Chapter 8 - Articus

Two of Cassius’ aides went to scope out the warehouse and returned with valuable information. The shorter of the two began, “It appears that there is an event of some sort at the warehouse, Alpha. People in masks are freely trouping in by the numbers.”

“There was no bouncer or security man at the door. People are casually walking in. I observed that there was no need for security as only people who were invited knew about the event and its location,” the taller aide added.

“Thank you, Antonio, Raul,” Cassius said. “It appears we have no need for backup after all; we can handle this ourselves. Bring the bags of cash here and then tell everyone to pull back by about two blocks.. just in case.”

Articus looked back as Antonio put five black bags in the trunk of the car before heading away to meet Raul.

“I had guessed it would be a market to sell those they had snatched, so I instructed them to bring all the cash in the pack house. We have 50 million dollars in each bag.” Cassius spoke matter-of-factly, taking off his watch.

“Thanks, Cousin. I will pay you back once I get back to my side of the mountain.” Articus promised.

“Let’s hope we don’t spend it all,” Cassius said. “And I will be expecting you to pay it back with interest; I know how rich you are on the bright side.”

"Says the man who can conjure 250 million dollars in less than thirty minutes; money is no object for you as well,” Articus half-joked, his mind on Wren. “Are we going in now?".

"Yeah, we are, but not without a uniform." Cassius grinned at his cousin. He pulled off his hoodie and his black shirt.

Articus observed closely as Cassius ripped out two small halves from the black shirt into two. Cassius skillfully extracted his claws and made two holes in each of the halves.

"There, now you are just one of them." Cassius handed over one half to Articus.

Articus wasted no time in tying it across his face and adjusting his hoodie. Surprisingly, the holes fix perfectly over his eyes. He turned to see that Cassius had done the same. They were both incognito and ready to storm the event.

They walked confidently to the entrance. Their eyes scanned the surroundings for any funny business. With no resistance, they walked into the warehouse.

It was a large event, with around 100 people dispersed throughout the area. They were engaged in small conversations while sipping champagne served by waiters. Chairs were set up in rows facing the stage, each one labeled with a number tag.

On the stage was a low podium and a large projector screen. It displayed the text "WELCOME TO THE 12th AUCTION".

An auction?!

12th auction? They have done this 11 TIMES?!

A booming voice cut through Articus's thoughts. "Welcome to the 12th auction," said a small but charming man, speaking into the mike on the podium.

It was either he was too insignificant to notice or easy to ignore. It was clear that the man's appearance had also taken the guests aback. Conversations ended as everyone gave the man their attention.

The entrance door was shut close in that instant, with the room cast into shadows, for the event was one of secrecy and shadow.

"We all know what we are here for, so let's not waste any more time," he continued with a charming smile, flashing teeth that were too bright.

Casually, the people responded by sitting down. Articus and Cassius stood, looking confused. They were relieved when they spotted an empty row at the back. They found bidding cards placed neatly by the side of the chairs. The cards read 149 and 150, respectively.

The small man had waited for everyone to sit. His gaze lingered on Articus and Cassius before he went on to host the event. "I am Linus, and I will be your humble host for this evening." He bowed slightly.

"Today's auction has several amazing items to be given away. Now, it all depends on your desire to claim them and how deep your pockets are to get any of these items. This is because we have unyielding and wealthy contenders in our midst."

His eyes swept around the room and ended on Articus, who was seated now with Cassius. Amused and irked, Articus raised his head in defiance, ready to face whatever happened next.

Linus smiled again before facing the audience. "We are going to start with a hundred-old magic item that was retrieved two months ago. It is said to increase the strength of any supernatural. Four of our strongest men's lives were lost in the quest to retrieve this item, making it all the more valuable. The auction price starts at 2 million dollars."

He had only barely finished speaking when the bidding started. Several people were after the item, and it took a while before they moved on to the next. A different item was announced and brought out. It was won immediately.

And on and on it went. Every so often, Articus would catch the host's knowing look or smile. Like he knew he wasn't meant to be there.

Come and do something about it.

Two hours later, Articus was slowly losing his patience. He could tell that Cassius was, too. His quiet groans, sighs, and snickers were good signs. His mind was surely on his daughter. They had been away for a long time now.

"This has been going on for too long. Should we make up another plan?" Cassius leaned in to whisper into Articus's ear.

Articus shook his head. He had no idea what was happening. But leaving while the auction was still going on wouldn't be the best. These people didn't care if she was a person when they abducted her. They would wait till the end of the auction and see what happens from there.

The auction continued for another hour. People were going crazy, calling out huge amounts for items he considered trinkets. This was what made Articus sure there was more to the event.

"We have come to the end of this session. Those of you who won an item, please follow the ladies standing at the back. They will direct you to where you will claim your possession. To those who selected the item auction, you are to leave the premises. Thank you," the small man announced and bowed.

Several people stood up and exited the building. This was not their first time.

Articus had been slouching in his seat for most of the event. But now, he sat up straighter. This was the "more" he was sure would happen. So, he was right to stay after all.

"Do you think the people we assumed are not meant to be in the next session?" Cassius whispered to Articus

This had briefly passed his mind. However, it was irrelevant compared to what he was waiting for. He turned to Cassius. "It doesn't matter. We stay. If they come to harass us, I will deal with it."

He crossed his arms and waited. The host turned to him at that moment. A knowing smirk was plastered on his face. But nobody came to him. Cassius sighed in relief.

"Thank you, my esteemed customers. You have waited for this time, and here it is. Sadly, we regret to inform you that the listing for today is just five, so a number of you will be going home empty-handed. However, I promise you that these five valuable products are worth it. You won't regret coming here, even if you end up as just a viewer—the view is worth it." The host smiled brightly as if trying to convince the audience.

Some groans and angry comments went around the room, but nobody stood up to leave.

"Now, to commence, we have our only hybrid. A werewolf and a witch. She was caught practicing magic in her pack and driven out. I can think of a hundred uses for her." Linus smiled as approving laughter from the audience filled the air.

Cassius was right. They’re selling people.

A girl in a dirty, tattered gown and heavy chains on her feet and hand was led out by a handler. She could barely walk.

Will they auction Wren, too?!

The bid went by quickly. Three more supernatural beings were auctioned and won. Just as he was about to lose his cool. A handler came on the stage, leading her.

Wren.

She was wearing a short, tattered white gown. Unlike the others, she was not chained. On her left cheek, there was an angry red handprint. Her lips were bruised, and her left eye was getting swollen.

Someone had slapped her hard. Articus's heart ached to see her injury. He silently swore to do worse to whoever did it to her if he ever found out who they were.

Even with her injury and outfit, she was beautiful. Her hazel eyes shone with fury. Articus suddenly wished there was no war to watch out for. He would have enjoyed busting some heads.

Whosoever is the head of this organization is a sick fuck!

"And lastly, we have our virgin bride. A beautiful rogue werewolf that can come in handy in your bed and with household chores." The host's voice was laced with honey.

Virgin bride? They are selling her off as a bride?!!

Articus was so shocked that his eyes glowed in anger. Cassius noticed this and whispered in his ears, "You know we cannot fight here, Articus. Try something else," he pleaded.

Mind in shambles, Articus turned to face her. She stood tall, face rid of emotions, eyes skillfully gazing around the room, her hands fisted at both sides. She growled at the handler, who moved her to the stage center.

Suddenly, his respect for the girl grew. When he looked into her eyes, he saw defiance. He could tell in his gut that if she broke free, she would kill every living soul in the room. Articus felt pride and an alarming desire for her.

"We start the bid at 5 million dollars," Linus announced.

Several hands went up. They made their bid known. But Articus waited. The bidding went on till the amount was raised to 70 million dollars.

Articus smirked. "200 million dollars for her. I want her." His voice was both amused and condescending.

Linus' face lit up in excitement at the same time the girl locked eyes with Articus. He felt dirty for resorting to this, but it was his best bet at the moment.

Articus was confident that no other person would take the bid higher. And he was right.

Cassius gave him a look and chuckled. “150 million could have done it, anyway; remember my interest,” he whispered.

"200 million dollars, going…going…" Linus paused for a bit. His eyes gazed around the room, but no hand came up. "And sold!" he screeched.

"Congratulations, Sir," he directed at Articus.

Articus growled at him and turned his face. He was getting irritated with himself by the second.

"Unlike the other wins. You, Sir, will have to claim yours up on the stage. You won yourself a bride. This means you get to marry her here in our presence." Linus smiled

What?! Marry her? This wasn't part of the plan!

Articus gave nothing away as he asked in annoyance, "Do I?"

"Yes," Linus replied quickly, a glint in his eye.

“It seems you have to,” Cassius added. “Let’s just play along.”

He climbed the stage and stood a few feet away from the girl. She was no longer holding her fury back, and it was directed at him.

A priest appeared out of nowhere. He blessed the union and named husband and wife. The audience clapped and cheered. The handler expertly led the girl down the stage, and Articus turned to follow. But Linus stopped him.

He smiled at him again. "You know, this isn't over. You have to bite her as soon as possible to bond her to you because any misbehavior she exhibits once you leave here with her is no longer our responsibility."

That wasn't part of the plan either!

Articus looked him over. "I see. Alright." That was all he could say.