Sold To Alpha Kael

Chapter 3

Gina looked at me, confusion etched on her face. I didn’t fully understand it myself, but I knew my wolf had felt a strong connection to Alpha Kael.

"I'm sure it's because you're still new here. Don't worry, you'll get used to it."

I shook my head. "No, I’ve never felt this way before. I don't know how to explain it but—"

Gina cut me off. "Then who did your wolf sense?"

I looked at her, unable to say it.

Gina shook her head. She already read me."I’m sure you got it all wrong, Kaida. Alpha Kael is to be betrothed to Criseda very soon."

"Criseda?" I repeated, feeling my heart sink.

"Yes. She has been his lover for years now, and their union will only be a blessing to the pack. She is from royalty. That has been Alpha Caden's wish. Very soon, Alpha Kael will ask her to be his Luna, and that is why they've been buying more slaves because it's going to be a grand celebration and we'll definitely need more hands."

I was mute, unsure of how to articulate my feelings. Was it possible my wolf had made a mistake? For a year, I had waited for my mate. I had always dreamed of experiencing the bond.

Now, at the moment I finally felt it, my wolf had betrayed me, leading me to believe that my mate was someone already destined for another.

Gina said, "I'm sure you're just not used to this. But wait... you haven’t found your mate yet?"

I looked at her and said, "No... I have waited a full year to smell my mate but I haven't. And I haven't felt the way I felt today in my entire life. I'm so confused."

Gina nodded sympathetically. "I understand that feeling. I’ve felt it before, but I don't think Alpha Kael is your mate."

I looked at her. "What about you? You never found your mate?"

Gina sighed. "Of course I did, but he rejected me because we were outcasts. Then my aunt sold me off to Alpha Caden."

"I'm sorry about that," I said.

"It's fine. I'll be heading back to clean up now. Get some rest and let's hope Soraya forgives you. She can be mean sometimes, and I can tell she doesn't like you one bit."

I sighed, feeling the weight of another form of torture. Once Gina left and the door slammed behind her, I laid back on my bed, staring at the ceiling. Exhaustion washed over me, and I drifted into a restless sleep.

When I woke, it was dark. I was parched, my throat dry. Gina was fast asleep in her own bed. I picked up a lantern and quietly made my way to the kitchen to get a glass of water. As I gulped down the cold liquid, I heard a deep voice behind me.

"You're my mate, aren't you?"

I choked, dropping the cup. I couldn't turn around, my heart pounding in my chest. My wolf stirred again, more alive than ever, recognizing the presence behind me.

The connection was undeniable, a magnetic pull that was both thrilling and terrifying. It was as if my very soul was drawn to him, an intrinsic part of me recognizing its counterpart.

Alpha Kael stood behind me. "I can feel it."

Slowly, I turned to face him. "A-Alpha Kael. I'm... I'm sorry... I was thirsty."

He stepped closer. "I can sense it as well."

I didn’t know what to say. My heart raced as he moved closer with each step, and I backed away. "I... I don't know what you're saying, Alpha Kael. I'm sure there's a mistake."

Alpha Kael’s eyes bore into mine. "You're my slave, aren't you?"

I nodded, swallowing hard. I had been sold to my own mate as a slave. The irony was almost too much to bear.

"Good," he said. "And you're to obey me. So don't move an inch."

My heart pounded as I stood frozen. He approached, reaching out to clear a strand of hair from my face. "I could perceive you from a mile away even before you arrived here. I can tell you're a weak one."

I didn't respond, too overwhelmed by his gaze. He kept a straight face and stared at me right in my eyes.

He looked into my eyes as he moved closer. When our lips touched, it was gentle but thrilling, sending shivers through me. I felt a deep connection, a spark that excited every part of me.

My inner wolf recognized him and was overjoyed, and I knew for sure that he was my mate.

My heartbeat kept increasing, a relentless drum in my chest. As his lips met mine, I managed to mutter, "A...Alpha Kael." He didn't respond, only wrapped his powerful arms around me, pinning me to the counter.

His breath was hot against my skin as he sniffed me, then his hands moved to my neck, holding me gently yet firmly as he kissed my throat. I didn't know what he was doing, but every touch ignited a fire within me, a yearning I had never felt before.

Suddenly, we heard footsteps approaching. A deep voice called out, "Kael!" I recognized it instantly as Alpha Caden.

Panic surged through me. I slipped from Kael's grip and darted into the storeroom, hiding behind sacks of flour. My heart raced, thumping in my ears.

Alpha Caden entered the kitchen. "Kael, what are you doing here at this hour? I went to your room, and you weren't there."

Kael replied calmly, "I came for some water, Father."

Alpha Caden's voice was stern. "You should have ordered one of the slaves to get it for you. That's why we have so many. And by the time you get mated to Cri—"

"Enough, Father," Kael interrupted. "I haven't agreed to that yet."

I held my breath, listening intently. Alpha Caden's voice rose. "What do you mean you haven't agreed to that yet? It must be done! She is of royalty, and you know what that means. The power and authority we will gain. She has been betrothed to be your Luna."

"Criseda isn't my mate, Father," Kael said firmly.

"SHE IS YOUR BETROTHED!" Alpha Caden's voice was sharp, final.

My heart sank. I had waited so long for my mate, my prince charming, and now that he had found me, he was betrothed to another.

Alpha Caden continued, "The mating ceremony must be done. You will become the most powerful Alpha in history with Criseda by your side." He patted Kael's shoulder and left the kitchen.

I waited until I was sure Alpha Caden was gone before peeking out from my hiding spot. Kael stood alone, looking conflicted. I stepped out, my eyes downcast. "I... I'll take my leave now, Alpha Kael."

I bowed my head and hurried out of the kitchen, my heart aching. He didn't try to stop me. He just stood there, watching me walk away. I wonder what I was expecting though.

I ran back to my room, tears threatening to spill. Gina was awake, concern etched on her face. "Are you okay?"

I nodded, too shaken to speak, and walked to my bed. I turned to her and asked, "Who is Alpha Kael betrothed to?"

"Criseda," Gina replied. "She comes from one of the most powerful packs in history."

"But... do you think he'll mark her?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Why not? They've been destined to be together," Gina said matter-of-factly.

I nodded, feeling a deep sense of despair. "Ohh..." I turned away and lay down, staring at the ceiling. I whispered to myself, "Then what is my destiny if my mate is betrothed to another?"

How could I compete with someone of Criseda's stature?