Bride of the Cursed Alpha - 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 or forgetting to fluff a pillow just right.
“Do you even understand the weight of this situation?” he asked.
My brows drew together. “Yes. You said we’re getting married tomorrow, and I’ll stay out of your way unless you need… an heir.” My cheeks flushed at the last part, and I quickly dropped my gaze.
Lucien exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Great. Fine,” he muttered. “We leave it at that. Tarian will show you to your room. The wedding will happen tomorrow. Someone will be there to prepare you for it.”
I stood hesitantly, unsure if I should thank him or just leave. “Alpha Lucien?”
“Thank you,” I said softly anyway.
His brows furrowed. “What?” he asked, unable to believe that I was thanking him for my situation.
I hesitated. Then I asked a genuine question. “I have a question. What if I get hungry? Am I allowed in the kitchen, or should I wait for someone to bring me food? I’d hate to upset you by sneaking into the pantry.” Moreover, since in my pack, I was hardly given meals twice a day, I wondered if he would give me good meals since I was nothing but a breeder.
Alpha Lucien’s eyes widened. “You’re worried about food right now?”
“Well, yes,” I said, my cheeks warming under his intense gaze.
Lucien stared at me, his expression a mix of disbelief and exasperation. “No. No sneaking. Eat whenever you want. Just stay out of my way.”
“Oh, that’s easy,” I said. “You’re not hard to miss,” I blurted without thinking.
His eyes flashed with irritation. “What do you mean?”
I bit my lip, realizing too late for what I had done. So in order to mitigate the situation, I added, “You’re like a… thundercloud?”
Alpha Lucien narrowed his eyes. “A thundercloud?”
I flushed again, wringing my hands. “It’s a compliment. Thunderclouds are powerful and… dramatic.” Goddess, someone stop my verbal diarrhea.
He clenched his jaw so tightly that I wondered if he cracked his molars. “You’re unbelievable.” His hands clenched into fists at his side. “It doesn’t matter. Just remember what I said. Don’t expect anything more than what I’ve offered.”
I nodded, my wide eyes sincere. “Understood.”
“Good,” he said and marched out.
I watched him leaving, my heart thudding a little faster despite his anger. He might be scary and stern, but he hadn’t thrown me into a dungeon. That was already better than what I was used to.
As the door closed behind him, I slumped back into my seat, my cheeks burning. Somehow, I’d survived that conversation, but I had a feeling life here was going to be anything but easy.
Suddenly, my stomach growled loudly.