A Love Delayed

I was nobody until the night, the kingdom's most powerful alpha crashed into my life. He swore he'd come back to claim me as his luna. I waited six years, then my stepmother sold me and my son to a club downtown. And that's when i saw him again. The two men showed up at our door on a tuesday, mean faces, guns at their hips. My stepmother lisa was grinning. She held up a thick stack of cash and waited in her palm. COME ON. THERE'S A CLUB ON THE EAST SIDE. THE MADAM SAYS YOU'VE GOT A PRETTY FACE WORTH GOOD MONEY. Lisa, you can't do this. Dad. help me. My father sat hunched on the couch. His lips parted say, one word, one word and i walk. I'm never coming back. My father's mouth closed. His eyes dropped to the floor. Nothing came out. Lisa smiled. Lisa walked over and took my chin between her fingers. Six years ago, you came crawling back here, pregnant, no mate, no mark. I should have thrown you out that day, but i'm soft. I let you stay, i let you eat. Yeah, you did three jobs, and every paycheck went into my pocket. You think that fed your little bastard? That barely covered the rent on the room you slept in the night you gave birth. Remember that one? Where was your great alpha? You're just a stupid omega and fucking poor. No one would marry you. Mommy. Aiden threw himself at my legs and held on. Don't take my mommy. Lisa kicked him hard. He hit the floor. Don't touch my son. Take her. The men grabbed my arms. They started dragging me toward the door. If your coward of a lover hadn't run off and left you. I wouldn't have to sell you tonight. My fingers closed around the rose pendant. Six years ago, my colleagues bullied me. They dumped me in an abandoned industrial park. I came across him. Barely conscious. help me. I promise I'll marry you before I could answer. He kissed me, then we had sex. When it was over he reached up and pulled this pendant off. his neck this is my pax mark i'll come back for you don't lose it. then he turned and vanished into the shadows of the trees i gripped the pendant hard he would come for me he definitely would。

The men dragged us through a back door into a hallway. A woman was waiting at the end of the hall. Pretty younger than i expected told you. She'll bring you good money. The madam's eyes dropped to aiden. He was still gripping my leg. Take the boy to 500 extra. He'll work floors errands, whatever you need. No, you can't. A guard caught me by the shoulders and slammed me back against the wall. Your mother's dead. Your father's a coward. Who's coming for you? Aria nobody. If your man hadn't run off, i wouldn't have to sell you here. So accept it. Be a good girl service. The men, maybe they'll feed you. The madam clapped her hands. Tonight, special guest, get her ready.

Three women dragged me into a bathroom. They tore my clothes off. They forced me into something that barely covered me. Don't hurt my mommy, please. I stopped fighting. I stood still. I have a child. I'll do any other work. I'll clean. I'll wash dishes. Anything, just not this. Sweet of you, but no. get the whip. The first lash came down. i bit my tongue and kept quiet. The second, the third. the door burst open, aiden ran in, he threw his small body across mine. hit me instead, don't hurt my mommy. i rolled over and pulled him under me. The next lash hit my back. I locked my arms around him. I can't die. He's coming back. I have to wait. Suddenly, I heard voices outside the door. BOSS. IT'S BEEN SIX YEARS. MAYBE IT'S TIME? NO! I PUT THAT PENDANT AROUND HER NECK MYSELF. I MADE HER A PROMISEI'LL MOVE HEAVEN AND EARTH TO FIND HER.

Every part of me froze. That voice, six years, i had not forgotten it. I shoved the woman pinning me down. I crawled toward the door. Mommy, stay here. stay down. I pulled myself up using the door frame. Blood ran down my legs. I stepped into the hallway. A man stood at the far end. His back was to me, help me. His eyes locked on mine, the same eyes from that night. His whole body went rigid. Boss, too many eyes, don't make a scene. The man stopped, hands grabbed me from behind. Where do you think you're going, bitch? They yanked me back into the room, my head hit the floor. I kept my eyes on him through the doorway. He was still looking at me.