Auctioned to the Cruel King - Chapter 18: Chapter 18
You are reading Auctioned to the Cruel King, Chapter 18: Chapter 18. Read more chapters of Auctioned to the Cruel King.
Kayla’s POV
I didn’t know why I reached for the necklace. Maybe it was desperation. Perhaps it was a pathetic attempt at self-preservation. But as I opened the drawer of the antique dresser, my hand hovered over the glittering stones nestled inside. Jewels. All of them. I’d never dared look until now.
The closet was full of fine dresses, most untouched, still smelling of cedar and power. I never cared to check them, never cared to wrap myself in someone else’s riches. But now… now everything depended on what I could carry.
I'd sell them once I was far enough away and use the money to sustain myself until... well, until I figured out what came next.
My fingers shook as I picked up a diamond-studded choker and its matching earrings. That made one set. Two more.
I grabbed a deep emerald set next, and then a golden locket—one I’d been made to wear the night Alpha Kane visited. I shouldn’t take that one but I took it anyway. Not too much—I wasn't stupid. Three necklaces and their matching sets would be enough. I didn't want to appear greedy when they finally discovered I was gone.
Perfect. These will do.
I stuffed the third set into the small leather shoulder bag I’d found and zipped it.
Two days.
That’s what the doctor said. But I wasn’t going to wait for those results. Not when I already knew.
I had those two days until the Lycan King learned that his precious breeding arrangement was doomed from the start. I wasn't about to wait around for that particular execution.
A knock on the door nearly made me jump out of my skin.
Shit. Please not the king again.
I kicked the dresser drawer shut and bolted out of the wardrobe, tossing the bag under the bed just in time as Moira entered with a tray.
My breath escaped in a rush of relief.
I had acted defiant and irritated when he'd suddenly arrived earlier—not to push my luck, but to avoid looking suspicious. Had I been submissive or overly pleasant, he would have known something was wrong.
“Your dinner, Lady Kayla,” she said, placing the tray on the low table.
I swallowed thickly and plastered on an indifferent look. “Thank you.”
“There's also this," she added, placing a small package beside the tray. "From Sir Cartier."
I turned toward the small dessert box wrapped in ribbon, sitting too confidently in the tray. Of course, Cartier. I’d practically forgotten about him. He was the kind of man you don’t look at twice unless you’re desperate. And I had been—needed information then. Now? I didn’t want to owe him anything.
“Weren’t you wearing a dress earlier?” Moira asked suddenly. “Why the pants?”
Crap.
“Thought I’d take a walk,” I said easily, offering a shrug. “But now that dinner’s here, I guess it’ll wait until tomorrow.”
Keep calm. Don’t be suspicious.
Moira nodded. “Would you like me to draw your bath?”
“No need,” I said, perhaps too quickly. “I’ll take care of it after I eat. You’re free for the night.”
She hesitated for a second, then bowed her head.
"As you wish, my lady."
She left.
I stood still until her footsteps faded entirely. Then I dove back under the bed, pulled out the bag, checked the contents, and exhaled.
It was nearly 11:30 by the time I peeked out the window and tied the makeshift rope of bed sheets. I tossed it out, grabbed my bag, then glanced back at the room one last time and, on impulse, snatched Cartier's dessert package, shoving it into my bag. No sense letting good food go to waste when I didn't know when I'd eat next.
Alpha Kane’s card was in my bag should I ever need it, which I pray dearly I won’t.
No more Alphas.
I pulled the hood up then climbed down carefully, heart racing, palms slick against the fabric. When my feet finally touched the ground, I ran low, keeping to the shadows of the hedges until I reached the edge of the clearing that separated the palace from the woods.
I froze.
Fuck. A guard was there and he wasn’t alone.
“Yes…yes.”
“Fuck, keep it down!” He whispered-shouted.
My eyes widened as I took in the scene. The guard had a female servant pressed against the stone wall, her uniform skirt hiked up around her waist, his pants around his ankles. His hips thrust up and she moaned again forcing him to shove his hand over her mouth.
I crouched lower, my breath caught in my throat.
I couldn’t pass. Not without being seen. Not with the way he was facing and the other corner having too much light.
My eyes traced other possible routes and I signed. I could try another route, but I'd memorized the patrol schedules for this specific path. Any other way carried unknown risks. I’m totally fucked if they don't leave.
“Just a little longer,” he groaned. “Fuck.”
I grimaced. Curse you, you horny bastard. This wasn't in my plan.
I didn't have time for this. Morning would come eventually, and with it, the discovery of my empty bed. I had to move.
Just as I was considering making a run for it, heavy footsteps approached from the opposite direction. The coupling pair froze, and moments later, a senior guard rounded the corner.
“Shit, shit.” The guard cursed, fumbling with his pants and shoving the girl in my direction. Oh, this isn't good. I immediately moved away, tucking myself between walls while she ran past.
“Are you fooling around?”
“No. I was just—”
“Nonsense. Get back to your post,” the senior snapped.
I heard the shuffle then and bolted off. That was when I dragged myself out of my hiding place.
"Damn young bastards, fucking while on duty.” The man groaned and looked around, spitting. “Fuck. I need a smoke," he muttered, patting his pockets. "Where the hell is my lighter?"
He stalked away, still searching his uniform, leaving the path momentarily clear.
Now. It was now or never.
I dashed into the woods, running as fast as I could without tripping, staying low beneath the branches. My heart thundered in my ears.
“Ouch,” I hissed when my shoe tripped over something.
I’d used my werewolf ability to see better since the moon was covered by thick clouds but running fast can still make it difficult, especially when I never trained before.
If I could just make it to the main road, I’d cut through the trees and pass the checkpoint from behind. I know the pattern now. I knew the timing.
But then—
A growl. I froze, the sound raising every hair on my body. That wasn't a normal wolf growl—it wasn't anything like the werewolves in my former pack. It was deeper, more menacing, and wild. It couldn't be... a Lycan? Why would one?..haa—shit!
I broke into a run, terror lending speed to my legs as I weaved between trees, ducking under branches and leaping over fallen logs. The growling grew louder and closer. If I stopped I’d be found and sent back to the Alpha. That was if the Lycan didn't kill me before knowing who I was.
I clutched my bag to my chest, my breath coming in painful gasps. If I could just reach the road—
A blur of movement.
Then it landed.
Right in front of me. That—that—that was fucking fast.
Massive and broad. Muscles rippled beneath a coat of dark, matted hair. His eyes glowed golden and if anything, he looked so terrifying that my blood ran cold.
I turned to flee, but it moved with impossible speed, cutting off my escape. I darted left—it was there. Right—blocked again. I spun, desperate for any opening, but the Lycan seemed to anticipate my every move. Then it roared in front of me and I tripped, “Ngk!” falling hard onto the earth.
The lycan was on me in an instant. The ground shook as his hands pinned either side of my shoulders. I tried to scramble back, but it tore the bag from my grip, the claw catching on my sleeve and ripping it clean. My shoulder throbbed.
“Please!” I sobbed. “Please don’t—don’t kill me—”
It roared.
A sound that shattered the air, that made me squeeze my eyes shut and cry out. My heart beat against my ribs like it wanted to break free.
Tears slid down my cheeks as I whispered, “Please… please, I’m not—I don’t—”
Too scared to even think.
I braced myself when it roared again onto my face and saliva coated my face. Fuck I was going to die. I was going to die…I don't want to die! This was foolish of me, I should have stayed back, and then I might have been given a chance to die differently.
“P-please.” I was crying.
I wasn't even sure how many times I begged.
The air shifted, and the weight above me seemed to change, to reconfigure itself. I felt bare skin against my arm where fur had been moments before.
Slowly, terrified of what I might see, I opened my eyes and horror flooded through me immediately, colder and more terrible than the fear that had gripped me seconds before.
Alpha—Alpha Lance?
Holy shit. Now I’m dead for sure.
I didn’t know why I reached for the necklace. Maybe it was desperation. Perhaps it was a pathetic attempt at self-preservation. But as I opened the drawer of the antique dresser, my hand hovered over the glittering stones nestled inside. Jewels. All of them. I’d never dared look until now.
The closet was full of fine dresses, most untouched, still smelling of cedar and power. I never cared to check them, never cared to wrap myself in someone else’s riches. But now… now everything depended on what I could carry.
I'd sell them once I was far enough away and use the money to sustain myself until... well, until I figured out what came next.
My fingers shook as I picked up a diamond-studded choker and its matching earrings. That made one set. Two more.
I grabbed a deep emerald set next, and then a golden locket—one I’d been made to wear the night Alpha Kane visited. I shouldn’t take that one but I took it anyway. Not too much—I wasn't stupid. Three necklaces and their matching sets would be enough. I didn't want to appear greedy when they finally discovered I was gone.
Perfect. These will do.
I stuffed the third set into the small leather shoulder bag I’d found and zipped it.
Two days.
That’s what the doctor said. But I wasn’t going to wait for those results. Not when I already knew.
I had those two days until the Lycan King learned that his precious breeding arrangement was doomed from the start. I wasn't about to wait around for that particular execution.
A knock on the door nearly made me jump out of my skin.
Shit. Please not the king again.
I kicked the dresser drawer shut and bolted out of the wardrobe, tossing the bag under the bed just in time as Moira entered with a tray.
My breath escaped in a rush of relief.
I had acted defiant and irritated when he'd suddenly arrived earlier—not to push my luck, but to avoid looking suspicious. Had I been submissive or overly pleasant, he would have known something was wrong.
“Your dinner, Lady Kayla,” she said, placing the tray on the low table.
I swallowed thickly and plastered on an indifferent look. “Thank you.”
“There's also this," she added, placing a small package beside the tray. "From Sir Cartier."
I turned toward the small dessert box wrapped in ribbon, sitting too confidently in the tray. Of course, Cartier. I’d practically forgotten about him. He was the kind of man you don’t look at twice unless you’re desperate. And I had been—needed information then. Now? I didn’t want to owe him anything.
“Weren’t you wearing a dress earlier?” Moira asked suddenly. “Why the pants?”
Crap.
“Thought I’d take a walk,” I said easily, offering a shrug. “But now that dinner’s here, I guess it’ll wait until tomorrow.”
Keep calm. Don’t be suspicious.
Moira nodded. “Would you like me to draw your bath?”
“No need,” I said, perhaps too quickly. “I’ll take care of it after I eat. You’re free for the night.”
She hesitated for a second, then bowed her head.
"As you wish, my lady."
She left.
I stood still until her footsteps faded entirely. Then I dove back under the bed, pulled out the bag, checked the contents, and exhaled.
It was nearly 11:30 by the time I peeked out the window and tied the makeshift rope of bed sheets. I tossed it out, grabbed my bag, then glanced back at the room one last time and, on impulse, snatched Cartier's dessert package, shoving it into my bag. No sense letting good food go to waste when I didn't know when I'd eat next.
Alpha Kane’s card was in my bag should I ever need it, which I pray dearly I won’t.
No more Alphas.
I pulled the hood up then climbed down carefully, heart racing, palms slick against the fabric. When my feet finally touched the ground, I ran low, keeping to the shadows of the hedges until I reached the edge of the clearing that separated the palace from the woods.
I froze.
Fuck. A guard was there and he wasn’t alone.
“Yes…yes.”
“Fuck, keep it down!” He whispered-shouted.
My eyes widened as I took in the scene. The guard had a female servant pressed against the stone wall, her uniform skirt hiked up around her waist, his pants around his ankles. His hips thrust up and she moaned again forcing him to shove his hand over her mouth.
I crouched lower, my breath caught in my throat.
I couldn’t pass. Not without being seen. Not with the way he was facing and the other corner having too much light.
My eyes traced other possible routes and I signed. I could try another route, but I'd memorized the patrol schedules for this specific path. Any other way carried unknown risks. I’m totally fucked if they don't leave.
“Just a little longer,” he groaned. “Fuck.”
I grimaced. Curse you, you horny bastard. This wasn't in my plan.
I didn't have time for this. Morning would come eventually, and with it, the discovery of my empty bed. I had to move.
Just as I was considering making a run for it, heavy footsteps approached from the opposite direction. The coupling pair froze, and moments later, a senior guard rounded the corner.
“Shit, shit.” The guard cursed, fumbling with his pants and shoving the girl in my direction. Oh, this isn't good. I immediately moved away, tucking myself between walls while she ran past.
“Are you fooling around?”
“No. I was just—”
“Nonsense. Get back to your post,” the senior snapped.
I heard the shuffle then and bolted off. That was when I dragged myself out of my hiding place.
"Damn young bastards, fucking while on duty.” The man groaned and looked around, spitting. “Fuck. I need a smoke," he muttered, patting his pockets. "Where the hell is my lighter?"
He stalked away, still searching his uniform, leaving the path momentarily clear.
Now. It was now or never.
I dashed into the woods, running as fast as I could without tripping, staying low beneath the branches. My heart thundered in my ears.
“Ouch,” I hissed when my shoe tripped over something.
I’d used my werewolf ability to see better since the moon was covered by thick clouds but running fast can still make it difficult, especially when I never trained before.
If I could just make it to the main road, I’d cut through the trees and pass the checkpoint from behind. I know the pattern now. I knew the timing.
But then—
A growl. I froze, the sound raising every hair on my body. That wasn't a normal wolf growl—it wasn't anything like the werewolves in my former pack. It was deeper, more menacing, and wild. It couldn't be... a Lycan? Why would one?..haa—shit!
I broke into a run, terror lending speed to my legs as I weaved between trees, ducking under branches and leaping over fallen logs. The growling grew louder and closer. If I stopped I’d be found and sent back to the Alpha. That was if the Lycan didn't kill me before knowing who I was.
I clutched my bag to my chest, my breath coming in painful gasps. If I could just reach the road—
A blur of movement.
Then it landed.
Right in front of me. That—that—that was fucking fast.
Massive and broad. Muscles rippled beneath a coat of dark, matted hair. His eyes glowed golden and if anything, he looked so terrifying that my blood ran cold.
I turned to flee, but it moved with impossible speed, cutting off my escape. I darted left—it was there. Right—blocked again. I spun, desperate for any opening, but the Lycan seemed to anticipate my every move. Then it roared in front of me and I tripped, “Ngk!” falling hard onto the earth.
The lycan was on me in an instant. The ground shook as his hands pinned either side of my shoulders. I tried to scramble back, but it tore the bag from my grip, the claw catching on my sleeve and ripping it clean. My shoulder throbbed.
“Please!” I sobbed. “Please don’t—don’t kill me—”
It roared.
A sound that shattered the air, that made me squeeze my eyes shut and cry out. My heart beat against my ribs like it wanted to break free.
Tears slid down my cheeks as I whispered, “Please… please, I’m not—I don’t—”
Too scared to even think.
I braced myself when it roared again onto my face and saliva coated my face. Fuck I was going to die. I was going to die…I don't want to die! This was foolish of me, I should have stayed back, and then I might have been given a chance to die differently.
“P-please.” I was crying.
I wasn't even sure how many times I begged.
The air shifted, and the weight above me seemed to change, to reconfigure itself. I felt bare skin against my arm where fur had been moments before.
Slowly, terrified of what I might see, I opened my eyes and horror flooded through me immediately, colder and more terrible than the fear that had gripped me seconds before.
Alpha—Alpha Lance?
Holy shit. Now I’m dead for sure.
End of Auctioned to the Cruel King Chapter 18. Continue reading Chapter 19 or return to Auctioned to the Cruel King book page.