Page 1

Chapter 1

Idril

Ihave four books, my mother’s locket, two changes of clothes, and no plan besides getting out.

It’s not like I have much else to take, even if I were able to fit more inside the ragged backpack I pulled out from the depths of my closet this morning. It’s old. A faded blue color with frayed seams that hasn’t been outside this house since I designated as an Omega. Which, coincidentally, is the last time I was allowed to leave as well.

My fingers shake as I hurry down the hall from my room, making my way towards the split marble staircase leading from my floor to the foyer.

My old sneakers—my only pair—thud softly on the floor, but each step makes me wince, terrified someone is going to hear me.

Everyone is gone. The staff left for the day, and Father’s in the city for another hour. You’re fine. You just need to hurry.

I don’t hesitate when I get to the staircase, gripping tight to the marble banister as I try to ignore the sound of my pulse pounding in my ears.

I swallow, but my mouth is dry from fear. I briefly consider making a detour to the kitchen to grab a few water bottles, but nix the idea.

I need to get out now. There’s no time.

I can find a stream in the forest if it gets too bad.

Just get out. Get to the door, walk out, and you can figure the rest out later.

That’s been my only plan for the last sixteen hours, when I stepped onto my balcony late last night and overheard my father on his cell.

He must have been relaxing on his balcony on the other side of the estate, but his voice carried just enough for me to hear.

“I suppose you can meet her tomorrow. You can come by in the evening to ensure she’s up to your…” he paused, like he was weighing his words. “Your standards.” He laughed, then. It was cruel. Full of anticipation.

But it wasn’t his laugh that made me start sweating with anxiety. After all, I’m used to his cruelty.

It’s what he said next.

“She’s not her mother, but I’ve trained her well. Keep in mind, I haven’t decided what I’m going to do with her once I’ve got what I need.”

Fates… is he talking about me? Surely not…

I leaned over my balcony railing, like the extra three inches would help me hear him better.

“She’s twenty-two, but she’s pure. As I’ve previously explained, I’ve had her on suppressants since the moment she designated as an Omega. She’s never had a knot. She’s never even been with a Beta. That combined with her genetics… if I choose to sell her, it should more than pay for another few years of funding for my research.”

That’s all I needed to hear.

I didn’t stick around to listen to more barely making it to the bathroom before getting sick.

My father was talking about selling me. Why?

He promised that packs could start courting me soon. When I turn twenty-four. He’s been promising me for years.

Has it all been a lie?

I don’t know what he could possibly need more money for, or what any of it has to do with me, but I know enough to be sure whatever he has planned isn’t something I want to be a part of.

I always knew my father was a monster, but I truly—stupidly—believed he’d allow packs to start courting me.

Of course, I know he wants me to Mate a wealthy pack, and they’ll have to meet his approval first, but I hoped…

Stupid.