His chosen outcast Luna

Chapter 3

Joey and I are just a few feet away from the tent, outside of which there are at least a few hundred fancy cars. How is it possible that so many people are here for me? Why would they all come here for me? Isn’t that a bit strange?

“You really do look stunning today, sister,” Joey says, bringing my hand to his lips and kissing the back of it. Inwardly, I melt.

This is such typical Joey behavior. He has always been nice to me, always shown me love, but he is also one of those who talks about me behind my back. At least he has the decency to say everything to my face too. He is one of the few, including my father.

“Thank you,” I murmur, kissing the side of his shoulder. He smiles, and we walk further until we reach the front of the tent, where two doormen hold open the entrance so Joey and I, along with the others, can walk in.

On each side of the tent there are beautiful, colorful flowers and trees, which tower over the tent. They were placed there specifically for the event. This seems a bit too much. Why is everyone making such a big deal out of this?

“Now, do not forget. As soon as we walk in, they will all stand up and will want to get you to look at them. That, you will not do. You have to stay strong, look forward, head up and even if they make comments, or call your name, you have to stay strong.”

I only nod at this ridiculous rule.

“Well, then; in we go.”

I take my first step into the tent and I already feel the tension coming from every corner.

Once we’re in, I realize how much bigger and full the tent actually is. Hundreds of men, all dressed in one color. Same as me.

Black.

Joey doesn’t say a word as we walk toward our table, so I take it as a cue, not to say a single word.

Just like he said, I keep looking forward and just like he warned, they are calling my name and making comments about my looks.

They have the hots for me, which makes this even more uncomfortable.

Joey and I are now standing in front of our table, which has our surname written on a piece of paper.

My father, Luke Jameson, is seated on the far-right corner of our table, talking to one of the guests, who looks way too old to be asking for my hand.

Yes. This event is so that I can find a suitable mate. Well, it’s actually worse than that.

Joey does not let go of my arm, until I am seated and I am grateful for it.

All my siblings take a seat on the table once I am seated and soon enough, the event will start.

Thankfully, Joanna is sitting directly to my left so I get to hold her hand and not freak out.

“I wish you luck,” she whispers in my ear and places my hand on her lap.

My father finally joins me, by sitting down on my right side, where is he supposed to.

“Hi, dad,” I whisper, hoping for a smile or at least a ‘Hello’, but he ignores me entirely.

This day just got way worse. My father claps his hands, which seems to be some kind of cue, because the lights go out, then focus on the stage, where a man in a black suit is now standing.

He is holding a microphone, testing it and after a few ‘Test, Test, Test’s’ he speaks into the mic.

“Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and honored villagers of Eldoria,

Good evening and welcome to this momentous occasion, a night that will be remembered in the annals of our village history. Tonight, we gather under the stars to witness a truly unique and significant event – the ceremonial bidding for the hand of our revered Alpha's daughter, the radiant Valerie Jameson.

First and foremost, I would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone who has traveled near and far to be with us this evening. Your presence here is a testament to the importance and grandeur of this event.

Tonight’s event is not merely about the highest bid but about forging new bonds and alliances that will ensure the continued prosperity and security of Eldoria. It is a celebration of unity and the bright future we will build together.

I would like to take this moment to acknowledge and thank the Alpha, our leader, for his vision and generosity. His decision to hold this event demonstrates his commitment to the well-being and future of our village. Let us also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Valerie, whose grace and willingness to participate in this tradition exemplify her dedication to our community.

To our esteemed bidders, we welcome you and look forward to seeing how your contributions and commitments will shape the future of Eldoria. May the spirit of fairness, respect, and honor guide you as you participate in this evening’s bidding.

As we embark on this significant chapter in our village's history, let us remember the values that unite us and the shared vision for a prosperous future. Enjoy the festivities, the camaraderie, and the spirit of unity that this night brings.

Thank you all for being here, and let the bidding begin!”

I sigh and roll my eyes at his speech, but my father takes notice at this and scolds me.

Why is he being like this today? What is wrong with him?

The bidding has already started, since everyone is calling what they are willing to pay for me.

Yes. This event is all about selling me to the highest bidder. Horrifying, right?

I am quite sure, you understand now why I have not been looking forward to this event.

Getting sold to the highest bidder, like we’re in medieval times. As if I were a piece of meat.

The bid goes on for a long time and I do not even have the right to say ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to anyone.

If I get sold, then it’s done. I am not given a choice.

“One hundred and thirty thousand,” someone calls and I cringe.

“They are not willing to lose you that easily,” Joanna seems pleased, but this is anything but pleasing.

“Two hundred,” another calls.

“Two hundred, two companies and five troops,” another one calls.

Apparently, he got my father’s attention, since he is now listening more intently.

“Now, that is a bit, our Alpha is willing to take. Do I hear a higher bid? Gentlemen, now is your chance.”

Who even made that bid? Is he a fifty-year-old?

I cannot even see their faces.

“Three hundred, five companies, ten troops and two private jets.”

I’ll be damned. How rich are these men? They appear to have more money than sense.

Who is willing to pay that much for a bride?

“One million dollars,” someone calls and my jaw drops along with Joanna’s and every other one of my siblings’, but not my father. He is rubbing his hands together, as if he were planning something evil.

Is this all I mean to him? Sell me for money?

“I hear one million. Anyone else?”

Everyone goes silent.

“Going once. Going twice . . .” The auctioneer (as I like to call him) waits for someone else to bid, but it seems that everyone gave up.

“Sold!”

Oh, holy stars in heaven. I just got sold.

My father stands up and walks to the stage.

“One million. I must say, I am a little jealous, Valerie. None of us came close to that amount of money. That gentleman must really want you,” Joanna grins, making this even more painful for me.

“Sister, you have outdone yourself,” Olivia places both her hands on my shoulders and shakes me a little, but that just makes me feel a little nauseated.

“Dressed like that, no wonder everyone wants to have a piece,” Laura says, looking genuinely happy.

“There are hundreds of men and I have no idea, to whom I was sold. What if he is some fifty-year-old man?”

“All the elderly are here with their sons. They are not allowed to be here without a supervisor. The groom, or the bidder, whatever you want to call them, are not allowed to bid without the father’s permission. The father decides how much his son is allowed to bid,” Joey explains.

“I had no idea.”

“Well, now you know. Also, you do not need to worry. Whomever you were sold to, must be someone of influence and power and very young.”

Before I could ask him, if he knew who the bidder was, father interrupts us.

“Valerie, I would like you to meet Peter Kain. Your future husband. Peter, this is my daughter, Valerie.”

My eyes can’t believe what they’re seeing. This man, this gorgeous man who looks like a Greek God is my future husband?

He has brown short hair, very deep green eyes and a killer jawline. He is also quite tall and smells incredible.

“It is nice to meet you, Valerie,” he says, revealing his deep, husky voice. Both his hands are still in his pockets, which makes his posture look even sexier.

You can practically see his muscles underneath his suit.

“It is nice to meet you too, Peter,” I say and stand up.

His chest rises a little, as if taking a deep breath and bites his lower lip.

Woah!

I never thought a man biting his lower lip could be this enticing.

He is the epitome of perfection. Well, looks and all, yes, he is!

“Would you do me the honor of having the first dance with me?” He asks and offers me his right hand, which is covered in tattoos.

I must say, his eyes are suddenly filled with malice.

Is he up to no good? Probably.

Should I be concerned? Definitely.

Do I care if he is messing with me? At this moment, not at all.