THE CURSED VESSEL

CHAPTER FOUR

Bryan was crushed by Alicia against the wall. The loud bang resonated throughout the entire mansion, the guards went into defense mode and gathered at the scene, and residents of the mansion rushed to the scene as well.

What is going on here? Austin who also heard the noise, came asking.

The second servant explained, and Austin went over to help Bryan up but Bryan was partially paralyzed on his left leg.

Call the head physician and call the head priest as well, Austin ordered as he helped Bryan to his room, he didn't bat an eye to check or ask about Alicia.

Move back and go back to your initial post everyone. A firm and authoritative voice came from behind the scenes that caused the audience to shiver as they turned to see the newcomer.

Asher turned in Alica’s direction, he carried her and said to the servants, lead me to her room.

The servants and onlookers were dumbfounded as to how the lightning on Alicia’s body tuned down as soon as Asher carried her shaken up at his request. They admired and gossiped how powerful he must be among them.

Yes, my Lord, the Servant jolted and led Asher to Alicia’s room.

Asher returned to his room and threw himself on his king-sized bed, reflecting on his attitude a while ago.

No, she is not my mate, she can't be my mate, he said to himself, moving his head left and right vigorously, He couldn't believe he ran like a mad Dog just because she fell, he was struggling to deal with the demon within him.

But we just sensed she was in danger, and we both ran to the scene, meaning that you gave your consent, said Asher’s wolf, speaking to his mind.

Will you shut it now before I shut you? Asher barked back

How about I help you, Let me be in charge this time, His wolf howled again.

Asher rolled his eyes, knowing he couldn't win against him in an argument. your ideas are not welcomed, you know how they end, Asher replied

The next time you see her, don't wait for her to say the word, here is what you should do.

Pull her into your embrace in one grasp, lean to her ears, and whisper. Hey, have we met before? you look just like my mate, do you have a name or can I just call you ‘mine’? He howled, brimming with excitement from his imagination.

Can you be any more cheesy? Asher supported his head in frustration

With pictures of her captivating silver iris continuously playing in his mind, his entire being yearned for her, he desperately wanted to move close to her and hold her in his embrace.

Asher is not the type to show his vulnerability, he is known to be strong, unbeatable, fearless, ruthless, and would reject his mate if he met her. He met her eyes twice and the intensity of the bond was telling this much about him.

That girl is dangerous, I must avoid eye contact with her from now henceforth, Asher said to himself shoving off the eerie feeling but his wolf is not helping matters, not even willing to cooperate.

The abducted Alicia disturbs his heart the most, he doesn't understand the reason why Bertram kidn*pped his mate. He knew his uncle was up to no good but why would he go as far as kidnaping his mate, he would get anyone without anyone noticing it. He was that sneaky and smart.

Does he recognize that she was my mate and then bring her here? That's not possible, right? Asher’s mind turned into turmoil.

how could he have known?

It can't be a coincidence that the girl his uncle kidn*pped was his mate.

He loves to operate on a low to keep a clean reputation among his pack members and outsiders.

What is so special about her? Questions and different possibilities began flying through his mind.

He has something terrifying up his sleeves this time, I will unveil whatever it is. Asher said in a low but threatening manner.

Come here, Asher said in a deep masculine tone after a few moments of contemplation.

A tall-looking male figure came forth between the walls of Asher’s study, he knelt on one knee before Asher saying, Yes my Lord.

On a low key, find out the reason why my uncle kidn*pped that girl. I need answers in three days.

Callum surprisingly raised his head but didn't meet Asher's eyes, he said, does this mean you found your mate my Lord?

I don't remember saying there is room for questioning, Asher replied to Callum in a tone void of emotions

Yes my Lord, Callum said then vanished like he was never there.

Callum is Asher’s right-hand man, he works side by side with Asher after he saves him from some wolf pack who were about to make him super for that night. Asher happened to be around and saved him, he cleared a bunch of wolves in one go. Callum dedicated his life to Asher, he was his knight in shining armor.

Callum recognized Asher's strength and knew he was way different from other wolves. Asher took him under his wings, made him almost as strong as he was and he began working as his secret agent ever since.

Alicia woke up with a banging headache again.

This doesn't feel right anymore, this head keeps recurring, Alicia said supporting her head with her palm.

She tried to stand up from the bed when she remembered that she had been kidn*pped,

She ran to the window and opened the blinds.

Oh, it's morning, but why did I sleep like that? Did I pass out or something?

She stood up and surveyed the room. It was a beautiful Barbie-like room, it was beautifully decorated with all shades of pink but Alicia is not a fan of things like that. However, it was the room prepared for her.

These people sure have money to waste, do I look like a kid? she said angrily, kicking the bed with her foot and feeling disgusted at the same time.

She busted into tears throwing herself to the ground.

Why does it have to be me? Why do I have to suffer this ill fate alone? Am I old enough for this? Moon goddess, please rescue me. Alicia felt weak from the challenges and unanswered questions.

Amid her wailing and crying, there came a knock on the door, Alicia heard but she had no strength to respond besides she didn't want anyone right now, but the person knocking was persistent.

Come in or just do whatever. Alicia finally responded

Seconds later, a girl almost as young as Alicia came in with a tray of healthy and sumptuous-looking breakfast. She looked innocent and quite pretty dressed in a modern maid's uniform.

Good morning My Lady, I brought your breakfast. Chloe said, then she placed the breakfast on the middle table close to Alicia’s bed.

My name is Chloe, and I am your maid, please ring that bell to call me if you need anything. Chloe said pointing at the alarm bell beside Alicia’s bed.

Chloe naturally knew Alicia was not in a good mood so she introduced herself briefly and headed out.

Alicia on the other hand found the maid calm and nice but she wasn't in the mood for familiarity, besides they could go to hell for all she cares.

Alicia, who would push her worries to the back of her mind at the sight of a good meal, looked at the meal like it was some kind of concoction.

Alicia felt relieved to some extent about her kidnap but she felt betrayed that her pack made no effort to rescue her. What is the greatest betrayal one can get from a father who left his daughter in the hands of her kidnappers and made no attempt to save her? She was also curious about what these people would do with her at the same time.

A group of people rudely opened the door without Alicia’s consent,

Alicia jumped in surprise as she wasn’t expecting to see the familiar faces that came in.

Morning my dear, Asher spoke, His voice smooth as silk yet tinged with underlying menace. He cleared his voice and continued. I trust your journey here was not too unpleasant.

Alicia’s heart pounded in her chest as she struggled to maintain her composure, she stood up, raised her shoulder, and said with a straight face.

We met yesterday, didn't we? you acted like you knew nothing about my kidnap.

Oh, my bad, I met with my uncle yesterday, we discussed and it turned out that I will be taking it from here. As to why you were abducted, rest assured, all will be revealed soon. My dear Luna or do I call you Alicia? He said with a voice dripping with malice.

You know my name? Alicia asked

Alicia instinctively raised her head to see Bryan and Austin’s head still bowing in respect to Asher’s presence. She immediately found it strange because these people didn't seem to be this respectful yesterday. Alicia couldn't shake the feeling that her life would never be the same afterward.

Asher came closer to Alicia and circled his arms around her, his gaze lingering on her with an intensity that made her skin crawl and he whispered in her ears. What if I told you that you are my mate?

What? Alicia frowned as she felt disgusted at Asher’s words to her ears. She struggled against his hold but he was too strong.

Take your filthy hands off me now. Alicia spoke harshly, but Asher wouldn't listen to her, instead, Alicia saw his fangs and canines growing their way out as he smiled devilishly at her.

Alicia felt a sense of dread wash over her, the realization dawning that her fate was more intertwined with her mate’s than she ever imagined.

Don't worry, we don't have to be in haste, I know you need time to comprehend, and I am sure you will feel the sparks gradually just cooperate and do whatever I ask of you and we will be fine. Asher said to Alicia caressing her chicks within his hold.