The Alpha's Rejected Queen

CHAPTER 5

LENA’S POV

I shook violently in his hands, but it was like trying to fight a mountain.

The golden-eyed man barely reacted, his fingers tightening slightly around my wrist, it felt like a silent reminder that my strength was nothing compared to his.

He was tall—too tall at that—and his presence was suffocating. The moment his rough palm touched my skin, a shiver ran down my spine. But not from fear and I…I hated my body for that.

“Let go of me!” I hissed, twisting in his grip. My feet scraped against the cold stone floor of the dimly lit auction house. The scent of damp air and desperation was enough to drown me.

He chuckled, it sounded deep and heated, like in a way I couldn't describe and it made my insides coil with a feeling I didn't want to name. “You’re feisty. I like that.”

I glared at him, as my breathing became ragged. “Who the hell do you think you are?”

The golden eyes glowed faintly as he smirked down at me. “Cassian Thorn. And you, little Omega, are coming with me.”

Omega.

The word still felt unfamiliar. And why as it used on me. I wasn’t weak. Or some fragile thing meant to be coddled or controlled. But Leo had ensured that was the only label I’d ever wear. A disgrace to my bloodline. A pawn to be traded.

And now, a slave.

I tried to wrench my hand free again, and this time, he did react. His grip shifted, his fingers wrapping around my throat, without squeezing it, rather just resting there. A silent warning. I felt my heart beat faster beneath his palm, but I refused to show fear.

“You keep fighting me,” Cassian murmured, tilting his head. “It’s amusing, but pointless.”

“Go to hell.”

His lips twisted into an infuriating smirk. “I’ve been there, sweetheart. And I think you’ll like it.”

I snarled at him. But he just laughed. There was something unnerving about how easily he handled me. Like he’d done this before or rather he enjoyed it.

His free hand brushed against my cheek, featherlight, and I jerked away, but the heat of his skin lingered. “No wonder my brother chose you,” he murmured.

His brother?

A chill crawled up my spine. “What the hell are you talking about?”

He didn’t answer. Instead, he reached into his coat, pulled out a thick stack of bills, and tossed them onto the desk of the greasy-looking man overseeing the sales.

“She’s mine,” Cassian said smoothly. The man hesitated only for a second before greed took over, and he snatched up the money with shaking fingers.

Just like that. I’d been sold. Again.

Cassian didn’t waste time. He turned around and dragged me behind him, and I stumbled. I could barely keep up with his long strides. By now the chains had already been removed from my body. But his hands acted like another round of those chains.

My stomach twisted violently.

This wasn’t real.

It couldn’t be real.

I wasn’t supposed to be here—I was supposed to be hunting down Leo and Sienna, making them pay for what they’d done to me. For what they’d stolen from me.

And now, I was being hauled away like a piece of property.

The cold night air slapped me in the face as we stepped outside. The sleek black SUV waiting at the curb only made my stomach sink further. It was too nice, and expensive. This wasn’t some rogue or lowlife who had purchased me. Cassian Thorn was someone powerful. Dangerous.

I had to get away.

He yanked open the car door and turned to me, clearly expecting me to get in. I moved back, planting my feet firmly on the ground. “I’m not going anywhere with you.”

Cassian sighed like I was a petulant child throwing a tantrum. “Do you really think you have a choice, Lena?”

I stiffened at the sound of my name. How did he—

Before I could react, he moved. One second, I was standing defiantly on the curb; the next, I was pinned against the car, his hard body pressed against mine. My breath hitched as his scent floated around me— dark and woodsy, with a hint of smoke. It was intoxicating, and I hated it.

“You have two options,” Cassian murmured. “You can get in willingly, or I can throw you in. Either way, you’re coming with me.”

I clenched my jaw. “I’d rather die.”

He exhaled sharply, a mixture of amusement and irritation. “Dramatic.”

Then he shoved me inside.

I landed awkwardly on the leather seat, scrambling upright just as he slid in beside me and slammed the door shut. The driver didn’t say a word before pulling away from the curb.

I lunged for the door handle, but before my fingers could grasp it, Cassian ’s hand shot out, snatching my wrist in a bruising grip. “I wouldn’t if I were you.”

I turned on him furiously. “What do you want with me?”

His golden eyes gleamed in the dim light. “That’s for my asshole of a brother to decide.”

Ice slid down my spine. I could say literally cause the car was cold. “Your brother?”

Cassian smirked but didn’t elaborate.

This wasn’t just about being bought and sold. There was something more going on. And I had no idea what it was.

I sucked in a breath, trying to steady myself. I couldn’t afford to lose control. Not now. Not when I had revenge to take.

Leo and Sienna had ruined my life. They’d taken everything from me. My dignity. My freedom. My child.

I wouldn’t let these golden-eyed men take any

thing more.

I would escape.

And when I did, I’d burn everything Leo loved to the ground.