The Curse of The Alpha

Chapter 11- Haunted by the Past

The King's Chambers

The room fell silent the instant I made my presence known. All eyes were fixated on my movements.

Some men trembled in fear, glared with lust, or appeared distressed just by making eye contact.

Enjoying the attention, I casually added, "I was told that I'm summoned here, ironically enough." Chloe cleared her throat, utilizing her Alpha amora, and declared, "How dare you all attempt to disrespect me! An Alpha doesn't get summoned," with evident frustration.

Richard seemed to relish this situation far too much, sporting a smirk that I wanted to wipe off myself.

However, I remained rooted in my position. I opened my mouth to speak, but then my niece caught my eye.

She was seated among the others, and I hadn't noticed her before. Realization hit me as I remembered instructing Richard to have Ava here by noon.

My frown transformed into satisfaction. I allowed my eyes to scan Ava's face, searching for any signs of distress or harm.

Once assured of her well-being, I turned my attention back to the assembled members and announced, "We have finally reached an understanding, and I'm pleased you all chose the easy path instead of the difficult one. I've spent most of the day resting, so Ava and I will be departing first thing in the morning," Chloe exclaimed with excitement.

"I'm staying for a while, Aunt Chloe," Ava surprised everyone, including herself, with her next words. "I dread going home to my parents, but I've found my mate, and I want to spend more time with him." Ava gulped nervously as she watched her aunt's expression change.

Chloe's muscles tensed; her eyes twitched in bewilderment as she maintained eye contact. "You can't be serious, can you? I didn't come all this way for nothing. Your mother and father are worried sick, and you want to stay here with strangers you don't even know?" Chloe's voice cracked as she imagined her sister's reaction when she used her Alpha tone to prevent her from searching for her daughter. "We're leaving before dark, whether you like it or not." With that, Chloe stormed out of the room, paying no mind to Ava's reaction or the others' responses.

Chloe was overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events. First, she had learned about Lycan Bane, and now her niece was in love.

She wrapped her arms around herself as she entered her room, the one she had been staying in.

For years, she had longed for a mate, yet the Moon Goddess had never granted her one. And now, at just eighteen, Ava had found hers. Chloe had waited patiently for over fifteen years, and still, no one had stepped forward to claim her.

There was a knock on the door, and she hesitated before asking, "Who is it?" Her voice carried a note of boredom.

"Open the door," Richard replied tersely. Chloe let out a hiss of frustration before unlocking the door and walking over to the bed. "Say what you have to say and then leave me be," she said rather rudely.

Richard stared at Chloe in disbelief. "It's unlike you to storm out of meetings like that. What was that all about?" he asked with genuine concern.

Chloe threw her hands up in defeat, realizing how irrationally she had handled the situation.

She hadn't even taken the time to find out who Ava's mate was. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she refused to let them show. She was hurt, and she would admit it to herself, but not to others.

Richard studied Chloe's features, knowing that memories from her past must have resurfaced during the meeting.

He understood that her past was not something to accept easily. "I can tell when something is bothering you, Chlo. Did you get flashes of what happened on your 18th birthday?" he asked slowly, recognizing the delicacy and seriousness of the situation.

Chloe blinked back tears as they threatened to spill onto her cheeks at any moment. "Don't!" she cried out in frustration, not wanting to dredge up the painful memory.

~~~

It happened sixteen years ago.

Every teenager was invited to a rally held every year, where they were supposed to find their mate.

Adrey leaned against the door frame of the dining room, her hand on her hip. "Honey, you look so beautiful. Have fun at the rally, but remember the rules-don't have too much fun, and be back by midnight," Adrey sighed before adding, "Your dad and I got you something special for your birthday, but don't open it until tomorrow morning."

Chloe forced a fake smile as she left the room. Her parents were never present, always busy with work. She had grown used to it, but deep down, she often wished they paid more attention to her.

Midnight arrived, and Chloe found herself all alone. Everyone else had left the party, but she held onto hope that her mate would come looking for her.

The clock struck twelve, and Chloe remained alone. That night, the night she was supposed to find true love, three things happened: her mate never showed up, she shifted for the first time, and her parents disappeared.

One year turned into many.

Richard raised his hands in a defensive gesture but moved closer to Chloe, offering comfort. "It's okay, Chloe. Did you even need a mate? Not to be rude, but you managed quite well on your own without someone by your side," Richard whispered the last part. He continued, "There was never a distraction; that's why you're the way you are." He gently massaged Chloe's tense shoulders to ease her muscles.

"I don't want to dwell on my past; it's called the past for a reason," Chloe replied firmly. "I need to inform my people that I'll be staying an extra week with Ava. I came here for her, and I won't leave until she's ready to come home." Chloe's words were delivered through gritted teeth. She turned to Richard and issued a command, "Bring Ava to me privately."

A few minutes passed before Ava entered the room. She wore a mix of anger and nervousness on her face as she gathered her courage and asked, "Did I do something wrong that made you storm out of the room like that?" She searched her aunt's face for answers when there was no immediate response.

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Your at the end of this chapter....