The Curse of Fated Mates

Elara's POV The scream tore through the air before I even saw the blood. One second, Falcone was standing in front of me, calling my name. The next, blood… chaos erupted. People ran. Plates clattered. Grannie Alba’s hand found mine. “Run!” We ran. Again. If you’ve never lost your home, your safety, and the little scrap of peace you thought you had, on your birthday, you can’t imagine the sound it makes. It’s loud. Fast. And it burns. We ran into an old cottage nearby, my lungs clawing for air. I shoved Grannie toward the chair in front of the witch’s old shelf. While exploring the woods I discovered that anything placed there became invisible, whether object, human or wolf. I didn’t know if it still worked, but tonight I’d believe in anything. “Stay here,” I whispered, eyes darting to the window. Outside, snarls ripped the air. Flesh tearing. Bone snapping. I hated that I knew those sounds by heart. “Are you okay?” I asked and she simply nodded. I pressed my back to the

Filled with fury, I didn't wait to see his reaction, I ran, as fast as my legs could carry me. I didn't stop when the men outside raised their guns at me, or when Alpha Moretti held up a hand to stop them. I collapsed on the grass under the full moon, grieving everything. My parents, my pack, my wolf, my mate’s rejection and the life I would have had as Luna.Hatred burned through me as silent sobs racked my body, just before a searing pain tore from my head down to my toes.My mind reeled with panic. Was this an aftereffect of the rejection? Was this what every wolf who got rejected felt? Was the alpha feeling the same pain as I was? Before I could ask myself more questions, a piercing pain shot through my back. I let out a loud scream, then darkness followed. ——Rain pattered against my skin... jolting me awakeSomething was odd.. It never rained out of season but that wasn’t the worse. The real jolt came when I looked down and realized my clothes were gone.I was butt naked on t

A cold feeling washed over me. “Claiming ceremony? What are you talking about? He rejected me as his mate and I've accepted the rejection.” Grannie Alba's hand flew to her mouth. Her eyes darting between the Alpha and me.The man who spoke raised an eyebrow.“That wasn't a request, Miss Rossi,” Alpha Moretti said.“I thought you wanted nothing to do with me? I don't want anything to do with you either,” where my newfound confidence came from, I had no idea, but I had to speak up. “Do you know who I am, Elara?” He asked, cocking his head to the side slightly. “I'm not going anywhere with you. You can find someone else to play house with,” I retorted.Just as the words left my mouth, the door was forced open. My cousin, Freya, whom I hadn’t seen in almost a year was dragged in by a huge man.“Freya!” I exclaimed, making a move to run towards her but the man who spoke before stood in my way.“Please let her go. She hasn't done anything,” I cried out, looking from the alpha to Freya a

Alpha Moretti’s words sliced through the wide dining room, echoing. "First, you will not leave this property without my permission. You will not speak to anyone outside this pack without direct supervision. My pack, my rules, I do not tolerate risks." He paused, eyes boring into mine like a predator studying its prey. "Third," he continued, his voice dropping slightly. "You're to attend all pack gatherings with me. Sofia will see to it that you look the part. Fourth, you will learn your place. You might be my mate and Luna by decree, but your authority here is equal to none." His lips curled in disdain. “You must be available for me at all times,” he added. My heart stopped for a minute. Did he mean that sexually? The thought of him touching me made me want to throw up. “I do not care about your presence here but my reputation is essential. There are trained guards at every inch of the perimeter. If you attempt to run again, you'd only be putting dear old Open Creek at risk.”

He used to run a small, cluttered shop in the town square near Open Creek. He mended clothes and mostly gossiped with older women. He once told my grandmother that his cousin disappeared, after getting into "trouble" with some "shady people," a group called the Ombra Nera. He'd scoffed at it, saying the name only brought bad luck but it got stuck at the back of my mind. Now I knew where I heard that name before. Mr. Perri might know more. Maybe why they had been attacking our pack.I needed to get to town. Find Mr. Perri and talk to him. He was my only hope, my one shot at unraveling this mystery. I finally thought of a way to do so. It was a foolish idea, but the alternative was complete ignorance and despair. I had to know.I slept with determination burning inside of me. The next day passed fast, it was unusually busy in the large house. I had my lunch and then retreated to my room. I was still brimming with fear of the possibility that Alpha Moretti only changed his mind to ac