6. It's a Curse

Kian's POV

I have been staring at my phone for the last half hour, watching that ridiculous video. At first, I was angry, then intrigued, and back to angry again. My Luna is in a barely-there mini-skirt, dancing cutely for the world to see. That pink hair, though. I definitely want to have my way with her while that pink hair is twisted around my wrist.

“Are you done staring at my phone, Kian? Can I have it back?” River asked.

I threw a pillow at him. He had been enjoying the video a little too much, too. I handed him the phone and started downloading the app.

“Stop watching my mate. Contact the best hackers and ask them to delete that video. What’s the name of the app again?” I typed the name into the app store. Oh, right—TikTok.

“There are two other cute girls in the video, in case you didn’t notice, Kian," he added.

There were? Finally, the app was installed, and I searched for the video again. It was trending: "4 million views!"

“Wow, really? When I first watched it, it was still at 900 thousand.”

“This is not impressive. It’s appalling. 4 million perverted minds watching my sexy woman dance.”

“Well, that’s just how she is. Have you seen her in her school uniform, Kian? She looks…”

“Don’t!” I dropped my hand mid-air and clenched my fist.

“Let it go, Kian. It’s already impossible to get rid of this video. Most likely, a quarter of those views came from you anyway.” He snickered.

“She needs a hard spanking. She keeps me chasing after her and doesn’t want to acknowledge the mate bond.”

“She needs time, Kian. Remember, she is not a she-wolf. She has her own kingdom. Would you abdicate to become her king consort?”

“Of course not.” I hadn’t seen it that way before. “My father gave me five months to find my mate. We’ll see if we can work something out before then.”

“Sounds good. That’s if news of you finding and marking her doesn’t reach him first.” He continued staring at his phone, and the increasingly annoying tune of the video played on repeat. “Her friends are hot; I’d tap that.” River’s eyes sparkled.

I pinched the bridge of my nose. When did my life become this messy? One thing is for sure—my mate is a handful.

My phone rang, displaying ‘Alpha King’ on the screen. I answered immediately; Dad doesn’t call me very often.

“Yes, Dad,” I babbled.

Soon, Dad’s angry voice boomed through the phone.

“What are you still doing in Verona City, Kian? My accountant’s records show that you are staying at a hotel when you have a magnificent penthouse. I demand your immediate return. I do not want a single werewolf in that city. In the few days you've been there, you are managing to jeopardize the years of peace we’ve established with the witches.”

“What are you talking about, Dad? You need to calm down and explain,” I replied.

“I’m the one who needs an explanation. I just received a letter from the Witches’ Council, signed by Alister Silverlake.”

My blood boiled. I haven’t forgotten the authority he wielded over Aminda. As if he had any right over her.

“What does that snake want?” I asked through gritted teeth.

“He is not an enemy you want to cross, Kian. He highly opposed the peace treaty signed centuries ago between werewolves and witches. He is cunning and evil.”

“I’m not afraid of him,” I said, my mood already soured.

“He claims that werewolves have been loitering in the city and are suspects in the disappearance of young witches every night. They all returned the next day, claiming they were taken by werewolves for salacious purposes.”

“That’s him spouting lies and twisting the truth. For as long as I can remember, witches have gone to Moonstone Town looking for an adventure with young and willing wolves. I assure you, none of these supposed kidnapped witches did anything they didn’t want to. They’re probably grateful they avoided the trip.”

“The order was apparent. You must evacuate all our people from Verona, or the peace treaty will be void and null.”

“Fine. I will send our people back home, but I want an audience with both councils. You can not yield to everything they want. They will think we’re weak. You’re king for a reason. There is nothing he can do to us.”

"Perhaps, son, but it's our duty to protect our people. They might be unable to do anything to us, but our people could still be in danger."

I will send the order via mind-link, but I'm staying."

"What on earth for, Kian?! Have you been listening to me?"

"Dad, I found my mate."

"Of course, but that is no reason for... You said what?! You found your mate?! Where is she? You need to bring her. Your mother will be delighted. This is excellent news!"

"She is a witch, Father." There was dead silence on the other side of the line. Then my father snarled.

"Kian, this is no time for jokes!"

"It's the truth, Dad. My mate is the most beautiful woman on earth. She happens to be a witch, but that doesn't change anything."

"How can you be so certain?"

"I felt her. I met her on a full moon and felt the bond. I also sensed the unique, intoxicating scent that could only belong to one's mate."

"Kian, I don't know if that's a good idea. You should make a choice. She wouldn't even feel the bond like a she-wolf would."

"You're very much mistaken, Dad. She does feel the bond. Differently, yes, but she does. I've already marked her."

"You shouldn't have, Kian! I want you to come home immediately. We have lots to discuss. This is a conversation we shouldn't be having over the phone!"

"I will not come back without my Luna!"

"That woman is not your Luna. She's an illusion that will never happen. I don't understand why this is happening to you. I thought it was over. It hadn't happened for generations. There is a curse that has plagued our family for centuries."

"What curse?!"

"Kian, I want you to come back. This is serious! I'll show you proof and everything I have on record. That’s not a mate bond; it’s a curse!"

"You need to be more specific, or I won't go back, Dad."

"Kian, is your mate, by any chance, a member of the Witch Supreme's family?"

That question shook me.

"How do you know? She is her niece and heir to the throne."

"I'm sorry, son." He sounded resigned.

"What do you mean you're sorry?" I was getting alarmed.

"I'll explain when you get here." He hung up, leaving me speechless. I looked at River, who was shocked too. With our werewolf hearing, he had been listening to everything.

"We're going back home. Ask for the helicopter."

I will not give her up, curse or not. It’s impossible; I have claimed her in every way. She is marked and mated. She's mine. I will go and listen to what Dad has to say. Then I will come back for her. If she wants to be Witch Supreme, I will spend time between Verona City and the Kingdom's pack. I will do everything in my power to make this work.

"The pilot will be here in 15 minutes. We should go to the roof now."

I nodded. We grabbed the most necessary things; Rusty would pick up the rest later. River looked concerned.

"Kian, we'll figure it out."

I mind-linked the pack members who had no official business in Verona City to return immediately to the pack. The ones assigned to keep tabs on Aminda will stay. It doesn’t get more official than that. They're guarding their Luna.

"River, what's the latest report Aminda's security detail has sent you?"

"Well, thankfully, she drove to her friend's house so they could follow her. When she teleports, it takes them some time to find her whereabouts. They just texted me now: it looks like she teleported somewhere. We can't see her anymore at her friend's house. We've sent the alarm throughout the city in case someone senses her."

I pinched the bridge of my nose. She really is a handful. I exhaled. Someone knocked on the door, and we looked at each other. We both realized who it was at the same time. I yanked the door open, revealing my beautiful woman outside. Her hair was back to silver blonde, and she wore a short trench coat.

"Aminda!" I uttered huskily. She smiled, making my heart skip a beat.

"Hi, stud," she said with her beautiful singing voice. I grabbed her by the waist and kissed her. Her soft body fit perfectly against mine. I held the back of her head, deepening the kiss. I closed the door as I lifted her from the floor and carried her inside, her feet dangling. River cleared his throat, making us pull apart. Aminda looked at him and smiled.

"Who might this be?"

"He's my Beta, River, princess."

River bowed slightly to her, knowing I wouldn’t want him to touch her. Hell, Mayhem would rip him apart.

"Pleasure to meet you, Luna."

She noticed our small bags, and a frown appeared on her angelic face.

"Are you leaving, Kian?" she pouted sadly. Somehow, that made my heart sink. I cupped her face with my hands and gave her a soft kiss.

"I have something important to do at my pack, but I will return soon. I promise." She didn't look convinced but didn't mention it. Her beautiful violet eyes looked hurt, though. I couldn't leave her like this, so a reckless idea occurred to me.

"Why don't you come with us? My Dad has something important to reveal to me about our mate bond. You should come."

Surprisingly, she said yes, and now we are aboard the helicopter on our way to talk to the Alpha King.