TRADED TO THE CURSED LYCAN KING

Being an alpha’s daughter isn’t everything people think it is. Trust me. I know. I am Aurelia Nightcrest, daughter of Alpha Lucian Nightcrest of the Ravenfall Pack. Technically, I should have grown up surrounded by power, protection, and pride. I didn’t. My mother died years ago. And being the bastard child of an alpha is no better than being an omega—especially when your own father despises you. Alpha Lucian searched for his fated mate for years after his first mate rejected him. My mother loved him. She was his chosen mate. But the moment he found his fated one, he discarded her without hesitation. Because fate gave him what she never could. A legitimate heir. The day he brought Luna Valerie into our home was the day my life ended. My mother and I were thrown out of the alpha residence and moved into the packhouse like unwanted servants. She had never been officially titled Luna—just a placeholder until destiny arrived. She begged him to reconsider. Not for herself. For me. He looked at me that day as though I were a stain on his legacy. Six months later, my mother died of heartbreak. And somehow, that became my fault. Luna Valerie and her son, Kade, made sure I never forgot my place. The pack adored the new Luna. After all, she was the Moon Goddess’s chosen one. Chosen mates were superior. Everyone believed that. And from the moment she stepped into my home—my life began to rot. “Aurelia, where the hell are you?” Luna Valerie’s voice cut through the morning air. The alpha residence stood grand and untouched in the woods. I was no longer allowed inside unless summoned for chores. It used to be my home. Now, I slept in what used to be a broom cupboard. “Yes, Luna Valerie,” I called, rushing out. I had fallen asleep late again, staring at the stars. My mother used to say we become stars after we die. Sometimes I whisper to the brightest one and pretend she hears me. “What time is it?” she snapped. “S-six a.m., Luna Valerie.” “And where are my running shoes? My refreshment blend? How many times must I remind you?” I lowered my head and hurried to the gym. Kade opened the door just as I rushed in. The door slammed into his nose. “I’m so sorry!” I gasped. He touched his face slowly, eyes dark. “You did that on purpose.” “I didn’t—” He stepped into my path, blocking me. “Luna Valerie is waiting,” I said quickly. His hand shot out, gripping my wrist. “They say a bastard is no better than an omega,” he murmured, pulling me close. “Do you know what omegas are good for?” My breath caught. “We’re siblings,” I whispered. “Step-siblings,” he corrected. His hand slid down my back. “Let go,” I said, panic rising. “You act hard to get,” he smirked, fingers tugging at my jeans. “But you’re always around me.” “That’s not true!” I shoved him. He stumbled backward into a weight bench. I didn’t wait. I grabbed Luna Valerie’s things and ran. “You’ll pay for this, b***h!” he shouted behind me. I didn’t look back. “I tripped,” I lied when I reached Luna Valerie. She didn’t care. “You’re lazy. All you do is sleep and eat like a pig.” I said nothing. Then she delivered the real blow. “I’ll speak to Alpha Lucian about cutting your college fees. There’s no need to waste money on you.” My world stopped. “No—please don’t.” I dropped to my knees. College was the only place I could breathe. The only place no one knew I was the unwanted daughter of the Alpha. At school, I wasn’t a mistake. I was just Aurelia. I wore long sleeves to hide bruises. I smiled so no one would ask questions. It was the only good thing in my life. “Please,” I begged. “I’ll do anything. I won’t show my face unless you summon me.” Luna Valerie crouched slightly, her smile slow and cold. “That’s the smartest thing you’ve said in a long time.” She walked away. And I stayed kneeling. Because sometimes survival means swallowing your pride. But one day I won’t kneel.