Chapter 1 | Sold

Penelope

"And next up we have-!"

Every time the door opens for someone else to get in line, I can hear the loud voice of the announcer. My hands shake in nervousness knowing what's going on just outside of my dressing room. 

I take a deep breath as I try to let go of my nerves and I look in the mirror at the reflection of my stylist as she does my hair. She puts it in perfect curls framing my face. She tells me, “Penelope, there’s no reason for you to worry. Look at you! Trust me, you’re going to have a great life. The Academy has trained you to be prepared for this.”

She’s right, they have trained me for this. My whole life I’ve lived at a supernatural boarding school, and they have told me that with my natural beauty, I’m sure to become a star after graduation.

I look in the mirror and stare at my reflection. My teachers often compared me to Snow White. I have a creamy white complexion with no blemishes, my eyes were a bright blue, my nose wasn’t too big or too small, and my lips were a perfect heart shape and I’ve been told that I have a beautiful smile.

The Academy took great care of me. I regularly had teeth whitening treatments, I had a personal trainer to help keep up my slender figure, and honestly, I loved all the attention I got. I’ve had a great life, and it's nerve-wracking to move onto something else and I’m scared to fail. I’ve been told for years that I’m sure to be a successful entertainer that brought in lots of money.

The Academy and all of the people who ever took care of me have such high hopes for what I can accomplish. I only hope that I won't let anyone down.

The woman quits doing my hair and smiles at me through the reflection and says, “Okay, Penelope, I know you’re nervous. But all you must do is wait for them to call on your name and stand on the platform until they tell you to get off. If they instruct you to do anything, then do as they ask. They may want to see you dance or sing or do other things. Just listen to the instructions and then soon enough you’ll be on your way!”

I nod as she leads me towards the line of other students all patiently waiting our turn to be announced for graduation. The door opens and I can hear the announcer giving a description of another student and I get ushered into the line. 

I try not to focus on the announcements that are so loud they make my ears ring. So, instead, I focus on the students in front of me. I find it odd that a lot of them seem to be anxious. No, not anxious, a better word would be- scared. They all seem scared. I don’t really understand why. This is supposed to be an awesome new step for us.

One by one, each person disappears until I’m the next one waiting outside the entrance. I take a deep breath and wipe my sweaty palms on my dress. I wonder what they’re going to ask me to do.

Will they ask me to sing or dance to showcase my talents? Will I be signed by a famous label or agent tonight?

The door opens and I hear my name, “Next up is Penelope Fox!”

I exhale as I walk through the door. There’s a platform and I step up on it and a spotlight shines on me. I give my best smile and force myself to remain still, even though my whole body wants to shake with nervousness.

The announcer says, “Penelope Fox is 17 years old and has not received her wolf yet. But she comes from a line of omegas, and some never received a wolf. She has had a steady and reliable cycle since she started puberty.”

I frown as I try to look over in the voice’s direction, but it’s so dark I can’t see anyone else. All I can see is the bright spotlight.

But why does anyone need to know about my cycle? What does that have to do with being a celebrity?

The man continues on, “As you can see, she has a wonderful body, those hips are perfect for birthing babies or if you don’t want her as a breeder perhaps, you’d be interested in her just for a good time at your beck and call!”

My eyes widen at the thought of this. I’m a virgin, I’m not supposed to be with anyone other than my mate. What is going on? Surely, they’re trying to advertise for the wrong person. I take a step to move off the stage when I hear a voice hiss, “You will stay where you are, Ms. Fox, and you will smile like this is the best fucking day of your life.”

How am I supposed to smile like I’m happy about all of this? This is my worst nightmare.

I gulp as suddenly I see some small green lights appear. Just simple green circle lights. The more the announcer talks and continues to talk about me, the more the lights appear.

Suddenly, a light turns a gold color, and the announcer says, “We have a top bid. Let’s see, we’ve got $75,000 for Penelope Fox going once!”

I gulp as I realize I’m being purchased like an animal.

“Going TWICE!”

Why was I told the details of how grand my life would be? This didn’t even give me an opportunity to be a celebrity.

“Oh! We have a new bid on Penelope for $125,000! Any other bids?”

No more lights show up and some of the green lights disappear as he says, “Going once, going twice, and SOLD to the Moon Stone Pack.”

I get assured off the stage as a numb feeling comes over me. I know nothing about packs. I was always told that I’d be a part of the human world and there was no reason for me to know about packs and their lifestyle.

As someone takes my hand, I murmur, “There must be some mistake.”

“No mistake, Ms. Fox. You were always intended to be sold for sexual purposes. Look at you, miss! You’re gorgeous and that’s the only thing you have to offer here. You are an omega, and you have a high chance for having no wolf. No one would want you for a Luna or a contributing member of their pack. The only thing they’d want you for is for sexual purposes.”

I state, “I was told I’d be a celebrity.”

The man laughs at me and looks back at my serious face and says, “Oh, you weren’t joking. Ms. Fox, that would never happen. They must’ve told you that to make sure you would cooperate. Now, it’s time for you to get changed and meet your new master.”

My eyebrows furrow and I ask, “Why would I get changed?”

“Your new master had certain requests for your outfit and considering how much he’s paying for you. He will get what he wants. Come now, Ms.”

Dread fills my stomach, but who knows what will come of me if I try to run. For now, it’s best to just play along with their rules.