The Cursed Alpha's Human Mate

Chapter 8

Kael

It was frustrating—suffocating, even—being around Aria lately. The knowledge that my mate was back at the apartment waiting for me made it nearly impossible to focus. Not that she was waiting for me, exactly. I’d kept my distance, acting aloof, pretending not to notice her existence. But that was a lie. I noticed everything. The subtle furrow of her brows when she was confused, the way her eyes brightened with curiosity at the smallest things.

She was far more comfortable with Aiden. Of course, she was. Aiden had always had a way with people, an effortless charm I couldn’t replicate. And maybe I didn’t want to—at least not with anyone except her.

“Baby, where are you going?” Aria’s sultry voice broke through my thoughts as I pulled a shirt over my head.

“Business,” I replied curtly, already heading toward the door.

She caught my hand before I could leave, her touch soft and calculated. “Come on, baby, stay with me tonight. You know how much my body craves you,” she purred, her tone dripping with seduction.

Once, I might’ve given in without a second thought. But now, the only place I wanted to be was with Allison. It was maddening. The pull I felt toward her was stronger than anything I’d ever experienced. Even avoiding her hadn’t worked—I couldn’t stay away.

“You know I can’t do that, Aria. I’ll see you tomorrow,” I said flatly, removing her hand from mine. Without sparing her another glance, I walked out the door and drove to a nearby store.

Chocolate. That’s what I’d get her. I’d seen her eating it twice now, and while that wasn’t much to go on, it was enough for me to conclude she liked it. If she didn’t, I’d find something else.

With the chocolate in hand, I returned to the apartment building. The drive was quiet, my thoughts a chaotic mess as I parked and took the elevator up. This place was my escape from pack life, from all the responsibilities and drama that came with being Alpha. Most of the tenants here were human, which made it even better—no one knew me. The few werewolves who had stumbled into this building... well, they weren’t a problem anymore.

When I opened the door to the apartment, I found Allison sitting on the couch with Chloe. Books were scattered across the table, and Chloe, ever the diligent teacher, was guiding her through the material. Chloe was a werewolf, and while I usually preferred to keep humans and wolves separate, she’d been the best candidate for the job. She had no pack ties and didn’t care about the werewolf-human divide. Of course, I’d ensured her loyalty with a simple threat—harm Allison, and her parents would pay the price.

The second Chloe saw me, she began packing up, her fear of me palpable. She had good reason to be cautious; I’d given her a glimpse of what I was capable of if she stepped out of line.

“Alpha Kael,” she murmured respectfully as she hurried past me and out the door.

I turned my attention to Allison, who sat watching me with those wide, curious eyes. She didn’t speak—couldn’t—but her expressions spoke volumes. I set the chocolate bar on the table in front of her and sat beside her, my presence clearly making her nervous.

“Eat,” I commanded, gesturing to the chocolate.

Her hands fumbled as she opened the wrapper. She hesitated for a moment, staring at it.

“What? Don’t you like it?” I asked, my tone softer than I intended.

She quickly shook her head, indicating no, before taking a cautious bite.

I watched her closely as she ate, savoring the way her cheeks flushed and her eyes lit up. She was trying to ignore my stare, I could tell but the tint in her cheeks betrayed her. There was something about watching her like this, something strangely satisfying in seeing her enjoy even the smallest things.

When she finished, she grabbed her notepad, quickly typing out a message. She held it up for me to see: Thank you.

watched as Allison got up and started heading toward her room.

“I never said you could go, Allison,” I commanded, my tone firm.

She froze in place before turning around and walking back to sit where she had been. Her compliance should have satisfied me, but the tension in her posture only reminded me of how much I intimidated her.

“How are you finding this place?” I asked, the question surprising even myself. Small talk wasn’t my forte, but for her, I was willing to try.

She quickly wrote on her notepad: It’s beautiful.

I nodded, acknowledging her response. “I trust no one has been making you uncomfortable?” I asked, my mind flickering to Chloe. If she had done or said anything out of line, I’d have no choice but to follow through on my promise to deal with her.

No one is, Alpha, she wrote again, and I felt a small wave of relief.

“Good,” I replied. After a moment, I added, “I’ve been thinking about bringing in a doctor to help with your recovery. I heard you weren’t born mute. Is that correct?”

She nodded in confirmation, her expression unreadable.

“Alright. We’ll visit the doctor next week,” I informed her. She nodded again, accepting the decision without protest.

“Is there anything you want or need?” I asked softly, though the question wasn’t really up for debate. I already had plans in place, but I asked out of courtesy—something I wasn’t particularly skilled at.

She shook her head, and I continued, “We’ll go shopping for clothes tomorrow.”

Her face frowned slightly in disapproval, and she immediately reached for her notepad to type. Before she could finish, I snatched it away from her.

“I said we’re going, and I don’t take no for an answer,” I snapped, my voice sharper than I intended.

Her eyes widened, fear flickering in them. Instantly, I regretted my tone, but the damage was done.

“Good,” I said curtly, turning and walking into my room. Staying any longer would only lead to more harsh words—words I wasn’t sure I’d be able to take back.

The sound of the apartment door opening broke the silence. Aiden. His scent filled the air, mingling with Allison’s. I could hear them in the living room, their voices light and carefree, a stark contrast to the tension that always lingered when she was around me.

I stayed in my room, listening. Each word they exchanged irritated me more than it should. When I couldn’t take it anymore, I got up, opened my door, and leaned against the frame.

Allison was smiling—a rare sight around me. The way Aiden’s presence brought that out in her only fueled my irritation.

“Well, I was around the corner and missed my Ally, so I decided to drop by,” Aiden said with a wink.

Ally? Nicknames now? Shadow growled in my head, furious at the casual familiarity between them. She was my mate, even if I hadn’t claimed her and had no plans of it yet seeing her so comfortable with him only fed my jealousy.

“Aiden,” I called sharply.

Their heads snapped toward me, and Aiden quickly stood. “Yes, Alpha,” he said, walking over to me. He stopped a few feet away, his posture respectful.

“The pack members wish to go hunting and are planning the mating ritual for tomorrow,” he informed me.

I fought the urge to snap at him. Did he not know how to use a phone? “They can hold it. I don’t care about the rituals,” I growled.

“Alright, Kael. I’ll be leaving now,” he said, nodding before turning back to Allison.

“Sorry, Ally, I’ve got to head back to the pack house. Just came to deliver a message, but I’ll see you tomorrow,” he told her with a soft smile.

My irritation flared again. “You won’t be needed here tomorrow—or the day after,” I said abruptly. “Stay away until I call for you.”

Aiden and Allison both stared at me in surprise.

“What? Why?” Aiden asked, his voice confused.

“Because I f*****g said so,” I snapped, my tone leaving no room for argument.

Aiden raised his hands in surrender. Through our mind link, he added, I’m not trying to steal your mate, Kael.

His words eased some of my anger, but not all of it. I watched him leave, closing the door behind him.

When I turned back, Allison was staring at me with those wide green eyes, a mixture of confusion and fear swirling in them. For a brief moment, I considered saying something, but I couldn’t find the words. Instead, I walked into my room and shut the door.

Leaning against it, I exhaled heavily.

What the f**k was Allison doing to me?