Betrayed By My Bonded Mate

PIPER POV I snapped my eyes open, jerking awake from a terrible dream. Sitting upright in bed, I struggled to catch my breath as my heart pounded violently against my chest. This wasn't like my usual dreams. This one was different.This one was worse. I had seen myself... being auctioned. I didn't know how I had gotten there, but I had seen it clearly. People were bidding, their voices rising as they fought for a chance to own me. Their eyes were fixed on me as if I were nothing more than an object. It terrified me. Because every time I had dreams like this... they came true.I didn't know what was about to happen, but one thing was certain—I needed to be prepared. No one knew about my dreams.No one.It was my secret. The only person who had any idea was Elsa, my favorite maid. She understood me better than anyone else ever had. A knock sounded on the door, pulling me out of my thoughts. I quickly composed myself and sat up properly. I couldn't let anyone see me shaken. Dad had already instructed the maids to watch me closely and report everything I did. "Come in." The door opened, and Elsa walked in with another maid. They were both carrying something. Since no one knew how close Elsa and I were, I had to maintain my usual attitude. "Why did you two have to wake me up?" I snapped. The harsh tone wasn't really me, but it was necessary. Dad insisted I act this way. According to him, being too friendly would make me vulnerable. He believed the servants could take advantage of me. I didn't believe that. But I had no choice. So now, I played the role everyone expected—the spoiled, arrogant daughter. "I'm sorry, ma'am," the other maid said nervously. "We brought this for you. It's from the Alpha." I frowned. "What is it?" Elsa stepped forward and handed me a long envelope. I took it from her, curiosity building. The other maid placed a tray of food on the table and stood back quietly. Not wanting to raise suspicion, I waved my hand dismissively. "Leave." They both bowed slightly before leaving the room. The moment the door closed, I opened the envelope.Inside was a letter. I quickly scanned through it, then froze.A smile spread across my face.This was the best news I had ever received.I had been accepted into the best college in town. My heart raced with excitement. I had applied secretly, without telling anyone—not even Dad. And now...I got in. There was another knock. "Come in." Elsa walked in again, this time alone, a knowing smile on her face. "What is it?" she asked. "You look very happy." "I hope no one saw you come in," I said quickly. She shook her head. "No one." I let out a relieved breath. "Guess what!" She folded her arms. "Just tell me already. Your happiness is contagious, ma'am." I gave her a look. "I told you to stop calling me that when we're alone. Call me Piper." She smiled. "Okay... Piper." That sounded better. Normal.Something I rarely felt. "I got admitted into my favorite school," I said excitedly. Her smile faded instantly, and my excitement dropped. "Why aren't you happy?" I asked. I expected her to be happy for me. She knew how hard I had worked for this. Elsa hesitated. "Because the Alpha won't let you go. You know he doesn't like you being far from him." Yeah, she was right. I frowned. "He knows I applied." "Yes," she said carefully. "But I don't think he ever planned to let you leave." I stared at her. "I expected you to be happy for me, not discourage me." She sighed. "I'm not trying to hurt you. I don't want to lie to you." "What do you mean?" "I overheard your father talking to your brother," she admitted. "He said he won't let you go to that school." My chest tightened. I scoffed lightly. "That doesn't mean I can't convince him. I will." Elsa nodded slowly. "Maybe... if you talk to him." Determination filled me.I needed to do this right away. "I need to see Dad right now." "You haven't had breakfast," she pointed out. I rolled my eyes. "I'll eat later." After a quick shower, I rushed downstairs.But instead of Dad, I found Orion. My older brother. "Well, look who finally decided to come downstairs," he said casually. I ignored the jab. "Where's Dad?" "He had a meeting," Orion replied. "What's so important?" "I need to talk to him." He glanced up from his phone, studying me. "Is it about the school?" I froze. "You knew?" He smirked. "I was the one who accepted your letter." My excitement returned. "It says I'll be resuming soon." He laughed, but there was no humor in it. "You're going nowhere," he said coldly. "Start preparing instead." "For what?" "For your wedding." My heart skipped."What did you just say?" "You're getting married," he repeated. "To Gideon." Everything inside me shattered. "No... that's not true. I need to speak to Dad. He wouldn't do this to me." "You think I'm joking?" Orion shrugged. "Go find him if you can." I stood there, frozen, as he walked away.This couldn't be happening. Marriage? I couldn't be married. They wanted me to marry someone I didn't love. Someone who wasn't even my mate. I ran outside, desperate for air. The moment I reached the woods, I shifted into my wolf and ran faster than I ever had before. I didn't stop until I reached the river deep within the forest. Shifting back into my human form, I sank to the ground.And cried. I missed Mom. If she were here, none of this would be happening.She would've fought for me.Suddenly, a sharp sting pierced my neck. I gasped and turned, but before I could react, I saw a figure holding a syringe. Another hand clamped over my mouth from behind.I struggled, but my body was already weakening. My vision blurred. Everything faded. And then... Darkness.