Alpha and the Cursed Mate

Mutually Attractive

"What are the conditions?" Moira asked, trying to sound firm even though her heart was pounding.

Adrian turned, a slight smile appearing at the corners of his lips. He was full of plans. "Let's get in the car," he said casually. "I'll tell you later."

He turned and walked toward the car without waiting for an answer.

Moira stood there for a few seconds, staring at his back. His black shirt fit his body perfectly. His shoulders were broad and his steps were steady. There was something about the way Adrian walked, as if the world around him bowed down.

"From now on," Moira muttered softly, clenching her fists, "I have to rise up."

She took a deep breath, then followed him. For some reason, her feet felt light. Too light for someone who had just escaped hell.

Moira got into the car and sat in the passenger seat. The scent of warm cedar mixed with pine forest after rain was strong and masculine yet soothing. It immediately assaulted her sense of smell.

The scent mesmerized Moira, captivating her endlessly. It made her feel as if she were being drawn into a dream world. However, she quickly realized it.

Adrian was already behind the wheel, one hand on the steering wheel and the other resting casually on the armrest.

"Tell me the conditions," Moira said, not wanting to delay. "And can you find me a cheap place to stay tonight?"

Aidrian turned slowly. Their eyes met. His hazel and clear blue eyes, like blue sapphires, locked with hers.

Moira held her breath. For some reason, Adrian's gaze felt different tonight—deeper and more intense. It was as if he could read something she didn't even understand herself. Strangely, his blue eyes reminded her of the giant white wolf.

"The condition is..." Aidrian paused.

Moira blinked twice, snapping out of her reverie. Her heart was beating faster. "What?" she asked softly.

Suddenly, Adrian leaned toward her.

Moira froze.

The distance between them narrowed drastically—there were only a few centimeters left. Aidrian's warm breath touched her cheek.

She could see his jawline, thick eyelashes, and the strange gleam in his blue eyes.

"I—I'm still Olivian's wife," Moira said, her voice trembling with nervousness and defensiveness.

Aidrian chuckled softly. "I know."

His hand moved across her shoulder.

Click.

Moira flinched slightly as the seatbelt fastened across her chest.

"Aidrian—"

Moira held her breath, her face flushing.

"Not for much longer," Adrian cut in calmly, returning to his position. "You're getting divorced."

Moira swallowed. "Yes," she murmured. "Soon."

A brief silence filled the cabin. Only the sounds of their breathing and Moira's still-racing heartbeat could be heard.

"You're coming home with me," Adrian said suddenly.

Moira turned quickly. "What?"

"To my mansion," Adrian continued, his voice flat but firm. "It's too quiet there. I live alone."

Moira opened her mouth to refuse. "I—"

"Don't argue," Adrian interrupted softly but firmly. "There's no need for a hotel. No need to worry about money."

Moira smiled awkwardly. "I don't want to bother you."

Adrian smiled slightly. "You're not bothering me."

There was a pause. Moira closed her eyes for a moment. She was tired—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Strangely, being in the car with Aidrian gave her a sense of security she hadn't felt in years.

"What about the condition?" Moira finally asked softly.

Aidrian looked ahead. "I'll tell you later. When the time is right.”

"Why not now?"

If I tell you now, you’ll be scared, Aidrian thought to himself.

But what came out of his mouth was, "You're not ready yet."

The car engine started. The vibration was smooth and steady. Adrian turned the steering wheel, driving the car out of the Dunne mansion's ruined driveway.

Moira looked back at the magnificent building she had once called home. The lights were dim, the windows were broken, and her bitter memories remained.

"I'm not going back," Moira said softly.

Aidrian glanced back. "You don't have to go back to that hell."

Moira closed her eyes. For the first time in a long time, her tears were not from pain, but from relief.

"Thank you," she said softly.

Aidrian didn't answer right away. He picked up speed, letting the empty road swallow them up. A few seconds later, he said, "Moira."

"Yes?"

"Whatever happens tonight, trust me."

Moira opened her eyes and looked at him. "Why do you care so much?"

Adrian was silent for a moment. "Maybe," he said slowly. "From the first time I saw you, I knew you shouldn't be alone."

Moira's heart trembled.

She looked out the window at the bright moon in the sky.

The car drove further and further away, leaving the past behind.

***

The Quinn family mansion.

"This is your room."

Aidrian's voice was low as he opened the door to the room. His tone was calm, but there was something restrained about it, as if emotions were deliberately locked away.

Moira stepped inside slowly.

The room was still the same. There was a large bed with light gray sheets. Thin curtains allowed the moonlight to softly filter in. There was a faint, clean scent; it was the place where she had first regained consciousness after nearly dying.

"I'm back," Moira muttered softly, more to herself than anyone else.

"I deliberately didn't change anything since you left," Aidrian replied. "You're safe here."

Moira turned her head. Their eyes met, and for some reason, her chest felt warm. She put down her small bag and exhaled deeply.

"Thank you," she said softly. "For everything."

Adrian didn't answer right away. He stood near the door, watching her. That's when he smelled something.

The scent slowly grew stronger. Soft. Warm. Sweet, with a touch of moonlight:

Moonblossom.

Adrian's jaw tightened. He began to breathe heavier without realizing it.

"Moira..." His voice sounded different. His expression held back the passion that suddenly peaked within him.

"Hm?" Moira turned her head, her eyebrows slightly furrowed. "What is it?"

Aidrian took a step closer. Then he stopped. He looked away as if fighting something inside himself.

"You..." He sighed roughly. "You're giving off a very strong scent tonight."

Moira was silent. Her heart beat faster, even though she didn't fully understand what the man meant. However, she noticed that his ears were red. She knew what that meant.

"Scent?" she repeated softly.

Aidrian nodded briefly. "Moonblossom. It's not something ordinary humans can smell."

He looked back at Moira. His gaze made her body react strangely. Her skin tingled and her stomach felt warm as if hundreds of butterflies were flying around inside her.

"Is it dangerous?" Moira asked hesitantly.

"Not for you," Adrian replied honestly. "For me, it's a test."

He chuckled softly, but it sounded tense.

"Aidrian?"

"You didn't do anything wrong," he cut in quickly. "It's just that I'm drawn to your scent."

Moira swallowed hard. The word "instinct" made her cheeks feel hot.

"I feel..." She hesitated, then continued, "I've also been feeling something since earlier. Like, I don't want to walk away."

The words just slipped out. After that, she froze.

Adrian stopped right in front of her.

"Moira," he said softly, almost whispering. "If I take another step closer, I'm not sure I'll be able to stop."

Moira lifted her face. Their eyes locked, and she could see the dark blue sparkle in his.

"Then why are you still here?" she asked softly.

That question was like a key released.

Adrian raised his hand, hesitated for a moment, and then touched Moira's cheek. The touch was gentle.

Moira didn't pull away. That was enough to prove the turmoil they were feeling.

The kiss happened spontaneously. It wasn't rough. It wasn't rushed. Adrian's lips touched Moira's lightly, as if he were trying to control himself.

However, Moira's body reacted first. Her fingers gripped Adrian's arm as if she were looking for something to hold on to.

"Adrian," she whispered, her breath trembling.

The kiss deepened and grew warmer as if their lips didn't want to part.

Aidrian tasted Moira's full, parted lips, biting them gently.

Moira felt something rise within her; her feminine passion peaked suddenly. It was as if her body was saying, "This is right."

Moira's scent grew stronger.

Aidrian pulled away with difficulty, their foreheads touching. His breathing was heavy.

"Stop," he whispered, his body trembling.

Moira opened her eyes; her breathing was still unstable.

"Why?" she asked softly.

"Because if I continue..." Aidrian sighed. "I'm afraid I won't be able to stop. And you won't be able to stop me."

Moira stared at him for a long time. Then she smiled slightly.

"I don't feel forced," she said honestly. "I feel chosen."

Those words made Adrian fall silent. He lowered his hand, putting as much distance between them as possible.

"Rest," he said softly, his breathing still labored. "I'm in the next room. If you need anything, call me."

Moira nodded slowly.

As Aidrian turned to leave, Moira called out to him.

"Aidrian."