The Alpha's Curse.

sea of faces gathered for the annual feast. Voices mingled in laughter and conversati

Dressed in a dark suit, Alpha Derek radiated authority, his gaze scanning the crowd with sharp calculation. He didn't need to spea

earsed since childhood, every glance and smile a reflection of the perfect heir her father expected h

. "You kept me waiting." Her father's voice was low but firm, ca

sh air," she repli

oning. "Fresh air," he echoed, his tone laced wit

used to let her expression betra

en it conce

blade. The conversations around them continued,

said, keeping her voice steady.

before nodding. "Good. Because soon, you

ugh her veins. "

the pause stretch between th

nse, but before she could press further, a voice

ng voice called out. "I believe

piercing green eyes, Alpha Cedric of the Ironclaw Pack exuded the same kind of power her fath

mbled a smile. "Cedric," he greeted, lifting his

tugged at his lips. "And to the future Alpha of

r stomach tighten, but she fo

und the room gradually resumed. But Alina's mind remained restless. There was

d carefully constructed alliances. Alina played her part, but her min

r feel like she was standing on the edge of a cliff, o

ather had leaned closer, his voice barely above a

deepened, but she nodded,

Alina stood outside her father's study, her fingers curled into fis

lace, his back turned to her. The flames cast flicker

," she said, shutting

unreadable. "I assume you noticed

her arms. "H

s lips before fading. "He's here

ept down her spine.

of his words heavy before they were ev

ound her see

only stare, unable to

discussing a simple business transaction. "The Blackw

ands shaking before she clenched the

at's best f

ave of anger through her. "You're

calm, but there was steel beneath it. "Do you th

pounded. "I do

oesn't

ghtened. "It

r of something unreadable crossed her f

ion. The room felt smaller, suffocating, and suddenly, all she wanted was to be anywhere but here. Without ano

lly stepped outside. Stars stretched endlessly above her, bu

rom the shadows once again, his expression unreada

less laugh, shaking

rpened. "Wha

age," she bit out.

Cole's eyes, his jaw clenc

N

re he exhaled, running a hand through h

at her chest. "What

ity in his gaze pinning her in plac

ne. A dangerous promise lingered in his voice, an i

- the path ahead wasn't clear. It wasn't safe. But standing there, in the quiet of the night, she realized she had never wante