The Auction of Honor
Elena POV:
Three days later, I walked into the Grand Ballroom, leaning heavily on a cane.
The silver wound had closed, but the limp remained. Tonight was the Annual Charity Auction.
I wore a dress of deep crimson silk, high-necked to cover bruises, with a slit revealing my bandaged leg. I wore my injury like a badge of war.
"Elena," a soft voice spoke beside me.
Javier, the pack Beta. He held a glass of champagne, eyes scanning the room nervously.
"You shouldn't be walking on that leg," Javier said.
"I'm fine, Javier."
"Damien is here," Javier warned. "And he brought her."
I looked across the room. Damien was in a tuxedo. Eve was clinging to his arm, wearing a white dress that looked suspiciously like a wedding gown.
The auction began. Items came and went.
Then, the auctioneer unveiled the centerpiece.
"Lot number 45. The 'Tears of the Ocean'."
A necklace of blue diamonds and moonstones. A symbol of the ultimate Luna.
"Bidding starts at five hundred thousand," the auctioneer announced.
"Six hundred," I said.
"Seven hundred!" Damien's voice rang out.
I turned. He was grinning at me.
"Eight hundred," I countered.
"One million!" Damien shouted.
The crowd gasped.
"One point two," I said.
"Two million!" Damien yelled. He was manic. He wanted to buy the symbol of my birthright for his mistress.
I raised my paddle. "Two point five."
"Three million!" Damien roared.
I paused. I lowered my paddle.
"Sold to Mr. Damien Paul for three million dollars!"
Damien smirked, puffing out his chest. He walked to the stage, Eve trailing behind him like a excited puppy. He pulled out a black card—not his personal one, but the Emergency Tactical Reserve card.
"Put it on this," Damien told the clerk loudly. "Pack security expense."
He shot me a look of triumph. He thought he'd outsmarted me. He thought I'd only frozen his personal accounts.
The clerk swiped it. Frowned. Swiped it again.
"I'm sorry, sir," the clerk said into the microphone, his voice echoing through the silent hall. "This card has been flagged. 'Unauthorized Access'."
Damien froze. "That's impossible. Try it again."
"It's frozen, sir. By order of the CFO, Miss Barron."
I smiled from across the room. I had audited the tactical funds that morning.
"It seems the Head Warrior is insolvent," I said, my voice carrying clearly.
Damien looked at Eve. She was reaching for the necklace, but the clerk pulled it back.
"I'll pay later!" Damien shouted, sweat beading on his forehead. "I am the future Alpha!"
"Cash or credit now, sir," the clerk said firmly. "Next bidder?"
"I'll take it," I said, raising my hand. "For two point five. Since the previous bidder defaulted."
The auctioneer nodded. "Sold to Miss Elena Barron."
I walked to the stage, handed over my personal card—which cleared instantly—and took the box.
I looked at Damien and Eve.
"You can't afford the price of leadership, Damien," I whispered. "Or the jewelry."