The Alpha's Slave

Inayah is a slave, born and raised. She is sold during the annual auction to a mysterious man who claims her.

However, he is not the only one that wants her. Two brothers gain an uncanny interest in the human girl too.

The day was dark despite it being one of the most celebrated times of the year. Heavy dark clouds billowed in from the west, and with them came the thick heady scent of rain threatening to disrupt the occasion.

Inayah peered up at the sky, sighed low, and pressed further into her friend on the wagon, whose wheels bumped on the weathered road.

“It’s so cold,” Clement whispered and Inayah agreed, wordlessly securing an arm around her friend and pulling her close to her side. They nuzzled against each other's sides in tense silence as familiar rooftops slowly came to view.

Thin wisps of billowing smoke rose from thatched roofs, and soon came the banter of children and adults as they drifted from their homes toward the main hall.

Inayah exhaled a cloud of warmth that wicked into the cold dull evening air. She was exhausted but knew that sleep, especially now, was almost forbidden.

The slave market was held annually at the village, as girls born and raised within the middle and lower class were sold to the highest bidder at the auctions.

Myriads of girls would be attending from the ages of eleven to nineteen, possibly ripe for marriage.

Inayah’s gaze wandered listlessly over the barren cropland as dried-out corn husks billowed lazily in the wind.

She knew the time had come for her to be auctioned off as a slave; the money given to her poor family. Despite the fear that leaped in her throat, there was a relief and certain warmth in knowing that her value, though small, would ease their burdens.

It had been two days since they last ate a proper meal. With winter fast approaching all the crops had iced over, and her father had gone off to a far market in search of meat. They would need food soon.

Inayah thought of her youngest brother, Zahir, and his wide brown eyes that glistened over with tears at the sight of her retreating. His small wiry hands had clutched at the hem of her skirt, cheeks flushed from the strain of weeping as Inayah bade her mother and him a final goodbye.

Her chest clenched and she grit her teeth to prevent further crying.

It would be futile, anyway.

The past was behind and all that lay ahead was this life.