The Alpha King's Billion Human Bride

The tension in the room becomes suffocating as I raise my hand and state with chilling authority, "One billion." Chaos erupts - gasps and whispers of disbelief ripple through the crowd. Rowan splutters, his face purpling with rage. Even the auctioneer looks shocked, eyes wide. "O-one billion?" he stammers, trying to regain composure. "Going once, going twice..." I feel Scarlett's gaze on me as the moment stretches taut. Her heartbeat thunders, mirroring my own. What fate awaits her if I win this bid? I'm risking everything, but I cannot let her slip away. "Sold!" The gavel slams down with finality. Scarlett is mine now. As I climb the stage steps, her scent envelops me. Our eyes meet, and in their depths I see a flash of wonder amidst her fear. She may doesn't understand why I've done this, but there's no time to explain.