Page 66 of The Alpha's Auctioned Pregnant Mate

The room was dim, illuminated by a single flickering bulb that cast eerie shadows against the stone walls. She shifted, the coarse rope digging into her skin, leaving a burning sensation with every slight movement. Her body ached as though she’d been tossed around like a rag doll. It was not the same prison she had been put in the last time. This was nicer, although not much nicer.

I should have stayed...

The thought tore through her, guilt mingling with regret. But it was too late for that now.

Footsteps echoed down a narrow hallway outside the room, sending a shiver crawling up her spine. She tensed as a rusted door creaked open, revealing three figures shrouded in shadow.

The tallest among them stepped forward, his face coming into view under the sickly light. He had a sneer that twisted his features into something vile, eyes glinting with cruel amusement.

The vampire.

“Look who’s finally awake. The famous rogue bride herself,” he drawled, his voice laced with mockery. “You’ve really made a name for yourself, haven’t you?”

Wren swallowed, her throat dry and scratchy. She glared up at him, her hazel eyes flashing with defiance despite the fear coiling in her stomach. “You don’t know anything about me,” she spat, forcing steel into her voice.

The vampire only chuckled, a sound that crawled under her skin like insects. The announcer at the auction, shorter and stockier, leaned against the wall with a leering grin. “Ungrateful, isn’t she?” he sneered.

“Running away from the best life a rogue could hope for. Married to an Alpha from the bright side and still not satisfied. Maybe we should’ve sold you off properly the first time.”

Wren's jaw clenched, defiance flaring despite her fear. "I'm not a bride, and I'm certainly not yours to sell."

The witch laughed, a harsh, grating sound. "Oh, she's got spirit, this one. No wonder she caught an Alpha's eye."

"Caught more than that," the vampire sneered. "What's the matter, Princess? Are silk sheets not good enough for you? Did your master hurt you?"

Her chest tightened, her mind racing as their words sank in. They saw Articus as her master, the one who’d claimed her like property.

They’re wrong.

She wasn’t a slave, and he wasn’t her master. Her heart twisted at the realization that despite everything, she couldn’t let them paint him that way.

“He’s not like that!” Wren’s voice cracked, but she pushed on, fueled by a mix of anger and desperation. “He’s not my master. He’s… not what you think.”

The vampire’s grin widened, unfazed. “Sure, Sweetheart. Keep telling yourself that.”

Their laughter grated against her ears, but it was the cold truth beneath their words that made her stomach churn. She couldn’t deny how it looked—Articus buying her at the auction, marking her as his—but it wasn’t the whole story.

I shouldn’t have run.

Now, she was back in the hands of those who saw her as nothing more than merchandise. Tears stung at the corners of her eyes, but she blinked them away, refusing to let them see her break.

I have to be strong—not just for me but for the baby.

The vampire crouched down in front of her, his eyes glinting with malice. "You were the talk of the underground, you know. The little rogue who snagged herself an Alpha, but then you chose to run away like an ungrateful bitch."

“He’s back here ‘where the sun doesn’t shine’, you know? Their search party scoured the bright side, but they could not find you. Of course, he must’ve been informed we got our prized asset back.”

Wren refused to let them see how much it affected her. She lifted her chin, meeting his gaze defiantly. "If you know so much, then you know Articus will come for me. And when he does, you'll regret ever laying a hand on me."

The slavers exchanged amused glances. "Oh, we're counting on it, Sweetheart," the witch said. "Your Alpha's going to pay a pretty penny to get you back. Seems like you’re more than just a trophy to him. "

Her words sent a cold shiver down Wren’s spine. She could feel their eyes on her, weighing her value in coins and deals. They weren’t just planning to sell her off to the highest bidder—they wanted to milk Articus’ wealth dry in exchange for her freedom.

As they continued to taunt her, Wren's mind raced. How had she ended up here? Just days ago, she'd been in Articus' arms, feeling safe and loved. Now, she was chained in a cellat the mercy of slavers who saw her as nothing more than a commodity to be sold.

I should have stayed. I should have talked to him.

The regret hit her like a physical blow, stealing her breath. She'd let fear and insecurity drive her actions, running away instead of confronting Articus about what she'd overheard. Now, she was in more danger than ever, and not just herself—the tiny life growing inside her was at risk, too.

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