I Wil Take Her!

Selara “Next!” Madam Webb yelled from behind the curtains as a lady ran into the room, tearing off her gown and crying to her parents' arms. Today was the Auction. Not just any auction, but the auction where the twin Alpha Draven and Darius get to choose their breeder. And also possible Luna after the alpha coronation. They had come all the way from Blackridge pack to Cornerstone pack to choose a bride for themselves, and all the Beta female wolves of age for marriage were brought together for this auction. Everyone was prepared. Including my poor parents who stood beside me. Holding my hands tight as they watched the rich and beautiful daughter of chiefs being rejected before the entire pack. “After her, it’s your turn, Selera.” My mother said as she squeezed my arms. My father, who stood feet away from me, kept on peeking through the curtains, he didn’t dare to look at me because he had been hiding the tears ever since the invitation dropped at our doorstep last week.  It was totally unexpected to be part of this ceremony, mainly because the only qualification we had was being beta wolves.  My father wasn’t a chief or some wealthy wolf. And I wasn’t in perfect condition. I had a bruised leg. We had gone to the Alpha to make sure the invitation wasn’t a mistake. But it was confirmed by the Luna that every female beta wolf in Cornerstone Pack would be qualified. “I am aware, Mom, you don’t have to worry. I am fine.” I lied. If today comes to an end and I get chosen, which I highly doubt after all the rejection from ladies before me. I would be able to pay off my father's debt and possibly secure a better life for my parents. But it came with a tag. My life changes for either good or bad. My life would be ruined if Alpha Draven chose me. He was the second-born twin in the royal family, everyone who was selected today dreaded being chosen by him. He was a curse to the wolf realm, according to what I heard. The luna, his mother, cursed the goddess and died the moment she gave birth to him.   And he had grown to be a menace, a warlord too.  But if I were chosen by Darius. The first son whom everyone was rooting for to be his father's successor. I stood a chance to be a breeder to the best man on earth. Kind. and strong. “Next!” Yet another uproar in the crowd as both Alphas rejected another Lady, my heart skipped, I was next. My father pulled his face from the curtains. His eyes red with tears as my mother dressed me over again, smoothing out the edges of my gown. We had spent our yearly savings on these half-decent clothes and cheap perfumes.  “Selara…” My father pulled me in for a hug, slightly wrapping his hands around me. “Good luck,” he said with a shaking voice. Now my mother had lost her courage as she sank into my father's arms, crying profusely. I, on the other hand, held my tears back as the lady who was in charge of arranging the ladies walked into the room. Her eyes met mine with disdain and disgust. “You wouldn’t even stand a chance,” she whispered beneath her breath, but I kept quiet. I knew too well not to argue. Soon, I was brought out of the room, then into the courtroom where all the elders from Blackridge and Cornerstone sat. With my legs lowered and my legs heavy, I dare not raise my head. “This is Selera. Daughter of the Drus Family. Virgin, 20 years of age,” Madma Webb said. With a long stick, she raised my jaw to meet the crowd. That was when I met him, Alpha Darius, with his blond hair, like the sun itself, he had a white regel atire flowing down to his ankle, his eyes were as blue as the ocean itself, and his jaw strong and sharp like a blade. He was indeed as charming as the rumors had said.  Then beside him was a man, who was undeniably Prince Draven, the demon himself. He had his hair high up in a ponytail, and his eyes were not focused on me. Instead, he was talking to someone beside him. From the side view. I could already tell he was equally charming, his dark attire blended well with his jet black hair, his aura was dark, and the gold ring around his fingers was nothing short of powerful. My mouth ran dry. Both of them were so similar yet so different. “But I must say… she is malnourished. And poor. So she would require more than just fighting lessons. She would need food. A lot!” Madam Webb said, causing the crowd to laugh. My heart plummeted, that last part was unnecessary. Was I brought here for the same cause as everyone, or just to be ridiculed?    I could already tell my father was bothered by her statement and would be sinking to the floor now. “So what does the Prince say?” I had my eyes solely on Alpha Darius. And for what it’s worth, he was looking directly at me too, his eyes scanning me ever so slowly. Fierce but diligent. I managed to break a smile because his gaze was just on me, my hopes were high as I squeezed my fingers tight. This is it. The goddess has answered my prayers.  Alpha Darius broke into a smile at me. I could feel the connection we had that moment. It was silent and calm, but I felt it in my heart. Then he turned and talked to someone beside him, who then walked over to Madam Web and whispered something into her ear. Her eyes turned to me, the side of her lips rising in familiar mockery before the man walked over. “Next!” She yells. That was when everything broke loose. Impossible… please, goddess please. This is the only chance I have out of this miserable life. My legs remained rooted to the floor. “What are you waiting for, you miscreant?” Madame Webb said as she turned back and saw me standing there. “Were you expecting to be picked? You are even lucky to be in this competition, your poor excuse for a beta.” She said, almost dragging me out, when a voice thundered from the crowd. “I will take her.”  The room went silent, and everything went still. “What?” “I, Prince Draven of the Blackridge pack, take Selara Drus to be my breeder.”  I turned to see the man who had paid no attention to me standing from his seat and walking toward me.