001

ELIANA

So, you want to hear a love story? Well, mine's not for the faint of heart. It's a tale of forbidden love, creepy curses, and a whole lot of heartache. My name is Eliana Astrid, and I'm a werewolf with a curse to bear. Buckle up, because this story is about to take a dark and twisted turn.

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"You wicked woman!" Former Luna, Calantha, bellowed, her voice like thunder, I couldn't help but recoil. "Why do you refuse to bear the alpha an heir?" She leaned in, lowering her voice to sound even more menacing, "Have you no care about the Pack's future? Why are you trying to prove to everyone that you're truly cursed?" My wolf bristled at her words, but I forced her to stay calm. This was a confrontation I had to endure, a ritual of sorts.

I spoke in a low tone, my eyes cast downward. "I'm trying my best." The weight of my words hung in the air, a reminder of my failure. As the alpha's mate, I had been married to Gabriel for three years, yet I had been unable to fulfill my most fundamental duty: bearing an heir.

Calantha's expression turned scornful as she countered, "You are not trying enough." Her deep blue eyes scrutinized me, their piercing gaze sweeping over my petite frame.

"I fail to comprehend why the alpha chose you when a far better option was available." Her gaze turned glacial, and she added, "When I return, I expect to see either a pregnancy or a rejection—nothing in between will be tolerated."

With that parting shot, Calantha departed, leaving me reeling from the sting of her taunting words. The weight of her malice lingered, a palpable presence that seemed to suffocate me.

I'd always dismissed the rumors, but now I was starting to think that maybe, just maybe, the people of the Shadows Pack were right. Maybe I was cursed.

I was a mess, my heart shattered into a million pieces. Tears poured down my face, and I couldn't do anything to stop them.

I was hurting, but knowing that Gabriel loved me made all the difference. He had assured me that producing an heir was not a pressing concern for him, which was a huge weight off my shoulders.

The former Luna had tried to intimidate me, but I knew Gabriel would never turn his back on me. He would never reject me. He brought me a happiness I'd never thought possible.

As I made my way to the bedroom, my tear-filled eyes landed on a file lying on the bed. I picked it up, curious, and saw that it was about a meeting Gabriel had with an allied pack. It seemed he had likely forgotten it in his haste.

I tried to mind-link him, but he wasn't responding. The connection just wouldn't go through, and I was left feeling frustrated and a little worried.

I decided to drive to the Pack's headquarters. I smiled faintly at the receptionist and headed straight to the top floor, where the alpha's office was. I had a file to deliver, and, if I'm being honest, I was hoping to sneak in a kiss. I mean, I was head over heels in love with him.

But when I opened the door, I was hit with a sight that I never could have seen coming—not in a million years.

As I stood frozen in the doorway, a face from my darkest memories reemerged its presence a dagger to my heart. Vivian, my stepsister, and Gabriel's former love, sat entwined with him, her long legs a golden cage that held him captive.

His hands, strong and sure, grasped her delicate waist, a whispered promise of the passion that still burned between them. Her blonde hair spilled down. They were lost in a kiss.

Tears welled up in my eyes, a scalding torrent that threatened to consume me whole.

I slipped out of the room unnoticed, Vivian and Gabriel too caught up in each other to even realize I'd been there.

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. The pain was overwhelming. Gabriel had promised me that no matter what, he'd always love me, even if Vivian came back. But now, those words seemed empty.

My world had been turned upside down, and I felt lost. Gabriel was my rock, my everything, and seeing him with Vivian had broken me. In ways, words couldn't explain.

Overwhelmed by my emotions, I realized I couldn't bear to return to the pack's house. The risk of self-harm was too great, and I needed a safe haven. I decided to seek solace in a familiar refuge—the club.

I was dressed in a simple white tank top and joggers, but my outfit was of little concern to me. My primary focus was on finding a way to numb the searing pain that had taken hold of my heart. I hoped that a few shots might help me escape this anguish.

The ride to the club was a mess. I was crying so hard I could barely see, and I ended up driving the wrong way down the street. I got honked at a million times, and I even bumped into a few people on the sidewalk.

As I arrived at the club, I was grateful to find a hoodie in my car, which I hastily put on to ward off the chill of the evening air. I also donned a mask, desiring to maintain my anonymity and keep my identity hidden from the crowd.

I walked over to the bar and slowly sat down on a stool, trying to block out the loud music and the crowd of dancing people.

I hadn't been to this club in ages. I honestly thought I'd never set foot in here again, but life had other plans, and here I was.

"Get me some vodka," I told the bartender, who nodded and quickly got to work. "Just bring me the bottle," I added, my voice shaking with pain. The bartender quickly slid a shot glass and the vodka bottle across the counter to me.

A smooth, velvety voice cut through the noise. "Isn't it a bit early to be hitting the booze?" it asked. I caught a whiff of some expensive cologne.

As I turned to locate the source of the sexy voice, my gaze met a pair of deep, hazel eyes.

He had on a black tee that showed off his ridiculously muscular chest. I could see the edge of a tattoo poking out from under his sleeve.

"That's for someone who can't handle it," I said, trying to sound firm, but my voice wavered slightly, giving away my weakness.

As he settled onto the stool beside me, I took in the details of his appearance. His thick, black hair was perfectly combed, with a single strand falling across his face, accentuating his chiseled features. A short beard framed his jawline, adding a hint of ruggedness to his otherwise refined appearance. His very presence seemed to exude an aura of power and confidence.

"Is that a challenge, Luna?" he asked, his eyes locking onto mine as he spoke. I felt a jolt of surprise, and my hand trembled slightly as I raised the glass to my lips, nearly spilling the liquor.

I was taken aback that he had recognized me, especially since I was all covered up and we were in a neighboring pack's territory.

A small smirk played on his lips, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he took in my disheveled appearance.

I swiftly rose from my seat and made a hasty exit, half-expecting him to call out or give chase. But to my surprise, he remained seated.