The Alpha's Bargain Bride

Chapter 2 - The Truth at Ironpeak

Elara’s pov

We arrived at the so-called Ironpeak Pack. The house was huge, built of stone, and even more terrifying, cold. It looked like a real castle made of ice with a purpose to keep everyone in.

Lord Darien led us through the huge gates and spoke few words. He left us and gave me to two women who took me to the house and washed me. They took a bath, washed my hair, and pulled clean clothes. It was soft against my skin, and they led me to the room where a bed was waiting. I ate, drank, and took a nap, getting used to this place, but my soul grew heavy, and I did not know why.

Every day Samantha, a nice-looking nurse, came to examine me. She was always gentle and kind, asking how I felt and checking my temperature.

“You look healthy,” she said. “A bit skinny, but overall, good.”

One week passed, then another, and I stayed there in that room, taking short naps and eating healthy food. Still, I had no idea what was going on outside. Occasionally, I walked through the corridor and overheard someone talking.

“That is the debt girl.”

“She is the special one.”

“She is here to give birth to heirs.”

Everytime I heard these words, my stomach turned into ice. I was so afraid, so anxious, and so nervous that I almost fainted.

Lord Darien came to my room one evening and said that the Alpha wanted to see me.

“Why him?” I asked in surprise. “What did I do?”

“The time has come,” Lord Darien replied simply, leading the way to the huge hall. Samantha followed us, and when we entered the chamber, I saw the Alpha for the first time. He was tall and handsome despite his age, wearing a white coat. He looked like a real leader, but when he saw me, he frowned, narrowing his eyes in disapproval. He seemed to be judging me, calculating, and analyzing, like a buyer who is looking at a future purchase.

Several older men stood behind him, flipping through thick files.

“Her bloodline is unique and powerful,” One of them said. “It is considered sacred.”

I stood there, stunned, and could not understand why they were saying all this. Did I have a wolf inside me? Did I have any bloodline? I was just a girl!

“Is she able to have children?” The Alpha asked Samantha.

I turned to him in disbelief. “What does it mean?” I exclaimed. “I was promised to work here and was hired to take care of the Pack.”

Lord Darien turned to me. “Your father sold you to us. The healers said your bloodline was desirable and valuable, so he took the money for you,” The Lord replied coldly. “You are not hired to work and live here. You are bought to be the Alpha’s wife and give birth to his children.”

I was overwhelmed by his words. Sold? Bought? Wife? Children? Tears of desperation ran down my cheeks as I felt my knees weakening.

“I am not your animal,” I said, trying to remain strong. “I am barely an adult. I was promised to receive wages for working here…”

The Alpha looked at me, showing no emotion on his face. “You are in Ironpeak, which means you belong to me. You must obey my orders no matter what. Weakness is not tolerated here.”

Without a word, he turned to Samantha, who was shaking like a leaf. “Is she capable of conceiving?” He asked again.

“Yes, my Lord. She is in a perfect condition to become your wife,” The nurse replied.

“Then it is settled,” The Alpha stated. “Take her to the chamber. She will stay there until I come for her.”

“I will not!” I shouted furiously. “I was promised to be your worker!”

Lord Darien stepped forward. “You were not promised anything. Your father sold you to repay his debts, and now you must fulfill the deal. If you were promised to receive wages, he was not honest with you,” The Lord responded. “You are not hired to work and live here. You are bought to be the Alpha’s wife and give birth to his children.”

“Then kill me!” I screamed at the top of my lungs. “I will not serve you like this. I would rather be dead!”

I ran to the nearest gate and saw a faint glimpse of freedom. The sun shone behind the clouds, casting golden rays of light on the horizon. Just for a moment, I imagined myself escaping, running free, and living my life on my terms. But my dream faded away as fast as it came, and I felt rough hands grabbing my shoulders, throwing me on the floor.

I looked up and saw the Alpha above me.

“Try to run away or refuse again, and I will have your head,” He said, his voice full of cold fury. My heart raced as I realized he was not joking. My life was in his hands, and he could end it at any moment. I struggled to get up but failed as Samantha tried to help me, trying to soothe my pain.

“I will not hurt you,” The nurse said gently. “He is dangerous, but I will protect you.” She sounded sincere, and I was grateful for her kindness and compassion. Her hands were soft as she examined my wounds, and even though she was scared, she did not hide her feelings.

“Why did you hurt me?” I asked angrily. “What did I do to deserve this?”

Nothing. That was the answer, but I could not say it out loud. I wanted to scream in frustration and anger but could not find the strength within myself. I looked around and saw towering walls, iron gates, and guards who watched me with menacing eyes. They were all part of this terrible place, and I knew I had no chance of escaping.

“If I refuse to stay in the chamber and be your wife, what will happen to me?” I asked the Alpha. I was trembling, and my voice almost sounded like a whisper.

He leaned closer to me, invading my personal space, and whispered, “If you continue to refuse, I will show you what happens to those who disobey me.”

His words sent chills down my spine, and I understood he was serious. There was no mercy in his voice, no compassion or forgiveness. He was a monster who cared only about himself and his desires.

“I am not afraid of you,” I said defiantly. “You can do whatever you want, but I will never obey you or be your wife.” My tears fell freely as I looked up at him, filled with hatred and rage.

“Then you are a fool,” He said, moving away from me. “A weak and foolish girl who has no idea what awaits her in this world. Now get up and go to the chamber. The time for your punishment will come when I give the order.”

I looked at him, surprised at how calm and collected he was. I was expecting him to be angry or furious, but he barely showed any emotion. It was as if he had already accepted that I would be his bride and was not afraid of my objections. His gaze pierced right through me, burning with intensity, and I felt as if he could see my soul. For a brief second, I saw a glimpse of something inside him - a shadowy figure that stood guard over me, making sure I obeyed him.

I turned around and walked slowly to the hall, my legs shaking like leaves in the wind. Lord Darien watched me leave while Samantha and the nurses looked at me with pity and sympathy.

When I finally entered the chamber, I fell to my knees and started crying. I had lost all hope, and the only thing that kept me alive was the thought that there might still be a way out. Samantha helped me up, and for a moment, I forgot about the pain and the misery that had plagued me for so long.

“Elara,” Samantha whispered gently. “There is still hope. I promise you that I will help you escape as soon as possible. This is not the end.”

I looked at her, surprised at how kind and caring she was, considering all the horrors she had witnessed. It was the first time I saw someone so full of compassion and willingness to help others, even when it meant putting themselves in danger.

“I know,” I replied softly. “I believe you, but I also know there is no turning back now. Everything that happened today changed me forever, and I will never be the same girl again.”

Samantha smiled sadly and gave me a gentle hug. “It does not matter, my dear. You will always be this sweet little girl to me, no matter how much time passes or what happens in the future.”

I looked around the chamber, taking in my surroundings with new eyes. I realized then that no matter what happened next, I would never be the same. But at least I still had some hope left - that maybe, just maybe, Samantha would help me find a way out of this place.