Chapter 2

"You've always been our greatest shame!" Mother spits, slapping me hard across my already bruised face.

My hands snap to the side, throbbing with pain. My eyes water slightly, but I refuse to cradle my cheek. I may be silent but I will never allow them the satisfaction of submission.

"Honey, we're going to be late for our meeting." My father checks his watch, not a flicker of remorse for my bust lip or purple cheek bone.

"Go to fucking school." Mother growls at me, cheeks red with irritation.

"Yes Luna." I whisper, averting my eyes as I scramble away from the wall. As quick as my feet will carry me, I sprint down the stairs, snatching my bag from the bottom on my way out.

Not wanting to deal with anyone today, I pull up my hood and keep my head down, burying my hands into the pockets as I move quickly through the other wolves, unnoticed. I didn't bump into Jackson, so that was a plus.

After my brother left again last week, my parents as usual are taking their loss out on me, like it's somehow my fault he's gone. Usually their beatings last about three weeks before they get over Sebastian.

Only another two weeks to go. I muse with sarcasm, silently.

Classes fly by, even if I wanted to remain seated in the room full of wolves it seems time isn't on my side. The more I thought about going home, dreading seeing my parents again, the faster the time went by. I didn't see Jackson all day, I presume he's either pulling a sick day, or his classes have been switched due to him now being eighteen. It was his birthday yesterday, even though he claims to not want a mate, I know he's lying. I saw the disappointment on his face when he realised his mate isn't in this pack.

By the time I get home, my parents are already inside the house, arguing about another Alpha. I pay no mind to their words, knowing they'll kill me if they suspect me listening.

Placing my bag at the steps, I take off my shoes and head straight through to the kitchen. Like everyday, I scrub my hands with hot soapy water before touching any food.

"We have a guest arriving for dinner tomorrow, another Alpha." Father states as he comes into the kitchen, without mother at his side, a rare sight.

Iturn, slowly meeting his slightly softer gaze. Mother is harsher than him, always has been, although on occasion Alpha has been known to show some kindness.

"I'll make sure to cook extra." I say quietly, looking elsewhere. For a brief moment I want to hug him and never let go, until I recall the soulless eyes that glared at me this morning right before he bust my lip open.

My father hovers, a frown that deepens the longer he says in the kitchen with me. Despite it being clear something is bothering him, I didn't ask what, I didn't care to know.

"This Alpha is powerful, Katalayha, ensure not to anger him." Father tells me, his tone full of warning, somewhat concerned.

What Alpha could possibly have my father worried? Why would he need to warn me not to anger him, I'm not invited to dinner, am n.

"Yes Sir." I nod faintly, not wanting to have two black eyes.

 The second my father leaves, I begin slaving away making dinner. Even after cooking for my parents, and cleaning it all back up, I remain in the kitchen as I prepare certain dishes for tomorrow. My parents don't bother me again, the house so silent that all I have as company is my own breathing.

Welcome to being alone.

The next morning I clean myself up and begin cooking for tonight. Alphas are treated like royalty, especially powerful ones, so they expect to be welcomed with huge amounts of food and drinks. While our usual guests require a meal and desert, Alphas require the full course meal, and more.

spend the entire day preparing desserts, cheesecake and chocolate treasure boxes, which I have to admit I love making. There's also starters, the main course, and obviously the side dishes plus two other options in case he doesn't want the first. No matter the dish, it has to be perfect, fit for a King.

Just asI finish washing my hands, I hear my parents greeting someone at the door, who I presume to be the Alpha. Even though I'm not invited to the table, I'm expected to look the part.

So I cover the piping hot dishes and head upstairs to change, slipping out of my sweatpants and into a pair of black jeans with a light blue knitted jumper, pairing the simple outfit with white leather converse.

Figuring I look presentable, I head back downstairs and begin plating up the starter.

Balancing the dishes in my hands, I carry them through to the dining room where my parents are just sitting down.

'Chilli prawn bruschetta." I murmur to my father, knowing he prefers to know what I'm feeding the guests.

Deep down, my father knows I'm far from the submissive daughter mother wishes me to be. He worries that I might poison his guests, as if I'd like my legs broken in return.

Ignoring the eyes on me, I fill their glasses with wine and exit the room. They're silent as they eat, while I listen for the chatter to start again, I pace back and forth slowly. Even with my own stomach aching from lack of nutrition, I didn't dare take a bite. Should I be late with the next serving, my parents won't be happy. They intend to impress tonight's dinner guests, two large men, wolves, one being another Alpha.

Given that I'm used to tense atmospheres and angry tones, I walk into the dining room without flinching. Approaching my parents first, I place the food on the table and top up their wine glasses.

"The amount is to be paid in full, as agreed months ago." One of the large men says, voice deep with animalistic growls.

"Our funds are currently limited, surely we have something that you might consider instead?" My mother offers.

"We didn't come to negotiate, Mrs Slovak." The voice is rough, dark, eerily calm.

While I know I shouldn't be listening, I couldn't help myself. Since when do my parents owe money to others? I don't recall a moment in my life when I've ever heard of my parents admitting such personal issues.

Grabbing the final two plates, I quickly take them through to the dining room, eyes cast down as I enter the room. I approach the two men that bristle as I near them, as if I'm suddenly a threat. I'll admit, being so close to the strange wolves whilst they internally battle to not rip my parents apart, I could feel my skin crawling.

"My second informed me of your first born, he says it's a female." The same voice speaks, such danger lurking within his smooth tone.

For the briefest moment, my parents are stunned into silence. Knowing I told the previous guest about the first born, I immediately freeze up.

knowing my parents will beat the living shit out of me if they find out. Silently, I wait for the Alpha to rat me out.

"Kataleyha is not worth such a price, allow us to offer something in exchange." My mother is quick to say, shoulders tensing.

My chest aches with familiar pain, knowing my own mother doesn't see me as worthy of anything except slaving after this family. In a way I'm grateful the Alpha isn't taking me easily, but on the other hand it means I'm stuck with mother.

"I want to meet her, to see the truth with my own eyes." The Alpha demands calmly.

The silence is deafening, I could feel my mothers eyes flickering to me, daring me not to say a word. I didn't, too frightened to get involved in what could be such a violent, bloody war.

"Our daughter will be back in a few days, perhaps then." My father tells him.

Slowly I begin to move away from the table, hoping to god that none of them care enough to take notice of me. My parents will be angry I'm still here, and the Alpha won't be happy knowing my parents are lying.

My hope is short lived when someone grabs my wrist, grip like iron, yet warm, rough, painless. Instinctively I yank away, not fond of being grabbed, but the human doesn't even waver.

With wide eyes full of panic, I make the mistake of staring right at my mother, silently begging her for help.

The utter blankness is what hurts most, right now she didn't care to risk herself and the pack for me, her daughter.

"Your deceit has only bought you time. I will take your daughter for myself, in exchange you have three months to repay the debt I am owed." The Alphas dominating voice is lethal, sharp with refrained anger.

My heart races upon hearing his words, palms sweaty with instant panic. The fact that my parents don't even have the guts to argue, only proves how little they care. I've always known they disliked me, but I never thought they'd allow a powerful Alpha to simply take me as his slave.

"Are you sure this is our daughter?" Mother challenges the Alpha, her sharp green eyes amused

The Alpha bristles in his seat, his grip tightening slightly, yet I release no sound of pain.

"You are a mere Luna, a title any common wolf is worthy of. Your daughter however, is a different matter." The Alphas' harsh tone take my mother by surprise.

No one has ever, and I mean never, disregarded my mothers right to the Luna title. Even still, she didn't argue his words because she knows the Alpha is right. As first born, I'm bestowed with all the power that my mother had to mate someone for, technically my mother is below me in every sense.

Would I dare say that to her? Hell no.

"We never liked her much, I suppose this is a kindness." My father sighs, glancing at mother to ensure the feeling is mutual.

I expected such words from Luna, but not from him. I'll admit it stings a little. Am I really that unloveable?

"Three months." The Alpha gripping my wrist warns them both. Just exactly how much do they owe him?

I wanted to open my mouth and say that my parents have another child to give away if they don't make the deadline, but out of concern for my own wellbeing, I keep quiet. Knowing better than to anger another Alpha.

I'm not given the option to say goodbye, or even grab anything personal from my room. The Alpha practically drags me along behind him, still gripping my wrist tightly, forcing me to walk.

Am I supposed to be fighting him? Is there any use?

I've literally been sold by my parents, to a man I know nothing about. The only thing I'm truly curious about, is what the Alpha plans to do with me. Perhaps he wants another maid? Perhaps a chef?

Convincing myself that he merely needs a woman's helping hand, I stiffly follow behind the Alpha, his companion so close on my heels that I could feel him standing on the backs of my heels occasionally. The Alpha stops walking at the end of the busy road, right next to a huge black Bentley with tinted windows.

I didn't get the chance to admire it, the Alpha tosses me in the back with the other large man, slamming the door behind us.