The Cursed Alpha's Human Mate

Chapter 9

Allison

I sat stiffly in the car as Alpha Kael drove us to the mall. The silence between us was heavy, and I found myself staring out of the window, counting every streetlamp we passed. This was the first time I’d left the apartment since arriving here, and it felt as though the drive was stretching on forever.

“Why are you sitting so stiffly, Allison?” he asked, briefly glancing at me before returning his attention to the road.

If only I could tell him, Because of you. But, of course, I couldn’t. Instead, I adjusted my posture, trying to appear more at ease, though I doubted it fooled him.

“Are you scared of me, Allison?” he asked, his tone even, though his sharp gaze cut through me like a blade.

I bit my lip nervously, then gave a small nod.

His lips curled into a faint, almost sinister smile. “You’re right to be,” he said softly, his voice laced with something that sent a shiver down my spine.

That was the end of our conversation for the rest of the drive.

The mall was located on the outskirts of the city, far enough from his pack to avoid prying eyes but still within human territory. As we stepped out of the car, I found myself standing before a large building teeming with people. Most of them seemed human, which only made me wonder if Alpha Kael had chosen this location to make me feel more at ease—or if he was simply avoiding being seen with me by his pack.

“Welcome, ma’am. Sir,” a well-dressed attendant greeted us at the entrance, her voice polite and professional.

Alpha Kael nodded in acknowledgment before addressing her. “We’re here for women’s clothing. Show her around and bring anything she admires.” He gestured toward me, his tone carrying the weight of authority.

The attendant smiled brightly at me before guiding me toward the women’s section. She began showing me a variety of dresses, suggesting styles and colors that might suit me. Each dress she picked was beautiful, far more elegant than anything I’d ever owned.

I eventually tried on one of her recommendations—a soft, flowing dress that hugged my frame perfectly. She paired it with shoes that matched the outfit seamlessly.

“You look stunning, ma’am,” the attendant gushed, twirling me around to get a full view. Her enthusiasm made me smile, though I felt a little awkward under the attention.

“You should show your boyfriend how you look,” she said suddenly, already leading me out of the dressing room.

Boyfriend? I wanted to correct her, to tell her how wrong she was, but without my notepad or the ability to sign, there was little I could do.

“What do you think of this dress, sir? Doesn’t your girlfriend look absolutely stunning?” the attendant asked as we approached Alpha Kael.

I froze under his gaze. His intense eyes roamed over me, and I felt my cheeks heat under the weight of his scrutiny. There was something in the way he looked at me—something that made me feel both self-conscious and strangely exposed, as though he could see right through me.

For a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath, waiting for his response.

“I don’t use such meaningless titles,” Alpha Kael growled, his voice low and dangerous, startling the clerk, who took a nervous step back.

Then, to my shock, his expression softened slightly. “You look stunning, Allison,” he said, a small, almost fleeting smile tugging at his lips.

“See? I told you so!” the clerk chirped, her cheerful voice breaking the tension as she ushered me back into the dressing room to try on the rest of the dresses.

The process repeated itself over and over—I’d try on a dress, step out to show Alpha Kael, and endure the weight of his piercing gaze. Despite his aloofness, his subtle nods of approval made my cheeks warm. By the time we finished, I was utterly exhausted, my feet aching from standing in heels far longer than I was used to.

“Is everything she tried on checked out?” Alpha Kael asked the clerk, his tone curt but not unkind.

“Yes, sir,” she replied, holding several large bags filled with the clothes.

He handed over his credit card without hesitation, waiting silently as she processed the payment. I bit my lip nervously, knowing how expensive everything must be. The guilt gnawed at me—I wasn’t used to anyone spending this kind of money on me.

“Here’s your card, sir,” the clerk said, handing it back to him.

He took the card, stood, and then motioned for me to follow. The clerk trailed behind us, carrying the bags to the car. After placing them in the back seat, she bowed politely. “Thank you, sir, ma’am. Please do come again,” she said before heading back inside.

I moved to open the car door, my mind still swirling from the whirlwind of the shopping trip, but as I stepped forward, pain shot through my ankle. My foot twisted beneath me, and I lost my balance.

I barely had time to register what was happening before Alpha Kael’s strong arms caught me mid-fall.

He stared at me, his expression unreadable, before muttering a sharp curse under his breath. “f**k this.”

And then, without warning, his lips crashed onto mine.

My eyes widened in shock as his mouth moved against mine, firm and demanding, yet oddly tender. I froze at first, my mind reeling, but then I shut my eyes, surrendering to the moment. I wasn’t sure what to do—my lips moved hesitantly against his, responding in the only way I could.

The world around us seemed to vanish. The bustling sounds of the street, the curious glances of strangers—none of it mattered. It was just us, locked in a kiss that felt like it had been building forever.

“So this is what’s been keeping you away from me, baby?”

The icy voice broke the spell, and we pulled apart abruptly.

I turned to see the source of the interruption: a strikingly beautiful woman standing a few feet away. Her elegant posture and piercing gaze exuded confidence, and the way she glared at me made my stomach twist.

Kael’s eyes darkened instantly, his irises shifting to a deeper, almost menacing shade of blue. His jaw tightened as he growled, “What the f**k are you doing here, Aria?”