Chapter 19. Making Everyone Regret

**19. Making Everyone Regre**t
**Rafael's POV:**
Bryan's words were tough for me to understand and accept. She opted to flee from me rather than come to me and be saved.
Bryan provided me with details about the alleged auction, explaining that those involved had given their consent for this decision to proceed, supposedly to secure much-needed funds. This meant that my mate was not only aware but had granted permission. The realization that she would rather be sold than be with me was a bitter pill to swallow. I couldn't help but think she should have taken a moment before making such a drastic decision.
"So she agreed to everything right away?" I pressed Bryan for more details, my rage unchecked. If my suspicions were correct, I wasn't sure how I would react.
"No, Sir, I mean, the pack definitely says that our queen allowed them, which was difficult for me to swallow, so I went to find every small piece of information from the depth, and I could even tell the pack was lying because I had Mason with me. You know how good he is and how much he hates lies" he was on unnecessary details I wanted to bring him to the point as quickly as possible.
"Bryan got right to the point," I said with a murderous stare. "Did she agree or disagree with this?" I asked.
"No Sir, she didn't, she was compelled to participate in the auction," he finished his sentence, trembling towards the conclusion.
"And who forced her?" I asked.
"I... I... don't know if it's her pack or her parents," he replied, hesitating in between.
I can only think of one. Why did she flee from me if she was obliged to do anything?
"Is it possible, Bryan, that she didn't know about this whole thing when she ran away from me?" I questioned.
Even though I don't like to admit it, I felt a lot lighter, as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders, or else stressing on my own wasn't helping me. Reading Bryan's mind, I know he's thinking about how calm I am despite what happened.
I am the type of person who will analyze everything before making a decision.
"Sir, you know girls are a little foolish, and..." I scowled at him and didn't let him finish his sentence.
"I mean not our queen," he corrected himself, "but I was saying that all of this might be stressful for a lady, and she might have needed some time alone to analyze everything since all girls do that, and then when she went to her house they might have forced her... Shit... Shit."
Bryan's words made sense that it could be possible, but why did he suddenly start muttering curses under his breath? "what happened to you now?" I asked.
"Will you kill me if I tell you I failed to mention something important?" he asked.
"It depends on what you forgot to say," I said, shrugging my shoulders.
He gasped and told me, "The Queen is imprisoned in her own house."
What?!" I stood abruptly. "And you're telling me this now?" I seethed, my teeth clenched.
"Please accept my apologies, Sir. It slipped my mind with everything going on," Bryan stammered and began backing away from me.
"It would eventually slip my mind someday that I am not supposed to kill my own people." I approached him and grabbed his collar.
"Leave right away." I let him go, and he quickly walked out of my way. Everything was even more twisted up than I had imagined.
I sighed deeply and sat on the swiveling chair, staring at the ceiling. My thoughts were jumbled. I wished I could go and save her.
If it had been in my hands, I would have gone there and kidnapped her from her home, but two factors are preventing me from doing so. One, I'm not sure if she wants to be with me or if she even wants me to save her. If not, then even going there would be a waste of time. Second, I want to save her no matter what, but I can't just charge into the pack and stop them, which would be impossible if Astrid decides she doesn't want to go with me.
In the back of my mind, I'm even scared of the only thing that can't handle all of the above. I'm terrified of rejection. What if she rejects me in the heat of the moment? I can deal with anything except rejection. Centuries of anticipation for what? to be turned down? When I think of my mate, this thought always crosses my mind of the consequences if she rejects me, I felt it would never happen, but now I question my own words.
The only viable option was to attend the auction. I didn't care about the money; I had plenty, and I intended to use it for moments like this. My resolve solidified – I would not let her be sold. I can spend billions without it burning a hole in my pocket. That is my own money, which I earned, and no one will be able to question it.
The thing that bothers me about this whole situation is that it is humiliating not only for me but also for her, therefore I am concerned about that but I've made up my mind to go there.
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The next day, frustration and wrath emanated from me as I entered the auction. My reputation for ruthlessness preceded me, but this time it was personal.
They are all aware of the occasions in which I have killed many only out of rage, but they have all been harsh. I never killed somebody without a good reason. They were all sinners, and I punished them, with rapists being my major target.
I don't make friends because they might influence me, and on the other hand, I don't know how to start a proper conversation with people because it isn't related to business or work.
I am perfectly aware of everything that goes on behind my back. People describe me as ruthless, and I have to agree. My rage always manages to bring out the worst out of me. Yes, I am harsh, and some even mention not seeing me smile. I don't care about it I didn't have a reason to smile so I didn't even bother.
I went on to tend to my first priority, which was to offer the auctioneers a large sum of money to prevent them from selling 'My Astrid.'
'My Astrid' sounds just like my personality. Possessive!
Even if I go bankrupt, I will go and offer them the price they desire. I don't mind, and I'm confident that no one has even a fraction of the money I do, so I will have her anyway, but before I can try to halt the whole thing, the issue is out of my hands.
Approaching the auctioneer, I demanded, "Are you in charge of this auction?"
"Your majesty, I'm merely following directions," he stuttered, clearly frightened.
"I mean no harm but I want you to hand me a girl I want," I said in a calm tone but anyone would be terrified of the demeanor I was radiating and a warning lurking in my voice.
"Who do you want, my king?" he inquired.
"Tell me how much money you want, and hand me Astrid Stephnie Jones, I don't want her to even participate in the auction" I ordered, my possessiveness evident.
Nobody expected me to be here. I'm not the type to turn up to events like these. Instead, I loathe such things and would like to see them fully abolished, but it is not my place to make the rules.
He gulped loudly enough for my keen ears to pick up on every movement of his insides.
"Sorry, Sir, but if you had notified us earlier, I would have done everything in my power to prevent this from happening. But Astrid is already on stage, and bidding will begin soon. " I had the impression he was telling the truth.
Panic surged inside me. I was terrified for the second time in my life.
"But, My King, I can make arrangements for you to participate in the auction. You can place a bid on her" He made the offer.
"Do it," I told him.
"Follow me, Sir," he said as he led the way.
I agreed, determined to make everyone involved regret their actions. But, before I could enter, I ran into someone.
"I see the vampire king has expanded his horizons. It's great to see you after such a long time, my friend", Vincent said.
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**Now, who is this Vincent that prompted me to write this chapter? Any ideas about him?**
**Who wants to see Rafael... I will post his video today on "OUR" FB page. I will post Astrid's picture/Video later part of this week.**
**Remember to join my FB group if you haven't already It is called Saphoenix Angels.**
**No, I am not posting videos on Instagram this time. Thank you I don't want copyright claims to be added but I will post some pictures(Not videos) but is going to the latter part of this month.**
**Keep the comments coming.**
**I love you all <3**
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