Page 30 of The Alpha's Auctioned Pregnant Mate

As the scalding water pounded against her skin, she finally allowed herself to break. Sobs wracked her body, the sound of them drowned out by the rush of water. She cried for her lost freedom, for the life she'd left behind, for the uncertain future that stretched out before her.

And, as much as she hated to admit it and would never tell him, she was also hurt that Articus hadn't come for her. Was she not beautiful enough?

What kind of person am I to be upset that my captor didn't come to claim me?

When the water began to run cold, Wren stepped out of the shower, her skin pink and tender. She wrapped herself in a fluffy towel, avoiding her reflection in the steamy mirror.

Just as she was wondering what she was supposed to wear, her eyes landed on a neatly folded pile of clothes on the counter. They hadn't been there when she'd entered the bathroom. She could smell his scent.

He was here. While I was in the shower.

The thought sent a shiver down her spine, a mix of fear and something else she didn't want to examine too closely. Wren dressed quickly in the provided clothes—simple jeans and a soft sweater that fit her perfectly.

She braved the mirror once more. She looked much better than she had when she woke from her sleep.

Maybe I just needed a shower.

She could hear voices outside the door. Articus’s and another authoritative one just like his. Articus was thanking the voice for his hospitality.

That must be Cassius.

The voices walked away and she focused on finger-combing her damp hair and didn’t notice any other sounds until a knock at the door made her jump.

"Wren?" Articus's deep voice called from the other side. "Are you decent? We need to leave soon."

Wren’s heart leaped into her throat. Wren’s eyes widened in surprise, her mind struggling to catch up with the abrupt change in plans.

Leave? Where?

"I'm dressed," she called back, her voice surprisingly steady.

The door opened, and there he was. Articus White, in all his infuriating glory. His white hair was slightly tousled as if he'd been running his hands through it. His blue eyes were intense as they locked onto her, and Wren felt her breath catch in her throat.

Stop it. He bought you.

"Good morning," Articus said, his tone cautious. "Did you sleep well?"

Wren snorted, unable to help herself. "Oh, wonderfully. Nothing like the threat of impending rape to lull a girl to sleep."

Articus flinched as if she'd slapped him. "I would never—"

"Save it," Wren cut him off. "Where are we going?"

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Home. My home, that is. Not too far from here. But my business here is finished, so I am leaving now."

Wren blinked, confusion momentarily overriding her anger. "This... this isn't your pack?"

"No," Articus shook his head. "This is my cousin’s pack. I thought it would be better than taking you straight to my territory."

How considerate of him.

"Well then," Wren said, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "Lead the way,Master."

Articus's jaw clenched, but he said nothing as he turned and walked out of the room. Wren followed, smiling mischievously, her bare feet silent on the plush carpet.

The hallway outside was just as opulent as the room, with gilded mirrors and ornate light fixtures lining the walls. Wren tried not to gawk, but it was hard. She'd never seen such luxury up close before.

They took the stairs in tense silence, Wren acutely aware of Articus's presence beside her. He smelled like pine and something uniquelyhim, and she hated how it made her stomach flutter.

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