Chapter 2

"Who is down there!?"

Another Alpha presence. Of course. I am going to get it the worst ever tonight.

"Dude, chill. It is just the dungeon. No different than any other dungeon."

Rob is trying to calm someone. He is just going to make it worse.

"I am getting my father for this. I hope you know that. Better get your Alpha!" He spat. I could practically see the spit hitting the door.

"Damn it. I was getting ready to take my turn too. Fuck!"

I heard the door open and down Rob came.

"After this, I am getting my release. But the Alpha needs to see you right now. No joke this time."

I was scared because I knew he wasn't joking either. I followed behind Rob. He led me to the dining room. He took his seat at the warriors' table. No one dared breathe not knowing what the Alpha was about to say or do.

"Chloe, what the fuck have you done this time?!"

I waited for confirmation that I may speak. He performed a hand gesture that said I needed to answer.

"I was only doing my duties, sir. I made sure everything was prepped, cooked, and served. I went to my room, showered, and changed into my serving clothes. I cleared the tables and prepped and cooked the next round of dinner. Emil served it and placed the paper plates for those who were coming in from patrols and those going out for patrols. I cleaned up the kitchen. From there I saw Justin serving beers and lagers to his friends and I went to my room quickly."

Without missing a beat I informed him of my time out of my room.

"Have you eaten anything girl?" Alpha John spat back.

"No sir. I do not have permission at this time to do so." I replied instinctively.

"Why hasn't the girl eaten John?" Another man spoke up.

I got the look that said I was going to get two hundred whips tonight but I stood there straight-faced.

"This girl is my first wife's daughter."

"Oh is that to say she isn't your daughter? She is your stepdaughter?" The man seemed genuinely curious.

Alpha John's face twisted and he bit his tongue and the inside of his cheek.

"No, she is, mine too. However, she is only supposed to come out to do her duties and then proceed to her room."

Another man spoke up, "Child why were you in the dungeons? That is not a safe place to be."

I again stood there straight-faced; looking into the cold eyes of what was supposed to be my dad. I received the gesture once more.

"I was in my room," I replied.

The whole room gasped. The warriors sat still but you could see them trying to hide their amusement for my misfortune. Rob was pissed because this was taking longer than it was supposed to and I was supposed to be his bedmate for the next hour.

"Sir, you might want to come and look at this." A man said behind me. The gentlemen asking questions all left and came back a few moments later. Alpha John didn't dare budge and I did not dare move myself.

"You know, I thought you were reasonable and respectable. To do this to your own daughter. How did your entire pack not know you even had a daughter? Quit gesturing to her to answer. I want to hear it straight from her." There was clear disdain in this man's voice. He was not happy nor was he fuming. He was very calm.

I still didn't move. I knew the rules. If I didn't wait for the signal; it could mean my death. I got the signal. "Answer his questions, Chloe."

"I finished school under my mother's maiden name. She was a wolf from a pack that no longer exists. So no one knew who I was. The only rule there was for me was to talk to no one. I never talked to a soul not even the teachers. My room used to be on the top floor when my mother was alive. After she died my room became a modified cell in the dungeons." That is all he asked that is all I am going to answer.

"Modified cell? How?"

"Thin plywood was installed to cover the bars and a wall was removed to add a bathroom. The door is also covered in plywood with a handle screwed on and a latch to give the semblance of a lock." I remained still.

An angry voice came behind me. "What is the board for!?"

Rob jumped up this time and spoke, "None of your damn business!" Alpha John jumped up and dominated over Rob. He was fuming at Rob and Rob was fuming back at Alpha John. Rob eventually sat down.

"Never mind, I can see what the board is for. Clearly, your warriors, know what it is for also."

Everyone in the dining room looked confused. I just looked at Alpha John. The others were looking at us. I didn't care at this point, everyone knows now. I know how this will end. I have had an exit strategy for a few years now. While cleaning the rooms, I came across a dagger. It was in some of my mother's old belongings. I did some research on it while I was still in school. It was a ceremonial dagger. I sharpened the blade and kept it clean. I figured my death would be ceremonial enough. I won't last after tonight. If I am to go; I will do it my way.

"John, I have a proposition for you. If, the girl is so much of a burden to you. Let me buy her from you." I still don't know who this man is. The only thing I can figure out is he is an elder.

"James, she has been a problem since she was little. You wouldn't want that ruining your beautiful house." Alpha John spoke as though he cared for the Elder's home. Ha, he could care less about these Alphas. They only mingle to allow the wolves to find their mates. It is just a dick-waving contest for the Alphas.

"Well I mean I could always follow in your footsteps and place the girl in the dungeon if necessary. Or perhaps close to the forest edge as a deterrent for rogues." He said with a smug face. It is as though he were teasing maybe sarcasm. I can't quite tell. I am only looking at him through my peripheral.

"You are telling me you want HER on your territory? This has to be a joke. She isn't worth what you think. You should reject her now. You could have way better offspring with someone else. I will play no part in any family should she conceive."

"I mean what would change? You play no part now." The man behind me spoke up. He smelled great. I knew who he was. I wouldn't let him be with me though. He would be better off with someone else.

"I will pay you for her. How old is the girl?"

"I am eighteen, sir."

"I did not give you permission to speak!" 

I stood still. I was not going to back down now. I had already been pushed into this situation. I did not expect the day to be about me. No fate has a cruel way of diving in your way.

"Okay so give me a moment. Beta Aaron, you are good with numbers. Figure this out for me please."

"You got it, sir."

After a few moments of silence, Beta Aaron returned and walked up to Alpha John.

"You are going to pay this much for that?" He laughed out loud. It was the loudest and most genuine laugh I had heard in a long time. "Fuck, you can have her. You are a dumb fool. When she brings your whole pack to nothing, do not come to me for help."

I do not understand. I have never had any powers. My parents didn't believe in the idea of prophecy. I would not remember much before my mother's death. So I wouldn't know what he meant if it happened before that time. Hell, I have pushed my wolf so far away; that I do not know if she even exists anymore.

"Well John, it has been a lovely evening. I hope that all works well for you and your new Luna. I will be going with my pack and our new member. Um speaking of dear, do you have any belongings that need to be brought with you?"

I looked down at myself and back toward the dungeon. "I do not know, sir." I took one last look at the man I had known to be my father for many years. I turned and walked out and down to the dungeon. I walked into the room. I walked into the bathroom and removed one of the bricks from the wall. I grabbed the dagger and hid it in the pocket I had sewn in the skirt. I walked back into the main cell to look around the room. There is nothing of importance here. I looked up and saw the same man with the rainstorm smell staring at me.

"There is nothing here I need," I stated.

He turned around and walked out. I followed behind him. He led me out the front door where a caravan of black SUVs waited. I was not even sure which pack had just purchased me.