The Bride of the Cursed Rogue

Giselle's POV

Yesterday, I turned eighteen and discovered that my mate was none other than Lois, the Alpha of our Pack. I was ecstatic to share the news with my Father, who couldn't come home due to his duty as the Beta.

"He'll be happy to know I am Lois' mate, right?" I asked myself as I opened the door of our house.

However, upon entering, I saw my stepsister kneeling before my stepmother Miren, crying.

"Mom! Please! You know that I'll die if I marry that rogue! Please! Do something!"

My stepsister, Samantha, was boastful, arrogant, and confident. So, I was shocked to see her groveling on the ground while crying.

"I can't marry him! Please!"

But when I heard her plea for the second time, I realized why Samantha was in a mess. It hasn't been a long time since a rumor spread around the Pack – that the cursed rogue was looking for his mate.

'If Samantha was crying and begging like this, does it mean she's the mate of the infamous Steven?'

I damn near choked on my own breath and clamped my hand over my trap. That's when Samantha locked eyes with me. I was like a deer in headlights, knowing damn well trouble was on the horizon.

"You!" Samantha shouted before running toward my side.

My guts were right.

"Your little fantasy was to wed and flee this hellish place, right?"

Her eyes glistened with tears, yet her smile was askew, hinting at a mischievousness lurking beneath its eerie facade.

"Then, marry Steven instead! Marry that cursed rogue and get lost!"

My muscles quivered with rage deep within my being. My lifelong aspiration was to escape the clutches of my wretched stepmother and stepsister. So why on earth would I stoop so low as to wed a replacement for her? THIS IS NOT FAIR!

"Samantha was right," my stepmother, Miren, sneered. "Save your precious sister, Giselle! Sacrifice yourself like the pathetic little pawn you are!"

I stumbled back in shock. I always knew they despised me, but to willingly send me to my death? I never realized just how twisted and malevolent they truly were.

"No," I answered, defying their orders, which wasn't usual. "I cannot marry him, Samantha. My mate isn't Steven, but the Alpha of our Pack! I am Lois's mate!"

Samantha's grin contorted into a sickening sneer, and her pupils widened with lunacy. Without warning, she shoved me with all her might, sending me crashing into the dirt.

"Ugh!" I groaned, clutching my throbbing body.

"You really think you can just waltz in here and have your way with Alpha Lois? Ha! Take a good look at yourself in the mirror, honey. You're a sorry excuse for a woman - ugly, skinny, and completely worthless. You're not fit to be our Pack's Luna, that's for damn sure," Samantha spat, her words dripping with venom.

As she spoke, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the shiny stainless-steel pot on the table.

My body was painfully thin, my skin almost translucent.

Miren and Samantha never gave me enough food, even though I was responsible for cooking. I was lucky if I got to eat once a day.

"A rat in the dumpster would rather marry you, Giselle!" Samantha added while walking closer to my side.

I crawled backward.

"Did you forget that Lois was infatuated with me since we were young? I am prettier and sexier than a piece of twig like you! Lois is mine! I should be the Luna!"

Gritting my teeth, I gave her a spiteful look and answered, "Lois is my mate. Even if he likes you, he cannot escape the bond the Goddess of Moon bestowed between us. And now that I turned eighteen, I believe Lois will like me back someday."

"Shut up!"

"Ahh!"

Samantha delivered a vicious slap that left my cheek throbbing with agony.