Chapter 01

"It's official, I hate this party." I whispered as the twin doors opened, revealing the beautiful ball room filled with men dressed in tuxedos and their ladies in dazzling evening gowns, sadness filled me to the core.

Simon hit me gently by my side but it was more like a warning.

"It's your friend's wedding, the least you can do is wear a smile, Hansel." He chorused quietly, wearing a bright smile like he was seeing fireworks for the first time. "Eyes are on you, you know." He said as we both ushered ourselves in. The orchestra toned down their classic music as if they were acknowledging my presence. Others stared at us, some of them had even begun gossiping. But most of them had one look in common, fear.

"Isn't that the Alpha of White Rose Pack?" A lady hushed her friend as we walked past them to the center of the room where a couple was.

"Oh my gosh, it's Alpha Hansel, he really came!" Another whispered.

"He isn't going to steer trouble here, is he?"

"But then, he's dangerously hotter in person, look at those eyes,"

My Beta and I kept our smile up regardless. More than ever, I didn't want to be at this party but for this one person, Alpha of Moon Veil Pack, Craig, a dear friend.

"My goodness! You really came!" Craig blared excitedly as we approached each other. "I thought you wouldn't come," he hugged me tight, almost squeezing the breaths out of me.

"For your wedding?! I would be a fool to miss it! I mean who would have thought the playboy finally gets hitched." We both laughed and then his wife came to join us.

"Risa! It's so nice to see you, Again." I commented and she chuckled sheepishly. She was the shy one.

"Thank you for coming, it really means a lot." She muttered.

"Even though he's late," Simon interjected and the three of them burst into laughter.

"But really, it means a lot to me man, I know how much you hate things like this--" he said but I cut him off with a slight wave.

"For you, I wouldn't miss it. Such a shame I missed the part where you were saying those vows and finally getting tamed by the most beautiful woman." I mumbled, while the couples blushed. "Congratulations to you two, I hope you enjoy the rest of your lives together."

He curled his arm around her waist.

"Of course." He giggled.

"So, why don't I leave you two to have the floor while I enjoy the scenery? I can already see some ladies that fit my taste." I gestured.

"Of all nights, must you be you?" Simon scorned with a slight wriggle of his head and the couple laughed again.

"Just keep him in check for us please." Risa chuckled before Craig pulled her back to the center again for a dance. Both of them really looked so happy with each other and I should be happy for them but how could I? A thirty four year old Alpha who had everything but a mate amongst his peers.

"Champagne, Sir?" The man servant dressed in white and black, holding a tray of champagne filled glasses courteously offered. Simon and I took one each but then my gaze returned to the couple once again.

"I know that look," Simon mumbled. "Tonight's not the night you drown yourself in depression, Hansel. Be happy for him."

"I am happy." I said before taking a sip.

"Your lie is clearly painted all over you, Hans." He toned worriedly. I was about to respond when my eyes caught a lady seated afar off at one of the fancy tables in the room. My eyes briskly reviewed her and yes, she was definitely going to be my lady for tonight. Our eyes met and she donned a naughty smile, she was about to approach me when,

"Alpha Hansel!" A young man called behind me. I turned only to see Jeff, Alpha of North Lily Pack. I grunted silently, unable to contain the irritation grinding in me. He extended his hand for a shake but I refused. "Beta Simon," he greeted Simon who took his handshake. "It's a pleasure to meet you both."

"Indeed," I said with a heavy dose of sarcasm and he chuckled nervously.

"How was the journey? I hope--"

"What do you want Jeff?" I cut him off abruptly.

His smile deepened.

"I would like you to meet her," he gestured to the lady by his right and as my eyes darted to her, my heart started pounding hard, my skin shuddered as I felt a strong pull unlike any other towards her. Her jasmine scent filled my nostrils like a gentle breeze, I easily got lost looking unto her grey eyes, her curly red hair gleamed, perfectly complementing her armless red gown. Her skin was as fresh as a baby's. I lied, Risa wasn't the prettiest woman. She was! But there was only one thing I hated about her.

"Elle, meet Alpha Hansel of White Rose Pack." He gestured and she courteously smiled at me. One would easily tell she was shy but I kept quiet regardless.

"Isn't she beautiful, Alpha Hansel?" She asked.

"I must say, she is. But then again, she's a Witch!" I blurted in disgust.

"This Witch is different, she's my personal pet. The best of the best," he gave me a knowing look. "I'm sure you've had a long journey, she can help ease your stress, you know." He winked. "Right Elle?" She nodded nervously.

"You know very much how much Hansel hates witches, Jeff." Simon interjected and her body stiffened instantly. I could hear her heart racing like sports cars.

"It's still fine either way. After all, Elle is built for anything." He ran the back of his finger across her shoulder with eyes that gleamed of lust. And somehow, it irritated me. No, I was angry to the core and I didn't know why. "You can show her how much you hate her, what do you think?" He gently pushed her towards me but I growled causing her to take a step back.

"Are you purposely trying to ruin my mood Jeff?" I glared at him but he chuckled.

"Why would I dare? As a fellow Alpha, just consider her as a gift to you for the night. Eat her out to your fill." He licked his lower lips with a sinister smile.

I stared at her for a while, indeed she was my perfect taste. But how could I sleep with a Witch?! I would have loved to torture her like I always did with the others but she was different. I felt compassion towards her instead. My wolf was jeering inside of me, clamoring for something but I didn't know what it was exactly.

"No." I said bluntly.

"Are you sure?" I could feel the three of them gazes on me as if they were trying to decipher what was going on in my mind.

"Yes. On a night like this, I should rather enjoy seeing my friend enjoying this moment with his woman." I paused. "I hope someday I get to see you entangled with your mate rather than a personal pet." I tapped his shoulder while his smile vanished. "Here hold this for me, I'll be back." I handed him my Champagne glass before stepping outside of the ballroom.

"The restroom please?" I asked one of the guards positioned at the door side. He courteously gave directions and I headed there. Once I was done, I was about to use the door when someone pushed it open first.

"Elle?" I frowned while her eyes twitched repeatedly. "What are you doing here at the men's --"

"I need your help!" She blared, my frown deepened. "Please, let me spend the night with you. I would do anything you want me to do, just don't let me go back to Jeff for the night." Tears filled her eyes but I wasn't buying any ounce of it.

"I don't like entertainment from other people's pets. Besides, I would rather kill a Witch than spend the night with her." I icily quoted and she froze. "Excuse me," I pushed her out of the way and as I stepped out of the restroom,

"I know you're cursed!" She blared, I gasped. I turned sharply to her in disbelief and that look in her eyes was dead serious. My curse was a secret only few people knew about.

"What did you say?" I queried just to ascertain I wasn't hearing things.

"That snake tattoo on your neck, it's a curse mark." She replied. I dashed inside, locking the door behind me immediately.

"How did you know?" I growled.

"I'm a Witch and I have a way to cure it."

I inched closer to her so our breaths collided. But rather than hate her, that squishy feeling of excitement flooded me all over again.

"You think I believe that?"

"Judging from the mark, you've probably had it for a long time. Don't you want to get rid of it?"

I gripped her left arm roughly while my height easily towered over hers.

"Do you think you can mess with me, you puny Witch!" I snarled.

"I'm not lying!"

"Yeah,'' says the desperate lady who wants me to spend the night with her. I'm sure you would do anything just to stay away from Jeff huh?!"

"L-et go, please," she wriggled her arm but my iron grip remained firm.

"I don't believe you and I can kill you for this. Not many people know about this and I wouldn't love to see your mouth blurting my secret out."

"I promise that if I don't break your curse, you can have my head!" She cried.

"Why? Why help a total stranger huh? Surely you have something you want!" I huffed to her face.

"Take me away from Jeff, that's all I want." She whimpered and I stared deep into those beautiful grey eyes. Why did she want to stay away from Jeff so badly? But then again, that wasn't my business. What mattered was that she knew the cure to my curse. For so long, I've been searching for a way and now it appeared. Should I take it? Could I trust this Witch?

I returned to the ballroom after a while and this time, Elle was already back with Jeff dancing to the music. Simon on the other hand was caught up with the food.

"Jeff!" I called as I approached the two of them. "I think I'm going to take up that offer of yours." I said whilst curling my hand around Elle's waist. He grinned.

"In fact, I have a better proposal. I want her to be mine, I'll pay the price."

He squinted his eyes at me.

"I thought you hated Witches, why the sudden change in mind?"

"You said it yourself, this one is different. I think I'll want to see what makes her so special and it's definitely going to take more than a night." I smiled while I pulled her closer. "So what do you say?"

He stared at the both of us for a while before nodding in agreement.

"Anything for you, Alpha Hansel. I'll be looking forward to having a partnership deal with you someday."

"A small price," I smirked and he giggled.

"Well then, I hope you enjoy her to the fullest." He placed a kiss on her cheek before leaving us.

I didn't know why but I felt irritated to the core seeing him do that to her.

"Thank you," she whispered.

"Don't thank me, we have a deal, remember? Fail me and I'll kill you." I growled but deep down, I doubted if a Witch of her calibre could break my curse.