Chapter 16. The Auction

**16. The Auction **

***Astrid's POV:***

**Earlier That Day**

"You're fortunate because the vampire king himself will be at the auction today," the girl who was assigned to do my makeup informed me.

My heart sank. There isn't a single person who hasn't heard about the Vampire King's ruthlessness. He was notorious for inflicting misery, and no matter how attractive he was, he was cruel. Technically, all vampires are heartless, but the Vampire King is notorious for his lack of mercy.

The fact that all the girls used to have crushes on him but didn't appreciate his characteristic that no one had ever seen him smile. He was famous for maintaining a stern countenance with no emotion crossing his face, but the positive part was that he wouldn't give someone more attention than they earned because he was a guy of few words.

I've never seen him and wish I never have to because he once insulted the girls who tried to seduce him and that too in front of the entire media.

He is well-known in the human world, but only as a businessman and an architect.

"No, that can't be. why he's here? Doesn't he avoid these gatherings and auctions?" I asked, seeking some reassurance.

"Yes, Astrid, and that is why everyone is stunned as to why he is here because he himself sent word from his second in command that he would be joining the auction, but you have nothing to worry about because your mom has informed me that she has already made a deal with someone and he is the one who is ready to place the highest bid on you," She said proudly as if she were in my place and accepted the offer with open arms.

I was terrified to death. One, my mother does not want me here. Two, I need to find my Mate. And three, I need to get away from the two difficulties that are waiting for me. One is the vampire king, while the other is unknown to me, someone who is going to bid for me like I am a commodity.

"Look how gorgeous you are," she said, pointing to me in the mirror. "I'm sure you'll fetch the highest bid in history." she boasted.

I wished I could shut her up at that moment, but she was right about one thing - I did look stunning. Once upon a time, my family was loving and protective. My parents showered me with extravagant gifts, and my mother went out of her way to make me feel special. But now, that mother was selling me, and my brothers, who had once loved and protected me, had urged my parents to sell me to a stranger. Mom is selling me. Today, my brothers, who used to love and protect me while following me around like shadows, urged my parents to sell me to a stranger.

Those days would never return, and neither would their affection. Everything had changed so abruptly, and the memories of those happy times had faded. Now I had to fend for myself, buy my own clothes, and take care of my needs.

Seeing myself in this clothing brought back memories of those days. It would have been a very different story if my parents and brothers had been the same.

As Sky drove me to the venue, I couldn't resist blaming him for what was happening to me. If I ever got the chance, I'd make sure they all regretted their decisions.

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**Present.**

I couldn't believe he was here.

My Mate is here. What was he doing here, and was he here to save me?

What was he doing, and was he here to save me? If he belonged to our pack, he should know about my situation. Why wasn't he claiming me?

 if he did Nobody could take me away from him It is the fundamental law that if someone finds a mate, no one can stop them from taking their mates away, no matter what the situation is. What if he is a human who is scarred of everyone?

I'm sure many people in the hall aren't human, let alone magical creatures. There are warlocks, werewolves, vampires, and shifters among them. No, he can't be a human; he wouldn't be in the restricted zone if he were. He'd have to be a werewolf.

"Okay, next up is the beautiful Astrid. I'm sure nobody can resist her charm. Who wants to take her home?" a voice from the audience snarled.

Tears welled up in my eyes. Was my Mate just another spectator here to witness my downfall? Has he heard about me and the incident, and why is he not claiming me as a mate?

I felt a wave of shame and hoped someone would buy me and set me free. But the chances of that happening were as likely as the sun turning into a white dwarf.

"Today, we have a distinguished guest, and I would like to greet our highness, Mr. Rafael Jeffery Delmar. He's the type of vampire we're looking for, and it's an honor to have him here with us," The host made the announcement.

The mere mention of his name caused my legs to tremble. Everyone became silent when they heard his name; I'm sure everyone was as terrified of him as I am.

I was simply hoping I wouldn't be sold to him. Everyone but him.

"So the Pack has set a price of one million dollars for her; let's see where this goes, gentlemen; it's not much compared to this beauty in front of us." The auctioner annoucned.

"Five million," a member of the audience exclaimed.

"Wow, it got really high quickly, so anyone up for 10 million?" This was all horrible, and feeling like you were being sold to some corporation was embarrassing.

I sighed; at least I know what I'm worth, and these people think I'm valuable enough to spend their money on.

The stakes continued growing, but I couldn't hear my mate's voices. I knew he was still there because I could feel his presence, but he was deafeningly silent. If I get the chance, I'll make sure to give him peace of mind, or else my soul won't rest in peace.

I had no idea when the bid had surpassed fifty million dollars, and no one was even thinking about stopping.

"a hundred million," The voice from the side where my Mate was sat beckoned.

It continued to rise.

When the bid reached fifty million dollars, two bidders remained.  They were very naive. If I were them, I would spend that money on better things, but they are fools to put it on me, and why would I waste my money on a pitiful inferior?

"One billion," someone from the side where my Mate sat called out. Everyone gasped when they heard the price, but a growl came from the center.

The venue started bustling with murmurs. Anyone would talk about it, who was that idiot to pay 'One Billion' to acquire me?

"Does anyone have more than that?" the auctioneer inquired.

The room fell silent, and then, "One billion one... one billion two," the auctioneer continued. "Sold to the Vampire King," he announced, and I shuddered with fear, his voice echoed throughout the auditorium.

I was terrified because I knew what was coming. . Everyone was dispersing on their way, and I could sense it.

My heart started hammering wildly My Mate was approaching me, and I couldn't fathom why and several footsteps following him from behind.

Why is he approaching me? I guess he has a death wish especially when I was sold to Vampire King in front of him.

"You have half an hour to tell your goodbyes. You won't be coming to this realm ever again because now you will know what true hell looks like" It was my mate's voice, but why was he ordering me?

"Who are you?" I asked.

"I'm the one who bought you, mate," he replied, walking away without removing his blindfold. "And don't take your things, throw them away, or burn them. I don't care," he snarled as he walked away.

I was stunned. My "Third Chance Mate" was the infamous Vampire King 

Could my life possibly get any worse? I hadn't even seen him yet. The idiot didn't even bother to take off this blindfold.

My life couldn't get any worse. If he thinks he's torturing me by not allowing me to return here, he's mistaken. If only he knew how badly I wanted to leave his place, but the latter part was bothering me. He had yet to reveal himself, and it seemed he intended to make my life a living nightmare.

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**The following chapter is from Rafael's point of view. Who is excited? and what do you think of Rafael's warning?**

**Is he going to be like everyone else, or will he change his ways?**

**Stay tuned to know more.**

**I love you all <3**

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