Betrayed By An Evil Alpha

I wake to the sound of raised voices drifting through the thin walls of our modest den. My step-father's gruff tone mingles with unfamiliar, authoritative voices. Curiosity piqued, I slip out of bed and tiptoe to my door, pressing my ear against the rough wood.

"She's of age now," my stepfather growls. "Pretty little thing too. The Alpha King won't be disappointed."

My heart races. Are they talking about me?

A deep, unfamiliar voice responds, "The price is steep, but if she's as valuable as you claim, it'll be worth it. The Alpha King needs an heir, and time is running out."

I gasp, quickly covering my mouth to muffle the sound. They can't be serious. Selling me? To the Alpha King? Everyone knows about Timothy, the cruel ruler of our kind. His reputation for coldness and brutality precedes him.

"When can we collect her?" another asks.

"Now, if you'd like," my stepfather replies, and I can hear the greedy grin in his voice. "Let me just go fetch her."

Panic surges through me. I have to get out of here. I rush to my window, fumbling with the latch. Just as I manage to push it open, my bedroom door swings wide.

"And where do you think you're going, Paula?" my stepfather's menacing voice freezes me in place.

I turn slowly, meeting his cold gaze. "What's going on?" I ask. "Who are those men?"

He steps closer, his bulk filling the doorway. "Those men are your ticket to a better life, girl. You should be thanking me."

"Thanking you?" I cry, anger overriding my fear. "For what? Selling me like cattle?"

His hand lashes out, striking me across the face. The sting brings tears to my eyes, but I refuse to let them fall.

"You ungrateful little bitch," he snarls. "After all I've done for you since your mother died. This is your chance to be useful for once."

Before I can react, he grabs my arm, yanking me towards the door. I struggle, digging my heels in, but it's useless against his strength.

"Please," I beg as he drags me into our small living area. "Don't do this!"

Two imposing men in dark suits stand near the fireplace. Their eyes roam over me, assessing, and I feel naked under their gaze.

"This is her?" one asks, raising an eyebrow.

My stepfather nods. "This is Paula. Eighteen years old, healthy, and from a strong bloodline on her mother's side."

I want to scream, to shift and run, but fear paralyzes me. This can't be happening.

The taller of the two men steps forward, producing a thick envelope. "Your payment, as agreed," he says, handing it to my stepfather.

My step-father's eyes light up as he thumbs through the contents. Rage boils inside me. How dare he sell me for a stack of bills?

"You can't do this!" I shout. "I won't go!"

The men exchange amused glances. "Feisty," the shorter one comments. "The Alpha King might enjoy that."

"No!" I cry, twisting in my stepfather's grip. "I'd rather die than be sold to that monster!"

Suddenly, a sharp pain explodes in the back of my head. As darkness creeps into the edges of my vision, I see my step-father lowering his fist.

"Sorry about that," I hear him say distantly. "She'll be more cooperative when she wakes up."

The world fades to black.

* * *

I come to slowly, my head pounding. The first thing I notice is the motion – a smooth, rolling sensation. Am I in a car? I blink, trying to focus. Leather seats. Tinted windows. Two men in the front, speaking in low voices.

"She's awake," one says, glancing back at me.

Memories flood back, and panic claws at my throat. I try to move, but my wrists are bound behind my back.

"Where are you taking me?" I demand.

The man in the passenger seat turns to face me. It's the taller one from before. "To your new home, of course. The palace of Alpha King Timothy."

I swallow hard, fear threatening to overwhelm me. "Please," I say, hating how weak I sound. "You don't have to do this. Just let me go. I won't cause any trouble."

He chuckles, the sound devoid of humor. "Sorry, sweetheart. The deal's done. You belong to the Alpha King now."

"I don't belong to anyone!" I snarl, feeling my wolf rise inside me. "I'm a person, not property!"

The man's eyes flash dangerously. "I'd watch that tone if I were you. The Alpha King isn't known for his patience with insolence."

I fall silent, my mind racing. There has to be a way out of this. If I could just get my hands free...

As if reading my thoughts, the man adds, "Don't bother trying to escape. Those restraints are reinforced with silver. You'll only hurt yourself."

Despair washes over me. He's right – I can feel the burn of silver against my skin, sapping my strength. I'm trapped.

Hours pass in tense silence. I watch through the windows as familiar landscapes give way to unknown territory. We're heading deep into the heart of werewolf country, to the domain of the dreaded Alpha King.

As the sun begins to set, an imposing structure appears on the horizon. My breath catches in my throat. The palace. It's both beautiful and terrifying – all soaring towers and gleaming stone, surrounded by high walls.

The car slows as we approach massive iron gates. Guards step forward, peering into the vehicle. After a brief exchange, the gates swing open with an ominous creak.

We pull up to the palace entrance, where a small group awaits. As the car door opens, I get my first look at my new "owner."

Alpha King Timothy stands at the center, his presence commanding even from a distance. He's tall and powerfully built, with sharp features and piercing blue eyes. Those eyes lock onto me as I'm hauled from the car, and a shiver runs down my spine.

I expect to feel revulsion, but something else stirs inside me. A pull, an inexplicable draw towards this man I'm supposed to hate. My wolf, usually so in tune with me, whines in confusion.

"Welcome," Timothy says. "I trust your journey was uneventful?"

The man who brought me here bows slightly. "Yes, Your Majesty. The acquisition went smoothly."

Acquisition. The word makes my blood boil. Before I can stop myself, I spit at Timothy's feet. "I'm not some object to be acquired!"

A collective gasp rises from those gathered. Timothy's eyes narrow, and he steps closer. I force myself to hold his gaze, even as every instinct screams at me to submit.

"You have fire," he says softly, reaching out to grasp my chin. "That's good. You'll need it."

I jerk away from his touch. "Don't act like you're doing me a favor," I hiss. "You bought me like livestock."

Something flickers in Timothy's eyes – surprise? Admiration? It's gone too quickly to tell. He turns to a man standing nearby. "Jones, show our guest to her quarters. Make sure she's comfortable... and secure."

The man – Jones – nods and moves towards me. Unlike the others, his eyes hold a hint of sympathy. "This way, miss," he says gently.

As Jones leads me away, I chance a glance back. Timothy is watching me intently, an unreadable expression on his face. Our eyes meet for a brief moment, and that strange pull tugs at me again.

What is happening to me? Why do I feel drawn to the very man I should despise?

Jones guides me through opulent hallways, but I barely register the luxury around me. My mind is reeling, trying to process everything that's happened.

"Here we are," Jones says, stopping before an ornate door. He unlocks it and ushers me inside.

The room is beautiful, with a large four-poster bed and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking lush gardens. Under different circumstances, I might have been awed. Now, it just feels like a gilded cage.

Jones clears his throat. "I'll have someone bring you some food and fresh clothes," he says. "Is there anything else you need?"

I turn to him, seeing genuine concern in his eyes. "My freedom," I say bitterly.

He sighs. "I'm sorry. I truly am. But please, try to make the best of your situation. The Alpha King... he's not as bad as the stories make him out to be."

With that, he leaves, the lock clicking into place behind him.

I sink onto the bed, finally allowing the tears I've been holding back to fall. How did my life change so drastically in a single day?

As sobs wrack my body, I make a silent vow. I may be trapped here for now, but I won't give up. Somehow, someway, I'll find a way to escape. I have to.

But even as I make this promise to myself, I can't shake the memory of Timothy's intense gaze, or the inexplicable pull I felt towards him. What does it mean? And more importantly, how will I resist it long enough to win back my freedom?

With these troubling thoughts swirling in my mind, I curl up on the unfamiliar bed, exhaustion finally overtaking me. As I drift off to sleep, one last coherent thought flits through my mind:

This is only the beginning.

I wake to sunlight streaming through the large windows, momentarily disoriented. Then reality crashes back, and my heart sinks. It wasn't a nightmare. I'm really here, in the Alpha King's palace, trapped like a bird in a golden cage.

A soft knock at the door makes me sit up. "Who is it?" I call, wary.

"It's Jones," comes the reply. "I've brought you breakfast and some fresh clothes. May I come in?"

I hesitate, then sigh. It's not like I have much choice. "Fine," I mutter.

The door opens, and Jones enters, carrying a tray laden with food. The scent makes my stomach growl, reminding me how long it's been since I've eaten.

"I hope you slept well," Jones says, setting the tray on a small table. "I've brought you a selection of clothes. I wasn't sure what you'd prefer."

I eye him suspiciously. "Why are you being so nice to me?"

Jones looks taken aback. "I... I just thought you might appreciate some kindness, given your situation."

"My situation," I repeat bitterly. "You mean being sold like property and held against my will?"

He winces. "I know it must seem terrible right now, but-"

"But what?" I interrupt, anger flaring. "Are you going to tell me the Alpha King isn't so bad? That I should be grateful?"

Jones shakes his head. "No, I wouldn't expect you to feel grateful. But I do think there's more to this situation – and to Timothy – than you realize."

The use of the Alpha King's first name surprises me. "You know him well?"

"I've been his advisor for many years," Jones admits. "I've seen sides of him that few others have."

Curiosity gets the better of me. "What do you mean?"

Jones seems to debate with himself before answering. "Timothy wasn't always like this. The curse... it changed him. Made him colder, more ruthless."

"Curse?" I can't hide my interest. "What curse?"

But Jones shakes his head. "It's not my place to say more. If you want to know, you'll have to ask Timothy yourself."

I scoff. "Right. I'm sure he'll be thrilled to have a heart-to-heart with his new 'acquisition'."

Jones gives me a small smile. "You might be surprised. Now, please eat something. You'll need your strength."

As he turns to leave, a thought strikes me. "Wait," I call. "Am I... am I allowed to leave this room?"

"You're not a prisoner, Paula," Jones says gently. "You're free to explore the palace and grounds. But I wouldn't recommend trying to leave the property. The consequences would be... severe."

With that ominous warning, he exits, leaving me alone with my thoughts and a tray of admittedly delicious-smelling food.

After eating and changing into a simple but elegant dress, I decide to take Jones at his word and explore. The palace is even more impressive in the daylight, all soaring ceilings and intricate artwork. But it's the gardens that truly take my breath away.

I wander through paths lined with flowers I've never seen before, their scents intoxicating. For a moment, I almost forget my predicament. Then a voice shatters the illusion.

"Well, well. What do we have here?"

I spin to find a man watching me, a predatory smile on his face. He's handsome in a sharp way, with dark hair and eyes that remind me uncomfortably of Timothy's.

"Who are you?" I demand.

He saunters closer. "I'm Eric, Timothy's brother. And you must be the new breeder everyone's talking about."

I bristle at the term. "My name is Paula."

"Of course it is," Eric says dismissively. "Tell me, Paula, are you enjoying your new golden cage?"

Before I can retort, another voice cuts in. "That's enough, Eric."

Timothy approaches, his face a mask of cold authority. Eric's demeanor changes instantly, becoming more guarded.

"Brother," he says with a slight bow. "I was just welcoming our new guest."

Timothy's eyes narrow. "I'm sure. Don't you have duties to attend to?"

Eric's smile doesn't reach his eyes. "Of course. I'll take my leave." He turns to me with a mocking bow. "A pleasure, Paula. I'm sure we'll be seeing more of each other."

As Eric walks away, I'm left alone with Timothy. An uncomfortable silence stretches between us.

Finally, Timothy speaks. "I apologize for my brother's behavior. He can be... abrasive."

I raise an eyebrow. "Unlike you, who's the picture of warmth and hospitality?"

To my surprise, a ghost of a smile touches Timothy's lips. "I suppose I deserve that."

Another silence falls, but this one feels different. Less hostile, more... anticipatory. Like we're both waiting for something, though I'm not sure what.

"Walk with me," Timothy says suddenly. It's phrased as a request, but his tone makes it clear it's an order.

Reluctantly, I fall into step beside him. We walk in silence for a while, the only sound the crunch of gravel beneath our feet.

"I'm sure you have questions," Timothy says at last.

I laugh humorlessly. "That's an understatement. Let's start with why I'm here."

Timothy's jaw tightens. "You know why. I need an heir."

"And buying a woman was your solution?" I snap. "Do you have any idea how wrong that is?"

He stops walking, turning to face me. His blue eyes burn with an intensity that makes my breath catch. "Do you think I had a choice? The curse-"

He cuts himself off, looking away. I remember Jones' words about a curse changing Timothy.

"What curse?" I ask, softer this time.

Timothy is silent for so long that I think he won't answer. Then, "An ancient spell, cast by a rival pack. If I don't produce an heir within the year, I'll lose everything. My throne, my powers... even my life."

The admission stuns me. It doesn't justify what he's done, but it does explain the desperation behind it.

"Why me?" I whisper.

His eyes meet mine again, and that strange pull I felt yesterday returns, stronger than ever. "Because you're special, Paula. Your bloodline... it's rare. Powerful. A child of your blood could break the curse entirely."

I take a step back, overwhelmed. "This is insane. You can't expect me to just accept this!"

"I don't," Timothy says, surprising me again. "But I do expect you to understand the stakes. It's not just my life on the line. If I fall, the entire pack structure crumbles. Chaos will reign. Innocent lives will be lost."

The weight of his words settles over me like a heavy blanket. It's too much. I need time to think, to process.

"I... I need to be alone," I stammer, turning away.

"Paula," Timothy calls as I start to walk away. I pause, not looking back. "I'm not the monster you think I am. Give me a chance to prove it."

I don't respond, hurrying back towards the palace. My mind is reeling, trying to reconcile the cruel Alpha King I've heard stories about with the man who just bared his soul to me.

Lost in thought, I don't notice the figure lurking in the shadows until it's too late. A hand clamps over my mouth, stifling my scream.

"Shh," a familiar voice hisses in my ear. "Don't struggle. I'm here to help you."

Eric. Fear courses through me as he drags me into a secluded alcove.

"Listen carefully," he whispers, removing his hand. "I can help you escape. Tonight. But you have to trust me."

I eye him warily. "Why would you help me?"

A shadow passes over Eric's face. "Because Timothy doesn't deserve you. Or the throne. I can get you out of here, far away from all of this."

Every instinct tells me not to trust him, but the promise of freedom is tempting. "How?" I ask cautiously.

Eric grins. "There's a secret passage in the east wing. I'll create a distraction at midnight. All you have to do is run."

It sounds too good to be true. And yet...

"Okay," I say slowly. "I'll do it."

Eric's smile widens. "Smart girl. Be ready at midnight. And Paula? Don't breathe a word of this to anyone. Especially not Timothy or Jones."

With that, he melts back into the shadows, leaving me alone with my racing thoughts.

The rest of the day passes in a blur. I go through the motions, eating dinner alone in my room, all the while debating my options. Can I trust Eric? Or is this some sort of trap?

As night falls, I pace my room, torn. The promise of freedom calls to me, but something holds me back. The memory of Timothy's vulnerable confession, the intensity in his eyes when he looked at me.

And underneath it all, that inexplicable pull I feel towards him. What does it mean?

A soft knock interrupts my thoughts. "Paula?" Jones calls. "May I come in?"

I hesitate, remembering Eric's warning. But something in Jones' tone makes me open the door.

He looks troubled. "I wanted to check on you. You seemed upset earlier."

"I'm fine," I lie. "Just... adjusting."

Jones studies me for a moment. "Paula, I know this is difficult. But I need you to be careful. Not everyone in the palace has your best interests at heart."

My heart races. Does he know about Eric's plan? "What do you mean?"

He sighs. "Just... be wary of those who offer easy solutions. Sometimes the right path is the hardest one."

With that cryptic advice, he bids me goodnight, leaving me more confused than ever.

As midnight approaches, I stand by my window, watching the moon rise. I have a choice to make. Trust Eric and run, or stay and face whatever fate has in store for me here.

The clock strikes twelve. In the distance, I hear a commotion – Eric's distraction. It's now or never.

Taking a deep breath, I make my decision. I step into the hallway, my heart pounding. But instead of turning towards the east wing and Eric's promised escape route, I find myself walking in the opposite direction.

Towards Timothy's chambers.

I don't know what I'll say when I get there. I don't know if I'm making the biggest mistake of my life. But something tells me this is where I need to be.

As I raise my hand to knock on Timothy's door, a sense of rightness washes over me.