Auctioned off To The Ice Hockey King

Chapter2

Serena Vale.

“I'm proposing to someone tonight.”

My breath seizes completely to the extent that I have to open my mouth slightly for air to get into my throat.

It is winter and I have been feeling very cold earlier but now… I am hot. I feel beads of sweat rolling down my forehead.

The proposal isn't mine.

I stare at the ring for what feels like eternity but I know it is only seconds before I force myself to look away.

“Oh… and who is the lucky woman?” the petite reporter asks, her voice cheerful.

“Thalassa Knight,” he says, gesturing toward the side door that creaks open and she steps into the doorway with a broad smile plastered on her beautiful face. “Princess of the Dark Knight Pack and cheerleader.”

And my worst nightmare. He forgets to add that.

Thalassa Knight has made life difficult for me ever since we were all in college. She hates the fact that a mere Omega like myself can attend the elite werewolf college. She calls me a charity case because I am on scholarship.

Even at The Winterfang Wolves Arena, she and her cheer team make sure I am put in my place as just a struggling interviewer.

I would be lying if I said I haven't suspected their relationship in the past. I have, and I confronted my mate, but he told me that there was nothing between them and that I was just acting up.

All the cameras focus on her, shuttering as she walks in. Everyone has something nice to say about her dress, smooth skin, and influential family. Before I know it, they are comparing us and the fact that she sounds so perfect for him makes the pain hit harder.

She stops before me, the corner of her lips lifting in a devilish and satisfied smirk that says she has won. Without a word, she steps right beside Kaden and grips his arm tightly like she is staking her claim on him.

Kaden cannot spare me a glance. He just focuses on her, then drops to one knee.

“Thalassa Knight,” he begins, his voice echoing through the hall. “We've been together for quite some time now and yeah… I have never been so sure about anyone the way I am sure about you.” He opens the box, revealing a diamond ring that sparkles under the dim light. “Will you marry me and spend forever with me as my mate and Luna?”

She slaps her hand over her mouth, her fingers trembling. “Yes!” she screams excitedly. “Yes, I will marry you.”

As he slips the ring onto her finger, tears burn in my eyes but I force them back. I am not going to cry and humiliate myself further on national television.

Just then, I feel a reassuring hand on my arm pulling me. I look back and it is Kate standing there with a grave expression on her face.

“Let's get out of here, Serena,” she murmurs, her voice thick with pain. “He doesn't deserve you.”

I nod slowly and let her pull me away through the cheers of the people and the choruses telling them to kiss.

Once the door slams shut behind us, the dam breaks. I do not cry; my tears just start streaming down my face while my chest tightens. I grip my chest and squeeze my eyes shut tightly, wishing everything is nothing but a bad dream that I will wake up from. But once I open my eyes, I realize that it is painfully real.

Kate touches the small of my back. “Are you okay?” she hisses. “Of course, you are not okay. Come, let's go to the mansion. You should freshen up and get some rest.”

I really do not want to be anywhere near that bastard. I wipe off my tears and force a smile at her. “No, Kate. I'm fine. I will just go home.”

“No, you are not fine and I won't let you be all by yourself wasting your tears on that bastard. He doesn't deserve it. I still can't believe he would propose to Thalassa of all the she-wolves in the kingdom. Our sworn enemy.”

“Trust me, Kate. I won't.”

She doesn't seem convinced.

“I just want to be alone tonight. You go back there and have fun.”

She scoffs bitterly. “Fun? There is nothing interesting about the party anymore. But you are sure you will be fine, right?”

I nod. “Yeah. I will just go home and sleep,” I lie. I bet I won't be able to close my eyes tonight.

She pulls me into an embrace. “Alright then. Take care of yourself. I will check up on you tomorrow.”

She goes back in.

I take a deep breath in and out, forcing back my tears. Kate is right. That bastard doesn't deserve my tears.

I turn and start walking out of the palace, my legs shaky but I still push forward.

“Rena!” I hear Kaden's voice behind me in the courtyard. “Rena!!” That nickname that once filled my stomach with butterflies now sends disgust down my spine.

I do not act like I hear him because there is no point.

He runs past me and blocks my path, guilt and regret flickering in his eyes. “I'm so sorry, Rena. I did not mean to do that.”

I eye him coldly, anger flooding me. “Sorry?” The word makes my stomach churn. “You didn't mean to? After humiliating me back there, you're saying you didn't mean to? You must be crazy, Kaden.”

“Yes, I'm crazy!” he roars. “I loved you, Serena, and I still do, but you don't expect me to announce our relationship like that.”

I fold my arms tightly. “Of course, I get it. You are the new face of the NHL and a mere Omega girl would cause a stain on your reputation, is that it?”

He shakes his head. “No, this is not even about you. It's about your…” he pauses.

“Say it, Kaden!” I shout, though I already know what he wants to say.

“It's about your mother.”