Chapter One
BELLA'S POV
"You know we wouldn't be doing this if the situation was different, we love you like our own daughter." Father says hugging me so tight one would think it's the end of life.
I know he means it even though he isn't my real father, but that doesn't make the situation any less scary.
I look at the three men standing by the door, their faces stern and impatient.
Being sold as a slave to a wicked kingdom is the last thing I would have wanted in life. But that was before my little brother fell sick. Now I am willing to give up anything to save his life, including my own freedom.
My family have barely been affording our daily meals, so the cost of treating Skylar's kidney disease was simply out of our reach. But we couldn't just watch him die.
I am not heartbroken by the fact that my parents are willing to sell me as a slave to get the money.
They didn't have a child when they adopted me, I was the centre of their attention until Skylar was born when I was fourteen.
They may not love me as much as they love Skylar, but they are as caring as true parents. Besides, Skylar is such an adorable kid, one can't help loving him.
Now he rarely leaves his bed, too ill to want to play anymore.
I wish to be here to see him return to the charming, hyperactive kid he used to be before the sickness. But we just exchanged my freedom with the money needed to get him treated, so there is no seeing him again.
The Grey Wolves Pack buys slaves all the time, especially the wolfless young people who are less likely to succeed in running away.
I am nineteen and yet to phase. Mother says that it's because I didn't get the chance to breastfeed as an infant so I will be phasing late.
She prays that I phase into a pack angel and not a werewolf. Unlike werewolves who are connected to the moon goddess, Pack angels are believed to be children of the powerful and perfect Goddess Israel.
They are so rare that some kingdoms doesn't even have a single one of them. There is also a lot of mystery surrounding their existence and sheer strength.
When they shift, massive wings spread out from their backs and they truly look like Angels. I would give up my life to become one.
"Promise me you will take care of yourself for us!" Mother mutters in an emotional voice, tears stream down her smooth cheeks.
I too feel like breaking down, but I need to show strength, act like I am not scared of the appalling future ahead.
Taking care of myself will be hard to do when I am a slave of Grey Wolves Pack, they don't buy slaves to treat them like family.
To avoid worrying mother more, I nod my head. It's not like they will see me again, they will never know what will happen to me once I leave with the three men. I don't regret agreeing to being sold as a slave, Skylar's life is worth it.
"Can I see Skylar before we leave?" I ask taking a brief glance at the men waiting.
One snorts in disdain.
"You have one minute. Take a second more and we'll drag you out of here kicking and screaming!" The biggest of the three snarls.
I rush back to Skylar's tinny room. The five year old is curled up in his bed, looking pensive.
I take a seat on the edge of the bed, realise there are tears in his eyes.
"Mother says you're going away for a long time, that you're going to work so I can go to hospital!" He says as I wipe a tear from his cheek.
"Yes, you're finally going to get medicine and be well again! You will not feel pain anymore." I say, gently stroking the back of his head.
"Will you come back soon?" He asks.
I can't let him know that I am never coming back, it would be devastating for the sick, little kid.
"I will come back once you're well." I lie. "You know I love you, right?"
"I love you too! You're the best sister!" He squeak, sitting up to hug me.
I hug him tight and affectionately, knowing that this is the last time I was seeing his gorgeous face.
"You take care of Dad and Mum for me, okay?"
The kid nods his head, smiling nervously.
"Bye honey!" I peck his forehead and push him back down to lay on the bed.
"Goodbye Bella! I will miss your big eyes!" He says with a sweet smile. I manage to forge my own smile despite the pain and fear within.
I stand and move to the door. "Always remember that I love you, okay?" I say.
He again nods nervously. I leave the room before the men comes to drag me away in front of his eyes.