Chapter 3

Lukas:

I stared at the woman whose body quivered beneath me, feeling a certain warmth in my chest.

One I didn't want to feel.

“This will hurt” I whispered, my lips grazing the shell of her ear.

Fuck! She smelled so good.

I sinked my teeth into her neck, while increasing the speed of my thrusts.

I turned her over, plunging deeper till she reached climax the second time.

I could feel mine building up. I let out a deep groan of pleasure as I released my seeds deep inside her.

Her body went limp and she struggled to keep her eyes open.

I slung her over my shoulders and carried her to the bathroom as she muttered a string of jargons in my ear.

Did she just sleep talk? My lips curled up slightly.

What did I just do?

The smile on my lips vanished. I had given Rina my word that I would have nothing to do with this woman. I only needed her to lift my curse.

That was the only reason I agreed to this marriage.

Seventeen years ago, on my eighth birthday, I had suddenly felt hot. What started as a mild discomfort escalated into a sharp burning sensation. It felt as if I was being burnt alive.

Right before my eyes, the mark on my arm began to form, tearing into my skin, oozing smoke as it took shape.

I had lost consciousness and when I woke up, the pack's seer confirmed it was a curse.

I had been cursed.

The reason?

No one knew.

Every year on a certain day, I would feel that same gut-wrenching pain and that day drew near.

My birthday.

The only people who knew that I was cursed were my parents, the seer and Micheal. My beta and best friend.

Recently, upon my return to the pack, my father consulted the pack's seer who had told him that Mia, the daughter of Night shade pack's Alpha was the key to lifting my curse and making her my Luna and mating with her was the first step.

I could not lose sight of my goal.

I placed her on the bed and changed into my sweatshirt and pants, picked up my car key and walked out.

I drove to Rina's house.

Rina was my girlfriend. She was sweet, gentle, and kind. I was immediately drawn to her the moment I saw her. She had never once gotten mad, even when I informed her of my marriage to Mia.

We had been together since we were in college and had promised to be chosen mates.

However, Mia's appearance had complicated things.

Of course, I knew my mate would appear eventually, I just didn't think I would be forced to marry her.

I pulled up at Rina’s and rang the doorbell.

She flew into my open arms, wrapping herself around me like a koala. She planted a wet kiss on my lips.

“I didn't think you were still going to make it” she said. I sat on a sofa as she straddled me, refusing to let go.

“I would not miss seeing you for anything” she giggled shyly but it slowly faded.

“What?”

“Does your wife know you are here?”

“No and it's none of her concern. The marriage is just a formality. We're just like strangers”

Her smile returned at my reassurance. I didn't tell her Mia was my mate as it was only going to make her more insecure.

She kissed me and tried to take off my clothes but I stopped her and pulled her away softly.

“Not tonight, Rina” I said affectionately.

Her eyes clouded with tears and her voice shook.

“You have never refused me. What changed?”

She was right.

I always looked forward to intimate moments with her. One passionate kiss from her usually had blood running where I wanted it to go.

But tonight was…..different. I didn't feel a thing.

“Is this because of your wife? Don't you love me anymore?”

A small part of me was irritated with her unending whining.

“I still love you”

“Then why did you agree to marry her”

“It's what the elders council wanted. You know I can't go against them, especially when I just became Alpha”

Rina pouted, still not convinced.

I sighed and cupped her face in my palm. “My marriage to Mia won't change anything between us. Just be patient. Everything will return to its original place soon” I wiped the tears that trickled down her cheek.

“I'm tired. I need to sleep now” I stood up and headed to the room, pretending not to hear her sniffle behind me.

Very early the next morning, a call from Michael woke me up.

We had trained together since we were kids and he knew me better than anyone. Even my parents.

His father retired early so he had taken over the beta position earlier than I had.

I picked the call.

“Hey man. I hate to call you on your honeymoon but this is important”

His tone sounded serious and the constant whoosh of the wind signified he was out in the forest.

“What is it?” I asked my expression grim.

“The rogues…..they attacked again”

Months ago, I received reports of rogues attacking pack members. As countermeasures, I had deployed several warriors to fight them but they kept coming. It was getting out of hand.

“They have gotten more brazen. The injuries they inflicted are more fatal this time. I think you need to come”

“Where are you?”

I dashed out of the room.

“Where are you going?” Rina asked, standing up

“Something urgent came up”

I said, without stopping.

The rest of her words were blocked out as I slammed the door shut.

I arrived at the forest, and approached Michael while other warriors searched the area. I could see signs of blood on the floor coupled with paw prints imprinted in the soil.

“Six pack members were injured and their valuables stolen. They have been taken to the hospital?”

“The rogues?”

“We’re still looking for them” Michael said.

“Any luck?”

“No, but they are still around”

I sighed in frustration.

“How come your men can't handle a bunch of rogues? Is this the best they can do? They are becoming completely useless. From now on, Intensify their training. I'll train them personally. Also, Inform everyone, all pack member should keep their doors locked. They must not open to anyone. It's very dangerous outside”

“Alright”

“Keep looking and extend your search” I ordered.

I was about to join in when I caught a scent I could not forget so easily.

Mia.