The Cursed Alpha's Human Mate

Chapter 5

Kael

Since I returned from the Moon Pack five days ago, restlessness had taken root in me. Allison’s sweet vanilla scent haunted my thoughts, her presence etched into my mind so deeply that I could hardly function. My body craved her, my nonexistent heart screaming at me for leaving her in that pitiful excuse of a home—a dungeon designed to break her.

“Baby,” Aria’s voice pulled me from my spiraling thoughts. She was on her knees in front of me, her hands wrapped around my length, attempting to draw my attention back to her.

“Can you just focus on me?” she pleaded, irritation clear in her tone as her hand moved with practiced ease.

I cursed under my breath, when she wrapped her mouth around me, I grabbed her hair roughly, forcing her to take more of me. I didn’t feel anything but emptiness. The only way I could even tolerate the act was by forcing Allison’s image into my mind—her face, her scent, her presence. But the whole thing felt wrong.

“f**k,” I growled, releasing into her mouth with one final thrust. Yet no satisfaction came—only a crushing wave of regret. The vivid image of my mate’s bruised, fragile form assaulted my mind, and guilt settled in my chest like lead.

Aria attempted to climb on top of me, but I pushed her off, my patience snapping. “Kael!” she yelled as I got out of bed, ignoring her entirely as I walked out of the room.

“Aiden,” I called as I stalked down the hallway. He appeared almost instantly, his unwavering reliability one of the many reasons he was my Beta.

“Yes, Alpha,” he responded, falling into step behind me.

“We’re going to the Moon Pack,” I said, my tone sharp, offering no further explanation. Truthfully, I didn’t know what I planned to do once I got there.

“Of course, Kael,” he replied without hesitation, moving ahead to prepare the car.

---

When we arrived at the Moon Pack house, I was met with an unexpected stillness. Only one warrior stood at the entrance, and even that felt more for show than security. Their lack of strength disgusted me.

As I entered the house, the clattering of plates and soft murmurs of conversation reached my ears, the sound of a pack gathered for dinner. The moment they sensed my presence, the noise stopped, replaced by a tense silence.

I walked into the dining hall, a sardonic smile curling my lips as every eye turned to me. Their instinctive fear was almost laughable. Packs like this always prepared for attack, but their readiness was pitiful compared to my own pack’s strength.

“Did I interrupt your dinner?” I asked, my tone dripping with mock politeness. My smile didn’t reach my eyes, and their nervous glances told me they saw right through it.

“Alpha Kael,” they greeted in unison, their voices tinged with unease. It was almost rehearsed, and I could feel their discomfort radiating off them.

Alpha Lucas stepped forward, attempting to mask his tension as he offered, “Would you care to join us for dinner?”

“I’m not here for your little pack bonding, Alpha Lucas,” I replied coldly. “I’m here to discuss a deal.”

He exchanged a wary glance with his Luna and his father before the three excused themselves from the table. Without waiting for them, I made my way to the office, my memory guiding me effortlessly. As I walked, Allison’s scent hit me like a blow, stirring something primal within me.

Once in the office, I seated myself on the desk, exuding authority. Aiden stood at my side, his presence steady as always. Lucas entered, his Luna and father trailing behind him. They took their positions cautiously—Lucas sitting opposite me, while the others lingered near him, their postures tense.

“What deal do you have for us?” Lucas asked abruptly, his sharp tone grating against my patience.

I narrowed my eyes, a low growl escaping me. “Mind your tone, Alpha Lucas,” I warned, my voice cold and laced with dominance. “Remember who you’re speaking to.”

“I’m sorry, Alpha Kael,” Lucas said meekly, quickly correcting his earlier tone. “What deal do you have for us?”

I leaned back in the chair, keeping my expression indifferent. “How’s Allison?” I asked casually, feigning disinterest in her well-being.

Lucas stiffened slightly, caught off guard by the question. “She’s fine... much better now,” he said, then smirked knowingly. “Let me guess—this deal concerns her?”

“Yes, it does. I want her,” I declared, my tone firm and final.

Their eyes widened in shock at my words, surprise flickering across their faces. They exchanged glances, clearly uncertain if I was serious.

“You want her?” the former Alpha asked, his voice full of disbelief as he sought confirmation.

“Yes. I want your daughter,” I said coldly. “I’ll buy her off your hands. Since she’s so ‘useless’ to you, I’ll put her to better use.”

At that, their expressions shifted, joy gleaming in their eyes. It was disgusting how quickly they were willing to dispose of her.

“How much is your price for her?” I asked flatly.

“Any price is fine with us,” the former Alpha replied eagerly. “Take her—even if you want her for free, we’ll gladly give her to you.”

“Alright then, we have a deal. I’ll draft the contract by tomorrow morning and take her with me. But understand this—I won’t ever return her, no matter what.” My tone sharpened as I delivered the warning.

They chuckled, amused by my declaration. “As if we’d ever want her back,” Lucas’s Luna said with a sneer.

Just then, Allison’s scent filled my senses, intoxicating and unmistakable. My hearing, sharper than the average werewolf’s, confirmed her presence right outside the door.

“Oh, you can come in,” Lucas called, his tone dripping with false warmth.

I heard her hesitant footsteps, each one amplifying the bond tugging at my chest. When she stepped into the room, her scent became overwhelming, almost suffocating in its intensity.

“You’re just in time,” her father said with a wicked glint in his eyes, gesturing for her to move closer. She obeyed, her movements cautious as she stopped in front of me. Her wide eyes locked on mine, searching for answers, but I kept my face emotionless, suppressing the overwhelming urge to pull her to me.

“Alpha Kael has taken quite a liking to your... skills,” Lucas said, his voice dripping with mockery.

Allison turned her confused gaze to her brother and back to me, her uncertainty etched deeply into her expression.

“He wants to buy you off our hands since you’re so useless to us,” he added, unable to conceal his excitement.

Her confusion deepened as she looked at me again, silently begging for an explanation. I gave her none, keeping my expression unreadable.

“Get your things ready,” the Luna interjected cruelly. “You’ll be leaving with him tomorrow morning.”

I stood from the chair, refusing to meet Allison’s judgmental gaze. The weight of her stare burned into me as I made my way to the door.

“Get the contract ready by tomorrow morning,” I commanded once in the car, Aiden glanced at me through the rearview mirror. “Alright , Kael. Where to now, Alpha?”

“Find a hotel,” I replied curtly, staring out the window.

I had no real plan, no strategy for what came next. Buying her had been an impulsive move, born of guilt, anger, and something deeper I couldn’t name. I had no idea what I was doing—only that I couldn’t leave her in that hellhole another day.