Taming The Alpha’s Curse

Chapter 14

Xavier’s Pov

Aliyah lay beside me in a deep, satisfied slumber, her breathing slow and steady. Nothing ever woke her once she had what she wanted. I remained on my back, eyes fixed on the heavy curtain where Astrid hid like a frightened little rabbit. A faint, almost imperceptible smirk tugged at the corner of my mouth. No one else would ever see it.

Of course it was Aliyah’s doing. Only she would be cruel and possessive enough to force the little vampire to watch us. She thought she was being clever, masking Astrid’s scent with her own oils. It was almost insulting. Did she truly believe my senses were so dull that I could not detect the sweet, intoxicating scent of Astrid beneath her perfume? The thought bordered on disrespect. It was kind of insulting.

I rose slowly from the bed, adjusting my dark robe with calm, deliberate movements. Even from across the room, I could hear Astrid’s heartbeat — fast, erratic, like a cornered animal’s. I moved toward the curtain without making a sound and pulled it aside.

Her honey-colored eyes widened in pure terror, so large they looked as if they might fall from her face. She immediately dropped into a deep bow, her small body trembling.

“Alpha,” she whispered, voice barely audible.

I studied her for a long moment, saying nothing. The fear rolling off her was almost tangible. “What are you doing here, Astrid?”

She stammered, the words tumbling out in a desperate rush. “I… I’m sorry, Alpha. I didn’t want to be here. I tried to refuse but—”

“Was it Aliyah who ordered you here?” I asked, my voice low and cold.

“Yes, Alpha,” she answered quickly, still bowed low. “She told me I had no choice. I’m sorry. I’m so very sorry.”

Before I could press her further, a loud knock sounded at the chamber door. Astrid darted forward like a startled deer and opened it immediately.

Caden stood in the doorway, one of my trusted Gammas. His eyes flicked briefly to Astrid, full of silent questions, before returning to me. “Forgive the intrusion, Alpha. Talon has captured the spy we have been hunting. He and his mate are being held in the Hall of Verdicts. Talon is guarding them personally. I came myself to bring you the news.”

I regarded him coolly. “You are certain it is them?”

Caden nodded without hesitation. “You know Talon is never wrong in these matters, my Alpha.”

His gaze darted to Astrid once more. He clearly wanted to ask what she was doing here, but he knew better than to question me in front of others. Smart man.

“Lead the way,” I commanded.

Caden turned and walked ahead. I followed, fully aware of Astrid’s quiet footsteps trailing behind me. Her scent wrapped around me with every step, making my wolf stir restlessly inside my mind.

*She watched us,* Erevos rumbled, sounding far too satisfied. *And you enjoyed knowing she was there.*

I pushed him back and kept my face blank as we entered the Hall of Verdicts.

The large hall was already crowded. Warriors stood at attention along the walls. Several elders sat in their designated places, murmuring among themselves. I ascended the steps and took my seat on the high obsidian throne that overlooked the entire room. Astrid moved silently to stand at my side. Her presence there felt strangely fitting. I kept my expression cold and unreadable, though my wolf was far too aware of how small and fragile she looked next to me.

Talon stepped forward, dragging two prisoners with the help of several warriors. Elder Harlan and his mate. The elder’s face was ashen with terror. His mate looked utterly devastated, tears already streaming down her cheeks.

I leaned back in my throne, voice calm and icy. “Well, well. I must say I am truly disappointed in you, Elder Harlan. Especially you. And you had the nerve to drag your own mate into your treason? How very touching.”

Murmurs rippled through the hall. Harlan opened his mouth to speak, but I raised a hand to silence him.

“I do not usually give traitors the chance to explain themselves,” I continued flatly. “Consider yourself fortunate that I am in a rather generous mood today.”

*We all know exactly why you are in a good mood,* Erevos chuckled in my mind. *Because the little vampire watched you take Aliyah.*

I ignored him.

Harlan began to beg, his voice shaking. “Alpha, please… I was foolish. I let fear cloud my judgment. The information I passed was meaningless. I swear my loyalty to you and to Valkarion. I have served you faithfully for many years. Please show mercy. I will do anything to prove myself again.”

His mate fell to her knees beside him, sobbing openly. “Please, great Alpha. Have pity on us. We have children. I beg you, spare my husband. Spare our family.”

Several elders murmured in agreement. “Perhaps a second chance is possible,” one of them said cautiously. “He has served well in the past.”

I rose slowly from my throne and descended the steps, my boots echoing in the suddenly silent hall. The air grew thick with tension.

“Bring him to me,” I ordered.

The warriors dragged Harlan forward. His mate screamed and pleaded louder. “No! Please, Alpha! I beg you! Take me instead!”

I grabbed the elder by the throat, lifting him slightly off the ground. I did not rush. I let him feel the full terror of my claws as I slowly dragged them down his face, carving deep grooves and tearing out one eye, then the other. Blood sprayed across the stone floor and onto my robe. He screamed in agony until I slashed his throat open in one clean, brutal motion. His body convulsed for a few moments before dropping lifeless at my feet, blood pooling around him.

His mate’s wails filled the entire hall. Many faces in the crowd looked horrified. Even the priestess of the Moon Goddess turned her head away.

I turned my gaze to the woman. “I do not usually touch females. But treason is treason, and it must be answered.”

Before I could give the order, the great doors opened and Aliyah swept into the hall, graceful and smiling, her long black hair flowing behind her. Traces of blood from earlier still marked her skin.

“Oh, my love,” she said sweetly, “why begin the fun without me?” She walked straight to the sobbing woman. “Leave her to me.”

With a bright, delighted laugh that echoed through the hall, Aliyah attacked. She extended her claws and tore into the woman with savage joy — slashing her face, her chest, and finally ripping open her throat. Blood splattered across Aliyah’s fine dress and face. She laughed the entire time, clearly reveling in the kill, taunting the dying woman with cruel words.

When it was finally over, the woman lay dead beside her mate. The Hall of Verdicts was deathly silent.

I returned to my throne and allowed myself one brief glance at Astrid.

She stood perfectly still at my side, but her honey eyes were wide with pure horror. Her small hands trembled violently at her sides. She looked as though she desperately wished the ground would open and swallow her whole.