Cursed To The Alpha

Chapter 108

'Stars!' Xander exclaims, rising to his feet and casting a warning glare at Warrick. 'Rose and Warrick overheard everything,' he informs the others.

Imogen's voice chimes in apologetically, realisation dawning upon her. 'Oops, I forgot about werewolf hearing.'

'Warrick,' I interject, my tone conveying a stern warning.

'Rose,' he retorts defiantly.

Taking a deep breath, I reluctantly confess, 'Look, Windall isn't who you think he is.'

'I know exactly who he is—a thief trying to steal my mate,' Warrick growls, his hands balling into fists. Before I can respond, he turns and storms out of the tavern, heading toward the stables.

'That stubborn, ignorant, big hairy beast!' I exclaim, scrambling out of the tavern and darting after him.

Enraged, Warrick charges toward the stables, his growls reverberating through the town. Panic ensues as the Felderians cry out, fearing the arrival of a rogue.

'He's dangerous! He'll try to kill us!' an elf exclaims, their voice filled with fear.

'No, he's not a threat,' I assure them, desperately trying to alleviate their fears. 'He's with me. He's not a rogue. He's just trying to claim what's his,' I say the last part sarcastically.

However, chaos erupts as Warrick bursts forth from the stables, tumbling out like a wild tumbleweed. I rush to his side, but he quickly regains his footing and charges back in. 'Get back here, you twirp!' he shouts. 'Tell me where the man is who's stolen my mate's heart!'

With trepidation, I step into the stables, my heart pounding. Hay and stag food are strewn about haphazardly, and I look up to witness Poppy wielding magical vines that twist and entangle Warrick's legs. Windall stands in a battle stance, crackling spheres of lightning dancing in his hands. He glares at Warrick, his eyes narrow, and hurls an orb. It shatters mid-air, releasing a torrential storm that drenches everything in its path. Warrick, utilising his strength, breaks free from the ensnaring vines and deftly dodges the lightning strikes, leaping from spot to spot.

A mischievous smile curls across Windall's lips as he taunts, 'Aren't you going to shift into your wolf form and fight me like a true Felderian for the maiden's hand?'

'Enough playing around! You're just a kid. I'm after Windall—the one who intends to marry my mate,' Warrick growls, his voice filled with determination.

‘I am he,’ Windall smiles proudly, his blonde hair whisps around. ‘I’d do anything to have her cherry tarts and cookies crumbling upon my lips again and to know the fair beauty wants to marry me after all. I shall fight to the death to keep her hand if I must,’ he proclaims resolutely.

'And if she makes my brother happy, then I'll fight for her as well,' Poppy adds, standing by Windall's side.

The expression on Warrick's face is priceless as he registers the truth—he has mistaken Windall for a man when he is just a young fae boy. Warrick smells my scent and whips around to see me lean against a wooden post with arms crossed and an annoyed expression directed at him.

‘Rose! Maiden of cherry tarts, cookies and my heart,’ Windall exclaims, his hands shimmering with mystical energy as he rushes towards me. A radiant smile graces my lips, and I gracefully kneel, opening my arms to embrace him.

'She is as beautiful as you described,' Poppy remarks, her voice infused with warmth, as she gazes at Windall.

'Hello, Windall,' I greet him affectionately, tousling his hair playfully. His grin widens, and he inquires, 'Is it true that I have captured your heart after all?'

'Sweet child,' I reply tenderly, meeting his curious gaze. 'Do you recall what you once said about my heart?' I ask him.

‘Yes,’ he says and carefully places his hand against my beating chest. He frowns, ‘I can feel the pain,’ he says with such sadness, making Warrick jolt.

‘It hurts a lot, some days more than others,’ I say to him as I place my hand over his. Windall closes his eyes as I do. We remain silent for a moment as we feel my heart that’s empty and devoid of any joy or light. ‘No one, Windall, can capture my heart. It was never available for anyone to take because it’s only beating enough just to keep me going. My heart doesn’t have the strength to love or endure the pain of the cost that love can come to,’ I tell him.

'Oh, so we won't be getting married?' he sighs dejectedly, opening his eyes.

'No, Windall, we won't,' I respond gently, summoning a faint smile. 'However, I have a question for you,' I add, mustering my composure.

'What is it?' he asks, his eyes filled with anticipation.

‘If you had the option, would you choose to dance with me in the courtyard, where the elven folk sing and play their enchanting melodies before an audience, or would you choose a basket of the tarts I made for yourself to eat?’

‘That’s easy,’ he says, his eyes lighting up. ‘I’d choose the tarts,’ he smiles.

‘There it is,’ I laugh. ‘You’re not in love with me, Windall. You’re in love with my cooking,’ I smile at him.

Poppy erupts in a fit of giggles.

‘That does make sense. I don’t feel so sad anymore now,’ Windall admits, his tone now lightened.

'I'm glad to hear that,' I reply, tousling his hair affectionately once again.

Windall glances at Warrick, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. 'What about him?' he asks.

I stand and give Warrick an annoyed glance, making him frown. ‘What about him? He’s a stubborn, brooding beast,’ I say to Windall.

Warrick jolts at my words, unable to resist a retort. 'I don't brood, and you're just as stubborn,' he retorts, his tone laced with defiance.

'But he claims you're his mate,' Windall interjects, his confusion evident.

‘He is adamant we are mates, but I cannot be with him. I can’t stay here... in this part of Felderia with him,’ I say, almost slipping up, I’m not from this world.

'Can't he come with you instead?' Windall suggests, his innocent curiosity prevailing.

Warrick gazes at me, his breath held, awaiting my response. I shake my head, a touch of sadness in my eyes. 'No, he can't,' I reply, witnessing Warrick avert his gaze. A muscle twitches in his cheek as he struggles to contain his emotions.

'Why?' Windall persists, his young mind craving understanding.

'It's... it's complicated, very complicated. Besides, I have urgent matters that demand my attention, and my heart cannot bear any more pain than it already carries,' I reveal.

'But what if he can fix it? What if he can take away your pain?' Windall queries, his innocence shining through.

‘I… even then, Windall. Time is of the essence. I don’t have much of that left here. We have to say our goodbyes forever soon, and it’s not fair on either of us if we were to develop strong feelings for each other.’

‘You said you were a witch? A witch has never been mates with a werewolf before,’ his eyes darting towards Warrick.