“Do you want to eat this?” I looked at the deer leg which was tantalizing me to grab and eat it. What stopped me from doing so was Hogan himself. Even if he seems harmless right now, it was tough for me to forget the blood he smeared on his hands when he killed the rogues. “N-No. I am fine. I don’t need it.” Hogan blinked a few times. He then withdrew his hand and placed the deer leg back on the plate. Regret came after I avoided his gaze. Is it really because I fear him? Or is it because of the trauma that my stepmother and stepsister clawed at me? Whatever the answer, lamenting was futile. I already refused to eat the meat. And now, Hogan probably ate everyt… No. When I looked back, Hogan was gone. But there are still remaining pieces of meat on the plate he left. My eyes cored at meat. It invited me to come closer and have a bite. My mind opposed the idea, but my feet walked forward anyway. Shortly, I arrived near the table and in front of the tempting food. ‘Hogan won’t
Elizabeth’s POV I was ready to spend a sleepless night. But when I woke up, I felt betrayed by my expectations. “I… I fell asleep.” Saying it once doesn’t feel enough, so I repeated it again. “I. FELL. ASLEEP.” My first night inside the cursed man’s house was long. I thought it would be impossible for me to sleep since Hogan was with me under the same roof. But to my surprise, it wasn’t scary at all. The birds chirped. My eyes looked at the window, gazing upon the blue sky of the clear morning. The sun was out long before. I guess it is already 9 in the morning. “That was a long sleep.” If I ever woke up this late in our house, Betty would nag at me, saying that I should move my lazy ass up. I would start preparing breakfast and cleaning around while my stepsister was still in her sleeping beauty mode. I lived like “Cindeluna”, a werewolf children’s story where the female lead served her stepmother and stepsisters as a maid. ‘I am not in our house. I should stop thinking abou
Hogan’s POV It was a jest. The delicious meat I ate last night was only because I was hungry. That’s what I thought not until I had her food again. When I was living alone, I only ate bland meat that I hunted myself. It tastes like my life. Bland, raw, disgusting, and worthless. I never felt happy during my meal. But this woman’s cooking changed my perspective. I had long forgotten my childhood days with my parents. I was always looking forward to my mom’s cooking and the time when we would eat together in front of one table. I thought I had erased everything. For I feel like I don’t deserve to remember good memories because of this damn curse. Chewing the tender meat, I lifted my eyes towards the woman eating silently across from my seat. She kept on fidgeting her fingers. Her mouth opened, closed, opened, closed, opened, and closed several times as if she wanted to open an argument but failed to do so. Feigning ignorance, I lowered my head and had another spoonful of the savo
Elizabeth’s POV “If you stay here, you will regret it.” “W-Why?” “YOU WILL GOING TO DIE IF YOU LIVE WITH ME. MY CURSE WILL KILL YOU.” There was a chilling atmosphere when he dropped those words, and I could hide my befuddlement at this. ‘I was afraid of his curse when we first met. Weirdly, I don’t feel like that anymore.’ “I don’t care,” I answered Hogan. I packed my gaze with the truth, wanting to sear this moment into his mind and hope later, he would accept my answer. He glanced down, expression flat, something he had dubbed the Hank effect. “What do you mean that you don’t care?” he said. Hogan’s eyes were stone-cold and serious. Though he left more debate unspoken, his gaze was doing plenty of yelling. “I…” I said while pointing to myself, “I think I am cursed either.” A tornado touches down on his face and his brows. Lightning strikes over his red stormy eyes. “Ever since my mother died, the people around me have stolen what’s mine. I lived a life full of misery. Ma
My wolf warned me as soon as I opened my eyes. ‘You are in danger, Elizabeth.’ I sat up gasping silent words, and when I turned my head to the side, I saw the Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack staring down at me. ‘He abducted me in front of Hogan’s house after forcing me to sleep.’ With my heart in tremor, I asked him, “Alpha of Blood Moon Pack, why did you do that?” “Philip,” he said, sitting down to meet my gaze. “My name is Philip. You can call me by my name, Elizabeth.” This man, Philip, had his usual friendly gaze, but behind those tricky expressions, he is dangerous. “It was me who brought you to Hogan’s house,” he confessed. ‘He did?!’ Then, there’s a possibility that… “Did you team up with my stepsister?!” I asked hysterically. He rubbed his chin and hummed. “Ahhh, so it was your stepsister who brought you into our pack by force. We went to your pack to find Hogan’s mate. They gave you, so I brought you to Hogan as his gift.” A silent growl vibrated in my throat. Lo
“You have Philip’s scent with you,” he said. “Explain to me why you smell like this." My heart stopped beating temporarily and then began to hammer against my chest violently. I felt like my life flashes before my eyes. In my terrified mind, I tried to explain. First, I need to deny. “Ahhh, so that man is Philip?” I asked. He only frowned. “B-Before, when I got lost in the woods, I bumped into a strong man. He has brown hair and blue eyes. The man was roaming around. I said I got lost and asked for directions. He gladly helped me.” When Hogan didn’t reply, I spoke again. “Is he Philip? Do you know him?” “He is the Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack.” I already knew that, so I pretended to be shocked. “R-Really? Oh my god. I didn’t know anything and yet I talked to him without respect.” A judicial knot marred his forehead. He looks even more confused than when he asked me why I smelled like Philip. “That man,” he mumbled, “he never came near my house before.” I am not sure what
[“Tell me what Hogan ate yesterday.”]Just in case I saw it wrong, I rubbed my eyes.[“Tell me what Hogan ate yesterday.”]But the content of Philip’s letter remained the same.‘The first thing that Philip wanted to know is the food Hogan ate yesterday?’ Even my wolf confirmed that I didn’t see the wrong words.“If he wanted to kill Hogan, why would he ask this question?”I don’t know. It was difficult to know what was on Philip’s mind unless I cracked it open. ‘I wish I could.’ Bugged by this, I looked around.‘What if someone saw me meeting with Philip yesterday and wrote this letter to trick me?’ On second thought, it might be Philip’s way to test me if I would come here today and follow his orders just like I promised before we parted ways.‘Nothing would change if this was Philip or not. Your life is in danger. You should write an answer,’ My wolf persuaded me to act right away.And so, with the pen that I brought with me, I wrote the correct answer.[“Hogan ate bear meat yest
“Are you really looking forward to the day when I had to leave you?”I know already that Hogan and I would not live together forever.We were ready for that from day one.It was supposed to be normal to hear from him that someday soon, I had to leave his side.Even so, I felt bad and sad.It was so selfish of me to feel wrong when I asked Hogan many things, and he provided what I needed to survive.But I’ve done what I shouldn’t have done. I asked him the question, and now while I was looking into his red eyes, I waited for his answer, hoping that it could explain why my heart was in pain.“I am not driving you away, Elizabeth,” he said. The end of his intonation was soft, and gentle as if he purposely softened his rough voice when he called my name.Hogan leaned closer. Although he did not touch my shoulder, I felt so protected by his reassuring gaze.“You are a good woman,” he said. “And that’s more the reason why you don’t deserve to die.”I raised my eyes, observing his. For the f
Hogan, Elizabeth, and Klide finished their dinner together. Klide went to sleep, and the couple went to take a bath together, to release the fatigue of today’s activities. Hogan cautiously put Elizabeth, with her clothes still on, down in the bathtub filled with warm water, looking anxiously into her. “Did you meet with Regis?” Afraid that her meeting with Regis would spike up her husband’s jealousy, Elizabeth quickly explained, “Yes. He came to wish me a good life. And bid his goodbye.” Hogan, who knew so well why Regis finally met his wife, only nodded his head. Actually, he was happy for Regis to sort out his feelings. And he wasn’t really scared that he would lose Elizabeth. No matter what happened, Elizabeth would remain on his side. Thinking that, he looked at his wife. The moonlight that melted into the thick darkness was seeping through the window. And Elizabeth was right under it. Lips that smiled at him and a cute nose bridge. Even her green eyes shone softly. Silve
Elizabeth’s POV It was a very emotional reunion for me. Although Regis and Hogan became close friends during the years they worked together, I did not have the chance to meet Regis alone and talk to him. It was as if he purposely avoided me for a reason that I did not know. Now, we’re sitting along the riverbanks. “The sun will go down, but I haven’t caught anything for our dinner,” I complained. “Thanks to the guy who stole my arrow.” Regis showed me his deep and sincere smile as he laughed. “Don’t worry. I caught a boar in advance.” Regis then pointed to the dead boar from afar, which he probably caught before meeting me. “And that’s the reason why I was complaining,” I said. “I noticed the boar and prayed you would give that in exchange.” We chuckled together before our eyes caught the beautiful sunset. “I heard that Elaina is dead,” Regis started. “Yes. She came into the King’s castle and even tried to kill me. Hogan and I sorted it out.” “As expected to the King.” “
Elizabeth’s POV Deep in the woods lies a log cabin where Hogan and I built our memories. Even if years pass by, the cabin has its natural beauty lit up by happiness. It was a place that many rogues avoided because of the curse, but for me, it glows even miles away. After Elaina died in public, Hogan and I finally went on vacation with our son, Klide. We will stay here for maybe a month. Being the Alpha King and the Queen of the Lunas came with huge responsibilities. And so, Hogan and I really prayed that no problem would arise during our stay in our cozy home. Inside the cabin, we were in front of the fireplace. We set a bed covered with soft cotton sheets, that would invite us to rest in our contentment. Lying on the bed together with Klide in our center, our kid began to ask us questions. “So, Mom and Dad met in this place?” I met Hogan’s red eyes before answering our son’s question. “Yes, Klide. Your dad and I first met here.” Klide looked up to his father and tossed ano
The next morning… As soon as the darkness was lifted and the sun rose, a guillotine was set up in front of the Alpha King’s castle. Those who heard the news gathered in a hurry as they wanted to witness the death of the Alpha King’s mate who tried to kill the Queen of the Lunas. The execution was so sudden that not all Alphas were present. It was partly due to the fact that it was no longer a serious issue. It was the execution of a rogue she-wolf, and no one cared about Elaina. Even so, the lady was related to Elizabeth, and many respected the Luna and showed kindness sitting in the seats next to the execution table, and onlookers who would enjoy others’ misfortunes and deaths for entertainment filled the area. Elizabeth also waited for Elaina, preparing to let go of the terrible past. Soon, Elaina appeared with chains around her wrists. She had a dazed look than Elizabeth had expected. “Get down!” Elaina was pulled by the coercive power of he-wolf and she was dragged onto t
Third Person’s POV It was after dark that Elaina woke up. Elaina opened her eyes in the black darkness because they had blocked all the windows and did not come in a single light, and she stared blankly at the darkness for a moment. Then suddenly, she heard the sound of a chain outside her room as if someone was opening a door that was locked using a chain. “You were awake. Tie her up!” Suddenly, several werewolf soldiers came into the room, and began to tie her up. “Let me go!” She shouted, but they only added strength to their hands, saying that she was making a noise. “No, set me free!” “Shut up! You’re a sinner. How dare you!” “You can’t do this to me! I am the King’s mate!” “The King’s mate! You are so shameless!” The soldiers seemed to have a lot of bad feelings toward Elaina, who had tried to kill the Alpha King, who had shown mercy on her. “How do you still have the nerve to say that you are Hogan’s mate after what you’ve done?” “I’ve seen so many sinners, but I’ve
Elizabeth’s POV Before going to the garden where my husband asked me to have tea with him, I asked him, “Why did you only invite me?” Hogan looked my way. “Kilde might want to join us too.” “He should not,” Hogan said before intertwining his hands in mine. “There are people and things I don’t want our kid to witness. And what might happen today will hurt Klide. So, I only took you.” Hogan stopped walking and held both of my shoulders. His expression was sweet, but his eyes were a bit sad and apologetic. “Elizabeth, I really wanted to act on my own and avenge all the bad things you had experienced in the past. But in this case, I knew that I should let you decide what to do.” I couldn’t understand what he was saying, not until I saw Elaina waiting for us in the garden. ‘So, this is what Hogan wanted to tell me. He wanted me to punish Elaina with my own hands.’ Just like how he punished Philip before. “Elizabeth, it’s been years since all the mess we faced before. I was kicke
Elaina’s POV A time for me to exact my revenge came. Once I succeeded in killing Elizabeth, I will comfort the King and treat their child as my own. And what will happen after that? Of course, as the King’s original mate, Hogan will fall in love with me, and I will be the new Queen of the Lunas. But before that, I have to make a plan on how to kill Elizabeth. I heard that b*tch is a Gypsy. I can’t attack her right away and stab her with a knife. ‘Hogan will kill me for sure.’ If I use poison, her power as a Gypsy will heal her either way. ‘Think Elaina. Think of a way to kill that annoying b*tch.’ “What are you holding?” While washing the dishes, I turned my head and looked at the other maids conversing here in the kitchen. “This is a Gabro Poison. I used this to poison the rat in the castle. There are many of them recently.” “Are you nuts? Why are you using Gabro? The Alpha King banned using that since last month.” “Really? I did not know. Why?” “It seemed that the Lun
Elaina’s cheek reddened because of the maid’s slap. “Did… Did you just… raise your hand on me?” dumbfounded, Elaina asked. “You are so shameless. You don’t even know it gets dirty every time you walk.” Elaina, accustomed to the compliments given to her before, trembled with shame at the maids’ one-sided insults. “You b*tches. I’ve been so annoyed that you talked down to me. I am the King’s guest. You’ll definitely be punished if Hogan knows of this!” She shouted as if she was above the maids, and the maids hardened like ice water in the bathroom for a while. Elaina calmed herself as if she thought she had given a fatal blow at them and regained her lofty look, which did not suit her appearance. But she was mistaken. The maids looked at each other and soon laughed as if it was ridiculous. “Did you hear that? Oh my god, she must be crazy.” “Did she say she is the Alpha King’s guest?” “You’re saying that with that dirty, miserable appearance. Excuse me, Miss, you are just a lowl
Third Person’s POV Elaina was brought into a dark and cold room. ‘Even if he knew that I was his mate, he gave me a cold room!’ Cursing inwardly, Elaina crouched roundly as it was hard to overcome the cold, worry, and fear. As soon as her face was buried in the arms on her crouched knees, she waited for anything that would lead her to Elizabeth. ‘I need to see you. And once I do, I will kill you, Elizabeth. Hogan will be mine.’ Suddenly, the tough footsteps gradually came to Elaina, and shortly afterward, the footsteps stopped in front of her room. “Come one.” Elaina looked up at her head in a flash, as she heard a voice. It was one of the guards Hogan asked to look over her. The guard opened the door and his furrowed forehead glanced over Elaina’s shabby and miserable appearance. “Come out. Quick.” “Y-Yeah. Wait a minute.” Elaina, who was known for her beauty back in the Black Lake pack, stood up pathetically. She gave her feet full of power and got out of her small room.