The Alpha's Cursed Heir 3

Lena sat at the hilltop of the pack, gazing down at the swarm of wolves below, the sky still flecked with blue and purple hue. The mist in the forest enveloped the trees at dawn, shielding the world from the harsh reality that awaited them.

Lena wrapped her arms around herself in a bid to protect herself from the fear that was consuming her. Her destiny as the Luna of the future was to be sealed on this day. Standing by Damon's side, the pack would see her power as she transitioned into her wolf for the first time. For as long as she could remember, she had dreamed of this moment because she thought it would confirm her position and worth.

But now, all those dreams suddenly appeared brittle, like glass perched on the edge of a cliff. Her thoughts were all over her head.

She had spent the last week in the company of Kaden, facing threats she could never have imagined. Yet, despite the danger and fear, there had been a strange solace in their growing bond. Kaden had become someone she relied on, someone who made her feel like she wasn’t entirely alone. But no matter how much trust she began to place in him, Damon’s rejection still haunted her.

Lena closed her eyes, letting the memory flood her senses.

It was only a few days ago, though it already felt like a lifetime. She had stood in the center of the pack’s clearing, her heart pounding in anticipation as Damon approached her. The other wolves had watched with eager eyes, awaiting the moment when their future leaders would stand side by side.

But Damon hadn’t taken her hand. He hadn’t even looked at her.

“I, Damon of the Grey Hollow Pack, reject you, Lena, as my mate and my Luna.”

Like a blade, the words had cut into her, the wound growing deeper with each sentence until she felt as though she could pass out from the agony. Whispers of astonishment and incredulity rippled across the gathering, and the crowd had fallen silent. Lena had frozen, unable to process what was going on. This was Damon, her fated mate, the one who was supposed to protect her, love her.

But there had been no warmth in his eyes as he’d turned away from her. Only coldness, and the unmistakable glint of ambition. She hadn’t been enough for him, and with her failure to shift, she never would be.

Lena's heart ached from the memories, her hands clenched to her lap. She had tried maintaining her composure to seem as though Damon's rejection had not broken her. But how could it not? He was her future, but now that future was crumbling into nothingness.

She felt the sting of tears but quickly blinked them back. There was no room for weakness now. Not with Kaden by her side. Not with the threat of Damon looming over her every step. And especially not with the dangerous power that lay dormant inside her, waiting to be unlocked.

---

The sound of footsteps startled Lena out of her daydream, she turned backwards to see Kaden coming towards her with the same intense look in his dark eyes that she had been accustomed to seeing in him. His presence served as a reminder of their shared burden as well as a source of solace. He wasn’t just an ally anymore, he was tied to her fate in ways she was only beginning to understand.

“We need to move,” Kaden said, his voice low but firm. “The pack will be looking for you.”

Lena nodded, though the thought of facing Damon again sent a wave of dread through her. “Do you think he’ll follow us?”

“He’ll come for you. But that should be the least of your worries.”

She raised an eyebrow, confusion flashing in her eyes. “What do you mean?”

Kaden paused, looking off into the distance. The hard edge of his manner softened as he spoke, giving the impression that he was nearly feeble.

"I didn't tell you the entire truth," he uttered with a hint of sadness in his voice. "When I mentioned that the curse was connected to your strength. It’s not just your family that’s bound to the Moon Temple. My pack, too, has been cursed to guard it for centuries.”

Lena frowned, her heart skipping a beat. “You never mentioned that.”

“I couldn’t.” His eyes met hers, and for the first time, Lena saw something like fear in their depths. “Because breaking the curse will cost me everything and not just freeing you alone.”

The weight of unspoken facts lingered in the air between them as they exchanged words. Lena gazed at him, her thoughts spinning. She already knew Kaden's motives for helping her, but she had no idea of the extent of sacrifice he was prepared to make.

“Kaden, I…” She didn’t know what to say. The idea that her freedom could come at the expense of his own strength left her feeling hollow inside.

But Kaden shook his head, cutting her off. “Don’t. I’ve made my choice, Lena. You deserve to be free of this. We both do.”

Lena felt a surge of emotion rise in her chest, a mixture of gratitude and guilt. She wasn’t used to relying on anyone, and certainly not on someone like Kaden who had his own demons to face. But here he was, willing to risk everything for her.

She wanted to express herself, her innermost feelings, the tumult of emotions growing inside of her, but the sound of rustling leaves caught both their attention. Immediately, Kaden's body tightened as his keen senses took over and he looked around the trees.

“We’re not alone, something or someone is watching us” he murmured.

---

Just before Lena could respond, the first wolf emerged from the shadows, pointing directly at Kaden with its growling teeth. But he was lightning fast, avoiding the blow and sent the wolf crashing to the ground so hard it was stunned. It wasn't alone, more wolves emerged, their glowing eyes brimming with hatred as they circled both of them.

Lena retreated, her eyes wide with terror, her heart thumping in her chest. These weren't just regular wolves, they had Damon's pack markings. He had found her.

With his muscles tense, Kaden stood guarded in front of her, ready for the impending battle. "Stay close," he said, in a low, menacing voice.

Lena nodded, her body trembling as the wolves advanced. She felt so afraid, and the feeling threatened to paralyze her. But she couldn’t afford to freeze now. Not when so much was at stake.

The first wolf charged, and Kaden met it head-on, his movements swift and precise. He fought like a man possessed, every strike landing with brutal efficiency. But no matter how many he took down, more wolves kept coming, their numbers seemingly endless.

Lena felt helpless, watching as Kaden fought to protect her. She wanted to help, to do something, but without her wolf, she was nothing more than a liability. The thought made her stomach churn with frustration. If only she could shift, if only she could fight alongside him instead of cowering in the background.

Suddenly a wolf penetrated the line and was heading towards her, snarling viciously. Lena screamed and stumbled away as it moved nearer, right before it could attack. But, she noticed a slight movement from the corner of her eye.

Kaden. He moved quickly, slamming his body against the wolf, instantly the creature smashed onto the ground. The beast was stunned by the intensity of the impact, but Kaden continued. With his eyes blazing with rage, he stood over it and instantly put an end to its existence.

Breathing heavily, he turned back to Lena, his face dark with intensity. “Are you hurt?”

She shook her head, her heart racing. “No. I’m fine.”

But Kaden’s expression didn’t soften. His eyes darted about, searching the trees around him as though anticipating another attack. "We must leave this place. We can't stay here.”

Lena swallowed hard still feeling the adrenaline rush through her veins. “Where do we go?” she asked.

“To the Moon Temple,” he said, his voice firm. “It’s the only place we can break the curse. And it’s the only place we can be safe.”