CHRISTMAS DEAL WITH THE ALPHA

CLEOPATRA POV

"Go through that and sign," the strapping muscular alpha commands, dropping a contract on the desk. I flip through the pages, my eyes scanning the contents.

"What's this?" I ask, my voice laced with doubt.

He looks up at me, a cloud of anger etched on his face.

"I know you're dumb, but can't you read?" he pretends to question, his tone dripping with condescension. I feel a surge of anger, but I know better than to react.

Jace is an arrogant bastad who thinks himself better than anyone else. His voice always manages to make my blood boil. "I'll explain it to you," he says, oozing with superiority.

"I need a bride for Christmas, and you suit the bill. Name your price."

I'm taken aback by his request.

When did I become so desperate that I'm forced to sell myself to a man who's twice my age and hopelessly in love with another? It all started last Christmas holiday, my 18th birthday. That was the day I died.

**********************************

A YEAR EARLIER

I slump against Ryder's pack house wall, my eyes fixed on the scene before me. Ryder, my mate and boyfriend of two years, is making out with my half-sister Liv on my 18th birthday.

The Christmas season, with its scent of cookies and sweet melodies, mocks me. My chest hurts, my lungs tighten, and my limbs feel like lead.

"What's going on here?" I mumble, my voice barely audible.

They finally pull away from each other, nonchalant looks on their faces.

"Cleo, you're here," Ryder says, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Ever thought of knocking? But then again, an omega can't afford manners.

" Liv stares down at me, an impetuous smirk on her face.

"Well, if you must know, I'm simply making out with my chosen mate and future Luna of the Red Moon pack, Liv," Ryder announces, pulling her close as he brushes his lips against hers. My world shatters. No, this can't be, not today of all days. Not when I didn't get my wolf, and my adopted father is battling kidney failure.

"I don't understand," I say, searching their faces for answers.

"I'm your mate. How can my sister be your chosen mate?"

"Cleo, darling, what he means is that he found someone better and worthy to be his Luna," Liv voices, her tone laced with arrogance.

I look at Ryder, and he doesn't seem bothered by her words, implying that she speaks the truth. A knot ties in my stomach, anger swelling up in my chest, but more than that, I feel an overwhelming pain.

"Are you taking my offer or not?" Ryder dares to question, his face etched with displeasure. I look into his eyes, and there's no love left for me. "No, thank you for showing me your truth," I profess, my heart heavy with bitterness.

"I pray God gives you both a happy married life."

Tears streaming down my face, I run out.

***********************************

I bash into our minimal apartment, tears streaming down my face as I collapse on the floor, my heart aching with bitterness.

Next thing I know, the door slams open, and my mom sails in.

"What's wrong? Why are you crying?" she questions, her expression sad. I'm stunned by her concern.

She's never bothered about my feelings before.

"Let me guess, Ryder told you about his relationship with Liv," she says, her voice laced with sarcasm.

"She told you?" I probe, nonplussed by her words.

"Why didn't you tell me?" My heart feels like it's been stabbed again.

"I'm not answerable to you," she snaps. "By the way, where's the money I asked for?"

I'm taken aback by her sudden change in demeanor.

"Mom...the thing is...I didn't get the money," I voice, my words barely audible.

She looks down on me, a distasteful frown forming on her lip.

"Unbelievable! You're good for nothing, after all. It's no wonder your father abandoned you." Her words cut deep, but I'm used to her insults.

"I had a feeling something like this would happen, so I spoke to your little suitor Victor, and he said he could help us with the money for your father's treatment," she says, her expression beaming with excitement.

"All you have to do is say yes." I'm not interested in Victor, but I know I have to do this for my father.

"Mom, I...I don't know if I can do this," I stammer.

"Stop acting selfish, Cleopatra," my mom snaps, her voice laced with anger.

"Your father needs an urgent kidney transplant, and all that's standing between him and that is you. You better get your sorry *ss down to Victor and accept his proposal." I feel a surge of anger, but I know I have to do this for my father.

I take a deep breath and nod. "Okay, mom. I'll do it." She nods, a satisfied smile on her face.

"Good. Now go and get ready. Victor is waiting for you." I nod and get up, my heart heavy with emotion.

I know I'm making a huge mistake, but I have to do this for my father.

Thirty minutes later, I arrive at the abandoned shelter where Victor is waiting for me. I enter, and he greets me with a huge smile.

"Welcome, Cleopatra," he says, his eyes roaming my body. "Please take a seat." I flash a small smile and sit down next to him.

The shelter is dimly lit, and the air is thick with the scent of decay. "Are you comfortable?" Victor asks, his voice dripping with concern.

I nod, trying to hide my unease. "I take it you're here to grant my request?" he asks, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

I take a deep breath and nod. "Yes, I'll marry you." Victor's face lights up with joy, and he pulls me into a hug.

"Thank you, Cleopatra. I promise to make you happy." As he holds me, I feel a pang of guilt. I'm using Victor for his money, and I know it's not right. But I have to do this for my father. Just as I'm starting to feel a little better, Victor's friends, Von and Nathan, arrive.

They're both betas, and they look at me with a mixture of curiosity and lust.

"We couldn't get the condoms," Von says, his voice laced with disappointment. Victor smiles. "No need for that. She's an omega, and she's clean. We'll just have to take her raw." My heart skips a beat as I realize what's happening.

Victor doesn't just want to marry me; he wants to use me for his own pleasure. I feel a surge of fear, and I try to push Victor away. But he's too strong, and he holds me in place.

"What's going on here?" I demand, trying to keep my voice steady.

Victor smiles. "You're going to be our little omega, Cleopatra. And you're going to do exactly as we say." I feel a chill run down my spine as I realize the true extent of Victor's plans. I'm trapped, and I don't know how to escape.

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WARNING 18+

CLEOPATRA POV

Victor's words keep replaying in my mind.

I quickly rise to my feet as sweat run down my forehead.

" What... what do you mean by that?" I mumble, shaking in my boots as I glaze between the three of them who are now just a few centimeters in front of me.

" Relax, it's just s*x" Victor explains as her tries to grab hold of me but I move backwards, but unfortunately that was a big mistake.

Because next thing I know, those vicious monsters push me to the floor, ripping my clothes to strands.

" Please stop" I beg in tears, as I try covering my nakedness but they all turn a blind eye to my sufferings.

" Stop squealing, no one is going to hear you" Von informs as they throw me onto the carpet in nothing but my birthday suit.

They then begin to strip off their clothes and that's when my fear skyrockets.

" Nathan please don't let them do this to me. I am your brother's girlfriend" I beseech Na