Page 22 of The Alpha's Auctioned Pregnant Mate

It was a large event, with around 100 people dispersed throughout the area. They were engaged in small conversations while sipping champagne served by waiters. Chairs were set up in rows facing the stage, each one labeled with a number tag.

On the stage was a low podium and a large projector screen. It displayed the text "WELCOME TO THE 12th AUCTION".

An auction?!

12th auction? They have done this 11 TIMES?!

A booming voice cut through Articus's thoughts. "Welcome to the 12th auction," said a small but charming man, speaking into the mike on the podium.

It was either he was too insignificant to notice or easy to ignore. It was clear that the man's appearance had also takenthe guests aback. Conversations ended as everyone gave the man their attention.

The entrance door was shut close in that instant, with the room cast into shadows, for the event was one of secrecy and shadow.

"We all know what we are here for, so let's not waste any more time," he continued with a charming smile, flashing teeth that were too bright.

Casually, the people responded by sitting down. Articus and Cassius stood, looking confused. They were relieved when they spotted an empty row at the back. They found bidding cards placed neatly by the side of the chairs. The cards read 149 and 150, respectively.

The small man had waited for everyone to sit. His gaze lingered on Articus and Cassius before he went on to host the event. "I am Linus, and I will be your humble host for this evening." He bowed slightly.

"Today's auction has several amazing items to be given away. Now, it all depends on your desire to claim them and how deep your pockets are to get any of these items. This is because we have unyielding and wealthy contenders in our midst."

His eyes swept around the room and ended on Articus, who was seated now with Cassius. Amused and irked, Articus raised his head in defiance, ready to face whatever happened next.

Linus smiled again before facing the audience. "We are going to start with a hundred-old magic item that was retrieved two months ago. It is said to increase the strength of any supernatural. Four of our strongest men's lives were lost in the quest to retrieve this item, making it all the more valuable. The auction price starts at 2 million dollars."

He had only barely finished speaking when the bidding started. Several people were after the item, and it took a while before they moved on to the next. A different item was announced and brought out. It was won immediately.

And on and on it went. Every so often, Articus would catch the host's knowing look or smile. Like he knew he wasn't meant to be there.

Come and do something about it.

Two hours later, Articus was slowly losing his patience. He could tell that Cassius was, too. His quiet groans, sighs, and snickers were good signs. His mind was surely on his daughter. They had been away for a long time now.

"This has been going on for too long. Should we make up another plan?" Cassius leaned in to whisper into Articus's ear.

Articus shook his head. He had no idea what was happening. But leaving while the auction was still going on wouldn't be the best. These people didn't care if she was a person when they abducted her. They would wait till the end of the auction and see what happens from there.

The auction continued for another hour. People were going crazy, calling out huge amounts for items he considered trinkets. This was what made Articus sure there was more to the event.

"We have come to the end of this session. Those of you who won an item, please follow the ladies standing at the back. They will direct you to where you will claim your possession. To those who selected the item auction, you are to leave the premises. Thank you," the small man announced and bowed.

Several people stood up and exited the building. This was not their first time.

Articus had been slouching in his seat for most of the event. But now, he sat up straighter. This was the "more" he was sure would happen. So, he was right to stay after all.

"Do you think the people we assumed are not meant to be in the next session?" Cassius whispered to Articus

This had briefly passed his mind. However, it was irrelevant compared to what he was waiting for. He turned to Cassius. "It doesn't matter. We stay. If they come to harass us, I will deal with it."

He crossed his arms and waited. The host turned to him at that moment. A knowing smirk was plastered on his face. But nobody came to him. Cassius sighed in relief.

"Thank you, my esteemed customers. You have waited for this time, and here it is. Sadly, we regret to inform you that the listing for today is just five, so a number of you will be going home empty-handed. However, I promise you that these five valuable products are worth it. You won't regret coming here, even if you end up as just a viewer—the view is worth it." The host smiled brightly as if trying to convince the audience.

Some groans and angry comments went around the room, but nobody stood up to leave.

"Now, to commence, we have our only hybrid. A werewolf and a witch. She was caught practicing magic in her pack and driven out. I can think of a hundred uses for her." Linus smiled as approving laughter from the audience filled the air.

Cassius was right. They’re selling people.

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