Sold to the Cursed Alpha

Point

inhaled deeply as I crossed the border into Hallowed Pine, the scent of earth and pine wrapping around me like a warm blanket.

ng in full shift, and the pressure of representing your pack at one of the top academies, it became something else entirely,

ike I promised Dad. And just like Alpha Rive

and even though I hadn't seen him yet, I k

touched up, a few with fresh paint, but everything still held the bones of home. I pas

ing mid-step when he saw me. His eyes widened, and then he smi

n, right?" h

. "That

sixteen or seventeen, all lanky limbs and teenage energy

er's cousin. He's not here yet, but h

urse

d an ey

would send a kid for s

uffing up with pride. "I'm not a ki

ade me

raining Kellan, I app

early pleased

now. People still talk about your dad like he's s

more touched than

ope

toward the

ou could take the East wing until your place is r

ees one last time, feeling m

the strap of my bag. "I know

ng, it was the start of something bigger. I wasn't here to rest. I was here to work, t

was

but I knew River

here yet,"

practically growled at the sun every time

h stones and overgrown grass. It led to River's place, the Alpha's personal residence. Private, quiet,

ne near the third plank. I knew every corner of this place. Every groove in the railing, every mark

aid no one was stupid enough to rob an Alpha. I pushed

d the faint smell of pinewood and cedar lingered, his

Couch still slightly sunken in on the right side where River always sat, a half-finish

be to tease him for sending his kid c

catch it. I listened and then there it was

fr

I took another step, more cautious this time. The sound

own. Maybe it was nothing. Maybe someone came by to talk. M

rm, alive in this house. He was

rs like a ghost. Each footstep was place

used, listening. Another giggle. Then a voice. It was too soft to make out, and then River's. His voice, low

art beating slower than normal but harder with each

r... it wasn't what I expected to fi