"Am I not enough?" He whispered to himself.

"Please sign this part of the contract, and we'll be done." a man said as sitting across the table before Austin Reese, a 15-year-old boy. It was one of those days when he could barely keep it together.

There was a man who had a reassuring smile as he pushed the papers towards him and pointed to an underline at the bottom of the first page.

Austin picked up the pen beside his hand; it looked as expensive as the man's elegant suit. He hesitated a second before signing his name, not even bothering to read the lines of the contract. He was far from home now, and there was no turning back.

Where is home anyway for him anyway after all, he did spend time in a group home. Orphanage. The place he had called my home for the past seven years after the uncaring stare of his mother when she told him to get out of her house.

"I never wanted you," she spoke, before closing the door quietly like he was just an inconvenient guest, before she did completed suicide after one month.

Ever since that day, those words had echoed in Austin's mind every single night, reliving childhood again and again, trying to understand what he did wrong. Why did his own mother abandon him like that?

Austin didn't even know his father. Maybe that was for the best. He didn't know if he had a family somewhere. He didn't know if they knew he existed. He had spent so many nights hoping that maybe someone would come to take him away, an aunt or an uncle or a grandmother or at least a long lost third cousin. Someone. Anyone.

But no... No one came. Seven years passed, and no one came.

There once was a time when I kept telling myself that everything was all right, he would get adopted, he would get a new family who would care for him and give him a real home. He was looking forward to it. He kept a smile on my face because he knew there would be a family for him somewhere.

But no... No one wanted him. Seven years passed, and no one wanted him.

Well, he didn't have to worry about that now. He didn't even care about where he was going to end up after this.

"I'm not enough," Austin answered to himself in a whisper, burying his face on his knees as he finally accepted his fate.

"You're not going to regret this later, are you?" the man said.

"I won't." Austin said.

"With that, the contract is complete, Austin Reese." the man said. "We'll put this on you for the meantime. I know you won't run or harm yourself, but this helps in your image for the auction."

The man—no, Seth Noel—said again while Austin was looking down at his feet. He looked up to see him holding a metal collar with a sizable length of chain connected to it.

He stilled himself as he placed it on his neck, the metal feeling cold to his skin and making him feel uneasy. Still, it was loose enough to breathe, so he paid no mind. Then another set of shackles was placed on both his ankles with a chain connecting both, its length allowing him enough room to walk.

"Well then, shall we go?" Seth invited as he motioned towards the door, and Austin can't help but feel like he was stepping into a portal to a new dimension. This was it. A new life for him. If it was for better or for worse, he only felt one thing: indifference.

Meanwhile, in the midst of the bustling city, a young man named Jason Gary, roughly Austin's age, navigated the crowded streets with a scowl etched across his handsome features. His frustration was palpable, born of an ordeal he was forced to endure due to his father's sudden illness.

Ordinarily, Jason would have expressed his discomfort with attending the auction, but circumstances had conspired against him. His father, who had been ailing for the past day, was unable to attend the interview he had meticulously arranged with Seth. Filled with a sense of duty and obligation, Jason found himself reluctantly taking on the responsibility.

As he reached the designated address, Jason's heart pounded in his chest. He had never been one to enjoy social interactions, and the prospect of meeting an unknown individual filled him with trepidation.

With a deep breath, he knocked on the door, bracing himself for what was to come.

To Jason's surprise, the door was opened by a man with an unusual appearance. The man's piercing blue eyes seemed to assess him in an instant, and a peculiar expression crossed his face. Jason could not decipher whether it was amusement or disdain. Feeling slightly disoriented by the man's strange demeanor, Jason stammered out his name and purpose for being there.

As Seth maintained his role as guide to Austin on their tour of the auction house.

"Ohh... I'd heard rumors, but I've never seen one before." One of the Customers said.

"There are things that are neither human nor inanimate. They're different from the ones that I always see. I never knew things like this existed." Austin said.

As Jason makes his way to the auction room, normally, he has final exams to cram for, for high school, one essay to finish, and he is supposed to be working this afternoon, but no - today he has to drive a hundred and sixty-five miles to downtown Seattle in order to meet the head of the auction.

For a moment, he lowered the hood of his cloak and scratched his neck. Damn, how these things were so itchy. He wondered if they were even washed. Who knows who might have worn this cloak before he did.

The receptionist just handed it to him after asking for his clothing size. Still, he knew that it was necessary for confidentiality. One should be really careful in dealing with this place. You may never know who was watching.

Reminding himself of this, he raised his hood again to cover his head. The lights of the auditorium went off, and he felt his hands sweat a little in anticipation. He had never done this before, but he was sent here on a mission. No matter what, he must obtain what the pack wanted.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! Thank you for waiting, this is the product you've all been waiting for. A rare item, even among our current offerings." The auctioneer greeted them as a start.

The audience gasped in awe as the spotlight centered on the item. The young man shifted in his seat as he observed. The Sleigh Beggy was male and indeed young, around fifteen or sixteen if he could guess.

Rare indeed for such to reach that age. He had short blonde hair and fair skin, but his eyes showed that he was crying both in and out, confined with the fact that they were lifeless.

He was kneeling on the stage and wore a large, loose, white oxford shirt that covered his body up to his knees. There was a metal collar on her neck and shackles on his ankles. Was it also just for show, or did he suffer just to be here? He felt his gut twist.

There was a reason why he hated the auction, he sometimes imagined people being sold to random people that could sometimes hurt them or abuse them, in fact, kill them.

So he was more determined now to make a bid.

"Now then, the bidding starts at one million and five hundred thousand pounds." The auctioneer announced and immediately persons from the audience started their bids.

"One million and seven hundred thousand!" Someone from the front row raised his hand.

"One million and nine hundred thousand!" Another from the left countered.

"Two million and two hundred thousand!" the young man raised his hand, joining the fight.

"Two million and three hundred thousand!" A man on the right shouted.

"Three and a half million!" The young man parried in his last attempt to outbid his competitors. He was at the very edge of the budget that his father had for this, and he prayed silently that no one would make a bid anymore.

"Any other takers?" The auctioneer asked, scanning the audience for anyone who might raise their hand.

The man on the seats from the right clicked his tongue. "Three and a half million? Are you kidding me? There's no way I would pay that much, not even for that."

"Hey, look there." Another man said

Why is he here? isn't that his son." In the midst of the bustling auction, a man in a tailored suit on one of the plush seats from the right clicked his tongue in disbelief. "Three and a half million? Are you kidding me?" he said with a chuckle. "There's no way I would pay that much, not even for that."

His voice echoed through the grand hall, filled with the hushed whispers of anticipation and the occasional bidding from fellow enthusiasts. But there, seated a few rows ahead, was another man who seemed oddly familiar. As the bidding continued, a different man, who had been observing the auction, leaned over and whispered to his companion.

"Hey, look there," he said, his eyes fixed on the man seated a few rows ahead. "Isn't that his son?"

The man he was referring to was Jason as he stepped foot onto the bright lights of the auction stage, Jason stepped forward with confidence. The man the announcer had been referring to, with his youthful charm and unwavering determination, captured the attention of all present.

"S-Sir...!" the announcer exclaimed, his voice trembling with surprise.

"5,000,000. It's decided. I will make you my mate," Jason declared boldly.

The assistant couldn't help but question the young man's intentions. "What's the deal with that kid?Seth" he asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

Unfazed by the commotion, Seth quickly composed himself and instructed the staff to prepare a reception room. The assistant, still bewildered by the turn of events, uttered a hesitant "Huh? Wait..."

After the auction concluded, Jason and Seth retired to the reception room. With a pen in hand, Jason signed a check for 5 million dollars, a testament to his unwavering resolve.

"We will be receiving 5 million," Seth stated, confirming the transaction. "Age: fifteen years old. State: Minnesota."

As the formalities were completed, a sense of anticipation filled the air. The future held untold possibilities, and Jason's bold actions promised to reshape the lives of all involved.

"Who wants to spend so much money on me?" Austin thought.

"He's docile, so he should be easy to discipline.I never thought I'd see you at this auction.

However, we must ask you to follow the rules. Please don't wander onto the stage –"

"I don't need your lecturing nor small talk after this." Jason said.

"if you're wondering why I sold this boy it was his choice not mine." Seth said.

"Yeah I heard it all." Jason said. "You, come."

In accordance with the directive issued by Jason, Austin acted in conformity with the instructions he had received.

"You don't need to keep your head down. Stand tall, and look forward. Understood?" Jason said.

"Yes." Austin said.

"I'll be borrowing your lobby and please release him from his shackles." Jason asked.

Seth said. "By all means."

As Austin and Jason leave the receiving room, Austin took one last look at Seth who waved his right hand at him and smiled. A farewell. Though their time together was very brief. Still, he couldn't help but feel dread. The man who Seth called his 'owner' barely looked at him. Was that a sign of what was to come?

"What is he, a monster?" The assistant said.

"Yes but it's unusual for a Wolf to get a mate at his age." Seth said.

As they walked through the auction house, Jason walked at an easy pace, and Austin followed him at an arm's length. He looked at the other creatures on display, Inhuman and human things, and objects that looked unique to the eye. There was a mermaid in a container filled with water to his left, a werewolf-looking beast in a cage to her right.

Just then, a small blue salamander with six transparent wings flew to Austin and rested on his shoulder.

One of the customers said. "I can't believe we let him have that...That Sleigh Beggy..."

"Sleigh Beggy?" Austin said to himself.

"So you can see them." Jason said as the creature flew away from Austin.

Austin could only nod in reply. He smiled, seemingly pleased at such an answer. "A Sleigh Beggy with a Sight. Very rare indeed. The pack would be really delighted to have you."

"Pack?" Austin asked, though unsure if he should have. The man started walking again, and he followed closely. They entered another empty room, and the man turned to face him once again as he closed the door.

"Oh, where are my manners? My name is Jason Gray, I am representing my father this year." He said.

"Jason, hi I'm Austin Reese." Austin asked.

"Hi Austin, why are you here?" Jason said.

"Why? I..." Austin said as he experiences flashbacks to his childhood, seeing the uncaring stare of his mother when she told him to get out of her house.

"I never wanted you," she spoke. Her last words to him.

Austin felt a surge of emotion, and for a moment he couldn't speak. He had to clear his throat before he could continue. "I came here because I have nowhere else to go," he said.

"I see." Jason said. "But there are better ways than going here."

Austin shook his head. "No, this is the only way. I just have to find the courage to do it."

"Ok, but next time don't sell yourself to slavery." Jason said as he pulled Austin closer to him. "Now, close your eyes and stand close to me. This may make you dizzy."

"What..." Austin said as Jason hit his cane onto the floor, opening a circle of white beneath him and Austin.

Austin felt dizzy as he closed his eyes and Jason pulled him closer. He felt a wave of energy pass over him, and then everything went black.

"Hey, You can open your eyes now." Jason said.

Austin opened his eyes and found himself standing in the middle of a field of grass as they were transported to a mansion.

"As expected, we made it in one leap. This is my home. It's also your home, as of today." Jason said.

"W-Wait a minute. Where are we? How did we get here from inside the building?" Austin said.

"This is west of Seattle," Jason declared, his voice echoing in the expansive field that stretched out before them. "A rural area on the outskirts of the city."

The sun was setting, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. The rolling hills and lush green trees were bathed in a golden glow, casting long shadows across the landscape. In the distance, the faint silhouette of the city could be seen, a reminder of the bustling life that existed just beyond this tranquil scene.

Jason and his companion took a deep breath, savoring the beauty of their surroundings. They felt a sense of peace and tranquility as they watched the sun slowly sink behind the hills.

"Wow, this is amazing." Austin said.

Jason nodded in agreement. "It's like something out of a painting," he said with a smile.

They stood there, taking in the view, until the sun had completely set and the stars began to twinkle in the sky.

"It's getting late, there will be time to meet the others." Jason said.

They headed to the bathroom, taking one last look at the sunset and the glowing stars.

"But first," Jason said, pausing in the door of the bathroom. He leaned against the frame, crossing his arms over his chest. "We need to talk about something."

Austin, who was standing in front of the mirror, toothbrush in hand, turned to look at Jason. "What is it?" he asked, his eyebrows furrowing in concern.

Jason sighed. "It's about your hygiene," he said. "I know you're a busy guy, but you really need to start taking better care of yourself."

Austin rolled his eyes. "Come on, Jason," he said. "I'm not that bad."

"Yes, you are," Jason insisted. "You smell, your hair is a mess, and your clothes are always dirty. It's not a good look."

Austin opened his mouth to protest, but Jason held up a hand to stop him. "I know you don't like to hear this," he said, "but it's the truth. You need to start taking better care of yourself, or you're going to regret it."

Austin sighed. "Fine," he said. "I'll try."

Jason smiled. "That's all I ask," he said. "Now, go take a bath and put on some clean clothes. And for the love of all that is holy, brush your teeth."

Austin groaned and left the room. He was determined to take Jason's advice and start taking better care of himself.

After a few minutes, he turned on the faucet and went into the bathtub, sinking into the warm embrace of the water. A sense of relief washed over him as he exhaled deeply, letting the tension in his body melt away.

"I didn't think I'd ever get a proper bath again." Austin said to himself as he remembered Seth's words.

"If you ever feel like giving up on life, why don't you try giving yourself to someone who wants you?"

At that moment, a group of Ariels appeared outside the window.

"Hehehe!" An Ariel said. "Well, well. I thought I smelled something delicious. It's an adorable human boy."

"Fairies?" Austin said.

"Hmm~? I'm Jade!" the Ariel introduces herself.

"Hi Jade, I'm Austin." Austin said.

Jade smiled. "What are you doing here?" she asked.

Austin replied, "I was just about to give up on life when I met you."

"I suppose we'd be fairies, in human terms. You better not use such unrefined words for us, though." Jade smiled. "Yeah! Call us your neighbors. Or your good friends."

Austin smiled back. "That's much better. Thank you, Jade."

"No problem." Jade said. "Hey, you're Sleigh Beggy, aren't you? The Wolf is so silly, taking in a Sleigh Beggy as his mate. Honey wine, more valuable than gold coins of ancient times, more precious than any flower of the land of fairies. Adorable".

"Adorable." Austin asked.

"Our little phoenix, If you're going to become a mate, we'll give you all the help you need, my beloved." Jade said as she kissed Austin's cheek.

"Love?" Austin asked.

"Austin." Jason said. "Are you all right? You're not overheated?"

"Oh, yes, I'm fine. You don't need to come in." Austin said as he

gets out of the tub and Jade and the others are gone. "They're gone."

After getting out of the tub, Austin turned his back on the mirror, hating how he looked. Normally, He had red, puffy eyes from spending half the nights crying, and it didn't help that he looked like a mouse.

His ears were sticking out, he had braces because my front teeth were sticking out – not that much anymore, thankfully – my short, red-blonde hair was sticking out in weird places, and to make things worse, He had a narrow, pointy nose. But the worst part was that he was barely five feet and three inches tall, making me the shortest boy in his School. Some of the girls were taller than him, and for some reason, that was funny to others.

His appearance had earned him a nickname at School, Rat.

"Austin." Jason said, snapped Austin out of his thoughts and got on some clothes that had been given to him, he had been left a yellow-ish button up shirt and the green pants and unlocked the door.

"Hey, Jason, are you right." Austin said.

"Yes, I was right, now let's get to your bedroom." Jason said.

In the dim light of the mansion, Austin's thoughts drifted away from his surroundings. He had been in custody for hours, and the weight of the situation was beginning to bear down on him. Suddenly, the harsh voice of Jason snapped him out of his reverie.

"Austin," Jason said, his tone devoid of emotion. "Get on some clothes and let's get this over with."

Austin stood up, his limbs feeling heavy and uncoordinated. He stumbled over to the rack where a set of clothes had been left for him - a yellow-ish button-up shirt and green pants. He quickly put them on, his fingers trembling as he fumbled with the buttons.

As he exited the bathroom, Austin glanced at Jason, who was waiting for him with a stoic expression.

"Hey, Jason, are you sure about this?" Austin asked, his voice hoarse and uncertain.

Jason's eyes narrowed. "Yes, Austin, I'm sure. Now let's get to your bedroom."

Austin's heart sank as he followed Jason down the sterile hallway. He knew what was coming next, and he dreaded it. He had been through this before, and he knew that there was no way to escape the inevitable.

As they reached Austin's bedroom, Jason pushed open the door and gestured for him to enter. Austin took a deep breath and stepped inside, it was a small room. It was well furnished with a dresser and a bed. Many shelves were hung on the walls. On the far side of the room, a desk with many drawers and a chair sat, a small seater sitting on its surface near the bed. An empty curio cabinet sat in the corner, waiting to be filled with trinkets and knick knacks, of which he had none.

"A hot bath. My own bedroom?... Home ... Family..." Before he realized it, his exhaustion caused Austin to drift off to sleep.

One: New Town, New Life

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