The mansion's air was chilly and heavy with a spooky, somewhat oppressive presence. As Lila was carried down a lengthy hallway with flickering lamps and dark wood paneling, her heart raced in her chest. The gloomy light just added to the foreboding vibe. She was so focused on getting out that she hardly paid attention to the elaborate carvings on the walls or the far-off footfall reverberating down the hallways.
She needed to leave. She was unable to remain here. Her blood ran cold at the thought of being kidnapped by these people, these werewolves, but it was more than that. They had stated that. His words.
Mate doomed.
The nausea in her stomach twisted even more severely as the words replayed in her mind. Mate doomed. It sounded scary, but she didn't know what it meant. She was a typical woman, not some legendary creature. A typical woman who had now been drawn into a world that was very different from what she had ever dreamed of.
The man—Alpha—walked in front of her with a steady, deliberate gait, his towering frame creating a commanding presence in the dark hallway. She sensed his presence hovering over her, as if he were constantly aware of her every motion, even though he didn't turn to face her. The air around him seemed to have thickened.
She had to hide her dread from him. In the past five minutes, she had discovered that much.
They walked for what seemed like an eternity before arriving at a big, imposing door at the end of the hallway. Lila's breath caught when the Alpha touched the door handle. She had the impression that she was entering another universe, one in which she had no place.
With a hefty groan, the door opened, displaying a massive, elaborately carved desk, dark furnishings, and towering ceilings. Only candles, arranged in tasteful holders across the area, provided subtle, flickering illumination for the polished stone and dark wood. The air still smelled like pine and earth, mingled with the tiniest hint of something else, something abrasive and primordial.
Although Lila didn't know her location, it felt... archaic. Risky.
Lila followed, her pulse thumping in her breast, as the Alpha went inside without a word. She couldn't keep quiet even though she didn't know why she was there or what was going to happen. She couldn't give him the impression that she had no strength.
Her voice was a little more steady this time as she questioned, "Where am I?" "What are you looking for from me?"
At last, the Alpha turned to her, his eyes unreadable and dark. Still shaking a little, his eyes strayed to her hands, but his face stayed expressionless.
His deep, gravelly voice seemed to reverberate deep within her chest as he said, "You are in my home, in the heart of the Crimson Moon Pack's territory." "And because of who you are, I brought you here."
Lila winced. "What am I?" Her voice was a whisper as she repeated. "I'm just an ordinary—"
His voice was icy but not cruel as he interjected, "You're far from normal." "You are my destined partner."
Breathing became difficult for Lila. Not believing it, she shook her head. "I'm not—I'm not anyone's mate," I said, not sure what it meant. As she said that, her voice broke. She felt she didn't belong here, but she didn't know what was happening to her. Her presence on this planet was not intended.
His presence was overwhelming as he took a step closer. She had to suppress her need to back off and put some distance between them. Whatever it was that bonded her to him, she wanted to listen, to stay, but she would not compromise. Not quite yet.
He looked at her for a long time, as though he was considering something. Then he sighed and spoke again, a little softer.
As if making his initial introduction, he said, "My name is Alexander Blackthorn, Alpha of the Crimson Moon Pack." Additionally, I am cursed. A curse that keeps me married to you.
Lila's thoughts were racing as she tried to comprehend what he had just said. A curse? To her? She couldn't decide whether to scream or laugh.
"A curse?" she asked again, attempting to interpret it. "What are you discussing? Why—why me?
Alexander's eyes briefly strayed to the ground before returning to hers. She paused because of something in his face, a hint of remorse, perhaps guilt. He briefly gave off the impression of being a man caught in his destiny rather than the icy, untouchable Alpha.
He said, "The curse is older than I am." It started with my ancestors and lineage. A strong curse from an envious and vindictive foe. It's not a blessing, but it ties me to the person who will be my spouse. It carries the death penalty.
Lila scowled as her perplexity grew. "Death penalty?"
"Yes," Alexander said. "All of the women who were meant to be my partners have passed away. The curse took them all, and I was left empty. Despite my best efforts, I have never been able to stop the curse, which kills my partner before the year is out.
A shiver went up Lila's spine. You're implying that you brought me here for what purpose? To murder me?
"No," Alexander snapped, taking another step forward. "I came here to keep you safe. To sustain your life. Because you are mine despite everything. And even if it means lifting the centuries-old curse that has plagued my family, I will do everything in my power to protect you.
Lila's mind was racing. She was unsure of what to think and what to believe. She couldn't help but notice how his eyes softened when he looked at her and how his voice faltered a little when he talked about the past, even if this man—this Alpha—was discussing a curse and some fate that bound them together.
They were silent for a long time. There was a heavy, dense tension between them, yet there was also an unspoken element in the air. Deep in her bones, Lila sensed it.
She had no idea what was happening, but she was certain that her life was no longer her own. Something much greater than herself had dragged her in. She was also obligated to Alexander, whether she liked it or not.
Her destined partner.