Page 5
Oh gods, oh gods. I was right. He’s selling me. He’s selling me to this monster, and I’m going to die.
Alexander takes another step closer, and I flinch back, clamping my lips together to prevent another Omega whine.
My father’s chest vibrates against my back with a growl, but Alexander simply laughs. It’s a disgusting, wet sound that grates on my nerves.
“Skittish little thing. Well, that’s to be expected, I suppose. You did say she’s rather sheltered.”
My father’s chest puffs out as he stands taller.
“With good reason. She’s an Omega. She hasn’t left the property since thirteen. She’s also been on suppressants. I couldn’t chance her going into heat and attracting the attention of my security. I allow her around no one but me, select staff members, and her physician.”
“And her DNA?”
I frown, confusion washing over me. Despite the awkward angle, I glance at my father, studying his features.
What does my DNA matter? Is Father selling me to this—this—monster? Or is Alexander just some kind of facilitator for other buyers?
To my dismay, Father’s answers don’t offer any explanation. He waves a hand through the air like he’s swatting a fly.
“According to her blood work. Regardless, I won’t decide until I’m finished with her. If I require your assistance, we’ll discuss further.”
My vision tunnels. Tears threaten to fall, but I furiously blink them away, knowing if I cry now, my punishment will be worse.
The heavy weight on my neck finally disappears. Father pins me with a glare so menacing it makes my stomach roll.
My punishment, when it comes, is going to be terrible.
“Upstairs. Now.”
I don’t know why I do it, but I hesitate. Something’s happening. Something I don’t understand, but feel like I should.
Alexander inclines his head, and his tongue sweeps out to lick his lips. It’s too long. Too dark.
I shudder in disgust, and his smile widens.
“Miss Varenthrall,” he says, eyes glinting with interest. “It was a pleasure. I look forward to future meetings.”
Dismissing me, he turns to my father.
“I’d like to see the paperwork from the physician. I understand you have news for me regarding your most recent trials. However, we have a few items to discuss before finalizing our deal.”
My father’s jaw ticks. He’s not an Alpha who negotiates. Whatever they’re working on must be important if he’s appeasing this….
Fates, what is he?
Ignoring me, the two men retreat, turning down the hall toward my father’s wing. I’m still frozen in place. A thousand questions run through my mind, each one worse than the last.
When the door to my father’s study clicks shut a moment later, the sound makes me flinch.
My shoulders slump when my gaze lands on the staircase.
I was so close. So close to finally escaping this prison. How did I let this happen? The air is lighter without Father and Alexander, but my body is still strung tight. It’s too quiet now. I have the overwhelming urge to scream as loud as I can.
Screaming won’t change my situation, though.
My eyes land on the front door, and I stare at it until my vision starts to lose focus. Maybe…
Is it possible I could still run?
