Craved By The Cursed Alpha | Read Free Preview
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Chapter 1
Veda's POV:
I was supposed to announce him as my chosen mate tonight, a ceremonial confirmation of our union. But instead, I was bleeding on the marble floor, almost breathless.
The music hadn't stopped. People still chatter on their table, eating as if I weren't lying there in the middle of the supposed joint gala, my blood staining the embroidery of my golden dress.
Soft violins floated through the hotel's hall, dragging my whimpers along with them.
They whisper into their ears, watching me quietly.
"Veda!"
Octavia dropped beside me, her hand pressing against my arm, trying to stop the bleeding.
"Don't move!" She snapped. Her eyes glistened as she glanced around.
I let out a weak breath and briefly closed my eyes. "Wasn't planning to."
She glared at me, shaking her head.
"Stay here," She said quickly as she glanced around. "I'll go get the healer."
She rose and shook her head. "Bunch of useless people, where is that your soon-to-be mate?"
I didn't stop her as she rushed out of my view, didn't say a word.
As I lay on the floor, staring up at the glittering chandelier above me, a strange thought crossed my mind.
This wasn't how it was supposed to be.....
*****
"The gala would be held tomorrow at the Silverbane hotel," Dad said as he sipped on his glass of white wine, his voice casual as though he wasn't saying something that would bind my life forever.
"So..... Beaston is moving forward with making you his chosen mate." Isla's voice slipped in smoothly.
My fork stilled on my plate as I slowly raised my head, my eyes clashed with hers. Of course, she had a fake smile on.
A fucking snake.
"I chose him," I murmured casually, slowly raising my fork to my mouth and biting on the steak. "He simply agreed with my plan."
"Oh......" She murmured, a small smirk on her lips. "You're so lucky, Sis."
Lucky?
Why do I feel like I was being traded instead of chosen?
A sharp sting brought me back to the present.
A cold sharp sting shot through my side, my fingers that were balled into a fist tightened at my side.
Lying on the cold ass floor with no single person to look at me? I chuckled bitterly and slowly turned my head to the side, watching Octavia run towards me with our Pack's healer.
"Don't move, Veda." She cautioned and sank on the ground beside me then turned briefly towards the healer. "She's bleeding too much, please stop it."
As the healer stepped closer for a better look at me, the hall became quiet as footsteps rang towards my direction.
"Don't." The voice said.
Octavia breathed shakily as she watched the figure walking towards us.
The music had stopped; the violin was suspended as well. Suddenly, everyone's attention was on us as they watched my chosen mate and me.
"What are you saying?" Octavia questions as though he must have lost his mind. "She needs to get treated, or else she loses too much blood."
Beaston glanced down at me, his jaw tightened and he quickly looked away. "You have to heal Isla first." He mumbled. "She was attacked too."
He straightened, his hand wrapped firmly around Isla's wrist.
She leaned into him, her face pale as she held her side.
"She's hurt," He said calmly, glancing at my wound again, "heal her." He pulled Isla closer, cocking his head to the side.
The healer swallowed hard as he glanced between Isla and me.
"Her wound is more severe, heal her first," Octavia said, her voice slightly trembled at the end as though she was scared of what would happen.
Beaston slanted his eyes at the healer and arched his eyebrows. "I. Said. She. Needs. You." He gritted, enunciating each word.
The room went quiet. All eyes were on us as Beaston abandoned me to be by Isla's side.
My fingers curled against the cold marble floor as I watched them walk away. A trickle of tears threatened to roll down my cheek.
The healer glanced, he swallowed hard then straightened. "I'll be back after healing Miss Isla."
He turned away and Octavia's eyes widened.
"What! Veda's wound is clearly more severe, what the fuck........"
"Octavia," I called, my voice barely made it past the murmuring that had erupted in the hall.
She glanced at me and I slowly shook my head.
"Don't," I muttered.
My gaze lifted towards where Isla sat with my family flanking around her and a bitter laugh slipped through my throat.
"Veda," Octavia whispered slowly, her gaze slanted towards Beaston.
He didn't look at me. Not even once.
I pressed my palm over my shoulder and winced breathlessly. The pain was too much, but still wouldn't stop me from doing what I planned.
I pushed myself up slowly, Octavia slid over the marble floor and helped me up from behind, her hands held my waist firmly.
I stood and nodded at her. "Thank you," I mumbled.
That little wound wasn't going to stop me anyway.
Isla probably hired the rogue that ran into the hall and injured both of us just to prove to me how Beaston regards her more than he does me.
I chuckled bitterly and glanced around.
"If we're all gathered tonight....." I started, my voice steady. "Then I suppose this is the perfect time."
Beaston finally looked at me. His brows pulled up in a deep frown and he slowly shook his head as he held onto Isla with one hand.
"Veda, not now—"
I smiled and clasped my hands loosely behind me.
"Oh. I think now is the best time." I muttered, we stared briefly at each other, and glanced away.
Wasting a second of my eyesight on him irritated me.
"If my life rank below hers," I said, my eyes flickering towards Isla before returning to him, "then it's only expected that I adjust my expectations."
Silence descended on the hall, and everyone waited eagerly for what the ice queen was about to say.
Mother sashayed towards me and gripped my arm. A soft smile was plastered on her lips.
"Please, let's settle down. I'm sure my dear Veda is just overwhelmed right now and will join us soon," she announced and tried to pull me towards the back door.
"Wait a minute, Mother," I chuckled and shook my head once, "you didn't even hear the news."
"I'm calling off the engagement."
Gasps erupted across the hall.
Mother's hand tightened around my arm as she stood, too shocked to react.
Beaston stepped forward, his hand loosening around Isla's. "Don't be ridiculous, Veda." He said and shook his head. "You don't mean that."
"I mean it as much as I live," I said through a chuckle. I turned towards Octavia and nodded to the door then back at him. "Live a good life with her, okay?"
Chapter 2
Veda's POV:
"Veda Blackthorn!" Alpha Wulfric, my father called harshly. "Do you know what the hell you're doing? Don't be stubborn and come and get treated, quickly."
I swallowed hard and turned slightly towards him.
Now he cares? A bitter taste filled my mouth.
Octavia's hand tightened around my wrist as she pulled me closer. I glanced at her, a playful smile graced my lips, "Let's get out of here."
As she pulled me down the long aisle, murmurs erupted behind us.
"How dare you walk away?" Damien, one of my little brothers fumed, "You'll regret this!"
"Let her be." Jemika Blackthorn—my mom —said softly, "She'll come back."
The banquet hall buzzes with whispers.
"This is really embarrassing,"
"The Blackthorn can't even hide it. They prefer the stepdaughter to their real daughter. Luna Jemika is lucky!"
"Of course, even Beaston prefers Isla to her."
"Veda disappeared years ago. Who knew what she did or went through? It's a pity that she's getting treated like this."
I closed her eyes briefly, momentarily shutting out the cruel words.
I took in a deep breath, trying to steady my shaky breath, I opened my eyes, and slowly, I slipped out the heavy small dainty diamond ring he had gifted me and threw it on the floor.
"Veda.... What are you doing?" Octavia asked in a whisper, her hand light on my shoulder. "If he wants to sprint around Luna City for that manipulative little doe-eyes, then let him. You deserve better."
"I don't want to talk," I said softly, smiling at my best friend appreciatively.
I just couldn't. Not now. Not when I was on the verge of tears, threatening to spill from my eyes, and the humiliation washing down my body.
At twenty-four, I was yet to find my fated mate, and now, my chosen mate had decided to save another female over me in front of a big crowd.
I chuckled bitterly. My fingers balled into a fist.
He'd rather run to her like a lost pup.
Being a chosen mate doesn't mean I own him...... But the way he rushed to save Isla when I got hurt more..... was nothing less than a shattered heart.
I was alone..... Again.
I swallowed hard. My heart aches even when I don't want it to. I had never felt so disposable.
"It is over," I murmured. "Let's go."
******
The night air hit my skin as I stepped out of the hotel and into the cool air downtown. Its height towers over me.
"He left us," My wolf whispered weakly. "He abandoned us for her."
I shut her eyes for a second, steadying myself.
"He was never ours."
Octavia led me towards the outer parking lot, her hand tightened around my wrist. "I'll take you to the Pack Clinic, you need to get treated." She said as she unlocked her car door.
"Thank you." I mouthed and slid into the car.
What could I have done without her beside me?
She was the only one I could trust.
She pulled the passenger door open and I slid in. My palm pressed hard against my shoulder.
"I'll take you to the clinic and have you attended to." She muttered as she pulled out of the driveway and I nodded.
Truthfully, I was in no state to talk. I only wished for the day to pass by.
My phone vibrated in my purse.
I dug out the phone, staring at the text on top of my screen.
"Your so-called mate left you to be with me. I won."
A bitter chuckle slipped from my lips.
"Foolish. So foolish."
I closed my eyes briefly and sniffled. I won't share a single tear because of them.
The car stopped with a loud screech, launching me forward from my seat as I hadn't worn a seatbelt.
"Veda! Are you okay?" Octavia asked, her eyes roaming all over me like I was some prized little puppy.
Three men stepped out of an SUV that had jumped in front of Octavia's car. They seem human, but their scent betrayed them.
Rogues
These are city rogues, the kind who live in the underbelly of Luna City, dealing in shady deals, blackmail, and anything and everything that brings money.
"You are pretty in person," one said as he leaned over the car door. "Shame the Alpha heir ran off to save his little favorite instead of guarding you."
"Keep walking," I murmured, my eyes back to my phone screen.
"No can do," He stepped closer, cracking his knuckles. "Someone paid good money for a few pictures of you. Said we could rough you up a little bit until you're weak. We can even take off your dress for the camera."
I wiped the corner of my lip and met his gaze, "I won't repeat myself, walk away."
"Come on, don't act so smug. You don't even have a wolf yet."
Octavia chuckled and shook her head, a smirk plastered on her lips. "You should leave when you still can."
They didn't listen. They came at me fast, but I moved faster.
I pushed the car door open with force, slamming into one of them.
Octavia made to step down from the car and I quickly shook my head. "They're mine to handle." I mindlink her.
My heel slammed into one rogue's knee and twisted his hand, his cries filling the dark pathway. Another swing at me — I grabbed his wrist, twisted it, and drove a hard blow on his face.
The two rogues sprang towards me at once, before they could get to me, I flipped them onto the pavement, my heels digging into their thighs.
Blood pooled underneath.
The rogues groaned, fear evident in their eyes as they coughed out blood. "You..... You fight like you've been training..... all your life."
"No," I shook my head. "I fight like someone who's done being stepped on and needs a fucking break!"
I grabbed the leader by the collar, forcing eye contact.
"Who sent you?"
He hesitated. Glancing briefly at his colleague.
Not today, little guy. I'm done playing nice.
I pressed my sharp nail onto his neck cutting a small part of it, enough for his wolf to feel the threat.
"Okay! Okay! I'll talk. A woman..... She said to humiliate you. Post your video on socials so Beaston could reject you in public."
Was I surprised? No.
I already knew who the perpetrator was.
Isla.
The girl everyone adored.
The one Beaston ran to without thinking.
The one that always needs rescuing.
I dropped the rogue, and wiped my hands on his shirt then stepped back.
"Get up," I murmured. "And leave before I change my mind."
They scrambled away.
Fighting in the middle of the highway wasn't my style as I detest bringing unnecessary attention to myself..... but it felt just right today.
"Who could have sent them?" Octavia muttered to herself, her eyes on the blood spilled on the floor.
"Isla."
*****
After spending two days at Octavia's house, I returned to the pack house.
When I stepped inside the house, I saw her father, my mother, and my two brothers fussing over Isla, a bitter taste on my tongue as I watched them bickering, my face scrunched up in disgust.
Clearly, her injuries weren't serious since she was back already huh?
Sensing my presence, everyone's eyes turned towards the doorway. Isla smiled, her eyes shining with fresh challenges.
Fury burned inside me, my palm twitched violently. I matched forward, before Isla could say a word, my palm connected to her cheek.
Smack!
Isla's head snapped to the side, her hand palming her cheek.
In a flash, Father rushed towards me. His hand wrapped around my neck. "How dare you hit your sister! Apologies now!"
"I won't." I managed to say. A bead of sweat formed on my forehead as my father's hand tightened around my neck.
"Leave her Daddy..... She's probably angry that Beaston left her last night to attend to me first." Isla murmured, dropping her head, "I'm sorry, Sis."
"I am not your sister!"
"Shut up! You slapped her and she's still apologizing, yet you are stubborn." Jemika Blackthorn snapped. "What sort of a child are you?"
"The type that won't send rogues after her so-called sister." I managed to say. I grabbed Alpha Wulfric's hand and pulled it. "Your precious little daughter sent rogues after me that night when she knew I was injured!"
Chapter 3
Veda's POV:
Dad removes his hand from my neck. His eyes move from mine to Isla.
Oh well? Can't believe it?
"Rogues? Veda are you insane? I was in pain. I didn't even leave the hospital wing last night!"
Isla clung to her mother, holding her tightly. "I don't know what she's talking about, Mom."
"Why would you accuse your sister of something so sinister? She was the one who couldn't move a muscle last night. How could she have possibly done what you're accusing her of?"
I sighed out loud, letting a low humourless breath. "I didn't say she did it. I said the rogues are tied to this house. Anyone could have sent them."
Are they dumb or are they pretending to be?
"There you go trying to play the victim and tear the family apart."
I scanned their faces. Their reaction said everything they couldn't say with their mouth.
They didn't care.
There was no shock.
No fear for my safety. But there was clearly an annoyance at my return.
They hate it.
A small bitter smile tugged at my lips. The corner of my eyes started getting glossy. "Don't cry," Mani, my wolf scolded.
"When it comes to Isla, you don't mind setting Luna City ablaze and getting smoked by the other packs, but me......"
I chuckled, staring at my father in the eyes. "I'm disposable."
His face hardened, his fingers curled in a fist. "You are an ungrateful child! How dare you try to embarrass us? If you're here to cause trouble, go back to where you're coming from. We've had enough this month."
I nodded.
My heart beats rapidly against my chest as I will not cry or break before them.
I was expecting something like this so why does it hurt?
"Good," I said softly. "Let it be known that today, I, Veda Blackthorn, dropped the name Blackthorn and this family, and this pack. I don't want anything to do with any of you."
Mom scoffed, "Don't be dramatic, Veda. You want to become a rogue?"
"You want Isla?" I asked, again, calmly. "You can have her. The lies and deceits included. I'm going independent. I'm out!"
I turned towards the door, my foot scraped the step, willing myself to move when something sharp connected against my cheek before I could.
Axel had thrown a glass cup at me. The glass fell and shattered on the floor.
Blood trickling down the side of my face.
Well.....
"Thank you for the farewell," I mumbled sarcastically.
Isla quickly stepped forward, her hands grabbing Dad's knees. "Dad, don't be angry. I'm sure Veda doesn't mean what she said..... She can't possibly mean it."
The words of her mouth were soft as silk but her eyes gleamed triumphantly.
"You're too kind, Isla," Blaze said and shook his head. "Too bad the person you're defending doesn't care."
"You are an ungrateful girl! Don't come running when life as a rogue humbles you!" Mom screamed, I was sure that her bright blue eyes were digging a hole in my body the whole time.
I stopped, turning her neck slightly. "Don't worry. I won't come running."
"Are you letting her leave? You can't!" She splutters angrily.
"Dad, she owns 30% shares of the pack," Axel said carefully. "We can't let her leave."
"She will come back." Alpha Said with so much conviction.
"No one survives out there for long as a lone wolf."
The city was alive, the neon light and distant thrums of territory patrol.
I wrapped my coat around my body as the cool air hit with force, the strap of my purse pulled tight on my shoulder.
My phone buzzed— Octavia.
I smiled wildly, as I was about to swipe the call, from the corner of my eyes I noticed a delivery bike swerving right towards me from the side of the road.
Oh please!
I stepped back quickly, not smoothly enough as my heel caught a broken curbstone, and my balance slipped.
My eyes widened in shock. "No.... No no," I panicked.
A hand caught my wrist before I could hit the floor.
Firm and cold sending shivers down my spine.
I blinked up. My eyes are searching for the mysterious savior.
A tall man dressed in a charcoal coat that screams wealth without even trying.
His hair is damp from the drizzle. And his eyes—moon goddess— his eyes glow faintly silver.
I knew instantly that this man, was an Alpha.
Mani whimpered, her head lowered.
Should I bow?
"Watch your steps," He said, releasing my wrist.
The delivery guy stammered apologies and sped off.
"Thanks," I straightened, covering my chest with my coat.
A bashful smile on my face.
Damn. Why'd I embarrass myself like that?
The man didn't respond right away. No, he was studying me, like a piece of a missing puzzle. Shit, he made me self-conscious for a moment.
"You are bleeding," He announced.
Huh?
I touched the side of my head and sighed. The glass did hit me well.
Before I could respond, he reached into his coat and brought out a handkerchief then placed it on my hand. I stared at the soft handkerchief in my hand, the embroidery with a symbol caught my attention instantly.
A crescent wolf and a crown.
My breath hitched. My eyes flew up to his silver ones.
"You're from the King's district," I whispered, holding my breath.
Several werewolf packs occupied Luna City, but the Crescent Moon pack also called the King's district is the largest and richest in Luna City and the world.
The pack members don't go around casually; that, I definitely know of.
"Rowan Blackwell," He said, stretching his hand to take mine.
My heart stumbled, my eyes studying him as I swallowed the hard lump in my throat.
Alpha Rowan Blackwell, head of the King's district wolves.
An Alpha that never appears at events.
The Alpha who was rumored to be cursed.
Whose court could destroy a whole pack in one night?
The Alpha Rowan Blackwell?!
My heart was hammering against my chest as I thought of what would happen if anyone from my pack house saw us.
"What's a King district wolf doing around here?" I asked cautiously.
It was my father's territory, and unless he was invited, he shouldn't be here.
"The question should be, what are you doing so far away from your territory?"
What is he saying? I'm at Silverbane's terri......
I glanced around.
The buildings felt alien to me, the street.... I thought I was standing right outside the Packhouse gate so.......
Oh shit.
I didn't realize how far I had wandered away from Silverbane pack. I must have been lost in thought.
How long did I trek for? 40 minutes? 50 minutes?
I knew I was losing my mind.
Someone so polished and frightening shouldn't be leaning so casually against the light pole, but he did.
Maybe I should just slip out and leave?
I made to go around him and his nose twitched subtly.
"You're carrying stress hormone spikes" He said, "high ones, and your wolf is agitated."
My shoulders tensed. "You smell that?"
"I'm an Alpha, I smell everything." He replied and paused. "You're hurt more than the side of your head and shoulder."
He wasn't wrong.
While fighting the rogues, I suffered from a few scratches on my chest and upper arms.
"You should get checked."
I barked out a humorless laugh. "And you should mind your business."
Who said that?
Veda Blackthorn you're begging to get torn apart!
"I would," His eyes darkened. "If your scent wasn't laced with wolfsbane residue."
I froze. My lips tremble.
Wolfsbane was illegal and rare in Luna City. It was meant for one purpose: assassination.
Rowan's voice dropped. Cold and low.
"Whoever targeted you didn't want to scare you."
He pulled away from the pole and stepped closer to me, his height lowered.
"They want to finish you."
Something in his tone pierced through my chest like a katana.
Not fear.
Not abandonment, recognition.
For the first time in years, I.... I felt seen.
"Why do you care?" I whispered, my eyes staring deep into his.
"I don't," He said simply. "But someone who's been hunted tends to bring danger to the territory."
Disappointed, I bit my lower lip.
He wasn't saving me. He was protecting his territory.
"I can leave, I don't want to bring trouble to your territory."
Rowan's jaw flexed.
"You misunderstand," His voice dropped deeper, colder.
"I'm not letting you go."
I blinked. My eyes were searching his again.
Now, what does he want?
"What?"
"You're poisoned. You're very injured. And your scent makes you a target." He explained.
"You need protection."
Guardian angel.
"From you?" I scoffed.
Alpha Rowan straightened, dipping his hands inside his coat.
"Not from me," He muttered, a smirk playing at the side of his lips. "From your enemies."
A sleek black car glided to the curb.
Alpha Rowan walked towards it and opened the back door.
"Come with me and I'll keep you alive." He offered.
I was not a child. I knew he wasn't helping me from the good of his heart.
"What's in it for you?" I questioned.
Veda Blackthorn! You should be running away from him not entertaining his craziness! Mani screamed.
Life is a give and take. No one helps the other for free anymore.
This, I know so well.
"In exchange......." He started, his eyes hardened. "You'll owe me a favor later."
I knew there was something in it.
I needed a backer. And he needed something I didn't know yet.
At that point, I would take whatever I could get.
I walked past him and slid into the car.
"Deal."
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