3

The auctioneer's voice rose, fueling the frenzy. "Charlie, the rarest of gems, now at $1.2 million!"

Collectors murmured, entranced by Charlie's ethereal beauty. His grey eyes sparkled like moonstones, and his white hair cascaded down his back like a river of silk.

Xander, lost in the crowd, stood transfixed. His gaze traced Charlie's delicate features: the gentle curve of his nose, the soft pout of his lips, and the elegant slope of his shoulders.

As the bidding reached $1.5 million, Xander's eyes narrowed. He sensed the room's energy shifting, the air thickening with desire.

A statuesque woman, known for her exquisite collection, raised her paddle. "$1.8 million!"

A suave gentleman, rumored to own a private island, countered with "$2 million!"

The auctioneer beamed. "We have a new bidder at $2.2 million!"

Xander's fingers drummed against his thigh, his patience wearing thin. He had to have Charlie.

Suddenly, a vision in black leather, a renowned Collector, appeared beside Xander. "You're interested in the Petit, I see," he whispered, his voice dripping with intrigue.

Xander's gaze never left Charlie. "I'll have him."

The black-clad figure smirked. "$2.5 million!"

The room gasped. Xander's eyes flashed, his fangs lengthening. "Three million dollars," he declared, his voice low and commanding.

The auctioneer's eyes widened. "We have a new high bidder at $7 million!"

Charlie's eyes met Xander's, a fleeting connection that sent shivers down the vampire's spine.

The room fell silent, awaiting the next bid. But none came.

Xander's chest tightened as the auctioneer slammed down his gavel. "Sold! To the gentleman at $7 million!"

As the crowd erupted into applause, Xander's eyes locked onto Charlie, his prize.

Charlie's world reeled as the gavel slammed down, sealing his fate. $7 million. A price tag on his soul.

He felt hollow, a fragile vase shattered on the auction block. Tears pricked at the corners of his eyes, but he refused to let them fall.

As he stepped down from the stage, Charlie's gaze swept the crowd, searching for the stranger who now owned him. Xander.

A handler, Viktor, approached him, a mixture of sympathy and detachment on his face. "Charlie, it's time to prepare for your new daddy."

Charlie's stomach churned. Daddy. The term echoed in his mind, a cruel reminder of his situation.

Viktor led him to a luxurious suite, where a team of stylists and attendants awaited. They bathed him, dressed him in exquisite attire, and styled his hair.

Charlie's mind numbed, he went through the motions, his thoughts consumed by the auction. The bids, the faces, the prices – all blurred together.

As he stood before the mirror, Charlie barely recognized the reflection staring back. A porcelain doll, polished and perfect, yet shattered inside.

Viktor's voice interrupted his reverie. "Charlie, your new daddy will arrive soon. Remember, obedience and courtesy are key."

Charlie's eyes dropped, his voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, sir."

The door opened, and Xander entered, his presence commanding attention. Charlie's heart skipped a beat as their eyes met.

Xander's gaze roamed over Charlie's face, his expression unreadable. "Leave us," he ordered Viktor.

As the handler departed, Charlie felt a surge of trepidation. What would Xander expect of him?