my foot, one step after another.
The inside of the mansion was more than I imagined. A grand chandelier. Marble floors. Everything looked like it belonged in a palace.
I was led down the corridor to the side wing. A woman stood there as if awaiting my arrival. Looking at her, I assumed she was a maid; pale-haired with a stern face.
"Undress her. Give her a bath, and also check for marks on her body," the blonde Alpha ordered before leaving.
Wait.
Check for which marks? Was I some kind of product to be inspected?
The woman gave a stern look. "You heard him."
I shook my head, stepping back in fright.
Seeing my reaction, she sighed and shook her head as if I were a child misbehaving.
"You will make this harder than it is supposed to be."
She signaled to the other maid. They grabbed me.
For the first time since I entered the vehicle, I found strength. I struggled, kicked, and screamed until my voice was lost and cracked.
But they were trained and strong. They knew how to handle unwilling people.
Cold water and harsh scrubs. They stripped and bathed me, examined every little inch of my body.
"She is really unmarked," one whispered.
"Not a scar, not a brand."
"Too pretty to waste."
When they finished, they dressed me in a thin cream gown. No shoes, just chains.
Then I was led again, this time upstairs. It was another hallway, but this one was darker and more secluded.
The maid opened the door. Inside was a chamber. I could not call it a room or prison cell. It had a bed, a chair, and a locked window. No personal items.
The maid motioned for me to enter. With hesitation, I stepped in. Then she closed the door behind me.
I did not hear a click, but I knew deep down I was trapped. I curled onto the bed, hugging myself for comfort.
My thoughts were filled with different questions. How did I get here? Why me? And what made them think I could give them what they wanted?
Hours passed or maybe minutes. I did not know. Time no longer meant anything to me.
The door opened. Hearing footsteps, I looked up and then I saw him.
The one who purchased me. He was more intimidating up close. Sharp cheekbones. Silver eyes. Dark hair swept back like a crown. He walked in with quiet authority, and the air shifted.
He stood at the edge of my bed, his gaze scrutinizing me. "I am Fred," he said, his voice low and smooth.
But I did not respond, which he did not seem bothered by.
"You will be living here from now on."
Hearing this, I swallowed hard.
He studied me not with the gaze of a man admiring a woman, but like someone observing prey before the attack.
"We need heirs," he continued. "Your genes have been tested. Your fertility rate is higher."
I stared at him. I could not see any emotions. No sympathy. Just facts.
"You will meet my brothers soon. Each will spend time with you until you are able to sire one of our cubs."
My stomach churned.
"I am not an animal," I finally found my voice to express myself, even though it trembled.
He raised a brow. "I can see that. But you are something rarer."
After he was done, he turned to leave.
"You cannot just leave me here," I said, jumping to my feet though I could not do much because of the chains that bound me.
He paused. "Yes, I can."
Without hesitation, he left.
The door closed, followed by a soft click.
I collapsed back on the bed.
Trapped.
Alone.
I looked up at the ceiling and I swore to myself, I would find my way out.
Even if it killed me.