The Autistic Alpha

Chapter 13: In his world

The whole drama from the room had ended; they were following each other down the hallway. Both dressed in almost the same thing—just different shirts. With every sharp corner they approached in the palace, a maid or two would turn his or her head to look at them.

Imogen scoffed, eyes rolled. Her fingers curled and uncurled. It wasn't time to get angry. She followed Blake very closely as they both made their way towards the same room she had left the night before—the palace sitting room.

"Kai, I don't really understand what he has been saying. I think you should both sort your problems out before I do something." Selene's voice came through the door. Soft. Calm. Laced with warnings underneath.

Beside her, Blake pushed the door open. He turned his gaze over. The blue eyes were back again. Imogen didn't understand how that was happening, but she knew she could get her answers.

Her chest heaved. The warm smell of blood stench hit her nose, forcing her to shake her head. Together, they both stepped into the sitting room.

"Stop the drama. When are we leaving?" Blake asked, hands across his waist.

Selene turned sharply, dropping the papers in her hands. She was dressed in the same slick gown as yesterday. Dark circles around her eyes like she had lost some sleep again. She sat beside Kai, the guy Imogen had seen yesterday—the crazy guy she had warned to lower his voice, with pale skin.

Selene unfolded her crossed legs, eyes squinted. Her gaze peered at Imogen like she had just seen a ghost. "Blake? What's the meaning of this? Is she a man or a woman?"

"Any. It's her decision. Now answer my question."

"Crazy fellow, can you stop?" Imogen cursed. Head leaned forward, her hands above her waist. She turned to look at him, giving him the cold stare.

"I'm talking to her, not you."

"Quiet. You ought to respect your mother," Imogen dictated.

The room fell silent. Every second felt like an hour was ticking already. The moment was heavy. She had to turn her head around. Her face lifted, lips curled. She spread her hands forward.

"Is this some kind of cinema?" Her voice was low.

Selene shook her head. She stood, not forgetting to close the file completely. A small smile appeared across her lips. "I swear to heavens, I'm starting to love this girl." She grinned. "Now, clot pole. You will respect me."

Imogen rolled her eyes at the family drama. The were-world was really different from the one she knew. She couldn't disrespect her father like this—he would take her powers and make her useless in the pack for two good days. And right now? She was still suffering. Her powers had been gone ever since she had tried to escape—not even a flash of them coming back.

"Alright. Alright. Just... tell me where we are going. I need to go back to sleep. She made me wake up early."

"The auction would need a buzz. You need to be there. We do that first," Selene grinned.

"What about the blood—"

"Blood?" Imogen scoffed. "You can't be serious, are you?"

She had known them to be wolves, not blood-sucking demons like the vampires. Every little thing she had heard was awkward. Unbeknownst to her, a lot was yet to happen.

At the corner of the room, Kai sat there. He stared at the blank wall. The warmth radiated from his body—every little ounce of it was red.

Imogen tapped Blake's shoulder slightly. "Hey. What's happening to him?" she asked.

Selene heard this, turning her head to look behind her. A low sigh escaped her lips. She nodded her head continuously. "Hopefully, his mate will arrive soon."

"We need to get him to the—"

"He will come see him like this. I want him to feel the urgency of whatever is happening to Kai," Selene said, her voice cold.

"When are we leaving?" Blake asked.

"Now. Go with Immy. I will be there soon. Do not do something stupid," Selene warned.

Imogen stared at the both of them and the way they were behaving with each other. She didn't know if she really wanted to leave this family alone. There was no thinking about leaving today—she had promised not to do anything. On a second thought, this was her chance at all sorts of freedom she needed. There would be no one complaining about her dressing again. No one to make remarks about her tone. No constant headache. That alone was being free. But was she free?

"I haven't forgotten the question I asked," Selene paused. "This isn't how a princess would look."

"Hey, woman. That's how she wants to be dressed. There's nothing wrong with that. Let her be," Blake blurted.

He gripped Imogen's fist, dragging her out of the palace living room.

The huge polo shirt bounced on her. Plus, the gurkha trousers didn't look like one. On her, it was a bit wide-leg, giving her the big girl vibe. Her steps were slow as they both made their way out. There was no complaining till she got to wherever they were heading.

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They both stood in front of the great building. Huge. Tall. Imogen couldn't help but stare at how big it was. She wouldn't be seeing it for the first time. But how could an autist be coming here?

"You have promised that there's no running away today. You know that."

"I'm not like you who doesn't keep promises."

"You don't even know me."

"You don't think I care about knowing you, do you?" she asked.

The air around them grew thick and unbearable. Blake stared into her eyes, his lips pressed tightly together. He might have wanted to say something, but nothing rolled out of his mouth.

Not waiting for her to even make a sound, he walked into the mansion. The door swung open voluntarily. And Imogen stood behind him, walking close.

The whole place exuded elegance—golden marble that crouched beneath their feet. Dark intricate designs detailed across the walls of the hall. Above them, a glistening golden chandelier stared down at them. At every corner, men and women dressed in black tuxedos. Some wore black suits. Women dressed in silk gowns; some wore shirts like the mates. Some wore a red night-blue crossed neck gown. The whole styles were mixed and blended well. Somehow, Imogen felt something heavy in her chest—that she didn't blend well with the crowd. And Blake? He also didn't.

Soon, they got to a room. It was reserved, maybe. And there was a big projector in front of them. The huge screen had a room in it, and it showed everyone sitting at the auction room.

"Why aren't we there with them?" she asked.

"Don't ask questions. Just watch." Cold. Sharp. A very calm way to make her angry.

"Let the auction begin," a voice came through the screen.

It showed an arch. There was a podium. The auctioneer dressed in a dark leaf-green suit that vibed with the background.

At the side, a lady came out. Dressed in almost nothing. Rag, precisely. Her eyes filled with pain. From where she had sat, Imogen could hear the slow heartbeat sound.

"Ladies and gentlemen, your attention, please." The auctioneer paused. "Up first? We have our young, beautiful, warm-blooded sapphire." He gestured towards the lady. "Perfect curve, white teeth, bouncing golden hair. She stands five feet tall. And she possesses a cool temperament that would give you no headache. Plus? She is a virgin. The first ever virgin on the line."

Amidst the crowd, someone lifted his hand. "Forty thousand," he yelled.

Imogen paused, turning her head towards Blake. "Is this some kind of human trade?" she asked.

Her chest beat harshly against her ribs.