An Unwavering Promise--Completed

Chapter Fourteen

Eleanor’s POV

The bidding was about to start. I looked around at the eager participants and tried to memorize their features for the future.

“As you can see here, gentlemen,” the auctioneer winked. “We have quite the specimen for you. Radiating beauty and extremely exoctic, we have a female orc in the prime of her life. She’d be excellent for breeding or doing whatever you wished with her, and as you can see, she’s offering quite a bit.”

I wanted to punch this guy square in the face. Who made comments like this about people? Though I wasn’t Brit’s biggest fan at the moment, I had made a promise to save her just as I did for Alexander. I wouldn’t leave here without either of them.

“Since she’s a rare beauty, let’s start at one million dollars. Who’d like to start us out? Ah, yes, sir, One million dollars…”

“What’s with that look on your face?” Dominic asked me.

“What do you mean?” I snapped at him. “What’s wrong with my face?”

Dominic chuckled. “You look very upset. What could it be this time? This orc isn’t a child.”

“But she is a woman! Dressed like that! Where is the decency? Where is the humanity? This whole ordeal is appalling,” I raged.

“Then why have you stayed so long?” he questioned.

I bit my lip in annoyance. I couldn’t tell him why I was here, and I couldn’t destroy the entire place either without giving away my plans.

“That is none of your concern,” I mumbled.

“I really think it is…” he slyly suggested.

Choosing to ignore him, I listened in on the bidding. They were over three million now, and I pitied those who went through this promise with no hope of escaping their fate. This auction happened several times a year, and if it hadn’t been for my mate getting captured, I probably would never have known about the black market for humanoid creatures.

“I really do admire your restraint, Eleanor,” Dominic said quietly. “For someone who hates this practice as much as you do, you are staying rather calm. I’m shocked you haven’t rioted yet.”

“Oh trust me, it’s coming,” I replied, turning to him. I made sure to stare him down as I added, “The moment I can, I’m going to take you down. I’m going to burn this entire practice to the ground. It’s despicable, and I’d be ashamed to not only make money off of this, but also to have my name attached to such a horrendous practice.”

Dominic looked taken aback, but kept his wry smile on his lips. “Well,” he started. “I happen to know the owner is rather fond of your ideas. Would you be interested in a deal?”

Frowning, I pursed my lips. “What kind of deal?”

“Sold!” the auctioneer interjected enthusiastically. “To the gentleman right up front here for a whopping 5.5 million dollars! Congratulations, sir. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.”

I watched the cage begin to lower and saw the man who had just purchased Brit. He was grinning from ear to ear and greedily ogling Brit as she disappeared from view.

“I’ll end it all. I’ll free everyone here, and I’ll give back the money I earned. I’ll stop this market entirely. This isn’t even where I make most of my money, so it wouldn’t be a financial mistake on my part. I’ll even go so far as ending the other markets I know about,” Dominic said evenly.

Taking a deep breath first, I asked, “What’s the catch? What do you want in return?”

Dominic only smiled. “You, of course. Isn’t that obvious? I haven’t been shy about my intentions and how much I want you. Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever been this forward before.”

I blinked in stunned silence for a few moments. “What is it about me? You don’t even know me. You know nothing about me. So what is it? It can’t be that it’s just because I’ve said ‘no’. I promise I’m not that captivating, and I already have someone else. I’ll never choose you, Dominic.”

“It’s a shame to hear that. Also, it’s Dom to you,” he said, adding a dashing smile. “I told you that I have a file on you, and I liked what I read.”

“It can’t just be a file,” I retorted. “I’ve never met you before now. We’ve never interacted before. So how? Why?”

Searching Dominic’s face, I saw sadness and regret enter his eyes. His whole demeanor changed, and he looked forlorn.

“Eleanor,” he finally said, his voice pained. “Do you really not know?”

“Next! We have a very astonishing find. I don’t think I’ve ever had the pleasure of presenting this next specimen. Everyone! Gather around and behold our next creature!” the auctioneer shouted, taking my attention away from Dominic. “A male, alpha werewolf!”

The cage settled in place, and the place was completely silent. Alexander sat on his knees inside of the cage. His hands were cuffed in silver behind him, and he had a blindfold over his eyes. They had dressed him in black pants and a linen shirt that was only halfway buttoned, which showed off his muscled and tattooed chest. I noticed how instantly the women in the room began to drool and whisper. I was partly annoyed at them for staring, but also aware of just how attractive my mate was. They couldn’t help themselves. Even in this state he was gorgeous, and it pained me to see him tied up and in this manner.

“He was quite the fighter, so if you approach, please be advised. Our sedative didn’t work on him, which is why we’ve put the blindfold on him. His eyes, though, are a beautiful green color, so keep that in mind. For this find, I think we’ll start the bidding at five million dollars. I promise that he’s worth every penny you spend. Yes, ma’m I see you there with the sparkling, silver dress. Anyone else want to take a gander?” the auctioneer questioned.

My heart felt like it was going to explode. I tried reaching out to him with our bond, but I continued to feel the mental block, which kept me from him. I did notice, however, that his entire body was facing me, as though he knew I was there. I asked the Moon Goddess to give my mate strength while I attempted to get us out of there. I only vaguely heard Dominic calling me back to our conversation, but I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Alexander. I hated myself at that moment for leaving the other night. Had I been there, perhaps we could have fought everyone off. Perhaps we wouldn’t be in this situation now.

“Okay ladies. I’m fighting you off with a stick,” the auctioneer chuckled. “Do I see any takers for six million? Yes, thank you. What about–”

Candy stood suddenly and shouted, “10 million.”

“Wow! My lady, that is quite the offer. Do I hear 10.5? Anyone?”

The woman in the silver, sparkling dress raised her hand.

“Thank you. We’re up to 10.5 now. Anyone for 11?” the auctioneer asked.

After a few seconds, Candy, who was still standing, raised her hand.

“Do I see 11.5? Anyone? Anyone at all? Going once? Going twice? And sold for 11 million to this fine vampire in the corner.”

Candy smiled and sat down smugly in her seat. The other woman was fuming and yelling at the man sitting next to her.

“Why are you so interested in this person?” Dominic asked.

I watched as the cage started to lower and disappeared back into the floor. My heart sunk with it. Candy winning the bid was part of the plan, yet it didn’t make me feel any better. This was becoming a far bigger mess than I had anticipated.

“Eleanor,” Dominic tried again.

“Hmm?” I turned to glance over at him.

He was glowering at me now. “It’s him, isn’t it?”

“What’s him?” I feigned ignorance.

“He’s your mate, right? That’s why you’re here? You truly don’t recognize me, do you?”

Frowning, I asked, “Recognize you? Dominic, I don’t know you. We’ve never met until now. Why would I recognize you?”

Abruptly rising from the table, Dominic grabbed my arm before shouting at the entire room. “The auction is over. That alpha werewolf will go to the next highest bidder.”

The woman, who had wanted Alexander, squealed in delight. Dominic then pulled me from the table and shoved me in front of him, forcing me to walk ahead. People were looking at us with confused looks. I only got a quick peek of Candy and Berty’s worried faces. They had also risen from their seats, but two waiters were standing behind them. It looked as though one was already starting to restrain Berty.

“What are you doing?” I yelled at Dominic as he continued to push me toward one of the exits.

“Taking what I want,” he replied coldly. “I attempted to be patient, but now I remember why I don’t like it.”