《Taming The Alpha’s Curse》全部章節：第 11 章 - 第 20 章

Astrid’s PovMy heart wouldn’t stop racing the entire walk back to the castle.Every step felt heavier than the last. I kept replaying what I had seen, Alpha Xavier shifting, the powerful black wolf, and then… him standing there completely naked for that brief moment before he dressed. My cheeks burned with shame. I told myself over and over to stop thinking about it. *Astrid, you stupid girl. Why are you even thinking about that? He is the Alpha. He is dangerous. He could still kill you any second.*I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn’t notice he had stopped walking right in front of me. I walked straight into his broad back.“Oh!” I gasped, stumbling backward. “I’m so sorry, Alpha! I didn’t mean to— I wasn’t paying attention—”He turned slowly, those piercing hazel eyes locking onto me. “Hmm. You weren’t paying attention?” His voice was low, calm, and terrifying. “What were you thinking about, Astrid?”I looked up at him and my mouth went dry. He looked like a god carved from s

Xavier’s PovAliyah lay beside me in a deep, satisfied slumber, her breathing slow and steady. Nothing ever woke her once she had what she wanted. I remained on my back, eyes fixed on the heavy curtain where Astrid hid like a frightened little rabbit. A faint, almost imperceptible smirk tugged at the corner of my mouth. No one else would ever see it.Of course it was Aliyah’s doing. Only she would be cruel and possessive enough to force the little vampire to watch us. She thought she was being clever, masking Astrid’s scent with her own oils. It was almost insulting. Did she truly believe my senses were so dull that I could not detect the sweet, intoxicating scent of Astrid beneath her perfume? The thought bordered on disrespect. It was kind of insulting.I rose slowly from the bed, adjusting my dark robe with calm, deliberate movements. Even from across the room, I could hear Astrid’s heartbeat — fast, erratic, like a cornered animal’s. I moved toward the curtain without making a sou

Astrid’s PovI couldn’t believe the words that had just come out of Xavier’s mouth.My brain seemed to stop working for a second. The question hung in the air between us like something dangerous and forbidden.“What?” I blurted out before I could stop myself.Xavier’s hazel eyes darkened instantly. “Are you questioning me?” His voice was low, cold, and carried that quiet danger that always made my knees weak.I snapped back to reality, horror flooding through me. “I’m so sorry, Alpha,” I whispered quickly, my voice shaking. “I didn’t mean to… the question just came out. I wasn’t thinking.”We were standing so close. Too close. I could feel the heat coming off his powerful body. Our breaths were mixing in the small space between us, and the air felt thick, heavy, and far too sweet. His scent — wild, masculine, with that underlying hint of something dark and powerful — wrapped around me and made my head spin. I tried to look down, but his presence was overwhelming.He didn’t move away.

Xavier’s PovI simply nodded when Aliyah asked for a private word. I had been expecting her outburst. She was predictable in her jealousy.I glanced once more at Astrid on the floor. The sight of her curled up, clothes torn and body marked with fresh welts, displeased me more than I cared to admit. My wolf stirred angrily inside me, but I pushed the feeling down. I turned and walked away without another word, heading toward my chambers. Aliyah followed closely behind.The moment the heavy door closed behind us, she spun around.“Respectfully, Xavier,” she began, her voice tight, “I must ask you something before we speak of the girl. Where were you last night? I went to your chambers looking for you and you were not there. I waited. Where were you?”I walked to the center of the room and stopped, keeping my expression blank. “I was busy. Why were you looking for me? Was it something important?”Aliyah’s eyes flashed with frustration. “No. I simply wanted to come to you. Is that so wron

Astrid’s PovI kept asking myself the same question over and over as Talon led me through the corridors.*Why do I keep messing everything up?*Mara never made mistakes like this. The other servants seemed to know exactly how to stay invisible and safe. Even Dena, as mean as she was, rarely got punished. So what was wrong with me? Why did trouble follow me everywhere I went?Talon’s grip on my arm was firm but not painful as he guided me toward the private whipping room. It was a small, isolated chamber used for repeat offenders — the kind of place where people were punished quietly so the rest of the castle didn’t have to watch. My stomach twisted with fear. I already knew what was coming. I had seen others dragged here before.When we stepped inside, I moved automatically to the spot where people usually knelt or stood for their punishment. I closed my eyes tightly and waited for the first lash of the whip.It never came.After a few long seconds, I opened my eyes. Talon was just st