Bonus

Thank you for reading.

Here is part of chapter 1 see what you think.

EVA

As the moonlit ballroom buzzed with the presence of powerful Alphas, I felt a shiver run down my spine, knowing my fate was tied to their desires. Little did I know that the dance I was about to perform – innocent as it was – would lead me into a world of ancient magic and forbidden love.

The ballroom of Castle Lancheck had an ethereal glow that cascaded from elaborate crystal chandeliers, making my heart race in anticipation of the dance. My dance. The music began slowly, and my body responded automatically, effortlessly, to the soft melody. It knew what to do.

The silk of my gown twirled in the air as I spun in a pirouette, arms gracefully arched, and one leg extended in a poised position. I continued to sway like a willow caught in a gentle breeze.

With each step, the music took over, filling my body with life. The melodic tone flowed through me, and I dared open my eyes. What I saw sent a wave of panic through me and almost took me off beat.

Get it together, Eva!I fell back into step with the others. I had a job to do. I stood on the sidelines as the music ended, sneaking a glimpse of the audience.

I froze and looked out as each dancer took the stage for a solo. The people gathered were not just any group. The crowd was filled with Alphas, the tops of the packs from all over. I had only heard of them and had never been in the same room as one of them. The ravenous look in their eyes penetrated my skin. My heart slid into my throat. This was not a typical recital; a darker purpose filled the room. I should not be here. This was not a good idea.

I have never seen so many men at a ballet. What was the reason for this performance?

I shook my head. I couldn't think about that right now. My body demanded my concentration as it was my time to take the stage. The music began, and I was transported into the melody. That evening, I had moved flawlessly in rhythm with the other dancers, but at this moment, I was perfection.

The dance unfolded like a captivating story, and I felt my emotions pour out as the music filled the great space. The spotlight warmth wrapped around me as I transformed my body into a moving masterpiece, a gift I have always had but tonight was electric. Unfortunately, the way these men looked at me, I feared that something else may be afoot.

My dance instructor had told me about this performance. I was desperate to earn money to hire a private detective to find my sister. I had a feeling this was less about me getting paid and more about his gain, but I didn"t want to look a gift horse in the mouth. He was the answer to my prayers, or so I had thought.

If my stepmother knew what I was doing, she would gladly take the money I would soon earn and spend it frivolously. But I was on a mission. I would dance and make the money I needed. I was a ballerina; now, I would be paid for it. My sister"s life depended on it.

As I danced, I felt an electricity emanating from the sea of men. I spun on my point toe and locked eyes with the alluring gaze of Alpha Adrian of the Silvermoon pack. He was entranced.

Was that a smirk playing on his lips?

I had to look away as an electric sensation surged through my body when our eyes connected. His intense stare almost burned me with its heat. I looked away. Defiance and anger bubbled within me. The room wasn't hot, but I felt beads of sweat glisten on my forehead.

I continued to move my body, extending my arms and legs, and letting them flow with the rhythm of the melody. Allowing my mind to shut off and live in the music.

When the music stopped playing, I bowed my head to the audience, and a round of applause erupted. The curtains drew aside to reveal my instructor, who walked out clapping in appreciation.

"Thank you all for coming to this event," he expressed, bowing his head.

He asked us all to come back out on stage to take a final bow, something common in performances. But when he said the word "auction", I felt dread well up in my body. Moments flew by as I tried to find a way out of the room. An escape plan. Why had I agreed to this?

When he got to me, his hand felt wrong as he touched my shoulder.

"It is for a private dance in their chambers. That is all," he told me. I wanted to believe him, but from the way Alpha Adrian and the other men had watched my every move, the idea of being alone with them terrified me. My heart sank as if this were a death sentence. I was not for sale; they could have a dance and nothing more. If that is what I had to do, I would be okay with it.

I shouldn't be afraid of these men. I reminded myself that I was a powerful young woman. I must not be scared by the thought of one dance. Pushing the disturbing thoughts aside, I focused on the present.

"This is Eva. Young and petite. As you can see, she moves like poetry in motion. She's like a delicate whirlwind when she dances." His words brought up bile. Was I going to be auctioned off like this? I heard some of the dancers backstage talking about the things they would be willing to do for the right price.

Clearing his throat, he continued. "I see she has captured most of your attention. Wouldn't you like to take her home for a dance? Imagine having an angel like her dance for you." He was nearly salivating as he proceeded, and whispers filled the crowd as they listened to the instructor. "This beautiful young girl is all yours for the night for just thirty gold coins."

Thirty gold coins? I had only been paid ten gold coins to perform tonight. What was going on?