The Alpha’s Cursed Mate

Chapter9

Phoebe’s POV

I stormed down the hallway, my hands clenched into fists. Embarrassment burned deep inside my chest. I had never been dismissed like that before. Never. Alpha Nicholas had sent me away as if i were nothing. Perhaps,he didn't understand that no matter what he did or how he looked at me, I'd have him if I wanted him. He just didn't know that yet.

I had expected him to at least acknowledge my presence in a graceful manner, to see me as someone worth his time. Instead, he had questioned my actions, reminding me of my engagement to Luke as if that should stop me from speaking to another man. He had barely even looked at me before shutting me down and making me leave.

“I can't believe I dressed up in vain.” I muttered angrily under my breath.

My anger only grew as I approached my mother’s chambers. Without knocking, I pushed the heavy door open and stepped inside.

Mom, the Luna of the MoonCrown pack, was seated at her vanity, brushing her long, dark hair. She glanced up at the mirror, her sharp eyes meeting my reflection. “What is it?” she asked, setting the brush down.

I walked further into the room and crossed my arms. Perhaps, mom would know what to do about the situation. Whatever I wanted, she always found a way to make me have it.

“Alpha Nicholas just sent me out of his chambers.”

My mother turned to face me, interest sparking in her gaze.

“He did?”

“Yes,” I said bitterly. “I went to tell him goodnight. That was all. But he acted as if I had done something terrible. He said it was improper for me to be in his chambers alone, then told me to leave.”

Luna Victoria leaned back slightly, considering this. “And did he say why?”

“He said I am engaged to Luke,” I scoffed. “As if that matters. He dismissed me as if I were insignificant and didn't even give me a chance to say something in my own defense.”

My mother hummed in thought, then gave a small, amused smile. “That only means he is a man of discipline. But that does not mean he is immune to charm. Perhaps, before he leaves, he will notice you properly.”

I let out a sharp breath and sat down on the cushioned chair beside the bed. “And what if he does not?”

My mother stood and walked toward me, placing a hand on my shoulder. “Then you make him.”

I looked up at my mother, frustration still burning inside me. I wanted power, influence—things that I deserved. But tonight, Alpha Nicholas had acted as if I were beneath him. That was unacceptable. He needed to know that whatever power seemed beyond me, I'll eventually get. If getting into his bed would assure me of that power, then there was no doubt that I would have it.

Then, my mother’s expression changed. Her eyes narrowed slightly, her voice turning curious. “But tell me, Phoebe… do you not want Luke anymore? You were eager to have him over Tiara.”

I scoffed at the mention of my half-sister’s name. “Luke is still the son of the richest werewolf in our pack, and being tied to him gives me an advantage.” I paused, then lifted my chin. “But Alpha Nicholas is more powerful than Luke will ever be. More powerful than all of us. Even our pack is beneath him. If I have him, we rise above everyone.”

My mother’s lips curled into a slow, pleased smile. “Now, that is smart thinking.” She sat down gracefully on the edge of the bed, folding her hands in her lap. “Power is everything, Phoebe. We must always ensure we are at the top. That is what truly matters.”

I m nodded. I had always known this. It was something my mother had taught me from a young age. The weak were trampled. The strong ruled. That was how the world worked.

Luna Victoria continued, her voice smooth and steady. “Luke is a good match, but his father’s wealth is limited to this pack. Alpha Nicholas, however, has wealth and power that extends far beyond. Imagine what it would mean if you were to stand at his side.”

I imagined it. Being the Luna of the most powerful pack. Having everyone look at me with admiration and respect. Tiara, who had always been a disgrace to our family, would never be able to compare. And Luke… Luke would be nothing compared to Nicholas.

My mother watched me closely, then leaned forward slightly.

“This is why you cannot let embarrassment cloud your judgment. You must be patient. Alpha Nicholas is not like the men here. He will not fall easily. But that only means he is worth more.”

I frowned slightly. “And if he does not look my way?”

My mother tilted her head. “Then we ensure that he does.”

There was a moment of silence. I thought about what had happened in Nicholas’ chambers, about the way he had dismissed me without hesitation. It had been humiliating, but it had also been a challenge.

I would not let it end like this.

“I will not lose,” I said firmly.

My mother’s smile widened. “Good. Then let us make sure you are always one step ahead.”

I nodded. I hadn't made a mistake by coming to mom. She always found a way to make me get what I wanted. And this one was something that would benefit us both