Bride of the Cursed Alpha (Auren and Lucien)

Alpha Lucien's neamess was creating funny emotions in my mind. And why was he snelling so delicious! Like pine and spice. I had to rein in my thoughts because I knew that this was natural. He was an Alpha, and the strongest one at that. Obviously, there were many she-wolves who were attracted to him. And I was just his breeder. I didn't know why taking me to the charity event was so important? I mean, he could have simply announced that we got married, used me to produce an heir and discarded me. But his behavior was puzzling.

"Are you ready?" he asked when we reached the event venue. We were standing at the bottom of the stairs.

"R-ready for what!" I looked at the imposing hall in front of me. Decorated with finest paraphernalia, the place looked regal. Several people came rushing towards us and they bowed to Alpha Lucien while stealing glances at me.

In a mega show to all those who were in front of us, Alpha Lucien leaned over and pressed a kiss on my temple. Every thought I had in my mind vanished. My legs became jelly as my mind tried to process what was happening. I must have staggered a little because his strong arm clutched me around my waist tightly, pulling me close to him. Then in a low voice, he said, "Ready to show them how good you act, Auren. Don't you miss your part, understand

I gulped. When I looked up at him, f'found his face looming just a few inches from mine. "Y-yes, I murmured as his smell washed over me. I closed my eyes for a second and returned to normal. My mission was to act in front of everyone

He left me and clasped my hand, intertwining his fingers with mine. "The proceeds of this event will go to conserving bear shifters. Their population is dwindling" We entered the charity event and all eyes turned towards us. A pin drop silence ensued. The crowd parted in the middle for their Alpha to walk. When we reached the end of the hall. I noticed Tarian. He bowed to Lucien and stood by his side. The music began and the room buzzed with excitement as the charity event began.

I stood awkwardly beside Alpha Lucien, my hands clasped in front of me, trying to look as small and invisible as possible. The grand ballroom of the Shadowfang Pack's estate gleamed with golden chandeliers and polished marble floors. Wolves from the pack mingled in elegant dresses and railored suits. I could hear their laughter echoing around the room. Since I had never been to such an event before, I looked at them with wide

I tugged nervously at the side of my dress, feeling out of place. Lucien, towering and cold as always, stood next to me, his gaze scanning the crowd like he wanted to be anywhere but here. Guests came to him and bowed to him in honor, talking insignificant stuff.

When he was free, he said curtly. This is important Stay by my side and don't make a fool of yourself"

1 nodded, swallowing my nerves. But now, standing under the weight of so many judging stares, I wasn't sure I could manage.

"Alpha Lucien," a voice called out suddenly, and a group of men approached him. The man gave me a quick glance. "The group of bear shifters is here with their Alphanoveldrama

"Stay here," he muttered before walking away to greet them along with Tarian,

I nodded again, watching him leave. The moment he was gone, whispers erupted around me.

"Is that her?"

"Goddess, she is so thin."

"She looks so plain?

"How could Alpha Lucien choose her! She lacks class"

I tried to ignore them, pretending to admire the floral arrangements on the nearest table. But the sung of their words was hard to brush of. A woman's sharp laughter drew my attention. She was tall and stunning, with shiny black hair that were designed in a complicated bun. Her emerald- green dress hugged her figure perfectly, and her heels clicked confidently against the floor as she approached

me.

"You must be Auren," she said, her red lips curving into a smile that didn't reach her green eyes. "Tin Sable Brown. A close friend of Alpha Lucien's"

"It's nice to meet you, I said softly, with a polite smile.

Sable's green eyes swept over me from head to toe, someone willingly marries into a curse."

her expression tuming smug. "I was curious about you. Everyone is. After all, it's not every day

Her words made my stomach churn, but I kept my composure. "It wasn't exactly my choice," I said, my voice small.

"Oh, I can imagine." She chuckled, folding her arms. "But let's be honest, you're not here because of who you are. You're here because of what you are-an onsega breeder. I hope you understand that clearly."

Her words hit me like a slap. I bit my lip, my cheeks burning with shame. Everyone around me fell quiet as if to hear the conversation, Getting humilisted in front of others wasn't new to me. So I remained quiet, hoping for the event to get

over.

"Don't look so surprised," Sable said, her voice dripping with fake concern. "Everyone knows the truth. Once you've done your job and given Lucien an heir, your role is over. And, well." She leaned closer, her perfume overwhelming. In a low voice she added. "You won't be around for long after that, will you?"

I stared at her, my heart pounding, tears threatening to spill as she talked of my doom

"Let me give you some advice, Auren," she continued, her smile turning icy. "Don't get too comfortable. You won't last, but I will. Once your purpose is served. I'll be the one by his side, taking care of his heir." She winked. "There's a reason why he isn't marking me

Her confidence left no room for doubt. My throat tightened, and I struggled to find my voice. "You mean you'll stay by his side as his mistress?"

Sable's shock was apparent on her face, but tossing her hair over her shoulder, she said, "Sweetheart, it's not about what I decide. It's about what Lucien wants. And trust me, he wants me. That's why he is doing all this drama"

The room felt smaller, the air thicker. I wanted to say something, anything, but my mind was blank. Sable's smug expression only grew as she watched me squirm. Before I could respond, I heard a familiar voice behind me. "Auren."

Sable turned sharply to look at him. "Alpha Lucien," she rasped and bowed to him. "I was just saying how beautiful Auren is. If she needs my help with anything. I'm always there."

blinked at her in surprise as Lucien nodded at her. "Thanks Sable."

Sable threw a condescending look at me and sauntered away to her friends who were passing rude comments at me.