Cursed to Claim Her

Chapter 4: The Prince is Waiting

With each passing second that the half moon emerged, Tim could feel life slipping out of him again, yet he held on, fighting the depressing force that weighed him down.

“I think you should try and take a nap. By morning, the antidote would be applied. There’s no use fighting it.”

His eyes burned with rage. “There’s every reason why I should fight it.” He stared at how the guards and omegas looked at him like a lost puppy. “Can’t you see the glaring pity in their eyes?!”

“You mean the care in their eyes for their prince?!” Nolan wagged his head. “There’s nothing wrong with admitting that you are not strong all the time. All of this wouldn’t be happening if you had just let the council arrange your marriage with another human.”

His ego swelled against his blurry vision. “I’m in charge, Nolan. With or without the curse, I will exert my authority.”

“This looks more like pride.” His sister, Bianca, stepped in. “I can’t believe you chose to gamble your life away.” Turning to Nolan, she added, “How can you let him make such decisions?”

“No one is making choices for me.” Tightening his grip on the duvet, Tim continued, “Ever since this incident happened, I have been locked in this palace like a fugitive that cannot even see the sun.” Taking a deep breath, he added, “I want my life back.”

“And by insisting on a particular human that might delay her decision until you die?!” Her fingers ran through her hair. “If I didn’t know how much you hated humans, I would have said you were in love with her.”

“I am the Alpha’s heir.” His consciousness staggered with each word. “I will… not be… rejected by… a human.”

“My Lord!” A guard rushed in with a pale expression. “You… have a guest.”

Bianca, Nolan, and Tim glared at each other.

“A guest at this time? Tell whoever it is to come tomorrow.”

The guard hesitated. “She said she holds the key to His Highness’s life.”

Tim rolled his eyes as he leaned back on the pillow. “It must be Celina. Tell her to…”

“No, my lord. She said her name is… Beverly Cane.”

Air suspended in the chamber for every single person. They knew about the strict prohibition against humans getting anywhere close to the palace unless invited and protected by a royal’s amulet. There was no way she could have secured any of that without their knowledge.

Meanwhile…

Beverly feasted her eyes on the gothic and expensive vintage furniture and portraits in the waiting area. It was more like a private museum for elites. Growing up, all she could ever imagine was a day where she would get past the high walls and enter the revered palace.

A smirk emerged on her face as she reminisced about how Marcus stared at her like she was mentally deranged when she made her request.

“Why the hell would you want to go in there?”

“Personal reasons.”

Smashing his glass cup against the wall, he snapped, “If I am going to risk my life to get you access, you better start talking.”

“The Royal family is stomping an unhealthy amount of weight on my family, and I need them to stop.”

Nodding mechanically, he replied, “I heard about the investigations and arrest, but what makes you think the Royal family has anything to do with it?”

“I don’t think… I know.” Pouring herself a glass of whiskey, she added, “Now you know why… can you get me in or not?”

“Excuse me.” A masculine voice pulled her back from her memory lane.

Her lips curved into a smile at the densely familiar face—Nolan Smith. His height was still as intimidating as she remembered, his chiseled shaved chin and blue eyes capable of convincing any girl that he was her soulmate. Apart from his dyed hair, he was still as attractive as she remembered.

“Are you done?” he asked, like he could read the description going on in her mind. “The prince is waiting.”

He led her through the hallway and into the chamber. Beverly felt her confidence dwindle at the number of people in the room. Maids and guards watched her like an unknown alien. At the center of the room was a king-sized bed designed with fur and wolf fangs. Her insides growled at the mystical energy emitted from the room.

“So, what are you doing here? Or should I ask how you got this far?” Bianca asked with nothing but disdain.

“I want to speak to the Prince.” Beverly found herself saying it confidently, although she wished she were more arrogant by calling him by his name.

“Speak!” Nolan thundered.

“Privately.” Folding her arms across her chest, her eyes fixed on her target.

She wasn’t the only one evaluating the room. He had his eyes on her from the moment she walked in. Her fiery energy gave him strength to remain conscious although his vision was foggy. Her expensive cologne filled his nose, while her designer two-piece accentuated her height, giving her an all-powerful look.

A swell of disgust rose in his bowels. She might be beautiful, but she was still a spineless and powerless human.

“You must be out of your mind!” Bianca spat. “The only reason we are not dumping you in the dungeon is because of the Alpha heir’s mercy. So you better speak or enjoy the rest of the night with the pack dogs!”

Something about Bianca’s threats didn’t scare Beverly; instead, it provoked her pride.

“Good speech, but… I came in here to speak to the prince.” Heaving a sigh, she added, “If I can’t speak to him… then I’ll leave.”

She turned immediately, marching majestically toward the exit.

“Wait!” Tim fought to voice out.

Bianca and Nolan gave him a stare, but he cared less.

“Nolan, get everyone out of here!” Facing Beverly, he added, “Come closer. You don’t have to stand so far to speak.”

Her grip tightened on her clutch purse. Another force was pulling her back. It was biting and overwhelming, yet her resolve was stronger. Fighting the dizziness, she marched closer.

One by one, everyone exited the chamber. She could see his eyes and sinister expression. He was doing something to her, but she wouldn’t fall.

“So, what do you want?”

“A deal.”