The Cursed Alpha’s Bride

CHAPTER 3

Emily's POV:

I accidentally bumped into the table by the wall, sending a vase crashing to the floor.

My eyes widened as they met Damon's. I took a few steps back, pressing myself against the wall, while he remained hidden behind it.

“Someone must have been eavesdropping,” Gideon said.

“I’ll check it out,” Damon offered.

I heard footsteps approaching, and then suddenly, he was standing in front of me. He flashed a warm smile before turning back to the study.

“It must have been a maid. She got away quickly,” he said, shutting the door behind him.

Letting out a deep sigh, I bolted to my room, locked the door, and sank to the floor.

What the hell is going on?

I don’t remember seeing any of them before.

Taking a deep breath, I pushed myself up and walked over to my bed, lowering myself onto the edge.

Suddenly, I heard someone knocking on the door. And before I could respond, the door was pushed open.

Gideon stepped inside, his expression unreadable. Behind him, a maid followed, carrying a silver tray.

She walked to the bed, placing it down carefully before bowing her head and leaving.

I swallowed hard, my gaze flickering to the tray. A sandwich, a cup of coffee, hotdogs, and pancakes.

He reached out, ruffling my hair lightly. “You need to get some strength.” He said softly. “We’ll explain everything to you later.”

Then, without another word, he turned and left, the door shutting behind him with a bang.

I didn’t move.

How could I eat? How could I even think about food when I had just lost the only people I had ever cared about?

Tears spilled down my cheeks again as soon as I remembered Zara. I clenched my fists against my lap, my body trembling.

The next few days were fun but confusing. One morning, I woke up to find my room overflowing with designer clothes, shoes, and bags.

It was overwhelming, yet no one had given me a clear explanation of why I was here—or how I was supposed to end a centuries-old war.

Damon, however, kept me entertained. We played online games, took evening strolls around the Pack, and listened to music together.

Gideon, on the other hand, took it upon himself to make sure I ate properly. At first, he sent maids with different meals, but soon he started dragging me to the kitchen, making me watch as he cooked while we chatted.

Xander, though, was different—distant and antisocial. I only saw him twice a day: during breakfast and when he returned home before midnight.

Yet, despite his aloof nature, he seemed overly protective. One morning, a maid accidentally spilled water on my dress. Without hesitation, he pulled out a knife, ready to cut off her fingers. I shoved her aside and ran straight to my room, my heart pounding.

And soon, I already knew everything about the Pack’s hierarchy.

Xander was the Alpha of the DarkMoon Pack and the eldest brother. Gideon was the Pack’s healer and the second brother. Damon was the Pack’s commander and the youngest of the three.

To everyone else, I was lucky—to be mated to not one, but all three brothers. But how could I consider myself lucky when I barely knew them?

Every night, they locked themselves away in their rooms, allowing only their personal maids inside. I often saw the maids rushing in and out—one carrying coffee, another bringing a bowl of water and a towel.

Xander’s room, however, was different. It was sealed shut with thick silver chains. And no one was allowed inside.

Whenever I asked the maids about it, they all gave the same response: "We are not permitted to speak."

It was exhausting, but I had to accept it—for my own sanity.

Taking a deep breath, I stole one last glance at Xander’s door, second-guessing my decision.

Damon and Gideon hadn’t returned yet, but to my surprise, Xander was around. So, I decided to approach him and ask for his permission to take a stroll, but I lacked the confidence.

Swallowing my nerves, I exhaled sharply and knocked a few times.

Seconds later, the door swung open.

His cold gaze met mine. “What do you want?”

I looked down. “I’d like to go for a stroll.”

He scoffed. “Gideon and Damon aren’t around. Ask a guard to escort you.” He moved to close the door.

“I can go alone.” I said quickly.

The door jerked open with force. His eyes darkened. “Listen, you’re not allowed to roam without security. Got it?” His tone made it clear he wasn’t expecting an argument.

But something inside me snapped.

“I don’t get it.” I blurted out. “I was dragged here against my will, and now I can’t even walk around freely? No one will tell me anything. No one will explain why the hell I’m here. So, no—I don’t get it.”

He smirked, almost amused. “If we hadn’t shown up, your limbs would already be torn apart.” He said, stepping closer. “If we hadn’t dragged you here, you’d be living in a Pack overrun by rogues. And every single day, you’d be r***d and beaten to a pulp—until they finally killed you for fun.”

My breath caught in my throat.

“If we let you roam freely.” He continued. “You’d lose your mind the moment you heard the whispers of the Pack members.”

Before I could react, I found myself backed against a pillar. He reached up, tucking a stray strand of my hair behind my ear.

“I don’t want you.” He whispered. “Damon and Gideon might—but I don’t. So focus on them and pick a Mate before you get killed by the unknown forces lurking around.”

Tears welled in my eyes. Shoving him aside, I ran to my room, locking the door behind me.

I rushed into the bathroom, turned on the shower and stepped under it. My body trembled, though I wasn’t sure if it was from anger, fear, or something else entirely.

After a while, I reached for my towel—but it wasn’t there.

Frowning, I turned to grab it, only to freeze.

A masked man, dressed entirely in black, stood beside me.

My breath hitched. Before I could scream, he was suddenly behind me, his hand clamping over my mouth.

“I’m not here to hurt you, Emily.” He whispered.

My heart pounded. How did he know my name?

“I’m the only one who actually cares about you.” He continued. “Everyone else? They only want your blood to break their curse.”

Curse?

“I know you’re wondering what the hell I’m talking about.” He said. “That’s expected—after all, they’ve kept you in the dark for far too long.” He leaned in slightly. “Sneak into one of their rooms tonight, and see for yourself.”

Then, suddenly, his grip loosened. I spun around.

“Who the hell are you?” I demanded.

He pulled off his mask, revealing his hazel eyes.

“I’m Keith.” He said. “Your mate—from your past life.”