LOGINShare
Chapter 17
Last Updated:
2024-12-31 17:29:24
Related chapters
The Curse Within Chapter 18
Sofia’s POVI sat in my room, staring blankly at the closed door after Alaric left. His words echoed in my mind, tangling with my thoughts and refusing to settle into anything that made sense.A werewolf.I was a werewolf.It sounded absurd, like something pulled straight out of a supernatural movie. But deep down, I couldn’t deny that it made sense.The pain I felt immediately after the accident—the searing, all-encompassing ache in my chest—wasn’t just guilt or shock. It was something deeper, something primal. And then there were my eyes.The previous day, I’d caught my reflection in a storefront window, just for a moment. My eyes had glowed—a bright, piercing blue that sent a chill down my spine. At the time, I’d dismissed it, blaming fatigue or a trick of the light. But now?Now I knew better.And Alaric. The first time I saw him, something inside me had shifted. It wasn’t just attraction—it was a pull, like an invisible thread connecting us. I’d chalked it up to nerves or despera
Last Updated : 2024-12-31The Curse Within Chapter 19
Alaric’s POVThe weight of responsibility was heavier tonight than it had ever been before. Normally, the night of the full moon was exhilarating, a time for the pack to come together under the sky, shedding their human forms and embracing their true selves. As the Alpha, it was my duty to lead them through it—to guide them in the shift and lead the moonlit run through the forest.But tonight was different.Tonight, I couldn’t think about the pack. I couldn’t think about tradition or duty. My focus was entirely on Sofia.In the past few hours, I’d felt her turmoil through the bond, her fear and confusion weighing on me like a storm cloud. She was holding on, but just barely. How could she not be overwhelmed? Her entire world had been upended, her identity rewritten, and now, she was facing the most terrifying part of it all: the shift.My wolf, Luka, paced anxiously in the back of my mind. He wasn’t used to relinquishing control over the pack. Neither was I, but I’d made my decision.
Last Updated : 2024-12-31The Curse Within Chapter 20
(Alaric's POV)The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting the clearing in shades of gold and crimson. I glanced at Sofia as we walked side by side toward the private forest behind the lake house, her steps slow and deliberate. She hadn’t said much since we left the house, and I could tell she was nervous.“Are you okay?” I asked gently.She hesitated, her fingers twisting together before she nodded. “Yeah, I just... I don’t know what to expect.”I gave her a small smile, hoping to ease her nerves. “It’s natural to feel that way. The first shift can be intense, but I’ll be right here with you. You don’t have to face it alone.”Her eyes flicked to mine, searching. “Does it hurt? Be honest with me, Alaric.”I sighed, knowing she deserved the truth. “Yes, it will hurt at first. Your body is changing in ways it’s never experienced before. But the pain doesn’t last long. Once it’s over, it’s...” I paused, searching for the right words. “It’s the most freeing, most incredible thing you’ll ever
Last Updated : 2025-01-07The Curse Within Chapter 21
(SOFIA'S POV)The pain was unlike anything I’d ever felt, a searing fire that consumed every inch of my body. It wasn’t just pain, though—it was transformation, my very essence reshaping itself into something new, something primal. My bones cracked and shifted, my muscles stretched and twisted, and for a brief moment, I thought I wouldn’t survive it.But then, just as quickly as it had come, the pain began to ebb.A new sensation washed over me, one that made every second of agony worth it. I felt powerful, alive in a way I’d never known. My senses sharpened; I could hear the rustling of leaves far off in the forest, smell the damp earth and the faint trace of Alaric’s scent lingering in the air. My body felt strong and fluid, every movement natural and instinctive.“Finally,” a soft, melodic voice echoed in my mind. I froze, startled, and then realized it was coming from inside me.“Who... who are you?” I asked, though the words weren’t spoken aloud.“I’m you,” the voice said warmly.
Last Updated : 2025-01-07The Curse Within Chapter 22
(ALARIC'S POV)The forest was quiet now, the only sound being the soft rustle of leaves and the steady rhythm of our paws against the earth. The moon hung high in the night sky, casting a silver glow over everything as we made our way back to the lake house.Luka walked beside Sofia’s wolf, their bond undeniable. They moved in perfect sync, as though they had been connected for lifetimes instead of hours.When we reached the clearing where the house stood, Luka turned to Sofia’s wolf and nuzzled her gently, his tone soft but firm. “It’s time to shift back.”Sofia’s wolf tilted her head, her luminous blue eyes filled with curiosity. “How do I do that?”“It’s not as hard as it seems,” Luka assured her. “Focus on your human form, picture yourself as you were before, and let the shift happen. It may feel strange at first, but you’ll get the hang of it.”Sofia’s wolf nodded, her determination evident. She closed her eyes, her body stilling as she concentrated. Slowly, the change began. Her
Last Updated : 2025-01-07The Curse Within Chapter 23
(SOFIA'S POV)The moment I stepped into my room, I slammed the door shut and locked it, leaning back against the solid wood as my chest heaved. My heart was racing, and my mind was spinning, completely consumed by the image of Alaric standing there, bare and utterly unashamed.I squeezed my eyes shut, but it was pointless. The sight of his sculpted torso, the ridges of muscle leading down to that narrow waist, the way his dark hair fell in just the right way to make him look both rugged and untouchable—it was all seared into my memory.My cheeks burned as I pressed a hand to my face, trying to will the heat away, but it was no use. The amount of control Alaric had over me was absolutely insane. Just one glance at him, and I was already dripping wet, my body betraying me in ways I couldn’t begin to understand.“He’s something, isn’t he?”My wolf’s voice echoed in my mind, her tone teasing and entirely unhelpful.“Don’t start,” I muttered, my voice barely audible as I sank onto the edge
Last Updated : 2025-01-07The Curse Within Chapter 24
(ALARIC'S POV)The morning air was crisp and calm, the sunlight filtering through the curtains of the lake house as I stood in the kitchen. Lyra had left just as I’d asked, her presence no longer necessary now that Sofia had shifted safely. I appreciated her help last night, but I needed this time with Sofia—alone.Something about her had been pulling at me since the moment we met, and now that she’d shifted and her wolf had emerged, the connection between us felt even stronger. I wanted to use this weekend as an opportunity to get closer to her, to finally take a step toward building something real.I glanced at the ingredients I’d gathered on the counter. Breakfast felt like the perfect way to start. Sofia had been through a lot, and after everything that happened last night, I wanted to give her a moment of comfort, something that showed her I cared.The scent of sizzling bacon and freshly brewed coffee filled the kitchen as I worked, the rhythmic chop of the knife against the cutti
Last Updated : 2025-01-07The Curse Within Chapter 25
SOFIA'S POVThe door clicked shut behind Alaric, leaving me alone in the room with the lingering scent of breakfast and… him. My legs felt like jelly, my lips still tingling from the kiss we’d shared. I pressed a hand to my chest, trying to steady my erratic heartbeat, but it was no use.That kiss was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. It wasn’t just passion, though that was undeniable. It was deeper, pulling at something inside me I didn’t know existed until last night when my entire world changed.I’d never felt like this before. Never. I’d had lovers, casual relationships, even moments of fleeting chemistry. But this? This was different. Overwhelming. Dangerous.“It’s the mate bond,” the familiar voice echoed in my mind.I rolled my eyes instinctively, even though I knew my wolf, the voice of reason—or chaos, depending on her mood—could hear my every thought. “Not you too,” I muttered, flopping back onto the bed.“Yes, me too,” she said with a soft laugh. “You’re acting like thi
Last Updated : 2025-01-08
Latest chapter
The Curse Within Chapter 34
SOFIA'S POVThe forest stretched endlessly before us, a mix of tall trees and dense shadows, the kind of wilderness that had always felt like home and a threat all at once. The air was crisp, the faint scent of pine and earth grounding me as I leaned against a moss-covered tree, trying to catch my breath.Alaric stood a few feet away, his sharp gaze scanning the treetops. Even now, with the tension in the pack house lingering between us, he exuded confidence, strength. I envied it. Where he looked sure of every step he took, I felt like I was teetering on the edge of collapse.The meeting in the council chamber had left me raw, my nerves stretched thin from the judgmental stares and veiled comments. It wasn’t just that they didn’t accept me—it was that they didn’t want to. I wasn’t blind to the way they looked at me, as though I was an unwelcome guest in a place I didn’t deserve to be.Alaric turned, his golden eyes locking onto mine. “Are you okay?”I nodded quickly, though the answe
The Curse Within Chapter 33
ALARIC'S POVThe morning broke quietly, the kind of stillness that almost felt deceptive. The pack house always held a hum of activity, but today, it was muted, the tension so thick it clung to the walls like fog. I stood at the window of the east wing, watching the forest come alive under the pale light, trying to clear my thoughts. Sofia was still asleep behind me, her breathing soft and steady.Last night had been a test for both of us. For her, it had been the start of a battle I knew she wasn’t ready for, and for me, it was a reminder of just how fragile the balance of this pack was. Bringing Sofia here wasn’t just a declaration of love; it was a challenge to every rule, every unspoken law that had governed my people for generations.I heard her stir, a faint rustle of fabric as she turned in bed. I didn’t move, giving her a moment to wake fully. When she finally spoke, her voice was quiet, hesitant.“Did you sleep?”“Some,” I lied, turning to face her. She sat up, her hair a wi
The Curse Within Chapter 32
Sofia's POVThe walls of the pack house loomed high around me, suffocating in their grandeur. I had always thought I’d loved old architecture, but now I felt like the building itself was judging me. Its age and strength mirrored the people inside—a pack tied together by centuries of loyalty, tradition, and unwavering belief in their Alpha. I didn’t belong here.Every hallway seemed to stretch longer than the last, lined with ornate wooden carvings and tapestries depicting wolves in various stages of shifting, hunting, or standing beneath full moons. They felt like stories of a world I was supposed to be part of now, yet I didn’t understand.Alaric walked ahead of me, speaking with Braylon in hushed tones. His broad shoulders radiated confidence and command, and I found myself envying how effortlessly he carried the weight of so many expectations. Even though the tension in the air was thick, he moved like a storm—a force of nature, unstoppable.Braylon glanced back at me, his dark eye
The Curse Within Chapter 31
ALARIC'S POVThe morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft golden glow across the room. I watched Sofia stir beside me, her breathing even, her features calm for the first time since this chaos began. She looked fragile, yet there was an undeniable strength in her, a quiet resilience that stirred something primal within me. My mate. The word still sent ripples of emotion through me—protectiveness, desire, and something deeper I wasn’t ready to name.Last night had been unexpected. Sofia had given herself to me, not just physically but emotionally, as if surrendering her walls piece by piece. But as much as it felt like progress, I knew her fear of returning to the pack house lingered like a dark cloud. Her guilt over what happened with Thorne’s son weighed heavily on her, and no matter how many times I assured her it wasn’t her fault, I could see the doubt in her eyes.I rose quietly, careful not to wake her, and made my way to the window. The forest stretched end
The Curse Within Chapter 30
Sofia’s POVThe walk back to the house was quiet, but it wasn’t the kind of quiet that begged to be filled. It was the kind that hummed with tension, every step charged with the energy of what we’d just shared at the lake. My skin still tingled where Alaric had touched me, every glance he sent my way igniting a fire I couldn’t extinguish.By the time we reached the house, my pulse was racing. Inside, the air felt heavier, intimate. It wrapped around us as we climbed the stairs, the wood creaking softly beneath our feet. He paused at my door, his hand on the frame, his lips pressed into a thin line as he looked at me.“Goodnight, Sofia,” he said softly, his voice low and rough.The words hung in the air between us, but I couldn’t let him go. Not now. Not when every fiber of my being screamed for him.“Alaric,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.His eyes darkened, his grip tightening on the doorframe. “What is it?”“Stay,” I said, my cheeks heating as the word left my lips.He fro
The Curse Within Chapter 28
Alaric’s POVThe sunlight danced on the surface of the lake, reflecting golden ripples that seemed to stretch forever. The air smelled of pine and water, a clean scent that usually calmed my wolf. But not today. Today, every instinct in me was tuned to the woman floating in front of me, her laughter a sound I wanted to bottle and keep for eternity.Sofia.The bond thrummed between us, an electric pull that was impossible to ignore. Her scent was intoxicating—a mix of wildflowers and something uniquely hers. It was driving me insane, the way she looked at me, the way her body moved in the water with effortless grace.I swam closer, unable to resist, the tension in my chest growing with every stroke. She didn’t notice at first, her eyes closed as she floated, her lips slightly parted as though she was whispering secrets to the sky. The sight of her like this—unguarded, peaceful—hit me harder than I expected.She turned her head, her blue eyes meeting mine, and I saw her breath hitch.“Y
The Curse Within Chapter 27
Sofia’s POVThe sun filtered through the lace curtains of the lakehouse as I stood in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection. The bikini Alaric had handed me fit perfectly, hugging my body in a way that made me feel both exposed and oddly confident. My hair hung loose over my shoulders, still damp from my shower, and I could see faint traces of my wolf in my reflection,the heightened sharpness in my eyes, the faint flush of power beneath my skin.I couldn’t stop thinking about the kiss we’d shared earlier. The memory of it burned in my mind, pulling at me in a way I didn’t fully understand. It wasn’t just desire—though that was certainly part of it. It was something deeper, something primal.A knock at the door startled me.“You ready?” Alaric’s voice called through the wood, deep and steady, though I caught the faint edge of impatience.I took a deep breath, steeling myself. “Yeah, I’ll be right out.”When I stepped into the hall, he was waiting for me. He’d changed into swim
The Curse Within Chapter 26
ALARIC’S POVI closed Sofia’s door quietly behind me, but the sound of my own heartbeat roared louder than any click or creak of wood. My chest rose and fell with every shaky breath, the remnants of that kiss still clinging to my lips.“Damn it,” I muttered under my breath, scrubbing a hand over my face as I descended the stairs.That kiss.It was everything. A wildfire that sparked the moment our lips met, spreading through my veins and leaving nothing but heat and hunger in its wake. Her taste, her scent, the way her soft gasp had escaped into my mouth—it was intoxicating. It had taken everything I had to pull away, to not give in to the primal urge to claim her right there and then.“You’re a fool,” Luka growled in the back of my mind. My wolf had been unrelenting since I left the room, his restless energy clawing at me.“I’m not a fool,” I snapped back, heading toward my room.“You kissed her, got her all worked up, and then you left,” Luka said, his tone dripping with frustration
The Curse Within Chapter 25
SOFIA'S POVThe door clicked shut behind Alaric, leaving me alone in the room with the lingering scent of breakfast and… him. My legs felt like jelly, my lips still tingling from the kiss we’d shared. I pressed a hand to my chest, trying to steady my erratic heartbeat, but it was no use.That kiss was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. It wasn’t just passion, though that was undeniable. It was deeper, pulling at something inside me I didn’t know existed until last night when my entire world changed.I’d never felt like this before. Never. I’d had lovers, casual relationships, even moments of fleeting chemistry. But this? This was different. Overwhelming. Dangerous.“It’s the mate bond,” the familiar voice echoed in my mind.I rolled my eyes instinctively, even though I knew my wolf, the voice of reason—or chaos, depending on her mood—could hear my every thought. “Not you too,” I muttered, flopping back onto the bed.“Yes, me too,” she said with a soft laugh. “You’re acting like thi
