MAVERICK POV

"You did so well, my man," Rowan said to me. He gave me a light pat on the shoulder, and I nodded at him.

"Make sure you instruct the maid on what to do. I don't want anything to go out of plan. This must go as planned," I instructed him, and he nodded.

"You should trust me by now. I'll do exactly what you tell me to do," Rowan said. I dismissed him and headed back to my study, where Willow was still waiting.

I had to leave her there 'cause I needed this rejection to be done on time. I hated the fact that I was thinking about her while having sex with Willow. This shouldn't be happening. I'm no weak alpha.

It's best I show her my wrath and that is by rejecting her so she won't think she's that important. Besides, she's the enemy's daughter. She'd be better off sold off.

***

The next day,the pack is aware of the auction happening this evening. They are all meant to be in their respective homes while that is in process.

There was a knock on my door. I glared at the door and then answered, "Come in."

Mother walked in with her maids. She stared at me like she found out something I did.

"I heard."

I gave her a look. "Heard what, Mother? What is it you heard?"

She scoffed. "I'm your mother, Maverick. There's nothing you can do about that. It's high time you realized you're stuck with me until I leave this world."

I rolled my eyes at her. "What is it, Mother?"

"I heard about your mate ,the one you rejected," she said, and I glared at her.

"Who told you this? I thought I warned Rowan not to tell anyone about this."

She shrugged. "I'm still the queen, so I have every right to know what's going on. What is wrong with you, son? Why did you reject her? What is going on?"

I heaved a sigh. "Mom, please. I don't have time for this. I have important things to take care of. This isn't part of my plans today."

She scoffed. "But you are my main concern. You know how much I longed for a mate for you  but now that you've found her, you rejected her? Why? Where is she?"

I stood up and paced the room. "It's about time you stop this nonsense, Mom. I don't want you talking about her anymore."

She still stood her ground."You think this will end here? You're about to start a war you can't finish, son. Remember the prophecy? Remember what the Moon Goddess said about your mate?"

I rolled my eyes. "I don't believe a word that woman says. Just leave me alone, will you? How many times do I have to repeat myself? I don't want a mate. I don't need one."

"There are many women out there. I can get anyone I want when I need one," I said, and she seemed flabbergasted.

She had unshed tears in her eyes."When will you stop this nonsense? I thought you would've changed your mind by now, but you haven't changed at all."

"I don't plan on changing my mind. This will continue to go on this way. So stop this nonsense. If I were you, I'd leave this minute, 'cause nothing will make me change my mind. I don't plan to."

Mom had no choice. She nodded. "Fine, then. This is what you want, right? Then I'll let you have it your way."

She left the room, and I released a sigh I didn't know I was holding. Mom is too much to handle. She always gets in my business. I don't need a mate. I don't need one. I've been doing good all on my own before a mate came into the picture. So why does she think I still need one?

I huffed and picked up the remaining glass of alcohol on my table. I downed it in one go. I angrily left the room to see how the preparations were going. It's best I sell her off right on time. There's no need to waste any time. She'll be the first item I sell.

It's going to be the fastest auction ever.

****

PIPER

Two maids came in earlier and asked me to take a bath. I tried to ask them questions, but they refused to answer. It was as if the alpha had told them not to say a word to me they weren't saying anything.

They told me to dress up, and that's what I was doing right now. One of them helped zip my dress while the other one was putting on my jewelry. I wondered what this occasion was all about.

Why are they dressing me up like a princess? Is the alpha reconsidering his decision to reject me? Is he planning to go on a date or something? I wondered.

The thought of going on a date with that gorgeous man makes me blush. For some reason, I should be angry at him, but I find myself getting drawn to him even more. The way his dark eyes stared at me did things to my heart.

His voice alone was like a melody to my ears. Shouldn't I be worried right now? Was I supposed to be having these kinds of thoughts about him? Am I supposed to? I thought the bond had broken so why do I still fantasize about him?

I think I must be going crazy.

"Done," was the first word the maid said since they came in.

I took my time staring at the mirror, and I must say, I look beautiful. I've never looked this good. Yes, I've dressed up most of the time at home, but this was just different. There was this butterfly feeling in my belly.

What will the alpha think of me when he sees me? Will he change his mind? What is wrong with me? I think I need to stop.

The door burst open right on time, and the man who was with the alpha the other day walked in. He had a satisfied look on his face when he rested his eyes on me. He looked down at my outfit and let out a whistle.

My heart was racing because now I was starting to feel that something I wouldn't like was about to happen.

"It's time," he said. "Let's go."

He stretched out his hand for me to take, and I took it out of fear. I feared he might hurt me if I didn't comply.

I had so many things I wanted to ask him. I didn't know how he would take it. Would he even answer me? That's the real question.

I was led down a hallway. There was something strange about the whole thing. We walked through the back door, and I was already hearing voices. I didn't know where the voice was coming from, but we would find out soon.

I was led to a room. There, I saw many other ladies dressed like me. Now I was beginning to worry. This doesn't look right at all.

As if he knew I was about to ask a question, he said,

"You aren't a special princess. Don't think you'll be treated like your father here. Now go inside and do as you're told. If you dare try anything silly, trust me, I'll be the one ending your life."

There was fear in my eyes. I nodded and did as I was told. I went ahead and joined the other ladies. They all looked so scared too. Why am I here? What did I do wrong? These are all the questions I need answers to, but no one is ready to answer me. No one wants to answer me.

The ladies stared at me, and I didn't know what to do, so I just stood there like a statue until I was called. Well, that's what that man said earlier that I would be called.

Inside the room, there was another door, and a man walked in holding a paper. He read its contents and then called,

"Piper."

My heart started to race. "I'm here."

He gave me a once-over and then said, "Come here."

I went to him. He asked me to follow him. I did as I was told. He directed me out of the room and through another door. He gave me a mask to put on, which I wore. He held my hand and led me through the next door, which led straight to a stage.

That's when I realized what was going on.

There were lots of people in the room. This didn't look like a normal gathering. Then I saw them holding signs indicating amounts.

This is an auction house.I can't believe I'm about to get sold.