Five

As the day progressed, Zayden stayed by my side, his playful demeanor a welcome distraction from my worries. He joked and teased me, his touch sending shivers down my spine.

But even his lighthearted behavior couldn't erase the nagging feeling in the back of my mind. I knew that I had to make a decision soon, but the curse made it hard to choose.

He teased and joked with me, making me laugh and forget about the weight of the world on my shoulders. His touch sent shivers down my spine, and I couldn't help but feel a growing attraction to him.

As we walked through the mansion's gardens, Zayden turned to me with a sly grin. "Emily, have I ever told you that you have the most beautiful eyes?"

I blushed and looked away, feeling a flutter in my chest. "Zayden, you're such a flirt," I said, trying to hide my smile.

"Guilty as charged," he said, his voice low and smooth. "But I can't help it when I'm around you. You're just too alluring."

I felt myself getting lost in his gaze, the way his eyes sparkled with mischief and desire. He leaned in close, his breath warm on my skin. "I think I could get lost in your eyes," he murmured.

I swallowed hard, my heart pounding in my chest. Zayden's flirtatious nature was making it hard to resist him. But the curse still weighed heavily on my mind, and I knew that I couldn't let my feelings get the best of me.

"Zayden, I appreciate your compliments, but we have more important things to focus on right now," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

Zayden's expression softened, and he took my hand in his. "I know, Emily. But that doesn't mean we can't enjoy each other's company in the meantime."

He pulled me closer to him, his arm around my waist. I could feel the heat radiating off his body, and I couldn't deny the thrill of being so close to him. He leaned in and whispered in my ear, "I want to show you something, come with me."

I followed him as he led me to a secluded corner of the garden. There, in a small clearing, was a beautiful fountain, its water sparkling in the sunlight. Zayden gestured for me to sit on the edge of the fountain, and I complied, feeling a sense of excitement building within me.

As I sat there, watching the water cascade down the tiers of the fountain, Zayden took a seat next to me. He leaned in close, his breath warm on my neck. "You know, Emily, there's something about you that's been driving me crazy since the moment I met you."

"What's that?" I asked, my heart racing.

"The way you bite your lip when you're nervous," he said, his fingers tracing the curve of my jaw. "It's so damn sexy."

I blushed, feeling a mix of desire and apprehension. Zayden was making it hard to resist him, and I knew that I was treading on dangerous ground.

But before I could say anything, he leaned in and captured my lips with his. The kiss was electrifying, sending shockwaves through my body. His lips were soft and demanding, his hands roaming over my body, igniting a fire within me.

As we broke apart, gasping for breath, Zayden looked at me with a mischievous glint in his eye. "See, I told you I was an excellent kisser."

I couldn't help but laugh, feeling a sense of liberation in the moment. Zayden's playful and flirtatious nature was exactly what I needed to forget about the curse, even if just for a little while.

But just as I was about to kiss him again, we heard footsteps approaching. We both turned to see Aiden, the other alpha, walking towards us, a dark look on his face.

"Zayden, we need to talk," Aiden said, his voice cold.

Zayden stood up, a hint of frustration in his voice. "Can't it wait? I'm a bit preoccupied at the moment."

"No, it can't," Aiden said, his eyes fixed on me. "I need to speak with Emily as well."

I felt a sense of unease as I stood up, unsure of what was happening. Zayden looked at me with concern, but I could see the flicker of jealousy in Aiden's gaze.

As we walked towards the mansion, Aiden pulled me aside. "Emily, we need to talk about what happened earlier. I don't like the way Zayden is behaving around you."

I felt a surge of anger at his possessiveness. "Aiden, I can take care of myself. Zayden is just being playful."

Aiden's expression softened, and he took my hand in his. "I know, Emily. But I can't help the way I feel about you. The curse is making it hard for all of us, and I don't want to do anything to hurt you."

I sighed, feeling a sense of frustration at the curse's hold on us. "I know, Aiden. It's just all so confusing."

He pulled me closer to him, his arms around my waist. "I understand, Emily. But know that I care for you deeply, and I'll do whatever it takes to protect you."

I felt a sense of warmth in my chest, knowing that Aiden was there for me. But at the same time, I couldn't help but feel drawn to Zayden's playful and flirty nature.

As we walked back to the group, I knew that I had a decision to make. But for now, I decided to control myself and keep my distance from both of them until I figured things out.

But as I walked away, I couldn't help but eavesdrop on the conversation between Aiden and Zayden.

"I don't like the way you're behaving around Emily," Aiden said, his voice low and menacing.

Zayden laughed, his expression relaxed. "Oh, lighten up, Aiden. We're just having a bit of fun."

"It's not fun, Zayden. You're making her feel uncomfortable."

Zayden shrugged, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "I don't think she's all that uncomfortable, if you know what I mean."

I felt a sense of anger rise up in me at his suggestive tone. How dare he speak about me like that?

But at the same time, I couldn't help but feel drawn to his carefree nature. A part of me wanted to throw caution to the wind and embrace his flirty advances.

Aiden, however, was having none of it. "Stay away from her, Zayden. She's not a toy for you to play with."

Zayden's expression turned serious, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of something in his eyes. Was it regret?

"Look, Aiden, I'm sorry if I crossed a line. I didn't mean to hurt her."

Aiden sighed, his expression softening. "I know, Zayden. We're all struggling with the curse, and it's not easy. But we have to be careful with how we treat Emily."

Zayden nodded, his eyes flickering towards me. "I know, Aiden. I'll be more careful from now on."

Aiden nodded and walked away, leaving Zayden alone in the garden. As he turned to leave, his gaze met mine, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

Was it wrong to be drawn to both of them? Was it possible to love two alphas at the same time?

As I walked away, I couldn't help but feel torn between my feelings for Aiden and my attraction to Zayden's flirty nature. The curse made everything so complicated, and I knew that I had to make a decision soon.

But for now, I decided to keep my distance and focus on finding a solution to the curse. Only then could I truly make a decision about my heart.