The Alpha's Mate--Cursed Heart

Celebration

Chapter Two—Celebration

Before The Battle—

Marcus POV:

“Marcus!” Vincent called out to me in exasperation, “It is about time you showed up!”

I chuckled as I made my way into the empty ballroom towards him, “About time? I am the first to arrive!”

Mocked dismay crossed Vincent’s face before he walked up and hugged me tightly, “You were supposed to arrive yesterday, you traitor!”

“I had to take care of some business,” I apologized, returning his embrace, “Although you are my dearest friend, there are some things that cannot wait.”

A sweet familiar voice echoed behind us with a hint of sarcasm, “That may be, but I am the one that had to hear about it all night!” I turned to see a beautiful pair of stunning green eyes narrowed towards me as Vincent’s mate and wife, Katelyn made her way towards us, her long black hair pulled into an elegant updo, the wisps whipping around her round perfectly porcelain face.

Not knowing if she was truly irritated by my delay, I quickly tried to diffuse any hostility with charm. “My deepest apologies my lovely. You know, I will never understand how Vincent managed to ever find a mate as beautiful and patient as you, Katie-girl!”

Katelyn rolled her eyes at me as she reached out an pulled me into her embrace, “Honestly! Sometimes I feel like you two are closer than we are. Its rather irritating really. Especially since I can never stay mad at you! Lucky for you that I love you, you scoundrel!”

“And I love you more than him I promise!” I returned, “Especially in this dress!” I leaned back to look at her once more, letting out a low whistle and taking her hand to twirl her around. Her long silver dress sparkled in the soft lights of the ballroom, the slits perfectly accentuating her every curve of her hips and shapely legs as she slowly turned, laughing as I didn’t allow her to stop, instead making her turn once more.

“Enough of this love fest!” Vincent intervened, reaching in front of me and snatching her from my grasp mid-spin. Taking Katelyn in his arms and dramatically dipping her in his strong embrace, he slowly bent down and laid a kiss on her rosy lips, before huskily declaring in complete adoration, “You are MINE! And MINE ALONE!”

Katelyn returned Vincent’s kiss with one of her own smiling brightly after her release of his lips, “And yet I have to share you with him!”

As Vincent continued to leave her clinging to him for balance, Katelyn’s eyes danced humorously for a moment before she found her footing and brought herself upright and exclaimed, “Go on! Both of you!”

Before letting us out of her sight, her eyes went between both of us as a mischievous smile crossed her face, “Two gorgeous muscular men in my presence and you are leaving me before all the tables have been placed. At least you both clean up nicely in those tuxes. I might actually forgive you!” Turning back to her mate, she winked and added, “Enjoy the Bro love while you can because tonight, you my dear Vincent, are MINE! And MINE ALONE! And you will be making up for my loneliness from last night!”

Vincent laughed as he nuzzled into her neck, “Thank you for your understanding, my love. I promise, I will make it up to you tonight!”

I won’t lie, I envied Vincent as I watched their loving exchange. What he and Katelyn had was something I had longed for. Most werewolves mated early. At least by the time they were 21. Vincent and Katelyn had been together since Vincent was 18. Hell, most of my pack even had their own mates. But I unfortunately led a cursed life. A mate was something that was obviously not going to happen for me. I was 26 and alone, convinced that was my fate. It was lonely, but at least I had Seraphina. Sadly, it appeared we were both twisted by fate when it came to love. She and Vincent were the two people closest to my lonely heart.

The thought of Seraphina brought worry back to the forefront in that moment. She was supposed to come with me to keep me company during the ball tonight. Vincent and Katelyn were celebrating their 10 year wedding anniversary. I honestly hated these types of events and avoided them, but because of my love for the couple being celebrated, I made an exception. However, Seraphina stated she wasn’t feeling well, so she stayed back at the castle. She really couldn’t explain what was wrong. I tried to coax her into making a potion to help her illness. She was a witch after all and had done it so many times before. But today was different and I couldn’t for the life of me understand why.

As if she read my mind, Katelyn called me out of my thoughts, “So, where is Seraphina? I thought she was coming with you.”

I continued to worry about that witchy-woman as I slowly drawled out, “She wasn’t feeling well today, so she stayed back. But, she sends her love and apologies.”

Vincent sensed my troubled mind and decided to change the subject, “Well! Maybe without any distractions you will finally find a mate tonight! There will be plenty of opportunities as we have guests from all over, several of whom you haven’t met yet!”

I shook my head fervently, “Always the optimist, Vincent!”

A wicked grin emerged across Vincent’s face, “Always! I mean how wonderful would it be if you found your mate at our celebration? Win-win, right?”

A scent suddenly hit me, one that I knew would quickly agitate my mood, as a deep voice coldly interrupted us, “If he hasn’t found a mate by now, do you really think tonight will be different?”

It appeared I was not the only one agitated as Vincent snapped before turning around, “Alec, I thought we discussed this last week with my invitation for tonight. You will not come into my home to provoke Marcus.”

We all turned around to see the tall dark figure leisurely leaning against the wall dressed as Vincent and I were in a dark tuxedo giving an air of bravado as his almost black eyes met with my disdain filled gaze. He was also incredibly defined and muscular with rugged features that women would not easily find resistible, but that is where the similarities ended between the three of us.

Unlike my best friend, who was King and Alpha of a small region, Alec and I were both Kings and Alphas that ruled vast kingdoms. Kingdoms that led opposing views on how their laws were carried out, their packs guided, and their subjects treated. Alec was an iron fist in all aspects of his life and from the moment I met him, I felt nothing but dislike and distrust for the man. He is cunning, ruthless, and vain. More importantly, he absolutely despises me and makes no secret as to why. He wants my kingdom and my pack to give himself complete control and undeniable strength to invoke fear and submission to all the smaller regions around us. He had conquered many of these, which is why his kingdom is now as vast as mine. He had also gained the control of many packs by overtaking their Alphas, always making it appear as if he was provoked, something I’m sure he would like to try with me. His pack, the Fangs of Death as he likes to refer to them, are swift, strong, and calculated in their response to his orders. But while their reputation is widely known and feared, Alec knows that my pack and I are a force to be reckoned with in strength, decisiveness, and intellect and would not act recklessly enough to give him cause enough to justify his desires. Knowing he would lose more than he would probably gain if he even thought about challenging me, Alec was patiently waiting for me to falter and take advantage at the right time. I planned on making sure the right time never came. All I had to do with Alec was remain calm, cool, collected, and smart and he would never have a chance.

I led very differently than Alec, with heart and fairness, which brought much dedication and admiration from my pack and subjects. I believed that there should be fairness amongst us all and found that it brought out goodness in many. I would not allow the curse that followed my family and throughout my life to curse everyone around me. It was my purpose. I had to provide better for them than what I had been afforded. My father, King Francis reminded me of that purpose often as I was growing up. The curse had its way with him in more ways than one. He had found his mate, my mother Rebekah, at the age of 18. It was an instant connection that afforded them both undying love and devotion. My mother tried to convince my father that the curse did not exist. That it was only in his mind and even if it weren’t, together they could defeat it. She believed wholeheartedly that she was right. The curse, however, chose to not give up so easily…

All of this began with my grandfather. It was bestowed upon him by a witch on the battlefield as he defended himself and his kingdom from a vicious attack from a neighboring land. He and his pack destroyed the invaders despite their attempt at catching them by surprise. My grandfather also led with fairness and heart, but when provoked showed no mercy. Unbeknownst to him, the witch was deeply in love with the Alpha from the opposing side and upon finding out he had come to battle my grandfather, rushed to help only to find she was already too late. They were not mates and the love was one-sided, but it was enough to send a path of destruction through our family as she set forth her spell of tragedy and death to all in the our family forevermore. A spell that caused my grandfather and grandmother to die not three months later from a mysterious unknown illness, leaving my father an orphan in charge of a kingdom and pack at the age of 12. A spell that found my mother passing away when I was only a year old, dying as she battled with my father against a rogue wolf and was thrown against a tree during the fight, killing her instantly dispelling her belief that she and father could overcome any obstacle. A spell that stopped my father’s heartbeat during the ceremony naming me next in line for the throne and upcoming Alpha to our pack right before I turned 18. As soon as all the necessary words were spoken, he turned to me and for the first time ever, I saw complete fear as his face went white and he fell into my arms gone from this world without another word spoken. A spell that officially left me alone to deal with thoughts of when it would strike me. A spell of a curse that trickled down through the generations. A curse that made me grateful I hadn’t found a mate because I would worry about protecting her, but at the same time wishing I had a mate to face the curse head on, hoping to end its fury somehow like my mother believed could be done. But in the end, could it really be defeated? That question caused me many sleepless nights of conflicting thoughts.

Releasing myself from the inner turmoil of my life, I looked back at Alec and couldn’t believe Vincent put himself into a position to even associate with him. But, he felt it was necessary for some unknown reason to me. As a friend, I gave him my protest and tried to talk him out of it, but accepted his decision in the end. He had to run his kingdom just as I had to run mine. I loved him like a brother and I respected that we each have our own path in life. But that didn’t mean that I wouldn’t protect my brother should the need arise.

With that thought, I made an attempt at graciousness, forcing pleasantries as I nodded towards the arrogant man before me, “Alec. How nice of you to join the celebration tonight.”

Alec scoffed at my attempt, “What do you say we simply avoid each other this evening, Marcus? Pleasantries aren’t necessary between us. I think we both know how the other feels.”

Alec was nothing if not exasperating. “Done.” I turned back towards Vincent, “Well, I tried my friend. I think I will go out to the balcony for a drink. Care to join me?”

Before Vincent could reply, Alec broke in, “Actually, Vincent and I need to talk about some business before the party gets started, if you will excuse us.”

Vincent looked from Alec back to me before muttering under his breath, “All business as usual. I will join you in a moment. Let me get tend to him first.”

I nodded and left towards the bar on the balcony and the fresh air that could clear my senses.

****************************

Vincent’s POV:

I hated that Alec showed up earlier than expected. Marcus had only just arrived and I had hoped to spend some time catching up before the party. It was even more infuriating that Alec immediately sought out to irritate Marcus. Although being Marcus, he simply brushed him off, which of course only annoyed Alec further. That was who Marcus was, someone who felt each had their own path and as long as he was able to lead his own path without provocation, others would be allowed to do the same even if they were someone he couldn’t stand. As I looked at him, I couldn’t even really understand why I accepted Alec’s current camaraderie. It wasn’t a business agreement that I sought out. More of something that happened by chance, something I truly felt deep inside had a purpose for some reason even if I couldn’t explain it. A reason I hoped would ease the tension between his and Marcus’ kingdoms. That feeling was overwhelming when I first met Alec. It was probably wishful thinking unfortunately, as I now feared that this alliance between Alec and I was a mistake that would soon come to an end if he chose to go after Marcus. I would always side with my brother no matter what. Always. Yet there was still that part of me that felt fate was pushing me towards this and I couldn’t stop my progression even if I couldn’t understand why.

“So,” I calmly asked, “What are your thoughts on our trade agreement?”

“It is done,” Alec smiled warmly, pulling the contract out of his jacket and handing it to me. His demeanor was completely the opposite from just a few moments ago. “I look forward to our alliance, my brother.”

A trade agreement was one thing, a brother another. If Alec thought this was a way of pulling me away from Marcus and our friendship, he was sorely mistaken. I decided to ignore this for now and see how he proceeded before making him understand just that. Instead, I simply changed the subject, “I hope that you are not here alone as it appears. You promised to bring your sister with you. And I presumed your wife would be here.”

“My wife sends her regrets,” Alec carefully stated, as if he were trying to think of the best excuse, “Lexi had to take care of some family business unfortunately.”

I did my best to reflect some sort of regret, “I am sorry to hear that.” I didn’t like Lexi from the moment I met her, so it didn’t hurt my feelings that she wasn’t coming, but there was the other member of Alec’s family I was looking forward to seeing again, “what about—”

“My sister will be arriving shortly,” Alec cut in, “Although I am not sure how long she will be attending this evening. I am a man of my word, however. Even if I feel your request was a bit unnecessary to our deal.”

I immediately smiled widely at Alec’s response, ignoring the last part, “Good! I am sure tonight will be a breath of fresh air for your sister. I know you are protective of her for good reason due to her illness, but confining her to your grounds alone is not exactly fair either. Especially for someone as beautiful and special as your sister. I truly enjoyed our time together and look forward to seeing her this evening.”

“Yes,” Alec nodded his head, his voice filling with steel and caution, “Moriah is very special indeed and there are many reasons I am protective of her. In light of our new alliance and her fondness of you, however, I am willing to make an exception tonight. Please don't make me regret it.”

At that moment, a scent of sweet lavender filled the room as I looked up to see a petite blond in the doorway with large deep blue eyes looking back at me. She was dressed in a soft pink shimmering gown that accentuated every inch of her figure perfectly down to the slit that showed off her long slender legs. Her blond hair cascaded down her back as she nervously stepped forward and a spectacular smile on her face filled with excitement, appreciation, and adoration for those before her.

“Moriah!” I greeted, quickly walking towards her, “I am so happy to see you again! Thank you for coming to our celebration this evening!”

Moriah bowed her head slightly towards the ground shyly, “Thank you for your kind invitation and insistence on my presence, Vincent. I hope I am not a disappointment this evening. I am not used to being around many people. But it is nice to have the opportunity to visit you on your special day.”

As I reached her, I took Moriah’s hand and gently placed a kiss on her slender fingers, “Nonsense! You could never disappoint anyone! Just your presence adds light to any room! My wife is especially looking forward to meeting you. I have told her so much about our walk through your beautiful garden. She is anxious for your thoughts on her current plans for our own expansion.”

Moriah blushed slightly, seemingly a bit embarrassed at my gesture, “And I am looking forward to meeting Katelyn. Your adoration for your wife is both sweet and admirable.”

At that moment, Alec cleared his throat loudly, diverting Moriah’s attention to him, causing her to blush even deeper in embarrassment as if she had said something offensive. I turned as well, watching as Alec purposefully walked directly to his sister and pull her towards him, taking her hand and placing it on his arm, “Well, sister, maybe we should allow Vincent to continue preparing for the arrival of his guests.”

“Actually sire,” one of Alec’s men, Lafayette, interrupted, “If I could have a moment, there is something our Luna would like me to relay.”

Alec sighed loudly in irritation as he scowled back, “I’m sure it can wait.”

“No sir,” the man quietly argued back, “She said it couldn’t.”

“Well then,” I happily interceded, reaching out to take Moriah’s hand off of Alec’s arm and place it on my own, “Why don’t you let me take Moriah out on the balcony to meet Katelyn and you can join us after your little discussion?”

The expression on Alec’s face said it all. He was not pleased at my actions or the fact that I released the hold he had on Moriah, but conceded reluctantly, “Fine. I will see you in a moment. I too am looking forward to meeting your wife.”

As their eyes connected, I could feel the warning that Alec was relaying to Moriah. He could even feel the tension fill her body as the meaning set in. It truly dumbfounded me. Moriah was beautiful, smart, and most of all kind. There was no warning needed, she was the epitome of beauty and grace. If anyone needed a warning, it was that wife of his. Classless and callous. Her callousness made her perfect for Alec. They were just alike in that aspect. But at least Alec attempted to act properly on some level. Lexi on the other hand did not and didn’t feel like she had to as she was after all, his Queen and Luna.

Yet the hold that Alec held over his sister and the way he treated her, never allowing her to leave the confines of their castle forcing her to have a garden as her only source of escape, it was wrong and it angered me. The excuse he gave of her illness without really explaining exactly what ailed Moriah did not give him the right to forsake her life entirely. But Moriah was an obedient and kind sister. She simply viewed it as her big brother protecting her. No, I thought to himself, it was something else. Something I couldn’t put his finger on, but was determined to figure out.

As we left Alec to talk with his guard, I tried to ease Moriah’s tension as I guided her towards the entryway with a bright smile, “Well, my garden is not as elaborate as yours, but let’s go out on the balcony for a look anyway.”

“I’m sure it is lovely,” Moriah politely returned, her tension easing a bit on his arm, “Just as I am sure it will be lovely to meet your wife.”

I leaned in and quietly whispered in Moriah’s ear, not wanting anyone near them to overhear, “I’m glad to get you out of your castle this evening. I hope that you enjoy every moment tonight affords. Perhaps it can be the beginning of many visits to my home. My Katelyn does love to entertain guests and I am sure she will find your company quite pleasing.”

Moriah’s eyes dulled slightly and her reaction was a mixture of nervousness and appreciation as she looked up at me, “I know that to the outside world, my situation seems dire like I am a prisoner in my own home, but please do not pity me, Vincent. My brother is only trying to protect me. I am a weakness to him just as my body is a weakness to me. Alec gets incredibly anxious at the thought of anyone getting close enough to cause harm to either of us. I am grateful, however, for your incredible kindness and concern for me as well as your generosity towards me when most tend to overlook my presence.”

I looked down at the beautiful young woman in awe. It was difficult to believe that she was related in any way to Alec. Even more difficult to believe anyone could overlook her presence. She was so gentle and selfless, which to me made her a strength not a weakness. Seizing this opportunity alone, I decided to inquire further, “May I be bold enough to ask about your illness?”

Watching as Moriah tensed once more and diverted her eyes to the ground below them, I immediately regretted my question and knew I had pushed too far. “I’m sorry. It appears that I am much too bold. Forgive my inquisition. I do not want to make you or Alec anxious in any way. Please do not feel obligated to explain to me something so personal.”

My retreat eased Moriah as she let out a relieved sigh, “Thank you. I would like to at least have tonight to not be reminded that I am a weakness.”

I placed my hand over hers reassuringly, “Your illness may be a weakness, Moriah, but you are not. Remember that.”

A bright shine ignited once more in Moriah’s eyes with surprise and appreciation of my words as I continued warmly, “Enough of the heavy talk. The night is young and it is almost time to begin an evening filled with celebrations of life!”

***************

Marcus’ POV:

Katelyn and I were standing out on the balcony, looking over her garden. After finishing the preparations and joining me outside, she was excitedly explaining her plans for extending her flower collection and I was trying to keep my mind focused on the flowers, not the horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach regarding Alec and Vincent. In every move he made, there always seem to be an ulterior motive with Alec. It made me worry for Vincent and what could potentially happen if Alec chose to extort or ambush him with this business deal of theirs.

My concern alleviated slightly as Vincent finally made his return and excitedly beckoned his wife, “Katelyn! Come here quickly! Moriah has arrived!”

Katelyn swiftly turned and left me in the dust, darting towards her husband and obviously welcomed guest. I chuckled slightly at being incredulously dumped as I continued to look out onto the garden giving them a few moments without their third wheel. I wasn’t sure who Moriah was, but it was apparent by their reactions that she was someone important to them. As I heard the chatter of greetings behind me, I went through my brain trying to remember any mention of that name and came up with nothing. Just as I was about to turn around to investigate further, Vincent had walked up behind me. “Brother, please let me introduce you to a new acquaintance of mine.”

As soon as I turned around and met with her gaze, my whole world turned upside down. My spirit and soul felt like they left my body and connected with the beautiful petite creature standing in front of me. Her smile consumed me and her sweet lavender scent was like a drug to my senses. I was instantly addicted and found myself begging for more of the fragrance even though I was already surrounded by it. That wasn’t the only thing that needed more. Every muscle, especially my manhood, every thought, EVERYTHING overwhelming became about her. Moriah. In that very moment, my entire existence was for her and her alone. There was nothing I wouldn’t do for her, not one request I wouldn’t fulfill. My need to protect and cherish her for the rest of our lives was now my mission. I was getting dizzy as all of these feelings hit me all at once. My eyes widened as my wolf screamed throughout my being…

MATE!

What was happening to me? Why did I suddenly feel like my life before now meant nothing? Where had she been all my life? Those eyes looking at me. The deep blue orbs piercing into my heart causing an explosion of happiness, desire, want, and need. There had never been anything more beautiful placed on this earth. NEVER! My wolf screamed at me again, just as excited—if not more—than I was.

MATE!!

Unaware of my current state, Vincent continued with his introduction. “Moriah, this is one of my oldest and dearest friends, Marcus.”

My eyes had yet to leave hers and I found myself breathless as I heard Moriah’s acknowledgement. “It is nice to meet you, Marcus.”

Oh my god! Her voice! It was like an angel had descended upon me. There was no other sound I could possibly want to hear more. Pure, sweet, melodic. It instantly calmed and excited both me and my wolf. This was crazy! I didn’t know how to deal with all of the emotions fervently dispelling over me. I knew that I needed to say something but I couldn’t seem to find my voice!

My wolf was fighting to come out. My silence was driving it crazy! If I wasn’t going to speak, it sure as hell was going to let Moriah know that she was ours! It was also desperate to know the answer to two questions that in my current state had not crossed my mind—did she feel the pull of our souls combining as one making our eternal connection complete and what of her wolf? Was there a wolf? However, there was nothing emanating from Moriah that gave any kind of signal of its existence. “Say something!” it howled loudly, “Claim her!”