Chapter 2 - TO BE SOLD TO THE ROGUE ALPHA KING

Bella's POV

I stopped in my tracks and observed the classy vehicles as they slid past the packhouse of the Alpha. I was perplexed by the disparity as our family could not afford such vehicles.

A peculiar and potent aura permeated the air, and it made me feel uncomfortable. I was curious to find out more even if I wasn't sure where it came from.

Slowing my pace, I cautiously approached the sitting room, drawn by the sound of my Uncle's voice echoing from within.

"In a few days, she would be out of our way for good," Alpha Rowan's words sliced through the air, dripping with contempt. The realization that they were discussing me sent a jolt of fear coursing through my veins.

My heart hammered against my chest as I struggled to maintain a facade of calmness, desperate to grasp the full extent of their conversation.

"After she’s been picked up, we’ll have the money and the pack will not face any more attacks by the rogues. Two birds, one stone," Alpha Rowan's callous words echoed in the room, further fueling my disbelief and fear.

What could they possibly be planning? I moved closer to the door as curiosity got the best of me.  

Before I could process their words fully, a voice from behind shattered the tense silence—Malia.

“I guess you are eavesdropping again, huh?" Her sneer dripped with malice.

Her presence only heightened my sense of dread. It was clear she despised me, coveting everything that belonged to me

I tried not to look directly into Malia's penetrating eyes, but it felt pointless. I felt the weight of my uncle's commanding voice echoing through the room, sending chills down my spine, and my heart sank.

"Bella!" he called and I responded in fear. "Alpha," My anxiety simply increased in response to Alpha Rowan's firm tone. I tried to run away out of instinct because I sensed trouble was coming. But Malia shoved the door open and tightened her grasp around my hand, stopping me before I could get away."Alpha..." I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself against the mounting wave of anxiety, but my voice quivered. I was afraid of the looks of judgment from the others in the room, so I dared not meet their stare.

"I told you she is a snitch, hiding and eavesdropping on our conversation, she should be punished, Father," Malia's words cut through the air like knives, her sneer twisting her features with malice.

The accusation sent a shockwave of fear through me, but I couldn't let them believe such falsehoods. "I swear by the moon goddess, Alpha, I didn’t do it," I pleaded, tears welling in my eyes as I denied the accusation. 

But before I could say another word, I felt a quick slap send me flying to the ground, followed by a burning pain that exploded across my face. My uncle's angry yells blended with my ferocious roars, drowning out my calls for help.

"No, I apologize. I'm sorry. Please pardon me. Please make it stop." I begged curling into a ball on the ground, my hands up in a weak attempt to protect myself from the unrelenting barrage of blows, I begged. But the beating went on viciously, and my cries went unanswered. 

"Uncle… Please stop…" I begged through the haze of agony, my vision blurring as the pain became unbearable. But my pleas fell on deaf ears, drowned out by Alpha Rowan's relentless rage.

Luna Liza, my stepmother, attempted to intervene out of her selfish interest with an evil smirk on her face. "Just leave her be, Rowan… she's going to die if you continue this way. And if she does, how are we going to get the money and seal the deal we bargained for with the rogue Alpha, Draco?" Her words were a thorn in my flesh but Alpha Rowan remained unmoved.

"She lacks manners and I have to teach her some manners. Of what purpose is her existence to this family?" Alpha Rowan's words dripped with venomous rage, sending a chill down my spine.

Slumped against the wall, I watched my uncle with terror, dreading the possibility of another blow. But before he could strike again, Clark's voice pierced the air, interrupting his father's fury.

"Well, father," Clark's tone was filled with smug confidence. "She is of importance to us right now. You know what the plans are. In a few days, we’ll be paid a significant amount of money, we will acquire the protection for the pack, and most of all, she will no longer be a concern to us. Just like Mother had said." His grin sent a shiver down my spine, his words chilling me to the core.

Alpha Rowan's expression shifted from fury to amusement, his features contorted into a sinister smile. It was then that I realized the true extent of their betrayal and the cruel fate that awaited me. 

"You seem confused, Cousin," Malia's gentle grin sent a chill down my spine, her words dripping with malice. "Why don’t you tell her dad? I think she would love the news."

Startled by their sudden change in demeanor, I leaned back against the wall, a cold knot of dread forming in my stomach. If Alpha Rowan and Malia were both grinning, it could only mean trouble.

Alpha Rowan loomed closer, his face contorted into a menacing sneer as he raised my chin, revealing his extended fangs. Fear coursed through me, paralyzing me with terror.

With a hint of venom in his voice, Alpha Rowan said, "You are going to carry out a little task for me," which made me shudder. "One that will be of help to all of us."

His remarks made my head spin because I couldn't believe the severity of what he was proposing. Alpha Draco of the Valeshade pack's personal maid? I was terrified at the very concept.

"Uncle!" With fear and indignation in my voice, I let out a cry.

But my protests fell on deaf ears as Alpha Rowan continued, his tone chillingly indifferent to my distress. My stepmother's gaze met mine briefly, filled with happiness and joy before she turned away in satisfaction. 

I was left alone, trapped in a nightmare from which there seemed to be no escape. The realization of my fate sank in, leaving me feeling utterly helpless and alone.