Sold To A Wolf King

Rita's heart pounded in her chest as she stood before her stepfather, Marcus, in their small, dimly lit cabin. The flickering candlelight cast eerie shadows on the weathered wooden walls, mirroring the darkness that had settled over her life.

"You can't be serious," Rita whispered. "You're... selling me?"

Marcus avoided her gaze, his eyes fixed on the worn floorboards. "It's for the good of the pack, Rita. We're starving. This winter has been brutal, and Alpha King Tony's offer... it's more than generous."

Rita felt as if the ground had disappeared beneath her feet. She grabbed the edge of the rough-hewn table to steady herself. "But I'm not cattle to be sold! I'm your daughter!"

"Step-daughter," Marcus corrected coldly. "And you've always known your place here."

The words stung like a physical blow. Rita's mind raced, searching for a way out of this nightmare. "There must be another way. I can hunt more, gather herbs to trade—"

Marcus cut her off with a sharp wave of his hand. "It's done, Rita. The agreement has been made. You'll leave for Alpha King Tony's palace tomorrow at dawn."

"Tomorrow?" Rita gasped. "But that's so soon! What about my friends, my life here?"

A flicker of guilt passed over Marcus's face, quickly replaced by determination. "Pack what you can carry. A carriage will arrive for you in the morning."

Rita's legs gave out, and she sank to the floor, tears streaming down her face. "Please," she begged, reaching out to grasp Marcus's hand. "Don't do this. I'm scared."

For a moment, Marcus's stern expression softened. He knelt beside her. "Listen to me, Rita. This is your chance for a better life. Alpha King Tony is the most powerful werewolf in all the lands. Once you give him an heir, you'll have your freedom and more riches than you can imagine."

Rita jerked her hand away, anger flaring in her chest. "Freedom? To do what? Live with the knowledge that I was sold like a prized mare?"

Marcus stood, his face hardening once more. "Enough! Go pack your things. And Rita," he added, his tone warning, "don't even think about running. Alpha King Tony's men will be watching the forest. There's no escape."

With that, he strode out of the cabin, leaving Rita alone with her despair. She hugged her knees to her chest, allowing herself a moment of weakness before a spark of defiance ignited within her.

"I won't let them break me," she whispered to herself, wiping away her tears. "I'll find a way through this."

As Rita began to pack her meager belongings, a soft knock at the door startled her. She opened it cautiously to find her best friend, Lily, standing there with red-rimmed eyes.

"Is it true?" Lily asked. "Are you really leaving?"

Rita nodded, unable to speak past the lump in her throat. Lily rushed forward, enveloping her in a fierce hug.

"Oh, Rita," Lily sobbed. "How could they do this to you? It's not fair!"

Rita clung to her friend, drawing strength from her presence. "Life rarely is, I suppose," she said with a bitter laugh. "But I'll be okay. I have to be."

Lily pulled back, her eyes blazing with determination. "We could run away together. Right now. I know these woods better than anyone—"

"No," Rita interrupted gently. "It's too dangerous. Marcus said Alpha King Tony's men are watching. I won't risk your safety."

"But Rita," Lily protested, "the stories about Alpha King Tony... they say he's cruel, that he has no heart. What if—"

Rita placed a finger on Lily's lips, silencing her. "Don't. Please. I can't think about that right now. I need to be strong."

Lily nodded, understanding in her eyes. She helped Rita pack, filling the silence with memories of their childhood adventures and promises to find a way to stay in touch.

As night fell, Lily reluctantly said her goodbyes, leaving Rita alone once more. Sleep eluded her as she tossed and turned, her mind conjuring terrifying images of what awaited her at Alpha King Tony's palace.

Just before dawn, Rita slipped out of the cabin, her small bag of possessions slung over her shoulder. The forest was eerily quiet, as if holding its breath. She made her way to the pack's gathering area, where a sleek black carriage waited.

Marcus stood beside it, flanked by two intimidating werewolves in royal guard uniforms. Rita approached slowly, her chin held high despite the fear churning in her stomach.

"Rita," Marcus began, "it's time."

She nodded curtly, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing her pain. As she moved to enter the carriage, Marcus caught her arm.

"Wait," he said, pressing a small pouch into her hand. "Take this. It's not much, but it might help you... adjust."

Rita weighed the pouch, hearing the clink of coins inside. She wanted to throw it back in his face, to scream that his blood money couldn't ease his conscience. Instead, she pocketed it without a word.

As she settled into the plush interior of the carriage, Rita allowed herself one last look at the only home she'd ever known. The door closed with a soft thud, and she felt the lurch as they began to move.

"Goodbye," she whispered, a single tear sliding down her cheek.

The journey to Alpha King Tony's palace took three days. Rita spent most of it in silence, rebuffing the guards' attempts at conversation. She watched the landscape change from dense forest to rolling hills, and finally to the imposing mountains that marked the heart of Tony's territory.

On the morning of the third day, Rita was jolted awake as the carriage came to an abrupt stop. Her heart raced as one of the guards opened the door.

"We're here, miss," he said gruffly. "Welcome to Moonstone Palace."

Rita stepped out, her legs wobbling after days of confinement. She gasped as she took in the sight before her. Moonstone Palace was a massive structure of gleaming white stone and soaring towers that seemed to touch the sky. It was beautiful and terrifying all at once.

As Rita was led up the grand staircase to the palace entrance, whispers and stares followed her. Servants and courtiers alike paused in their duties to gawk at the newcomer. Rita felt like a lamb being led to slaughter.

At the top of the stairs, a tall, handsome werewolf with kind eyes greeted her. "Welcome, Rita," he said with a gentle smile. "I'm Donny, Alpha King Tony's brother and advisor. I hope your journey wasn't too taxing?"

Rita was taken aback by his warmth. "It was... long," she managed to reply.

Donny nodded sympathetically. "I can imagine. Come, let me show you to your rooms. You can rest and refresh yourself before meeting my brother."

As they walked through opulent hallways adorned with tapestries and priceless art, Donny chatted amiably, pointing out various features of the palace. Rita found herself relaxing slightly in his presence.

"Here we are," Donny said, stopping before an ornate door. "These will be your chambers. If you need anything at all, please don't hesitate to ask."

Rita stepped into the room, momentarily stunned by its luxury. A massive four-poster bed dominated one wall, while floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the mountains.

"It's... overwhelming," Rita admitted.

Donny's expression softened. "I know this must be a lot to take in. For what it's worth, I'm sorry about the circumstances that brought you here."

Rita turned to face him, searching his eyes for any sign of deception. Finding none, she allowed herself a small smile. "Thank you, Donny. That means more than you know."

He returned her smile before his expression grew serious. "Rita, there's something you should know about my brother—"

A sharp knock at the door interrupted him. A stern-faced woman entered, her eyes narrowing as she took in the scene.

"Prince Donny," she said, her tone clipped. "Alpha King Tony requests your presence immediately. And you," she added, turning to Rita, "are to prepare yourself. The Alpha King wishes to see you in one hour."

Donny's face fell. "Of course, Lady Amelia. I'll go at once." He turned back to Rita, concern evident in his eyes. "Remember, if you need anything..."

Rita nodded, watching as he left with the imposing Lady Amelia. As the door closed behind them, she sank onto the plush bed, her mind reeling. In just one hour, she would come face to face with the man who had bought her like property. The man who held her future in his hands.

With shaking hands, Rita began to unpack her meager belongings. As she did, a glint of metal caught her eye. Tucked into a corner of her bag was a small, ornate dagger—a gift from her late mother. Rita had forgotten she'd packed it in her haste.

She pulled it out, running her finger along the sharp edge. A plan began to form in her mind. She might be a captive, sold against her will, but she wasn't helpless. If Alpha King Tony proved to be the monster everyone claimed, she would be ready.

Rita slipped the dagger into a hidden pocket of her dress. Its weight against her thigh was comforting as she steeled herself for what was to come. Whatever happened next, she would face it on her own terms.

As the hour drew to a close, another knock sounded at her door. Rita took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders.

"Enter," she called.

The door opened to reveal a young servant girl, her eyes wide with a mix of curiosity and fear. "Miss Rita? It's time. Alpha King Tony is waiting for you in the throne room."

Rita nodded, smoothing down her simple dress. "Lead the way," she said, hoping the tremor in her voice wasn't noticeable.

As they walked through the winding corridors of Moonstone Palace, Rita's mind raced with possibilities. What would Alpha King Tony be like? Would he be as cruel as the rumors suggested, or was there more to him than met the eye?

The servant girl came to a stop before a set of massive double doors, intricately carved with scenes of werewolves in various states of transformation. Two guards stood at attention on either side.

"Good luck," the servant whispered before scurrying away.

Rita swallowed hard, her hand unconsciously moving to feel the outline of the dagger hidden in her dress. She nodded to the guards, who opened the doors with a resounding creak.

The throne room was cavernous, its ceiling so high it seemed to disappear into shadows. Elaborate chandeliers cast a warm glow over the space, illuminating the dozens of courtiers who lined the walls. All eyes turned to Rita as she stepped inside.

At the far end of the room, seated on a throne of polished black stone, was Alpha King Tony. Rita's breath caught in her throat as she took him in. He was undeniably handsome, with sharp features and piercing blue eyes that seemed to look right through her. But there was a coldness to his beauty, an edge that sent a shiver down her spine.

As Rita approached the throne, she felt a strange pull in her chest, like an invisible thread tugging her towards Tony. She pushed the feeling aside, focusing on keeping her steps steady.

When she reached the base of the dais, Rita dropped into a curtsy, her eyes fixed on the floor. "Your Majesty," she murmured.

"Rise," Tony commanded.

Rita straightened, forcing herself to meet his gaze. For a moment, she thought she saw a flicker of something—surprise? interest?—in his eyes. But it was gone so quickly she might have imagined it.

Tony leaned forward, his eyes raking over her appraisingly. "So, you're the one Marcus chose to fulfill our agreement. What's your name, girl?"

"Rita, Your Majesty," she replied.

A smirk played at the corners of Tony's mouth. "Rita," he repeated, as if tasting the name. "And tell me, Rita, do you understand why you're here?"

The question hung in the air, heavy with implication. Rita's hand twitched, longing to grasp the hidden dagger for reassurance. Instead, she lifted her chin defiantly.

"I'm here because I was sold to you, Your Majesty," she said, unable to keep the bitterness from her voice. "To provide you with an heir."

Whispers erupted among the courtiers at her bold response. Tony's eyebrows rose, a mix of amusement and irritation crossing his face.

"Careful, little wolf," he warned. "You'd do well to remember your place here."

Rita's heart raced, but she held her ground. "And what place is that, exactly? Am I to be your wife? Your mistress? Or merely a vessel for your child?"

The room fell deathly silent. Tony rose from his throne, descending the steps until he stood directly before Rita. She could feel the power radiating off him in waves, his alpha presence nearly overwhelming.

"You are whatever I say you are," Tony growled, his face inches from hers. "Wife, mistress, servant—it makes no difference. You belong to me now, and you'll do as I command. Is that clear?"

Rita's whole body trembled, torn between fear and an inexplicable desire to move closer to him. Her fingers brushed against the hidden dagger, drawing strength from its presence.

"Crystal clear, Your Majesty," she replied.

For a long moment, they stood locked in a silent battle of wills. Then, to Rita's surprise, Tony's expression softened almost imperceptibly.

"Good," he said, taking a step back. "You'll be shown to your permanent chambers now. Rest, and prepare yourself. Your new life begins tomorrow."

As Rita was led away by a pair of servants, she couldn't shake the feeling that something significant had just transpired. The pull she'd felt towards Tony, the flash of emotion in his eyes—it all hinted at depths she hadn't expected.

But as the doors of the throne room closed behind her, Rita steeled her resolve. Whatever game Tony was playing, whatever secrets lay hidden in Moonstone Palace, she would uncover them. She may have been sold into this life, but she was determined to carve out her own destiny.

With each step deeper into the palace, Rita's mind whirled with plans and possibilities. The dagger at her side was a constant reminder that she wasn't powerless. Come what may, she would survive. She would thrive.

And maybe, just maybe, she would find a way to turn this cruel twist of fate to her advantage.