Auctioned To The Rogue King

CHAPTER ONE

HAZEL PRATT

A sudden cascade of cold liquid jolted me from my sleep, leaving me disoriented and staring in shock at my soaked dress. Was there a leak in the ceiling? Was it raining?

"Sleep, that's all she ever does. When will you ever get your work complete? We don't have all day!" Lucian's voice cut through the confusion, making me shrink back in fear.

It hadn't rained. It was my stepfather, Lucian. He hurled the bucket he had been holding, striking me squarely in the stomach. I winced in pain.

"There's work to be done!" he barked. "Yet you lay here shamelessly and even dare to sleep."

I glanced around the workload in the kitchen and wondered how they got there. The piles of plates, the soup stains on the floor, flour on the table and soiled dish cloths. I could swear I had tidied up the place before sitting down to rest. Then I may have fallen asleep in the process

But one thing I was certain of was that, I had cleaned up earlier, else how would I dare sleep?

"I-I'm sorry," I stammered, trying to pull myself together. "I didn't mean to fall asleep."

"I'm not your father," he spat and stared at me with disgust. "Don't you know what time it is? Look at all the mess around."

"I cleaned up this morning," I tried to explain.

He glared daggers at me. "Is that so? Then how are all these, here? Who used them? Is it me?" He demanded in a cold tone.

I swallowed and kept mute. How would I explain to him that I had cleaned up and I had no idea how all these happened.

"Answer me!" He snapped.

A lump formed in my throat but I still couldn't find the right words to say. He would never believe me anyways.

Lucian approached me and slapped me hard on the face. "I have told you countless times, to never keep silent whenever I'm asking you questions."

The tears that had been pricking the corners of my eyes dropped effortlessly and slipped down my cheek. As much as it stung, I couldn't dare place my hand on it or he would slap me twice.

"You have just one job," Aurora, my step sister, said as she came into view. "Tidy up. That's all papa asks of you and you still can't do it well enough."

Anger flashed in my eyes as she stared at me, a mischievous glint dancing in her eyes. It was her who had created the mess. That, I was sure of.

"What are you waiting for?" Lucian demanded. "Do you want me to lash you with the whip before you do the right thing?"

"I'm sorry," I apologised hastily and grabbed a broom. "I'll get busy now. I'll clean the mess."

Lucian sneered, his face twisted with contempt. "You should be sorry for your life. You're useless, just like your mother was."

His words were a dagger to my heart, the pain fresh every time he spoke of her with such disdain.

Since my mother's death, Lucian had discarded any pretence of kindness. I was nothing more than a servant in my own home, forced to do all the house chores.

No one knew my true identity, because I was never introduced to anyone as his daughter. Back then when I was younger, I used to think he was protecting me, at least that's what he told me .

I used to ask my mother why she and Lucian never introduced me to their friends but all they would say to me is that they are trying to keep me safe from the evil of the world.

But they lied. They weren't protecting me. They were embarrassed to have a weakling for a child. It became obvious as I grew.

"Soon, it will be over," I whispered silently to myself.

It was more of a manifestation than a comfort. In two days I would be eighteen and I would finally have my wolf. Then my life will fall in place as mom had assured. I would get married to the Alpha King and that would be the end of my suffering.

For now, I had to endure.

"Have you told her?" Aurora asked her father, staining the place I had just wiped with her filthy shoes.

My ear perked up at her statement. What could she be hinting at? I was so curious to find out that I forgot I wanted to yell at her for leaving muddy trails on the kitchen floor.

"What is that?" I asked softly.

Aurora grinned. Her very irritating malicious grin sent shivers down my spine and I could tell it wasn't something good. My heart thumped loudly in my chest as I glanced from her to Lucian, waiting for either of them to say something.

"What's going on?" I pressed, trying to keep my tone low.

"You didn't know?" She teased.

This girl was dumb. If I knew, would I ask her?

I shook my head. "No I don't."

She squealed in excitement. "I guess that's my father's news to tell."

As I scrubbed the floor, Lucian's shadow loomed over me. "I have news," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "Your sister will be marrying the Alpha."

I froze, the scrubbing brush slipping from my hand. "What? But it was supposed to be me..."

Lucian's laughter echoed through the room, cold and cruel. "You? Marry the Alpha? Don't make me laugh. You're not fit to shine his shoes."

Tears welled up in my eyes, but I fought them back, refusing to give him the satisfaction. "What will happen to me?"

A sinister smile spread across his face. "I have a better offer for you. The Rogue King has agreed to take you in exchange for a debt I owe him."

My blood ran cold. The Rogue King was notorious, a monster who ruled through fear and cruelty. "You can't do this," I whispered, my voice trembling.

Lucian grabbed my chin, forcing me to look into his eyes. "Oh, but I can. And I will. You're nothing to me. Just a means to an end."

Panic surged through me as his words sank in. I was being sold like a piece of property to a man who was known for his brutality. The room spun as I tried to process the nightmare that had become my reality.

Lucian released me with a shove, and I stumbled back, struggling to stay on my feet. "Pack your things," he ordered. "You leave tonight."

****

Tears streamed down my face as I began to pack up my clothes into a small bag. I didn't have a lot so the little would do. I don't know how long I had been crying but the migraine in my forehead could tell It had been for a long while.

I had been denied my position because my mother was no longer alive. I was the chosen one for the Alpha. How did the tables turn so quickly?

Darius the Rogue King was not only notorious but a murderer. He murdered people in cold blood and tortured them, regardless of their gender. Whoever made it to his list of offenders didn't live to see the light of day. I loathed him and feared him.

"No, I can't," I said to myself.

I would not let myself be used as an object. As a price for someone's sin. I stared at my small bag and peeked out the window. Dusk was creeping in and I was certain that my step father would soon send for me. And that would be it.

I had to think of something. My life couldn't end this way.

The sound of my door creaking open invaded my thoughts and I turned my head to find Aurora standing at the entrance with a beautiful smile on her face.

For a minute I was lost, staring at her beautiful face. Who wouldn't want her? She had luscious hair, beautiful eyes and a curvy body. Her hands were delicate and she did her skincare. If she wasn't my sister, I would have thought she was royalty.

Envy gnawed at my insides as I glared at her. I hated her. I was nothing like her. I was a plain Hazel who scrubbed in the kitchen and slept on the floor. There was absolutely nothing beautiful about me.

"Maybe when you're done admiring me, you'll let me know," she whispered in a soft foreign voice, that sounded nothing like hers.

I shrugged. "Don't do that. It's irritating."

"My voice, I'm practising. I have to sound soft when I meet the Alpha tomorrow."

Anger rushed through my veins and I returned my attention to the clothes I was packing.

"You're just going to ignore me?"

I scoffed. "What are you doing here?"

"I see you're all packed up already. I'll miss you so much you know? But that's alright. When I finally become the Alpha's Luna, I'll ask him to save a spot for you in the kitchen. Every maid has a bed there and they eat good food."

I wanted to tear her mouth open with my bare hands and ruin her pretty face but I had to keep my cool.

"I'm not a maid," I said firmly.

"There's no difference," she said, frowning. "You will crumble, Hazel and I'm sure papa will make sure that happens. You do know what the Rogue King is like, don't you?"

Before I could respond, she walked out, slamming the door behind her.

I sat curled up in a corner with the bag on my lap, waiting for my fate. And that was when it occurred to me.

There was someone I could turn to for help.

CHAPTER TWO

HAZEL PRATT

Desperation clawed at me. When the house finally fell silent, I slipped out of my window. I had no idea where I was going, but I knew I had to run. I would rather die than be given to the Rogue King.

I ran blindly through the dark, my heart pounding in my chest. Eventually, I found myself heading toward the Beta's house.

Things had been awkward between the beta and I since he proposed his feelings to me. I didn't like him romantically so I didn't validate his feelings. But now I was in deep shit and he was the only person I could turn to.

I prayed the Moon Goddess would make him help me.

When I knocked on Sylvester's door, he answered with a look of surprise. "Hazel? What a pleasant surprise."

I forced a smile, "Hey Beta Sylvester."

"What are you doing here?"

I glanced around me quickly in fear that I was being followed. "Please, may I come in? I will explain."

He led me inside, concern etched on his face. "What brings you here at this hour?"

Tears spilled down my cheeks as I explained everything, my voice breaking. "Lucian plans to give me to the Rogue King to settle a debt. Please, Sylvester, you have to help me."

His brows furrowed in confusion. "What? Why would he do that?"

I sniffled. "He probably thinks I'm not worthy enough. I don't know why he would do this now."

Sylvester watched me with pity in his eyes. He offered me a handkerchief which I thankfully accepted and blew my nose.

"What sort of debt requires you to be paid as settlement?" He inquired but I was as clueless as he was. I had no idea what debt my stepfather couldn't pay back.

His eyes softened as he watched me and I was grateful he wasn't judgemental.

"I'm a mess, aren't I?" I asked.

"Puffy eyes, red face, asides that, you don't look bad. Just try to be at ease okay," he said while squeezing my hand gently.

I chuckled lightly. "I can't. In no time they'll be looking for me and if they know I tried to escape, that's the end for me."

"You don't deserve that, Hazel. I'll report this to the Alpha. We won't let your position be exchanged."

Relief washed over me, and I allowed myself to hope. "Thank you," I whispered, my tears flowing freely.

He shrugged his shoulders. "It's nothing okay. Don't thank me too much."

We sat in silence for a while and he comforted me till my sobs seized. "If you want, you can pass the night at mine."

"I'd be grateful."

He offered me a drink, his voice gentle. "Here, this will calm your nerves."

I drank gratefully, recognising the taste– cinnamon. I placed the rest of the content and stared at the Beta. We talked for a while and I could feel myself slipping away slowly. I was sure I couldn't hear most of the things anymore and I pinched my skin hard so as to stay awake.

My vision blurred, and I slipped into unconsciousness.

***

When I awoke, I found myself in an unfamiliar place. The harsh lights and murmurs of a crowd told me I was in an auction house. Panic gripped me. Where was I? Where was the Beta?

Had he tricked me? Was this how he wanted to help me?

It wasn't long until I realised I wasn't being taken to the Rogue King. But that would be okay. Someone better would buy me; there's no one as cruel as the Rogue King.

I sat there, staring at the other girls. "Move to room thirty five to get your dress, the auction will start in the next thirty minutes!" a fat woman shouted.

I followed the crowd, observing the small, old room.

They handed me a dress, ushering me out as quickly as I came in. The dress was a long sleeveless white dress, it fell to my ankle, making it hard for me to walk. As I took a step, I felt my bone snap and I stopped.

Something was happening to me. I was in pain. My head ached. My fingers hurt and I stared at them and almost jumped in fright when I saw claws appearing. "No," I whispered and clenched my fists tightly.

"Hazel,"

It was a faint whisper and I raised my head to see who it was that had called my name. But it was a girl that was glaring daggers at me as though we weren't in a similar position.

"Move, will you?" She snapped at me.

"I'm sorry," I whispered and took a step forward.

I opened my hand to stare at my fingers. They had returned back to normal. I was trying to figure out what had happened when I heard the voice again. It was soft. "I'm isis. Your wolf."

***

I could hear the rumbling crowd as I stood in line, waiting to be bought.

What if the person I'm sold to is also cruel? I thought. My hands are free and although the dress is tight, my legs are also free.

A man came in from the left side of the room, he left the door opened and sunlight streamed in from the gap.

I slowly pulled my dress up to my thighs and observed the faces of everyone there, no one was watching me. My throat tightened.

We were given numbers that were fastened to our clothes like a brooch and we were asked to stand properly. "Smile," One of the women said to me. "Don't you want to be bought? Isn't that why you're here?"

The auctioneer began, his voice booming around as he began to auction items. It hurt watching but I couldn't care right now. I never pictured my fate as this but I guess this was the way it was meant to be.

People filed in more and put down their prices. If the amount was too low, some rich man would jiggle a bag of coins and place his price and of course, the rich won.

"Sold," the auctioneer said loudly and I glanced at the girl who was beside me as she went to stand at the forefront. She was bought for a cheap amount after too many negotiations and it seemed that the auctioneer was desperate to get rid of her.

He eyed the bag of gold coins greedily and counted the money to ensure it was complete before handing her over to a man who could barely carry herself.

People were items too and they had a price tag. If they weren't needed anymore, they were auctioned in the hope that they could be bought. And at that point it wouldn't matter who was buying you. All you wanted was to leave.

That was exactly what I was.

"Fifty two," the auctioneer said loudly and my heart missed a beat. I almost thought it was me. But it wasn't. It was the girl before me. I was twenty five.

Fear was visible in her eyes as she stood at the forefront and was asked to spin. I could see the humiliation and the silent tears as they dropped down her cheek and it caused my insides to churn.

"She's perfect and without flaws. She isn't cheap," The auctioneer said. "Which means, she is expensive."

"I'll take her for fifty," someone proposed.

"Sixty!" Said another.

"Hundred," another man said. He had soup in his beards.

The auctioneer growled but there was nothing he could do. No one was willing to pay higher for such a beautiful girl. "Sold," he said and removed the brooch then pushed her forward to meet her owner.

I observed the strategy here. It was a market. It was like placing a teddy no one wanted on the shelf of a store. It will grow old with time and not look as pleasant and it may be archaic at that time. When finally someone comes for it, they wouldn't want to pay the regular price for it because it was old and not as pleasing to the eyes. But for teddy, he was glad that it had been taken and had somewhere to go even if he wouldn't be given fair treatment.

The auctioneer's voice droned on, but no one seemed interested in me. I resigned myself to the fate of being a slave, clinging to the hope of eventual freedom.

Slowly and slowly everything on the stage was clearing up. I began to feel awkward. Even bicycles have owners. Wasn't I worth more than a bicycle and a wooden bucket?

The auction was nearly over, and I turned away in despair when suddenly, a voice rang out, raising an absurd amount of money.

My heart stopped. It couldn't be me, could it?

"Her. I want her and her alone," the voice demanded.

I turned to see who had placed such an amount of money on my head. No one had been willing to spend more than twenty and yet someone was placing a thousand.

A stench filled my nose. It was foreign but sweet like the spices my mom used to have in the kitchen. It was a combination of sweet things and it was intoxicating. It invaded my senses, my being and it made me excited.

My nose twitched as I tried to pick out the scent, my eyes scanning the crowd. My eyes connected with the cruel Rogue King himself. My heart sank and I shook my head vigorously as I felt the magnetic pull. His demeanor, the way he kept a straight face sent a chill down my spine while my legs wobble. I became scared that they would betray me while I stared at the most beautiful man I had ever m

et.

And what made the whole thing suffocating was that, this beautiful man standing right in the crowd was...

He was my mate.

CHAPTER THREE

KING DARIUS

The moment I strode into the auction hall, walking majestically toward a seat, the noisy people's attention was suddenly drawn to me and the hall immediately became dead silent. There were whispers and murmurs and while I walked, the men scurried from my path, which I didn't give much attention to.

"It's the rogue King"

It's him"

"What is he doing here?"

I could hear their hushed whispers but kept my brow furrowed and my jaw tightened while I scanned the room, searching for her. Still wondering if she had been bought, I walked to the front row, still looking for her. And at the sight of me, a man scurried away from his seat, leaving me to it. With a sigh of frustration after not seeing what seemed like her, I occupied the seat, relaxing my back to the chair and my hands on my lap before nodding at the auctioneer who was gaping at me to continue. And the music picked up immediately.

I ignored the piercing gazes and scanned the room, my eyes narrowing when I saw her. Even from a distance, she stood out. She was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen, and at that point, there was nothing I wanted more than her.

The auctioneer who had recently paused when I graced my presence, picked from where he stopped and continued, but my focus was solely on the girl in the white dress. There was something about her that I couldn't quite pinpoint. The magnetic pull and the energy was there.

And her scent... It caught my nostrils. It was a fragrance so sweet and satisfying. While I watched her, I practically undressed her in my head, and this thought made me swallow hard.

I thought of all the things I could do to her in bed and how her feeble moan would sound in my ears.

I took my seat in the middle of the large crowd. I needed to see who this girl was and what was so alluring about her that made my wolf jump.

When the bidding began, I waited, letting the anticipation build. When the moment was right, I spoke, my voice cutting through the murmur of the crowd.

"Her. I want her and her alone."

The room went silent and everyone's gaze averted to the girl I was referring to while I maintained eye contact with her, my demeanor unshaken.

I could see the girl hitch, her fear palpable. She averted her gaze to the ground, too scared to meet mine again. But when she finally did, her eyes were wide with fear, her body tense. She had no idea how much I wanted her.

The connection was immediate, undeniable and she shook her head rapidly as if asking me to not do that.The auctioneer appeared confused, as if wondering who I was talking about.

"Mate," My wolf whispered silently to me, my eyes still fixed on her. A maelstrom of emotions engulfed me and the hairs at the nape of my neck stood erect.

"Mate?" I muttered in surprise, creasing my brows and leaning forward to get a better view of her. The mate I've been searching for years, was right here... in an auction. And I didn't know if it was adrenaline or excitement working, I stood up immediately, fighting the urge that was pushing me to go up there and grab her.

But I quickly stopped myself... People were watching and I must compose myself.

At that point, I knew there was nothing else I wanted more in this world but her. However, the more I stared at her, the more it appeared to me that I must have met her before.

Something about her was familiar. And I couldn't quite understand what it was.

Hushed whispers filled the room and I was sure people would wonder what a rogue king was doing at an event like this, and being so interested.

But I didn't care about their apprehensive look. I was looking for my bride. The girl that was promised to me by her father.

When I had gone to her father and was told she had run away, I combed the area to search for her. She was mine and mine alone, and I must have her.

However, an eyewitness told me she had seen her run into Beta Sylvester's house. I had ordered Sylvester to be brought to my pack, beaten and tortured and he had confessed he sold my bride to an auction.

I had left him there, I'll decide his fate when I'm back from retrieving my bride from this auction. However, this strange, yet familiar girl who turned out to be my mate had made me forget about the bride.

"Excuse me, your Majesty. But whom is it?" the auctioneer questioned, disrupting me from my thoughts.

"The girl in the white dress," I announced, my tone firm.

The auctioneer averted his gaze and settled it on her. A sly smile appeared on his lips– one that I knew very well, since I've worked with cunning people.

"I'm afraid she's very expensive, Your Majesty," the auctioneer said.

My eyes darkened and I clenched my fists, feeling insulted. "Name your price."

There was a hush and I glared at him, daring him to object.

"One thousand," I muttered and dropped the bag of gold coins on the table.

"Wait! I want her too. I bid 2000," a gentle man said, stepping forward and placing the bag of coins on the table. I turned to look at him, he didn't seem familiar. He must be from another province. I ignored him and grinned, muttering under my breath "What's life without a little bit of competition?"

I could hear the crowd murmuring "He's bidding with the rogue king?"

"So much guts for a stranger!"

"Will the rogue king let it slide?";

"Interesting," the auctioneer whispered, his grin growing broad. He stared at the girl. "You are quite peculiar, eh. Everyone wants you. You must be of such importance."

I couldn't see her expression cause she retreated into the dark to avoid the gazes on her.

"Your Majesty, someone else wants her and is willing to pay twice the amount that you bid."

"4000," I said, dropping more gold coins as I stared at the man defiantly.

There was a loud gasp and I could hear people talking about it. Why am I paying a price so high for a normal girl? But she wasn't just a girl. She was my mate. And I Wasn't willing to give her up. Every fiber of my being wanted her.

My rival brought out more gold coins and placed them on the table. "This is five thousand, now give her to me."

The auctioneer's eyes reflected the gold coins and I could see he was ready to give in which made my heart flutter and my chin tighten.