Bride of the Cursed Alpha - Chapter 21: Chapter 21

Auren POV
Lucien’s hand was firm as he guided me down the hallway all the way to the north wing. My heart thudded in my chest, confusion and curiosity swirling together. The north wing wasn’t a place I ever frequented. This was the place he had asked me to stay away from.
Ever since I had come, I had avoided it to the level that I hadn’t even ventured into the house, scared that I might step in the north wing and upset Alpha Lucien. So you won't understand the panic that was rising in my chest. Was he upset with my performance in the main hall in front of Elder Ryna? What could I do? It didn’t feel like a performance on his part and it certainly wasn't a performance on my part. It felt so real. As we climbed the stairs toward his room, I became paranoid. Why the hell didn’t I perform as he had asked me to instead of giving in to my sensations?
We stopped in front of a grand wooden door and I hesitated. “This will be your room from now on,” he said, his voice deep, commanding.
I blinked, staring at the door and then at him. “What? Why? I… I don’t understand.” His scent in the air was stronger than ever and by looking at the adjacent door, I knew that it was his room.
He looked at me, his expression dark and very serious. “I’m not explaining myself, Auren. It’s an order. You’ll sleep here. Your things will be brought up shortly.”
“But… why so close to your room?” I asked hesitantly, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks.
He arched an eyebrow. “Do you question all my decisions, or just the ones that involve you?”
I gulped and shook my head quickly. “No, Alpha Lucien. I just—”
“You’re safer here. That’s all you need to know,” he cut me off, his tone brooking no argument. “And how many times do I have to ask you to call me Lucien, and not Alpha Lucien?”
“S—sorry,” I whimpered.
“Vivi is going to get all your things here. Do you want anything additional?”
“No,” I quickly shook my head. He had given me more than I ever possessed in my life.
“Where’s your phone?” he asked as he opened the door and tugged me inside, his grasp still firm on my wrist.
“In my other room.”
“Keep it with you always. I’ll ask Vivi to get that as well for you,” he ordered. He turned to leave but before leaving, he added, almost as an afterthought, “Get some rest. We’re attending The Celestial Soirée tomorrow evening. Be ready.” And just like that, he was gone, leaving me stunned.
I stood there for what felt like forever before finally stepping into the room. It was beautiful—lavish, warm, and filled with sunlight streaming through tall windows. The walls were painted a soft cream, adorned with delicate gold accents that shimmered in the natural light. A massive four-poster bed stood in the center, draped in silky, deep-red curtains that matched the plush rug beneath my feet. There was a carved wooden wardrobe and a vanity by the window, which overlooked the forest that surrounded the pack. It felt luxurious, even intimate. But the idea of being so close to him made me uneasy.
A thousand thoughts churned in my mind. Why had he brought me here? To make the matters worse, the sensation of his kiss lingered on my lips. Thinking about it gave me goosebumps and I wrapped myself with my arms. He continued to kiss me even though Elder Ryna was standing in the main hall, watching us. My throat turned dry and I let out a sigh. I didn’t know what was happening to me, but I knew one thing—Lucien didn’t want any strings attached. This was a pure business transaction and whatever he did was for the benefit of his pack.
“Lady Auren!” Vivi knocked the door, making me snap out of my reverie.
I whipped my head to look at her. “Vivi, I have to ask you something.”
She gave a broad smile and came inside, her hands loaded with my clothes. A battery of servants followed her who all had my belongings. “Sure,” she replied as she directed all of them to arrange my clothes.
I waited for the servants to leave and then asked her, “What is The Celestial Soirée about?”
“Are you going for that?” she asked, excitement evident in her eyes.
I nodded. “Yes, Alpha Lucien wants me to accompany him there.”
She clasped her hand. “Oh wow!” She came to me and first made me sit down on the bed. “Lady Auren, it’s our yearly event. A glamorous ball where unmated wolves dress in fine attire and try to find their perfect match. The event includes ballroom dances, slow-building romances, and even matchmaking games hosted by pack elders or Alpha.”
I stared at her, my eyes going wide by the second. “Alpha Lucien attends it every year?” I asked, feeling jealous.
“Yes!” she chirped. “But don’t worry, he hasn’t taken any she-wolf.”
Her reply should’ve made me calm, but somehow, I was even more jealous than ever. It was an emotion that I wanted to push down. “What am I supposed to do?”
“Now that’s an important question. You should appear sexy, like Alpha Lucien should have his eyes on you.” Waving her hand she added, “Don’t worry, I’ll dress you up. In fact, we should buy a sexy dress for you.”
“No, I don’t want another dress!” I squeaked. What was it with these people and buying dresses?
“Oh, hush!” She chided me like I was a child. “All the she-wolves are going to be sexily dressed up. Why not you? You are the future Luna.” Saying that Vivi left in a rush without listening to another word from me.
And I wondered, how will I look sexy in a dress? Suddenly, I remembered what Sable was doing in front of Alpha Lucien the other day. Sexy it would be.