The Alpha’s Cursed Desire: A Bond That Bleeds

Episode 2

Chapter 2

Julian had informed Seris that there was going to be a feast that night and it was also the night the newcomers would swear in. Seris didn't think too much about it until she saw Julian busy arranging everything.

From the food, to the drinks, even down to the music.

Seris stood at the corner, watching as everyone busied themselves as if it were a joyous occasion.

It was just swearing in. When she was sworn in, there was only a simple feast. But now this was treated like a joyous occasion.

“What are you standing there, lost in thought? Go and help the maid clean up the venue,” a voice boomed behind her. Seris turned to see Gloria walking beside Aveline.

She hesitated a bit but was about to turn around when she saw Aveline lean in to whisper something into Gloria’s ear.

Gloria looked Seris over and rolled her eyes in disdain.

Seris paused, looked down at her clothes and shoes. She was in simple jeans and a shirt with flip-flops.

Was there anything wrong with that?

“At least dress like an Alpha’s mate.” Gloria snapped in irritation.

Seris was honestly confused. Isn't this what everyone wore?

“Look at Aveline. Learn from her.” Gloria pointed at the woman beside her. She was in a beautiful yellow sundress. On her hair was a yellow hairpin. She looked like a ray of sunshine.

“You’re the alpha’s mother, aren't you dressing the same way as me? Isn't everyone dressing the same way as me…” Seris quipped.

They all looked around and indeed Aveline was the odd one out.

“Maybe the outsiders shouldn't point at others.”

Aveline looked flustered. Her lashes fluttered quickly, her eyes watered. “I just thought your outfit was too simple. And your chest area isn't as flattering…it—”

She stopped.

All eyes went to Seris chest. Seris crossed her arms over her chest, suddenly conscious.

“At least there's something to look at,” Seris mumbled but loud enough for everyone to hear.

“Seris watch your mouth, Aveline was being nice,” Gloria snapped. Her face was in disbelief.

Seris rolled her eyes and turned around.

Evening came and it was time for the swearing-in. Everyone in the pack made their way to the venue. It was a large opening in the forest. Julian stood on an elevated platform with the priest, who talked about a lot of things.

Then Aveline and several others were called to the stage. Aveline was the last to be sworn in. She stood before Julian. She raised her hand and he grabbed it. He took out the special blade. A blade with golden patterns. He made a small cut on her hand and joined her hand with his that was already bleeding.

When they did this, they both raised their eyes at the same time. Their gazes lingered on each other longer than normal. And then Aveline smiled. Julian smiled too.

The crowd below cheered at them, some booed, and the males made loud noises. Aveline blushed and hid behind Julian.

She didn't get down from the stage like everyone else.

Julian laughed and placed his hands on her shoulder. “Guys, you're scaring her,” he said.

The cheers didn't reduce.

Julian leaned down and whispered something into Aveline’s ear. Her face turned a deeper shade of red, causing Julian to laugh harder.

Seris stood at the corner, alone, watching all this like an outsider. Her eyes never left Julian’s face but he didn't notice her stare.

She didn't want to sound paranoid or jealous. But this swearing was a stark contrast to her long and boring one.

“Maybe it was because Aveline was young, pretty, and single. All the men are just excited,” she thought.

Julian noticed a heated stare on him. He turned, his eyes wandered around the crowd until they stopped at her face. She stood with her hands crossed over her chest. She was still in the big shirt she had on earlier.

He frowned.

‘What was she trying to do? Why was she standing so far from everyone else? Was she trying to make me look bad?’ he thought to himself.

Unconsciously, his hands slipped from Aveline’s shoulder. Aveline noticed that Julian was distracted. She looked up at him to see him staring at someone in the crowd. She followed his gaze and it landed on Seris.

Her fingers balled into a fist.

“I'll go accompany her,” she said into Juliana's ear. A scent wafted in Juliana's nose, and his attention immediately shifted. He turned to Aveline and nodded in a daze.

Aveline chuckled and left the stage.

A wolf was walking around with drinks. She grabbed two glasses along the way. She stopped in front of Seris who was typing on her phone. She stretched out a glass.

Seris blinked when the glass appeared in front of her. She raised her eyes to Aveline.

“Hi.”

Seris blinked at her again. She looked from the glass at Aveline.

“Come on, it's not like I have any bad intentions,” Aveline whined. Stamping her feet looking wronged.

‘Of course. It would be so obvious.’ Seris thought before accepting the glass.

Aveling didn't leave as she expected. Instead, she settled beside her. She sipped on her drink and watched Seris do the same, then she began talking.

“This pack is really nice,” she sighed. Seris stared at her, Aveline continued.

“Everyone is so welcoming and happy. I love it here. Especially Julian. He is so nice to me. He's like the brother I never had.” She turned to Seris at the last part.

Seris said nothing, she only nodded and took another sip. Aveline got up at that moment. “Alright, I'll go talk to others now.”

With that, she was gone.

Seris stared at the space that she had just vacated. She suddenly wanted something strung. She threw her head back and swallowed the alcohol all at once. The liquid burned but she didn't care.

She watches Aveline freely walk over to Julian and the other officials. They began talking and laughing.

At that moment, Seris felt her stomach move. She paused, a frown settling between her brows. Her eyes darted to the glass and then to Aveline.

She hadn't taken anything else except for this drink.

“No it couldn't be.”

Just then a wave of pain shot up from her stomach. It hurt so badly that her knees buckled. She fell on the floor. The glass slipped from her hand, landed on the floor, and rolled away.

Seris stayed bent over for five minutes. Finally, the pain subsided, and she raised her head to look for Julian, but he, alongside Aveline, was nowhere to be seen.

She began making her way slowly out of the forest.

She went to the pack house only to meet Julian and Aveline walking out. They paused when they saw her, Aveline especially, looked somewhat guilty.

The pain Seris was enduring suddenly stopped. She paused and slowly stood up straighter.

confused.

“Where are you going? The party isn't over yet,” Julian said with a displeased tone.

“I had a terrible stomach ache and-”

“Couldn't you be a little more hospitable? Why are you acting like this?” Julian suddenly burst out.

Seris blinked rapidly. His sudden outburst stunned.

“As the future Luna, couldn't you be more accommodating?” he continued.

“I have a f*****g stomach ache, Julian. This has nothing to do with hospitality or you were parading another woman around,” she snapped back.

Without waiting for his reply, she bypassed him. Julian was stunned for a second. He clenched his fist and was about to march towards her when a soft small hand grabbed his.

“It's okay,” Aveline said behind him. “She’s just having a bad day. Let her be.”

Like a deflated balloon, Julian pulled by. A smirk grew on Aveline’s face when he couldn't see it. She moves closer to him, her body almost touching his and whispers.

“Don't let her ruin your day.”