Cursed by the alpha's mark

ss the ground that was already touched by frost. Anticipation surrounded the air, the scent of pine was heavy, woodsmoke, and the musky undertone of the restless pack. Lia Blackwood

ed into a snarl."You?" Kael's voice was a low growl, sharp enough to slice through the silence. The pack turned, their eyes pinning Lia like a deer in a hunter's sights. "A half-witch as my Luna?"Lia's stomach lurched, the warmth of the bond curdling into dread. She lifted her chin, forcing her voice steady. "The Moon Goddess chose me, Alpha. The bond doesn't lie.""Chose you?" Kael's laughter was a cruel blade, echoing in her head. He stepped closer to her. His scent, leather, cedar, and raw power, overwhelmed all her senses. "You are a mistake. Tainted. Unworthy of Blackthorn."The words struck deeper than claws. Lia's wolf wailed within her. She clenched her fists tightly nails were digging into her palms. "You feel it too, Kael. Deny it all you want, but the bond is real."His amber eyes flashed, and for a heartbeat, she thought he'd falter. Pain flickered in his gaze, quickly buried beneath cold resolve. "I don't need a witch's spawn at my side," he spat. He raised a hand,his claws extending and filled with dark and unnatural energy. Lia froze, her witch senses could feel danger. This wasn't wolf magic-it was something older,forbidden."I reject you, Lia Blackwood," Kael snarled. "You'll never be my mate."Agony exploded in her chest, the mate bond shattering like glass. Lia gasped, falling to the ground on her knees. But that wasn't all. Kael's darkened claws slashed across her collarbone, a small fire where they met her skin. She screamed, the sound raw as a cursed mark appeared into her flesh-a jagged crescent moon, pulsing with ominous energy. The pack shocked, then erupted into jeers. "Witch!" a warrior shouted. "Banish her!"Lia clutched the mark, her vision swimming. The curse went deep, bounding her wolf's strength, her magic also dwindling. Her sil