The final gravel stuck and one of the council members whose name I didn’t know took behind the podium, "Respected Alphas and Betas,” his voice boomed, cutting through the whispers, “The auction has reached its conclusion," he declared, his tone devoid of warmth.

"I trust our tradition will ensure the survival and prosperity of the werewolf species. Until we convene again next year, the event stands adjourned."

Once the council members finished their meeting and exited the hall, it was time for the buyers to lead their chosen omegas out. They took the reins, and the hall began to empty. As everyone left, they shot curious glances my way.

Some buyers shot me curious looks, some eyes raked from my head to my bare toes, and some lingered on my breasts- they were practically undressing me from their eyes. Whereas, most of the other omega girls shot me annoyed looks and some felt pity.

Ignoring everyone, I lingered in place, watching all the girls depart, feeling a bit lost. What should I do now?

Surveying the once-occupied seats, I noticed they were now vacant, and I found myself alone. As I wondered what to do next, a figure emerged from the shadows. I squinted, trying to identify the person stepping into view.

"Are you planning to stand here all night?" His voice was sharp, giving off an air of indifference.

As he strolled closer, a shadowy tendril unwound from around him, revealing him in clearer detail. Suddenly, I found myself struggling to swallow as my mouth went dry. I locked my jaw to keep it from tumbling to the floor at the sight of him.

Tough.

That's the word that described him. It was the first thing you noticed - a rugged, sculpted face with sharp features. His expression wasn't gentle; it seemed as if his face had been carved from solid rock. With hair as dark as midnight, he sported a clean-shaven look. And then, there were his eyes... frigid, piercing arctic blue eyes, staring deep into my soul.

In a matter of seconds, he positioned himself right in front of me. I craned my neck slightly to maintain eye contact, trying not to be intimidated by his imposing stature. 

He stood tall with an impressive muscular build, and though he wore a knee-length royal blue trench coat, I could still see a tattoo covering the back of his hand, the platinum rings he wore, and his dark eyes analyzed me as though I were his target.

As an omega, I wasn't exactly petite, but my 5 feet 6 inches felt pretty darn short next to his towering 6 feet 5 inches, if I guessed correctly.

He had the kind of height usually reserved for Alphas, and there he was, the one who must've claimed me, or else, why bother talking to me? 

The elders always drilled into us the rule of never making eye contact with an Alpha, but I couldn't help but find it nearly impossible.

His gaze wasn't just captivating in color; it was downright mesmerizing. The sheer beauty of his eyes was electrifying in every sense.

Adding to the distraction, he was undeniably good-looking. His lush lashes and plump lips could easily ensnare anyone. It was no surprise that omega girls aspired to be flawless pets, yearning to become the devoted subjects of an Alpha.

I couldn't help but stare, my eyes fixed on Alpha Zion like I was some kind of crazed omega. It was the first time I had ever laid eyes on him.

Alpha Zion raised an eyebrow at my intense gaze. "Have you done ogling?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his deep voice. 

"I wasn't ogling!" I retorted, rolling my eyes defensively.

The moment the words left my mouth, I regretted it. I instinctively covered my mouth with my chained hand, realizing that I had just spoken out loud to the Alpha. Panic settled in my gut; why the hell did I say it out loud?!

Well, in my defense, he did ask me a question.

Alpha Zion's piercing gaze bore into me, and I braced myself for whatever consequences awaited me.

I was taken aback when his lips twisted into a wicked grin. He shifted his attention to another person, asking, "Cillian, what's your take? I think she'd make a fine servant."

His deep voice resonated through the air, making my heartbeat quicken involuntarily. His broad shoulders and commanding presence made it clear that he was used to being in control.

Wait, I thought we were the only ones here.

"Yes, Alpha," replied Beta Cillian, emerging from the shadows.

"Release her," ordered Alpha Zion.

I glanced at Beta Cillian, who confidently walked toward the wall where the chains held me captive.

I scoffed, thinking, as if we'd actually try to escape.

The Alpha standing next to me casually ran his fingers through my hair, sending a chill down my spine. "You've got some guts for an omega. Turning your back on me wasn't the smartest move," he remarked.

Unable to resist, I rolled my eyes. 

This! This bloody attitude had always been the first thing I hated about them, and well, screw him!

Without a second thought, I pivoted and spat defiantly in his face. "I'm not afraid of you. Go to hell.

A low chorus of growls echoed in the room, making me momentarily freeze. How many wolves were concealed in the shadows, precisely?

And what the heck had I just gotten myself into?

Alpha Zion gawked at me, clearly struggling to process the fact that an omega dared to spit in his face.

Damn, maybe I shouldn't have done that.

"You shouldn't have," he said in a deep, husky voice, wiping his face with a swift motion.

I felt my face drop almost to the floor. What shouldn't I have done?

I shook my head; he couldn't possibly know what was going on in my mind. After all, werewolves can't read thoughts, right? Or could they?

Darn it! I really should've paid more attention in Alphas 101 history class. Can't recall exactly what he was capable of.

I was totally confused, just losing it.

Then he hit me with this amazing smile, and I swear my heart skipped a beat.

"You see, little omega," In a deep, menacing tone, he spoke, "I'd love nothing more than tearing your heart out and munching on your liver. But there's just one tiny obstacle in my way."

He forcefully yanked my sheer dress away, leaving me standing in my black undergarments, and a surge of adrenaline sent chills down my spine.

"You jerk!" I shouted, pounding on his chest. It felt like my fists were hitting a solid wall.

"Fuck!"A sharp pain shot through my fist when my first punch connected. 

He forcefully grabbed my wrist, pulling me closer, his eyes hooded with anger when he angrily cupped my breast tightly.

The wolves around us purred, except for one. I couldn't tell which one, but I was certain I heard a low growl.

Alpha Zion's hand encroached upon my chest, his fingers gently squeezing my nipple through my bra. 

A shiver ran down my spine as his cold, calculated laugh reverberated, instilling fear deep within me. Tears welled up and streamed down my face, feeling violated.

No, not again! No, no, no ...

Suddenly, Alpha Zion halted and then forcefully shoved me to the ground. The impact jarred through my body.

"I haven’t paid a hefty sum for this omega just to see a mouth on her," he declared, his voice dripping with arrogance.

A menacing figure in the group chuckled, "I'd love to break her for you, Alpha."

"We could just heal her and break her again until she gives in," chimed in someone else.

I saw them stroll into the light, a group of ten. Their faces were twisted with malice.

This couldn't be real; I couldn't let them break me.

"I would never give in to any of your twisted demands!" I shouted defiantly.

They erupted into laughter together. It was the scariest that had ever hit my ears, I swear I could feel the walls around me trembling.

Alpha Zion at my side grabbed me roughly by the hair.

His eyes gleamed golden as he declared, "You're going to be my slave, doing whatever I want. I'll shatter your mind, play twisted games, and enjoy every inch of that tempting body whenever I desire."

Another menacing growl echoed in the background, but I brushed off the rising anger within me.

This wasn't the day I had expected to meet my end; instead, I found myself named as one of these lunatics' chosen slaves. I refused to let them strip away my right to die on my terms. If it meant taking extreme measures to ensure my own demise, then so be it.

I squared my shoulders, meeting his gaze with determination. "There's no way you'll break me," I retorted.

A sinister grin played on his lips as he advanced, tracing a finger along my cheek. "We'll see about that," he whispered, his grip tightening.

"Get up!" Alpha Zion barked, his voice cutting through the tension in the air.

Reluctance coursed through me, but the thought of his pack wolves' predatory gazes compelled me to comply. I rose to my feet, creating some distance between Alpha Zion and myself.

As I turned, a sudden yelp escaped me when I found another Alpha blocking my way. His presence was as surprising as it was imposing.

The intensity of his icy grey eyes froze me in place. Caught off guard, I instinctively took a step back.

This Alpha, equally handsome as Alpha Zion, studied my expression as if we were equals. Lost in his penetrating stare, I felt a shiver down my spine.

With a fluid motion, he removed his long black trench coat and draped it over my shoulders. "I won't let him keep you for long, little one. That's my promise," he declared in a voice as cold and smooth as his gaze.

I noticed a few grey hairs in his well-kept facial hair, perfectly complementing his dark hair. 

"Who are you?" I blurted out, my curiosity getting the better of me.

He remained surprisingly composed, with not a hint of irritation. "I'm Alpha Orion Blackthorn of Crimson Eclipse Pack," he calmly introduced himself.