Aria’s POV
The auction hall was quiet now. Too quiet.
Three nights ago, I was Lot 17: Untamable Omega. Starting bid 50,000 credits. I’d bitten, scratched, fought every hand that tried to cage me. I’d told myself I’d rather bleed out on that stage than be bought.
I hadn’t counted on him.
The Alpha Heir hadn’t spoken since he dragged me out of that cage. He moved like a storm held on a leash - controlled, but you could feel the damage if it broke loose. His scent was smoke and winter pine, overwhelming, making my wolf sit up and take notice even when my human half wanted to claw his eyes out.
“You could have let them take me,” I said. My voice was hoarse from screaming and dry air. “Why stop the bid?”
“Because they don’t get to break what’s mine,” he said.
The words hit harder than an
