Bride of the Cursed Alpha (Auren and Lucien) novel Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Auren POV

The SUV rumbled over the gravel road as we started towards the Shadowfang Pack. No one came to see me off from my pack. I was good riddance for them. As the car sped out of my pack, I looked out one last time, a knot twisting in my gut. Would I ever come back? I highly doubted that because I wouldn’t be welcomed by anyone. I felt like crying but I blinked my tears away and turned my head to look outside the window. I had cried enough for those who didn’t want me.

After a few hours, I saw the territory of the Shadowfang Pack and noticed that its lands stretched endlessly in every direction.

My heart fluttered as the imposing compound came into view—massive buildings made of dark stone, surrounded by tall fences. The entire place screamed power, control and wealth. The pack was so much bigger than the Crimson Howl pack judging on the fact that our car was running for the past hour, and we still hadn’t reached Alpha’s house.

Alpha Lucien sat beside me. His eyes were fixed out the window, his jaw set in a hard line. He hadn’t said a word since we left Crimson Howl, and his silence was deafening. As for me, I huddled up in a corner, scared to even breathe in presence of the strongest Alpha in the north. I wrapped my arms around a small bag that contained all my belongings.

When we arrived, Lucien got out first, his movements sharp in anger. I hesitated, but his Beta, Tarian, opened the door for me and gestured for me to follow.

“This way,” Tarian said, in a curt tone, assessing me.

The main building was as intimidating as the Alpha himself—high ceilings, white marble stone floors, and an air that felt like it could crush you if you lingered too long. Lucien walked ahead, his long strides carrying him into a room that had sleek furniture and a massive fireplace.

He stopped near the mantle. “I want you to leave,” he said to Tarian. “I have to speak with her alone.”

Tarian bowed and left, leaving me alone with Alpha Lucien. A wave of dread washed over me.

“Sit,” he ordered, not even looking at me.

I perched on the edge of a leather chair, my hands fidgeting in my lap. The silence stretched until Alpha Lucien finally turned to me with a thunderous expression.

“I didn’t ask for this,” he began, his voice a low growl. “I don’t know what kind of game Alpha Bram is playing, but understand this—I don’t want a Luna, and I definitely don’t want you.”

I flinched at his words but stayed quiet.

He leaned against the mantle, arms crossed. “My pack Elders want an heir. That’s the only reason I agreed to this. So here’s how it’s going to work: we’ll marry for the sake of appearances and I’ll mark you. In public, we’ll act like a proper Alpha and Luna. But outside of that, you’ll stay out of my way.”

I nodded, and in a shaky voice said, “Okay.”

Lucien’s eyes narrowed. “Okay? That’s it?”

I tilted my head slightly. “Yes,” I replied meekly. What else did he want me to say?

His frustration deepened, but he continued. “And here are the rules: You’ll have no say in pack matters. You’ll live in the west wing, far from my quarters. You won't sit with me. You won't eat with me. And more importantly, you won't demand anything from me. Do you understand?”

I swallowed hard but nodded again. “I understand.”

His brow furrowed, as if he hadn’t expected me to agree so easily. “And you’re…fine with this?”

I blinked up at him, genuinely confused. He brought me here for that purpose. “Yes, I’m fine,” I replied. At least here, no one will throw me in a dungeon for burning a toast.

Lucien stared at me, his brows furrowed. “Burning a toast?” he repeated.

My cheeks turned red. Did I speak aloud? “Yes.” I nodded in shame. “Or forgetting to fluff a pillow just right,” I murmured.