Alpha Knight’s Cursed Mate

NIRVANA

I knew Knight would find me. I never lost that hope. The moment I heard his voice, relief filled my chest. I was grateful he was on time, or I might not be able to see him again. Before everything went black, I felt safe.

I woke up in a hospital room, but not entirely by the sound of that monitor. It was good enough for me because I felt his large hand, the warmth in his touch, and his voice, so he was indeed there for me.

“Do you want me to tell the sleeping beauty instead? I’m good at ruining surprises?”

I thought it was Shadow teasing.

“I take it I’m the sleeping beauty,” I said before I cracked my eyes open.

I met the most beautiful face I’d ever seen, and those green eyes filled with worry and relief.

“Hey.” He pressed the palm of my hand on his lips. “How are you feeling?”

“I felt like a sack of potato passed on to another vendor.”

He beamed and kissed my hand again. “I was so worried.”

“Before I passed out, someone was there, and they kept saying she. Who’s she?”

Zarah and Shadow shared a look.

“The witch who helped Aciano poison me and took away my gift and wolf.”

“Wait. Where are those assholes?” I asked Knight.

“We took care of them?”

“You killed them?”

It took him a while before he nodded. “We did.”

“Good. Those assholes-”

“Language, my dear.”

“Oh, Your Majesty, I didn’t realize you were here.” I looked around. “Wait. Where are we?”

“In my house in Southampton,” Shadow replied. “Well, technically, Father owned the house.”

“We’re in Southampton. Wow.”

“How are you feeling? Do you feel any side effects?”

“I don’t think so.” I looked at my arms and wrists. “Why couldn’t I teleport while I was a potato?”

Kailin smiled. “Why do you keep saying you’re a potato?”

“Do you prefer a pinata? Those- those a-holes, they carried me, head down, leg up, and then dropped me and kicked me.”

Knight quickly growled, his nose flaring as he watched me intently. “They kicked you?”

“Phin. If they’re dead, then you can stop the growling. Niko and Phin planned all that. Kol was just forced to join them. Dylan didn’t have any clue. Where is he? Is everyone okay?”

“Jeez, Vana. You did not even ask how am I. I’m the one who turned you from a potato back to a human.”

“I’m sorry.” I gripped her hand, and I realized that her jeans had blood on her right thigh. “What happened?”

“The wicked witch happened, but Shadow healed me.” She showed a stick or a splinter. “I’m keeping this as a souvenir.”

“Is anyone else hurt?”

“They’re all good. High alert.”

I suddenly felt guilty as I looked at everyone. “Kailin wouldn’t be hurt if I wasn’t moody and stubborn. I’m so sorry.”

“It was not your fault. If there’s someone to blame, it’s me. I let them into our pack. I gave them a roof over their heads because I want you to feel that your relatives and friends are welcome to the pack.”

“You can’t blame yourself, Knight. You didn’t know they would betray your trust,” Zarah said.

“Stop adopting stray dogs from now on. Focus on protecting your pack. And you can’t be lenient all the time. Be a tough alpha. You’re lucky you get her back. The next time it happens, your luck might have run out.”

“Gee, father,” Shadow reacted. “I should blame your ex-lover, too. I thought she killed that bitch.”

“Oh.” I blinked out my surprise.

“I’m gonna have a word with Margaret.” Zarah’s mood changed.

“Margaret?” Kailin and I had the same thought.

Shadow huffed. “The High Priestess of her coven. When she said she would take care of her, I thought she ripped off her power and cut off her head.”

“Where’s the dagger?”

“Ah.” I fisted my hands, feeling so grateful. “I could kiss and hug you right now, Zarah.” I stopped. “How do I know you’re Zarah and not that witch who wanted to kidnap me?”

Shadow and Kailin stepped back, except Sebastien. Knight held my hand tight.

“Yeah. Witches can glamour and steal faces. Let’s put her to the test.”

“This is ridiculous.” Zarah rolled her eyes.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

“That’s exactly what a copycat would say.”

“She’s Zarah.” Sebastien gripped her hand for a few seconds.

“I’m going back to my house if you won’t let my hand go, Sebastien.” Zarah pulled her hand, but he wouldn’t let it go.

“You promised me you wouldn’t go back there.”

“I didn’t, old dog. You just made the annex in your castle my workplace.” Zarah spat out, annoyed. “Now, if you all are done, I have work to do.” Before she walked out, she turned to me. “You shouldn’t have left the tasting room because you couldn’t get what you wanted. Now you just ruined your night.”

“I told you, she’s my Zarah,” Sebastien proudly said, walking out of the room.

“I’ll apologize later.” I pressed my lips together as I turned my head to Knight. “You’re mad, aren’t you? Well, you don’t have to wait until we get back home. Just let it out. Curse me, spank me-”

“Oh, Goddess. I’m gonna puke.” Kailin got up from bed and walked out. “Let’s go, Shadow.”

Once they were gone, I helped myself to sit, but Knight adjusted the bed so I would feel comfortable.

“I’m not mad. I know there’s a lot of pressure on you, but I would never lie or hide something important to you. I was scared, yeah. I was fucking terrified that I might not see you again. I was helpless. I felt so weak, I couldn’t breathe when I saw your phone on the ground and you were gone. I felt like reliving that moment I lost you. I can’t be in that position again, Nirvana. It felt like ripping my heart out of my chest. I can’t lose you, or I will die.”

I pulled him closer so he could sit on the bed. “Can I get a hug?”

“You don’t have to ask me, sweetheart. I intend to hug and kiss you for the rest of my life.” He sat beside me, pulled me in his arms, and hugged me tightly and securely. From that moment, I knew I couldn’t live without him.

While I was in the middle of the woods, captured, all I could think about was regrets-the things I ignored, the moments I let go, and the man I didn’t give so much of my time to.

I lay in his arms, feeling his breathing and the warm security of his presence. I listened to his heartbeat. It felt like it beat with mine.

“What’s on your mind, sweetheart?”

“You. Us. The pack. I put them at risk, saving me.”

His chest rumbled as he chuckled. “Do you realize you’re their luna? Of course, they will give their lives to protect you.”

“I don’t want that. I want to protect them, too.”

“I’m sure they know that.”

“Are you guys done? Or should I cover my eyes?” Kailin peered her head on the door.

“We’re just talking, K. Come in. I need to talk to Zarah.”

“I’m here, Nirvana. What is it about?”

“What happened to me out there? Why did it feel like Asina was trapped inside me?”

“You took something laced with a spell. Knowing Dayana’s reputation for black magic, you’re lucky Asina still protected you somehow. Can you feel her now?”

“Yeah, but I’m not sure if I can channel her.” I removed the probe and cuff attached to me.”

“Where are you going?” Knight asked quickly.

“I need to test it.”