CHAPTER 4

Tristan

"If you don't have an heir soon, the pack may begin to lose faith in you." 

The words of my Beta and good friend, Michael, rang in my ears again as I sat in the large auction room. 

I shouldn't be here but I had to be. Michael had assured me it was the one place I would find a solution to my problem. 

But I was equally shocked to see Alpha's from different packs in the same room, eagerly waiting for the event to start. Could it be that I wasn't the only one with my problem? Or were they just seeking some young bodies to ravage?

"I don't like this place." I whispered to Michael who was sitting beside me. "I wish to leave." 

But Michael disagreed with me. 

"Alpha, this is the best place to get you a breeder. Remember that we don't have a choice." 

Of course, I was unaware I had no other choice. Unlike other Alpha's and werewolves who were blessed with the gift of sensing their mates, I couldn't do that. I didn't want to be in a place which reminded me of my predicament but circumstances forced me to. 

I was cursed. Cursed to never feel the joy of finding one's true mate. I was trapped in a world of loneliness and shame, everyday a constant reminder that the moon goddess despised me. 

Even as the Alpha of a large pack, I was stripped of my joy and desire to procreate. I could never feel the euphoria that accompanied the discovery of one's mate. Instead, my heart was burdened with misery. I was filled with an ache to find she that is meant for me. An ache that made it impossible for me to be satisfied by the physical qualities of women. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't form a deep connection with any woman. 

Michael suggested that a breeder was the only way I could have an heir for the pack. He said that I didn't have to form an emotional connection with the breeder because her sole purpose was to birth children. I didn't know how possible it could be but I was willing to try it. 

Time wasn't on my side anymore and I knew that I had to secure my bloodline. Pressure from all sides of the pack was mounting on me and it was driving me crazy. Why would the moon goddess choose to punish me this way? Why would fate decide to deprive me of the one thing I desired the most? 

As murmurs grew louder within the room, my attention was drawn back to the present. The auction was about to commence, and my gaze swept across the array of anxious faces. Each Alpha gave out an aura of power and authority, and I wondered if any of them faced a similar predicament as mine.

"How did you discover this place?" I asked Michael, who had made the reservation for the event. "I hope fate will lead me to a woman who will fulfill my needs." 

"Oh, it's a very popular auction here, Tristan,” Michael replied. "When I realized our alternatives were not working out, I decided to try this place." 

His words reminded me once again that I had done everything possible to break the curse and find my mate but I had failed. I was suddenly filled with dread as the possibility of not finding a woman to satisfy my needs flitted into my head. 

My impatience rose at my core. Time was not on my side, and the weight of responsibility as an Alpha King bore down upon me, fueling my determination to find a woman capable of birthing me a son. 

Adjusting my position on my seat, a surge of frustration mingled with a glimmer of hope coursed through me. Hope that among these candidates, perhaps I will discover the one who could fill the void in my heart. That, I would break free from the curse that has haunted me for far too long. 

I took a deep breath and steadied my emotions, preparing myself for the spectacle that was about to unfold. 

The auctioneer ascended the stage, commanding the undivided attention of the room. The first group of women was summoned, and the bidding commenced.

I settled into my seat, my focus fixed on the platform where the auctioneer stood, ready to present the line of women to the already eager audience. The announcer's voice resonated, capturing the room's collective attention as he called each woman's name, one by one.

"Welcome gentlemen," the auctioneer began. "I believe you all will leave here with one of our priceless girls. Get your bids ready and prepare to feast your eyes." 

"It's about to begin," Michael whispered to me and I nodded. 

"To begin this lovely auction, we have the very beautiful Mathilda." The auctioneer announced. "With great hips for children and a charming smile, I believe she is worth your every penny. Let the bid begin." 

Several hands shot up as different Alpha's desired to claim Mathilda as theirs. 

"20,000 moon coins." 

"40,000 moon coins." 

The number climbed higher and higher until she was sold to the highest bidder. 

The next girl was called to the stage and the same thing happened. She was introduced to the hungry Alpha's in the room and her best qualities as a woman were named out. After several bids, she was sold to the highest bidder.

"Next, we have a very young one. Her name is Maria." The auctioneer announced. "She may look timid but she's one fierce one. Let the bid begin." 

I watched as hands shot up to bid on a young girl no more than seventeen years old. It was shocking to see men of power and influence compete against each other for women. 

The auction continued for several minutes and each girl was sold for quite a high amount of money. But despite the number of girls who had appeared on the stage, none of them appealed to me. 

I couldn't deny that some of them were remarkably beautiful and had great qualities. But I was seeking more than physical perfection and attributes. I was seeking a connection, one that might be capable of breaking my curse. 

Despite all that Michael said, I needed the mother of my child to have a connection with me. But the girls who were paraded on stage had nothing of that. 

I turned to Michael who looked displeased by my lack of interest. 

"None of these girls captivate my attention." I said, shaking my head. "I'm not merely seeking a breeder but someone who will captivate my heart." 

Michael sighed. "Let's be patient. The auction isn't over yet. We have tried out different alternatives but I feel like this one will have a better result." 

I leaned back on my seat as I gave into Michael's words. It wouldn't hurt to stay till the end of the auction. 

"Our next girl is a rare gem and I hope you all are ready with your bids." The auctioneer announced, but I was bored. 

"Let's welcome, Fiona."

Silence crept around the room as a young dazzling girl walked to the stage. Despite my attempt to regain my composure, I was briefly lost. Her presence was electrifying and her aura was intense. 

I stared at her, from her creamy golden hair which fell carelessly across her face, to her electrifying blue eyes which seemed to draw me in like a charm. She looked delicate like she was made from the finest cast. 

As if she sensed like I was staring at her, she glanced up and our eyes met. Immediately, I felt like my heart would jump out of my chest. For the first time in several years, my wolf stirred with desire. I knew it immediately; she was the one I was searching for. 

"Let the bid begin!" The auctioneer announced. 

Before I could wrap my head around what was happening, several hands were shooting up, declaring large amount of money for her. It seemed like I wasn't the only one captivated by her beauty. 

"100,000 moon coins!" One of the Alpha's behind me yelled, rising from his seat. 

"150,000 moon coins!" Another followed. 

The bid continued to rise and I knew that if I didn't place a bid, I could lose her to someone else. 

My eyes fell on her once more. I could see how terrified she was of the hungry men demanding for her body. But she deserved to be protected and I was going to protect her. 

"300,000 moon coins!" Another Alpha yelled, snapping me back to reality. 

Without any hesitation, I rose from my seat. "700,000 moon coins!" I said calmly and a loud gasp escaped the crowd. 

All eyes turned to me as I sat back gently. Michael was staring at me like I had grown a second head but none of that was of concern to me.

The auctioneer, shocked by the bid I placed, remained frozen for some seconds before regaining his composure. 

"700,000 moon coins going once, going twice.....Sold!"

And then she turned to me with shock and tears in her eyes. I knew I had made the right choice. She was mine.