Sold as the Alpha King’s Breeder

Chapter 18 : Who Are You?

♦Lena*

Ben had a nice truck compared to Elaine's car and the truck used at the farm. There weren't many people with cars, and trains and boats still overwhelmed the need for vehicular transportation. But Crimson Creek was definitely one of those places where a car was necessary to get around with its narrow, bumpy gravel roads that weaved up and over the hills. It was my first time being out in the hills outside of the estate, other than the quick drive from the estate to town.

I'd have been lying if I said it didn't make me nervous, but Elaine and Ben seemed unbothered by it.

The sky was dark, clear, and full of stars when we finally reached the party Ben had invited us to.

We pulled up to a lake, which I found rather shocking at first because it was smack dab in the middle of nowhere, so far from town I couldn't even see the lights.

At least three dozen people around my age were gathered around a large bonfire at the lake's edge, a radio sitting on a picnic table blaring music as everyone drank cheap beer. It almost felt like I was back on Morhan’s campus again.

“Now, this is a party," Elaine squeaked with joy. swaying her body to the music as she linked her arm in mine. "I'm glad this weekend wasn't a total bust!"

Ben looked back at us with a grin as we followed him down to the lake. I noticed his eyes lingered on Elaine for a few extra seconds, which wanned my heart. I'd noticed the way he looked at her when we were back at the farm.

I wondered if Xander had noticed it, but I doubted it. He was too busy looking incredibly cold and glaring at Ben.

It was clear to me that Ben had little interest in me. He was likely just being nice in order to get closer to Elaine. I was totally fine with that, especially when Ben brought us some drinks, and I noticed the look of longing flash behind Elaine's eyes.

“What's this place called?" I asked Ben, motioning toward the water.

The bonfire reflected off the surface of the lake, giving it an odd red color. I wanted to see what it looked like in the daytime because I was guessing it wasn't the clear, blue water I was used to back home.

“Crimson Lake," he said with a shrug. "The original settlers weren't all that creative."

“Crimson Creek, like the actual creek, feeds into it," Elaine added, waving her hand toward the north.

"Oh," I said, not entirely sure what else to contribute to the conversation. Ben and Elaine were chatting while I clutched a can of warm beer. I hadn't even opened it and was more than happy to just hang out by the fire and people-watch.

I found it odd that so many young people lived in Crimson Creek. It was an old place, with little to no infrastructure and few opinions in terms of education or employment. In fact, I noticed something unusual as I continued to scan the crowd and felt a jolt of unease shoot through me.

There was a group of people standing away from the fire. They were huddled together, whispering to each other and glancing in my direction every once in a while. They were dressed in heavy winter clothing-parkas, boots, and hats. They looked out of place, especially since it was a rare warm and dry evening.

One man in particular was staring at me, his gaze occasionally flicking in Elaine's direction. I noticed him move his gaze to Ben. his eyes narrowing as he sized him up.

“Don't worry about those guys," Ben said, tilting his head toward the group. "They look rough, but they're not. I know them."

"That guy on the left keeps looking at all of us," I said, wondering if my anxiety was warranted.

"His name is Claus. He's just a strange guy, that's all."

“But-"

“Hey. is that Bethany?" Elaine said, breaking away from the tight circle the three of us had formed as she squinted into the distance.

truck making its way down the hill toward the

It was Xander.

to me through the crowd. He was taller than most of the people surrounding the fire, and I could see his eyes clearing as he closed in

crossing my arms

come!" Elaine giggled, nudging my

Xander approached. Xander gave Ben a tight nod in greeting, but barely met his eye before he took me by the elbow

want

first deep breath he'd taken in

all the way down here to make sure I don't get kidnapped by the beast living in the hills, right?" I said sarcastically, but Xander didn't answer. He was staring at the same man who'd been eyeing

beneath his breath, narrowing his eyes at the stranger until the man turned back to his group. Xander crossed his amis over his chest, keeping his eye on the group for what felt like several minutes. It was starting

have a good time, or are you going to

looking down at me with a severe look on

not wrecking

you call it

beer out of my hands. He cracked it open and finished it in two swallows before tossing it a

He was still

when I woke up in the morning, alone, after we'd

Maybe that was all it

"You okay?" he asked.

at him. "I'm

moment, then looked away, his shoulders going rigid

direction as she dragged an apprehensive-looking Ben behind her. "We're going to dance.

one of the vehicles on the other side of the bonfire, their bodies lit up by the amber light coming off the flames. I nodded in agreement, glancing over at Xander as he

problem?" Elaine grumbled as I walked in step

think this

has friends who are fun, and like to dance, so don't let him ruin your night. You have to go back to

I think. Henry gives me a different answer every time-" I bit my lip as Elaine squealed, swept into the crowd of dancers by Ben. I

you want to dance?" Xander said, coming up

"Do you?"

brief hint of a smile touch his cheek. He offered me my hand,

said,

biting the inside of my cheek to stop myself from asking the questions that had been nagging

of people, my hands on his shoulders. I felt a little awkward as I moved against him. I

with me," Xander said, leaning down to talk into

me closer, his hand resting on my lower back. I was instantly comforted by his touch. I wished

his chest, wondering if he could even hear me over the

"And?"

strange. It had to be close to one-hundred degrees in there. And. he-he has a

Maxwell was the only one living at

was making my way out. The butler apologized for it, saying his sister was ill. He shut the door in

as his fingers curled into a fist. He didn't respond, however. Instead, we just moved to

had a chance to talk about the night before. He hadn't mentioned