Her Cursed Alpha Mate

4

ALMOND

As the driver safely drove us home, Logan lay sprawled in the back seat, clearly intoxicated from countless drinks at the party, ignoring my pleas for him to stop.

As I sat in the front seat, my gaze fixated on the empty road ahead. The surroundings were desolate; the closed shops and eerie silence were broken only by the faint music emanating from the music box.

Left alone with my thoughts, I couldn't help but dwell on how I had once believed that he would change for me. I had convinced myself that his love would lead us to a happy family, but I now realized how wrong I was.

Part of me felt foolish to think he would ever change or leave his other relationships for me. Despite the tears welling up inside, I held them back, determined not to show my vulnerability. I needed to be strong for the sake of my pup.

I knew tonight was the night I had to leave him, to escape from this toxic situation.

Finally, after minutes of uninterrupted silence, we arrived home. The driver parked the car safely in front of the entrance and rushed to help Logan out.

I stepped out of the car as well, watching them struggle. Logan mumbled incoherently as they both staggered into the house, and I followed them inside quietly. Although he seemed too heavy for the driver, I trusted that he would manage.

I refused to offer any assistance, not just because I despised him, but also because I knew that if I helped, I might let him fall down the stairs on purpose.

My hatred for him was overwhelming, but I also blamed myself for falling into his trap again, for allowing him to use me once more. My emotions of longing for a happy family had clouded my judgment, leading me to succumb to my weaknesses.

We eventually reached our room, though it didn't feel like "our" room at all, given the countless other women he had brought here. I stood by the door and watched as the driver helped him onto the bed.

In his drunken stupor, Logan mumbled some unintelligible words, probably calling for his mistresses.

Refusing to lend him any assistance, I dismissed the driver with a curt "You can leave now." He bowed slightly out of respect and exited the room. Regrettably, I knew I wouldn't receive even a fraction of that respect from Logan.

I took another look at the monster lying on the bed, and rolled my eyes after heaving out a sigh of frustration. I couldn't believe the Moon Goddess had paired me with him. I wished I could place the pillow on his head and suffocate him to death, but that would mean trouble for me.

Carefully removing my clothes, I wrapped a blue towel around my chest and headed towards the restroom. A bath was essential to clear my head.

Standing under the shower, I let the water flow down my hair, its gentle touch soothing me. Closing my eyes, I focused on the sound of the water, trying to find some semblance of peace amidst the chaos.

I craved peace, deserved happiness, and longed to be treated with respect. My fingers ran through my hair, feeling the water as it touched every strand. But happy memories seemed elusive, replaced by feelings of rage and hatred towards him.

I knew staying here would lead me to commit a great sin, endangering my life and the life of my unborn pup. I couldn't let a monster like him dictate my fate. I needed to leave immediately, renounce my duty as the luna, and reject him.

To escape the pain and terror he caused, I had to leave tonight while everyone in the pack was asleep. No alarms, no alerts; I would make a clean getaway.

Filled with hope at the thought of freedom, I turned off the shower, rushed out of the bathroom, and headed straight to the room. This was the moment I had been waiting for, and I wouldn't miss the opportunity. I packed my belongings, checking on him periodically to ensure he was fast asleep. Each time, relief washed over me as he mumbled in his sleep.

I retrieved the envelopes containing my saved money and placed them in my handbag. Pulling the bag by its handle, I tiptoed towards the door, opening it carefully and sliding out. The midnight hour enveloped everything in silence, and everyone was peacefully asleep. I continued towards the stairs, my steps as light as possible to avoid making a sound.

Grabbing the door knob, I proceeded to turn it when I heard a familiar masculine voice speak.

"Where to, Luna?" Gamma Thompson asked.

I froze in place, my heart thumping in my chest. Never did I think I would run into my own bodyguard. His eyes were fixated on me, and though he needed an answer, I didn't know what to say.

Should I tell him that I was leaving? But where to?

He glanced toward my hand.

"Where are you heading to at this hour, Luna?" He asked again, and I heaved out a sigh.

"Going on a vacation," I responded truthfully, squeezing my eyes shut briefly.

"Does the Alpha know?" He asked, causing me to shake my head in denial.

"He mustn't know," I replied.

I watched as he nodded. He knew everything. I had confided in him about my plight with Logan. He was my best friend, and thanks to him, my stay at Silver Stone Pack wasn't as terrible as it could have been.

He fell silent for a moment, his mind undoubtedly racing.

"Let me go with you then, Luna," he finally said, stretching his right hand forth to take my bag. I stopped him midway, gently placing my hand on his and sending him a smile. My throat was starting to hurt from holding back the sobs that wanted to escape. I knew I would miss him; that much was certain.

"No, Thompson. The Alpha would think otherwise if he can't find you in the house too," I responded, blinking back the tears in my eyes.

"But you shouldn't go out there alone. It's dangerous, rogue wolves and other dangerous creatures lurking in the dark," he said, sounding hurt and concerned. I nodded, before stretching my hand to touch his cheek.

"I'm not alone, Thompson. The Moon Goddess will always be with me," I informed him and sent him a warm smile, though it was filled with pain. Funny how I still managed to believe in the Moon Goddess after everything I had been through.

He removed my hand from his cheek, and as he opened his mouth to speak, I interrupted him.

"I will be fine. Please head in now and pretend you never saw me. This has to be a secret between us," I told him firmly.

He gave me a curt nod, his lips tightly pressed together.

"Farewell, Luna. I hope we meet again," he said, his voice quivering slightly.

I forced a brighter smile, reaching out to squeeze his right shoulder before turning around and stepping out of the house.

Tears streamed down my cheeks as I walked towards the gate, trying to quicken my steps to avoid running into anyone else.

Thankfully, there was no guard in sight. It seemed highly likely that he had fallen asleep, and I silently thanked the moon goddess for this small favor. Carefully, I pulled the gate aside and slipped out.

I sighed heavily as I glanced back at the place that had once been my home, my heart weighed down by the difficult decision I had made. A decision I knew was necessary, regardless of how much it pained me.

I steadied myself and gathered the courage to say the words I thought I would never utter again after the last time. But now, I have to say them for my safety and for the sake of my pup.

Clutching my stomach with my right palm, I squeezed my eyes shut briefly, seeking the strength to make this final decision.

"I, Almond Lyall, Luna of the Silver Stone Pack, reject you, Alpha Logan Maxwell, as my mate. I hereby renounce the duty of the Luna and cut ties with everything related to the Silver Stone Pack from this day forth."

With that, I turned around and walked away, leaving my past behind and embracing an uncertain future.