Alpha Knight’s Cursed Mate

NIRVANA

The goodbye between my grandfather and me took a while, and I became emotional even though I would be just in California.

Knowing what I learned about their world changed my life forever, and there was no going back. I had to accept that this was my life now.

“I don’t know we’re traveling by a private jet.” I stepped inside. It looked brand new, but something caught my eye. A coat of arms is printed on the upholstered chair.

“The Alpha King lent me his jet,” Knight said. “He told me to take precautions.”

I turned to him. “What do you mean? Who’s Alpha King?”

“It’s nothing. Sebastien is a lycan, an alpha of all alphas of Lycan, and he’s Zarah’s boyfriend. He’s in New York with his daughter.”

“What’s a lycan?”

“They’re like us, but their wolves are bigger and stronger.”

“So they knew?”

“Just a couple of people I trust. We can’t tell anyone about what you are.”

“You have to tell me whatever you find out about me, Knight. I came with you because my grandfather trusts you, and I want to trust you, too. No matter how bad it is, you need to tell me everything if it concerns me.”

He looked at me. “You have my word.”

“Then what do you mean by taking precautions?”

“Let’s have a seat, and then we talk.”

“Okay.” I chose the seat near the window. Then, a familiar face walked in. “Zander, right?”

He bowed his head a little. “Miss Thorne.”

“Just Vana. Sit with me.” I patted the empty seat next to me.

He smiled shyly. “Not a good idea, Vana. I’m joining Luka at the back.”

Kailin went at my back as well. “How did Grandpa Case take it?”

“Why are you all sitting at the back? Does this have something to do with the big bad wolf?”

She laughed. “Nope. You two should get to know each other. And maybe you want to rest.”

“You’re lying. There’s something in the way Zander declined my invitation.”

“You shouldn’t do that often. Alpha or not, it’s in our nature to be overprotective of our own mates. We mark our territory.”

“You don’t pee in your backyard, do you?”

Kailin laughed. “No. We don’t do that. Also, no one would dare come close to you once you and-”

“That’s enough, Kailin.” Knight joined me, interrupting what she was about to say. “You both should get some rest.”

“Right,” said Kailin. “You want drinks?”

“No. I’m good.”

When the jet took off, I looked at Knight beside me. “Just so you know, I’m not gonna follow orders from you and do your crap. I’m going with you to learn your kind and maybe find a way to break the curse. Honestly, I’m good with how I am right now.”

“Just don’t disobey me, Nirvana, especially in front of my pack.”

“Or what?”

He sided-glance me. “You don’t wanna find out.”

“Just respect my boundaries, and we’re good. I’m actually good at following orders. You can ask Kailin. Just no submission and rope involved.” I smirked at him and watched his eyes darken. He held his searing gaze until my heart stalled.

With a low growl rumbling from his chest, he said, “I know the first time I saw you, you’d be the pain in my ass.”

I frowned. “Good. The next time you kick me out, it won’t only be a pain in your ass, it will be on your nutsack. And I stay in my old room.”

“No way.” He glared at me. “How can I keep an eye on you if you’re far from me?”

“Not my problem. And I’m going to be staying at the big house with a lot of people. I’d be safer there than with you. Where do you stay, by the way?”

“I have a house at the end of my property with high-end security systems.”

“Sorry, dude, but you have to respect my decisions.”

His nose flared. His jaw clenched, and he didn’t blink as he narrowed his eyes at me.

“We can do a staring contest all day, but that’s what I want.”

“Vana, you can’t stay at the pack house longer,” Kailin said. “You have a mate, and you need to stay together.”

“Just give me time to adjust. Gee.” I rolled my eyes and gave him my back. I guessed I didn’t really have a choice, for that matter. “So the Moon Goddess played a matchmaker and fixed arranged marriages. Have you heard mates didn’t work out and ended up cutting heads off?”

“No. Rest.”

“We haven’t arrived yet, but I’m getting the feeling that you always bark order.”

“Get used to it.” He adjusted the seat and rested his back before closing his eyes.

“If you’re the alpha and I’m your mate. Does that mean I also have the same authority as yours?”

“Yes. But you’re not a pack member yet, and we haven’t completed the ritual.”

“What ritual?”

“It’s a subject for another time.”

“And you will be called as Luna. The Luna is her mate’s anchor and supports the alpha’s decisions. She helps the pack and should be the symbol of hope and serves as the mother of the pack. Just like the first lady.”

“Luna like a moon?” I turned to Kailin.

“Yeah.”

“I don’t think I’m fit for it. I pass.”

“You can’t run away from this responsibility, Vana.”

“The only way to undo this thing is by rejection, right?”

Knight just growled beside me, even if his eyes were closed.

“We already talked about it, Vana. You can’t undo once it’s done. Unless he hurt you or forced himself on you, you shouldn’t do such a thing, but I never heard a werewolf hurt his mate unless she cheated on him. Even though so, it will hurt one of them.”

Knight blew a breath. “That’s enough for one day, Kailin. Let her rest.”

***

We landed. At least two SUVs were waiting for us. I didn’t say anything, but it started overwhelming quickly. We were welcomed by his pack members when we arrived at his property. Our things were carried by the guys on steroids without words. They just work without questions.

“Welcome back, Alpha,” said Kaleb. Now, they addressed him as alpha before me. I could see the respect in their eyes.

“Thank you, Kaleb.”

“Welcome home, Miss Thorne.”

“Thank you. Please, call me, Vana.” My face flushed as I smiled shyly. They probably knew the reason why I came back.

“Kaleb is my beta. My second-in-command. When I’m not around to do my duty, he takes care of the pack business,” Knight said in a low voice.

“What should I call him?”

“Kaleb is fine.”

“Right.”

“Son, you’re back.” The man in his fifties joined us. He was Kailin’s father. We met briefly once during graduation.

“Uncle, how was your trip?”

“Tiring.” They did a bear hug. And then he came to me. “We met again, Vana.”

“Mr. Blackwell, good to see you again.” I shook his hand.

“Welcome to the family.”

“Thank you.” I looked at Knight. “He’s like you.” I had no clue.

“He’s an elder. His job is to support me, give advice, and share opinions. An elder has more knowledge, wisdom, and experience.”

“Like an advisor.”

“Exactly,” Kailin said. “Hey, Dad.”

“K.”

They hugged each other, and K whispered something in his ear. My guess is he didn’t know my relationship with Knight. He looked at his nephew, and they were now probably talking through their unlimited wifi.

“Congratulations, son.”

“Thank you, uncle. I would appreciate it if you could keep it between us.”

“No problem.” Mr. Blackwell looked at me. “This must be all shocking to you.”

“Yes. I’m still wrapping my head around everything, but I’ll get there.”

“You’re in good hands. We will take care of you. Besides, you’re a family now.”

Kailin took me to my old room. At least two women fixed the room and put my things into the closet.

“Um. Please, I can do it myself.” I went to grab my bag, causing them to stop.

They looked offended.

“I’m sorry. I don’t mean it like that. It’s just I’m used to doing it on my own.”

“We were just trying to help you,” said the curly-haired woman.

“I know. I appreciate it, but I can take it from here.”

The other woman with dark hair smiled shyly. “I’m Aspen. Let me know if you need anything. My room is just down the hallway.”

“Will do. Thanks.”

“I’m Roisin, by the way. Nice to meet you.”

“Me too.”

“What did I miss?” Kailin got in.

“Um, they’re helping me put my things, but I’m good.”

“You girls can go,” Kailin dismissed them. “See you later. And Aspen, can you steal a bottle of Cabernet from the kitchen?”

“Sure.”

Once they were gone, I faced Kailin. “I can’t do this. I know they’re good people, but I’m not used to someone touching my things.”

Kailin laughed. “Why? Did you take your sex toys with you?”

“Not funny. And I don’t have sex toys. This is just too much.” I put my remaining clothes inside the closet and placed my suitcases on top.

“I have to set some ground rules, Kailin. I need some privacy.”

“Don’t tell me. Tell that to our alpha.”

“I don’t have to involve him. I’m not comfortable with someone touching my belongings and my underwear.” I couldn’t help but laugh. “And I do my laundry.”

“Not a good idea. Besides, Knight pays someone to do the job. You have to suck it up, best friend.”