The Alpha's Mate

CHAPTER THREE; THE BITTER TASTE OF FREEDOM

~EVERLY.

I tried to press further into the corner of the wall, but it was no use. He was already staggering toward me. My heart pounded, every beat a loud warning.

"I'm not looking for trouble," I whispered, hating how weak I sounded.

The man chuckled darkly. "Oh, I'm not here to cause trouble, sweetheart. Just lookin' for some fun."

I flinched as he stepped closer, his eyes roaming over me with a hunger that made my stomach turn. He saw me as nothing more than prey—a helpless omega in the wrong place. I pressed harder into the wall, but there was no escape.

"You're all alone," he slurred. "Perfect."

Fear mixed with anger, and my body tensed. I wanted to fight, but I was so weak. Eva, remained silent, distant, as if she didn't exist. I could feel her faint presence, but she didn't stir. Why wasn't she helping me?

He crouched down, his face inches from mine. His greasy hair clung to his forehead, and the stench of alcohol filled the air between us. His bloodshot eyes locked on me as if he'd already claimed me.

"Look at you," he sneered. "What are you gonna do, huh?"

His hand shot out, grabbing my ankle, and he yanked me forward. My back scraped against the ground, the rough pavement tearing at my skin.

"No… please," I whimpered, but it only made him laugh.

With a quick, brutal motion, he dragged me further into the alley. My arms flailed weakly, trying to grab anything to stop him. My breath came in sharp gasps as I struggled, but he was too strong.

"Stop fighting," he barked, his grip tightening. "You'll only make it worse."

I swallowed hard, tears blurring my vision. I kicked out, landing a weak blow against his leg, but he didn't even flinch. He straddled me, his weight pressing me down.

His rough hands fumbled at my breast, grabbing me without hesitation. I stiffened as humiliation and fear crashed over me, his harsh touch making my stomach twist with revulsion.

"Get off me!" I gasped, squirming beneath him, but he only smirked, leaning closer.

"Keep struggling," he taunted. "It just makes this more fun."

The cold air stung as he tore my gown, the fabric splitting down the middle. His rough hand trailed from my breast down to my stomach, resting at the top of my pant-covered c**t, making me shudder in revulsion.

I turned my face away, biting my lip to keep from crying out. My fingers brushed something on the ground—gritty, rough, like sand. Without thinking, I grabbed a handful and flung it into his face.

"Stupid b***h!" he roared, stumbling back as he rubbed at his eyes.

I kicked out with all the strength I had left, my foot connecting with his groin. He howled in pain and staggered backward.

I didn't wait. I scrambled to my feet and ran, my bare feet slapping against the pavement. My chest burned, and my legs felt like they would give out, but I kept going.

The alley stretched on, endless and dark. Panic clawed at me, but I pushed it aside. I had to keep moving.

"Eva," I whispered desperately, reaching out to her. But there was no response. The silence inside me was deafening, the void crushing. My wolf—my other half—had abandoned me.

Then I saw the looming silhouette of the auction house. I hesitated for a moment, but the sound of his footsteps behind me made the choice for me. I darted inside, gasping for breath.

The noise of the room hit me like a wave. Omegas moved on display, their faces blank, while men leered and laughed. My torn gown and disheveled state drew every eye in the room. Whispers and stares followed me.

The door slammed open behind me, and the man stumbled in, his face twisted with rage. "She's mine!" he bellowed, pointing at me.

The auctioneer stepped forward, his smirk cold and mocking. "Ah, the girl Alpha Kellen bought. Didn't last long, did she?"

Laughter erupted around me. The humiliation burned, but I couldn't move.

The auctioneer chuckled. "No Alpha wants damaged goods. Fine, I'll sell her again."

The man grinned, stepping closer. "Name your price."

The auctioneer's eyes glinted as he said. "Opening bid: five hundred credits for the omega."

The man who had chased me earlier smirked, raising his hand. "Bid Accepted," he barked triumphantly.

The auctioneer's gavel hovered in the air, ready to seal my fate. My legs wobbled as the guards reached for me. I began to wail, the raw, desperate sound tearing from my throat.

"Please, no! Please, don't!" I cried, struggling, but it was no use.

Just as the gavel began to fall, a smooth, commanding voice rang out through the chaos.

"Stop."

A woman stepped forward, her dark gown flowing as she moved. Her presence silenced the room instantly.

The auctioneer faltered, lowering the gavel as he stiffened. "Madam Selene," he said, bowing slightly.

Her sharp green eyes scanned the room before resting on me. Her expression softened slightly, just enough to be noticeable.

"I'll take responsibility for her," she said firmly.

The auctioneer hesitated. "But Madam—"

"No one else will touch her," she cut, glaring daggers at him.

The man who had chased me pushed forward angrily. "She's mine! I caught her fair—"

Two guards grabbed him before he could finish. Madam Selene didn't even look at him.

"Get him out," she ordered calmly.

The guards obeyed, dragging the man out as he cursed and shouted. The doors slammed behind him, leaving the room silent again.

Madam Selene turned back to me. "What's your name, girl?"

I hesitated. "I don't know,"

She frowned slightly but didn't press. "You've had a rough night," she said softly. "I don't give charity, but I won't let them have you either."

I blinked, unsure how to respond.

She straightened, addressing the room. "She's under my protection. She'll work for me as a server. That's final."

The auctioneer opened his mouth as if to argue, but a single glance from her shut him up. He forced a smile and nodded. "Of course, Madam Selene."

She gestured to the guards holding me. They let go immediately, stepping back.

"Follow me," she said.

I stumbled after her, my legs weak. The whispers in the room grew louder, but I didn't care.

We walked down a faint hallway until she stopped at a wooden door. She opened it and stepped aside.

"This is yours," she said. "Rest tonight. You start work tomorrow."

I nodded, unable to speak.

She studied me for a moment, then left, closing the door behind her.

I sat on the bed, my body aching. For the first time in what felt like forever, I wasn't running or hiding. I didn't know what tomorrow would bring, but tonight, I was safe.