Zara's POV
"LOSIF! Why?! Why did you do this? You didn't even give my father a chance to explain!"
Tears streamed down my face.
But he didn't stop. He pulled the trigger again—And shot my mother.
My heart shattered.
Before I could scream, a hard strike hit the back of my head. Pain exploded through my skull, and everything went dark. I passed out.
When I opened my eyes, I found myself lying on the cold ground.
I looked around. It was a basement.
How could I forget this place? As the Beta's daughter, I had been here a few times before— Back when they were branding girls with the slave mark.
Anyone who committed treason was given a direct death sentence. But the girls from their family—if they were under twenty— They were sold into the Nightbane Pack's slave market.
And now, seeing myself here… I knew exactly what was going to happen to me.
Just then, some guards forced my face down against the floor. One of them brought in a hot iron, while another tore my clothes from the back.
I struggled, resisting with everything I had—But then the burning metal pressed against my skin.
"AaaaaaAAHHH!" I screamed, the pain unbearable.
"Make her unconscious. Now," one of them ordered.
A sharp prick at my neck— And everything faded as my eyes slowly shut.
.
.
.
.
.
.
I slowly opened my eyes. At first, everything was blurry, so I blinked rapidly until my vision cleared.
This wasn't the basement anymore. It looked more like a prison—a cell with iron bars.
Glancing around, I tried to stand up, but a sharp pain shot through me and stopped me in place. I looked down and noticed my legs—swollen and slightly numb.
But something else made my heart race.
What the hell was I wearing?
It was black lingerie. Only panties—no pants, not even shorts.
No… don't tell me this is the slave market.
They've already brought me here?
How did my life turn upside down so quickly?
Just days ago, everything was fine. I had my family, my love, my dreams. Now… my love is gone. My parents are gone.
My father would never betray our pack. And yet—they didn't even care to believe him. They just… killed him.
Tears were dripping from my eyes nonstop. But I couldn't just keep crying.
I wiped them away—because if I didn't do something soon, I'd end up as a breeding slave in some pack that bought me.
I leaned against the wall for support. With effort, I pushed myself up and stood. My legs trembled, but I didn't stop.
I walked toward the iron bars and grabbed them with both hands, pressing my face closer to look outside.
My heart skipped a beat. There were so many cells. And in them… so many girls. All of them wearing lingerie—just like me.
I was staring at the other girls when I suddenly heard footsteps approaching.
"Master Lucian, this way please. The Duskridge Pack just sold an omega girl here a few hours ago. She's only 19—and still a virgin."
I swallowed hard. The slave market's master was coming.
I didn't know what he planned to do with me.
What if… someone had already come to buy me?
The footsteps grew louder. My heart was pounding so fast, it felt like it might leap out of my chest. I kept my eyes down—until I saw a pair of polished black leather shoes stop right in front of my cell.
Startled, I slowly raised my gaze.
A man stood there, tall and commanding.
He had dark hair, bloody red eyes, and dusky skin. He wore a black shirt with a grey tie, a long black coat draped over his broad shoulders, and perfectly pressed black pants.
His entire presence radiated strength and power.
Even though he was clearly a middle-aged man, he was still devastatingly handsome.
"You damn bitch, greet our master! He is the Alpha of our pack!" A voice snapped beside him.
I turned toward the one who'd spoken—and froze. Did he just say… Alpha? Then—The man standing in front of me…He was Lyra's father.
Did she tell him about me? Is that why he's here? To get rid of me?
I stood frozen. Only the iron bars separated us. And he was staring at me— Unblinking. Watching me with an expression I couldn't read.
His gaze pierced through my skin. I knew who he was, so of course, it wasn't a pleasure to have him looking at me like that. That's why I glared right back. I didn't care what happened to me anymore.
"I like this omega. Release her. I will make her my mate."
My eyes widened at his words. What the hell was he saying?
Then something crossed my mind—Lyra had stolen my love, and ever since, everything had gone wrong. So why not use her father as bait?
That's why I softened my gaze.
The man standing beside the alpha opened the cell door. I stepped out, staring at the alpha, but he looked back at me with anger—like I'd done something wrong.
It wasn't my fault his master told him to let me out.
Just then, the alpha draped his long coat over me, snapping my attention to him. He stepped forward, standing in front of me.
He was so tall I barely reached his chest. The coat wrapped around me, reaching all the way to my toes. I adjusted it quickly—I hated the lingerie I was wearing.
"Follow me," he said, turning to walk.
I tried to move, but my legs ached. I didn't know why—had they hit me in the legs or something? I couldn't remember everything clearly.
Still, I followed him slowly. Outside, three black cars were parked. One of the drivers opened the door of the last car. The alpha got in first, sitting in the back seat. Since the door was still open, I climbed in and sat beside him.
As soon as I sat down, the driver closed the door and began to drive.
I adjusted the coat, covering my thighs, and clenched them tightly. Just then, the alpha stretched his hand around my waist.
The moment his hand touched me, my heart started pounding. He pulled me closer but didn't remove his hand. I flinched at the contact.
I glanced up at him. He was already watching me.
Quickly, I looked away.
"What are you looking at, babe?" he asked, his voice low and husky.
"N-Nothing," I said, barely audible.
"What did you say your name was?" He moved his hand to my shoulder. His arm felt heavy.
"Zara," I replied.
"Zara… That's a good name. Did you eat anything?"
I shook my head. Of course I hadn't. No matter what I was going through—sadness, anger, anything—I couldn't survive without food. And he'd said he wanted to make me his mate. That meant he was interested, so I'd have to cooperate.
He didn't say anything after that. His hand stayed on my shoulder while I sat stiffly, not even leaning back in the seat—too alert to relax.
Suddenly, the driver slammed the brakes. The car jerked to a halt, and I was thrown forward—but the alpha's thick arm wrapped around my waist again and pulled me back, saving me from falling.
"Thank you, sir," I said softly.
"Where are your fucking eyes? Why did you brake so suddenly?" he shouted, voice cold. I flinched again.
"Master Lucian," the driver replied, "I received a message—young master Cassian's fight is over. Should we pick him up?"
Young master Cassian...
I'd heard that name somewhere before, hadn't I?
Wait—wasn't he that legendary boxer? The strongest one? I'd seen one of his fights once, when Losif was watching, but I didn't pay much attention. I hated boxing matches.
I glanced at Lucian, waiting for his response.
"Yes," he finally said.
The driver smiled and kept driving. After a while, he stopped again. By then, I had gotten used to leaning against Lucian's chest—I'd been in the same position for half an hour.
I didn't move. His arm still held me, and my eyes scanned the surroundings.
Then the car door opened.
A guy peeked inside from the passenger side. He had silver-grey hair, golden eyes, and wore a loose black hoodie. His expression froze for a second when he saw me, but then he climbed in like it was nothing.
"Wassup, Dad?" he said while fiddling with his phone.
"You're not hurt, right, Cassian?"
"Nope, I'm fine. And who's that girl beside you? Your new bed partner, or is she just for tonight?" he scoffed.
"Cassian, she's going to be your stepmom from now on," Lucian replied.
"WHAT?!" Cassian turned to me, eyes wide in shock.