CURSED TO BE HIS MATE

0007

The morning sun reached me where I slept in the corner, its rays hitting my face. My eyeliner had turned into black tears on my cheeks.

“Are you okay?” a soft voice asked.

“Don’t worry, he’ll come and open the door,” the voice teased again, but I couldn’t tell who it was.

“He’s coming,” it whispered again—then silence.

Kade walked in, strapped in a black suit but wearing a white shirt.

“Show me your thighs,” he commanded.

When I refused to obey, he came toward me and forcefully removed my trousers to check. To my surprise, the roses remained intact.

“You’re lucky,” he said, and I knew I had to use this chance.

“I’m sorry for misbehaving yesterday,” I said, fully aware I felt no remorse.

“Ah! I see you’ve finally admitted your mistake?” he asked, turning toward me.

Before I could say anything, Tasha walked in on us. Her elegance was something I desired, and I could tell she knew it.

“I think the punishment is enough. He looks sorry,” Tasha said.

Kade’s tattoos had gotten darker—I could tell from the one on his wrist. I’m no expert on curses, but I knew this was a bad sign. I could feel him fighting the urge to unleash her normal side, as his cursed one took over.

“I’m so glad Tasha is staying. There are a few things I want to learn from her,” I said, sensing the tension between the two.

“You guys don’t want me to join the party?” I asked, my mind plotting how to take down Tasha.

“What are you talking about? You’re my Luna. I didn’t want to subject you to this, but you left me no choice. You can join us!” he said, his smile enthusiastic.

“Maybe she can teach me how to behave elegantly,” I said, looking straight into Tasha’s eyes—but I couldn’t underestimate her.

“Sure. I’ll leave you two to catch up, let you get along. I have matters to attend to,” he said, his sweet voice still somehow enchanted.

As he turned, I held his hand, prompting him to help me stand up. I reached to kiss him as he held my waist, making sure she saw everything. He hesitated a little before leaving.

“What are you up to, cursed one?” Tasha asked, removing her mask.

“Nothing. Are you afraid?” I asked mockingly.

“Me, afraid? I’m death itself,” she boasted. A shiver rushed down my spine, but I tried to fight it.

I wasn’t as strong or confident as Tasha, but I loved Kade—and that was my mistake. Still, I was willing to risk it.

Tasha left my room, laughing, while I found a way to meet Linda. I was an expert at sneaking out, especially around the house. I quickly reached the gate, unsure if anyone had seen or followed me—I had been reckless this time.

I arrived, and as usual, Linda was on time, cloaked and hidden from sight. I walked toward her, and she welcomed me with a smile.

“You came, child. I can see you truly love Kade,” she said, reaching into her cloak.

“Whether I love him or not, he has to stay alive for me to be free. I have to remove the curse. I’m doing this for myself,” I snapped.

“Child, I’m Linda. I can see beyond your imagination. Concerning the curse, I advise you not to intervene,” she warned, handing me a blue potion.

“You’re here to survive him, not redeem him,” she added.

I didn’t want to argue, so I nodded, even though I disagreed.

“Rub this on his snake tattoo—especially the snake’s eyes,” she said.

“How do you know so much about Kade?” I asked, my curiosity getting the best of me.

“Because I’m the answer to all your questions,” she replied in riddles.

“What do you mean by that?” I asked, but before she could answer, an army of Kade’s men passed by, and she ran off, leaving me there.

I tried hiding, but it was no use. My scent had already been picked up by one of the soldiers.

“What are you doing in the woods, my Luna?” Damian, one of Kade’s most trusted men, asked.

“A lot is happening at the house. I needed to cool my head,” I lied.

“You’re not trying to run away?” he asked, his eyes scanning the area, sensing the scent of another wolf.

“No. Can we go back?” I said, uncomfortable.

“Were you with someone?” he asked.

“I don’t remember having to answer to you. Should I tell the Alpha you’re treating me like a fugitive?” I snapped. That was enough to get him off my back.

We walked in, and Kade stood outside, blindfolded but able to see through it. I could sense his anger. I knew I was in serious trouble—or about to receive a worse punishment.

“Where are you coming from, Luna?” he yelled from two floors up, and everyone could hear him.

“I… I… I…” I hesitated, unsure of what to say.

“She’s afraid to say that she went with me on patrol to greet some of the pack wolves,” Damian said, covering for me.

His voice was so steady, even I started to believe the lie.

“Yes,” I said, nodding.

“That’s good. Meet me right this minute,” Kade said.

“Thank you,” I whispered to Damian, but he just blinked and bowed.

Chills and fear ran through me as I climbed the stairs, afraid of what might happen this time.

“You have to be bold, not afraid,” a subtle voice spoke in my head.

“Don’t let people know your weakness. This is a battlefield, and the soft one is often killed. Pick your side,” the voice continued.

I looked around, trying to find the speaker, but saw no one. I walked to the upper room—Kade’s private quarters. I had never entered before; it was restricted.

I breathed in and out before reaching to knock. The doorknob squeaked, and I wanted to turn back, realizing I wasn’t ready—but it was too late. Kade stood half-naked in front of me, his body blocking half the doorway.

“Don’t just stand there. Come in,” he ordered, a mischievous look on his face.

This is the perfect moment, I thought. As he turned his back, I reached for the potion—but Tasha startled me with a cough.

“Glad to see you joined us,” she said.

Now I was angry. Furious. I couldn’t hold back anymore—not with my Alpha.

“What are you two doing half-naked here?” I shouted.

“Chill. I was just showing Tasha my basement,” he said.

“Does this seem like a joke to you? First, you leave me during my introduction as Luna to the pack to be with Tasha, then you come back with lipstick on your shirt, leave me alone in bed, and now bring her to the basement ahead of me?” I yelled.

For a ferocious Alpha, I saw fear in him.

“It’s not what you’re thinking,” Tasha said, but her transparent bra didn’t help.

“Is that his shirt?” I asked. Tasha nodded.

That was enough. I couldn’t help myself—I slapped Kade’s cheek.

“Leave,” he commanded.

“I was leaving anyway. You two can have the whole thing to yourselves—lovebirds!” I said, slamming the door behind me.

“Release me,” the voice said again in my head—this time, it sounded angry.