Cursed to Three Alphas

2.

Chapter Two

I was unmated at 21. It wasn’t unusual for Omegas to find their mates late, but in the Silverthorn Pack, it was a ticking clock. Once you crossed 21 without being claimed, you became everyone’s problem—and everyone’s gossip. No one asked what it was like to live with that kind of judgment. No one cared.

Celeste didn’t bring it up either, and for that, I was grateful. This morning, she stood next to me, her curls bouncing as she arranged her stall.

“Hey, redhead,” she said suddenly, glancing at me with her usual bright grin. “Could you watch my stuff for a bit? I’ll be back in five minutes.”

“Celeste, I—”

“Thanks, Aria! You’re the best!”

And just like that, she was off, darting toward another stall a few meters away before I could protest.

I sighed, crossing my arms as I leaned against the edge of her stall. It wasn’t unusual for Celeste to disappear like this, always chasing after some new bit of gossip or helping someone with a random task. I shook my head, a small smile tugging at my lips despite my irritation.

The market was alive with the scent of spices and fresh bread, and for a moment, I let myself enjoy the brief quiet.

But the peace didn’t last.

The smile fell from my face as I noticed movement in my peripheral vision. My chest tightened when I saw who it was. Standing just a short distance away, his heavy frame impossible to miss, was Alpha Darius.

And he wasn’t alone.

Two of his royal guards flanked him, their postures stiff and alert. My stomach churned. Alphas didn’t come to the market. Not for groceries, not for anything. His presence here could only mean one thing—he was here for me.

I swallowed hard, forcing my feet to stay rooted in place. Running would only make things worse.

“Good morning, Alpha,” I greeted, bowing stiffly. My voice was steady, but inside, I was shaking.

He smirked, the kind of smirk that made my skin crawl. “Oh, come now, Aria,” he said, his tone mocking. “Drop the formalities. You can call me Darius.”

My lips tightened into a thin line, but I said nothing.

Behind him, his guards turned away, as if they didn’t want to be part of whatever was about to happen. My unease grew.

“If you’re here for some fruit, I have fresh ones,” I said quickly, pointing at the neatly arranged oranges on the table.

His gaze flicked to the fruit, and for a brief moment, I dared to hope that maybe—just maybe—he wasn’t here to bother me.

But then he reached into his pocket and pulled out a leather pouch. He untied it, letting the clinking sound of coins fill the air. The noise silenced the market. Every head turned in my direction, curious and wary.

Darius tossed the pouch onto the table, spilling the coins across the surface. My breath caught as I realized how much was there. Enough to cover all my expenses for a month. Maybe two.

“It seems you don’t fully understand the offer you’re rejecting,” he said, his voice low but sharp. He leaned in closer, and I could smell the sour tang of his breath. “You wouldn’t have to worry about where your next meal comes from, Aria. You’d have everything you’ve ever wanted.”

For a split second, I hesitated. His words were tempting. The coins glinting in the sunlight were tempting.

But then I remembered who I was dealing with. This wasn’t an act of kindness. Darius didn’t offer anything without expecting something in return.

I straightened my spine, meeting his dark eyes with as much courage as I could muster. “I’m not interested, Alpha,” I said firmly, keeping my tone polite.

His smirk faltered, replaced by something darker. Dangerous.

“You think you can reject me?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

“I’m just trying to run my stall,” I replied, keeping my hands steady even as my knees threatened to give out. “If you’re not here to buy fruit, I’d appreciate it if you let me get back to work.”

The crowd was still watching, their whispers growing louder. I could feel their eyes on me, waiting to see what would happen next.

Darius’s jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides. For a moment, I thought he might lash out. Instead, he took a step back, his smirk returning with a cruel edge.

“This isn’t over, Omega,” he said, his tone dripping with malice. “You’ll regret this.”

With that, he turned on his heel and strode away, his guards following close behind. The crowd slowly dispersed, and the market buzz returned, but my heart was still racing.

I slumped against the stall, my hands trembling. Celeste returned a moment later, her face pale.

“What happened?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Darius,” I said simply, the name enough to explain everything.

She swore under her breath, her eyes darting around as if she expected him to reappear at any moment. “Aria, you have to get out of here. He’s not going to let this go.”

“I know,” I whispered, my chest tightening. “But where would I even go?”

Before Celeste could answer, the sharp sound of a bell rang through the market, silencing everyone. A pack enforcer stood at the edge of the square, his face grim.

“Attention, everyone,” he announced. “By order of Alpha Darius, all Omegas are to report to the Pack Hall immediately.”

The crowd erupted into murmurs, panic spreading like wildfire.

Celeste grabbed my arm, her grip tight. “Aria, don’t go.”

“I don’t have a choice,” I said, my voice shaking.