Crowned And Cursed.

Broken

The moment I heard that possessive growl behind me, I knew something was wrong. I turned around, and before I could react, a strong pair of hands lifted me off the ground. He pressed his lips against mine in a brutal forceful kiss, but I didn’t kiss back. His grip was too tight, and his lips too demanding, like he would literally swallow me whole. He pulled back slightly, his dark eyes boring into mine as he growled, “Mine… my mate… Mine!”

I struggled against him, trying to break free, but he was too strong. My eyes flickered up to see his face, and for a moment, I was struck by how handsome he was. Dark, tousled hair framed a chiseled face, and his eyes were deep, almost hypnotic. But I shook off the feeling, refusing to get carried away. I turned my head, seeking help from Billy and Bobby, but instead of rushing to my aid, they were bowing.

“Alpha, welcome,” they said in unison.

Alpha? My heart skipped a beat. So the infamous Lucian was actually the alpha, as in Nathan's best friend , the leader of the pack.How did I not pick it up?

Nathan returned just then, his eyes widening in shock as he took in the scene before him. But he didn’t move, didn’t dare to interfere. He just stood there, watching as Lucian continued to nibble on my neck, his hands on my waist gripping me possessively.

“Lucian,” Nathan finally spoke up, his voice strained and weaker than usual. “This is the girl I told you about—Bella.”

Lucian paused for a moment, his eyes narrowing as he looked at me. “Mine…My mate,” he repeated, his voice filled with a primal hunger. He pulled me closer, his hot breath on my neck sending a shiver that kinda tickled me .

And just when I thought the situation couldn't get any worse , I felt his tongue as he drove it up and down licking my skin. His fangs grew longer, sharper. No! Panic gripped me as I realized what he was about to do. He was going to mark me—claim me as his own.

“No!” Nathan’s voice rang out, sharp and commanding. “She’s...she's not well. Marking her right away could really harm her.”

Lucian growled in response, his eyes flashing with anger. “She’s my mate, and I’ll mark her whenever I want,” he snarled.

My heart pounded louder in my chest as fear took hold. I’d heard stories about marking, about the intense bond it created between mates and worst of all the pain.

But how? I didn’t have a wolf. I couldn’t feel this mate bond, couldn’t sense any connection between us. All I felt was fear and confusion. Lucian was undeniably attractive, but I didn’t want to be with him—not like this.

Lucian finally released his grip, but instead of letting me go, he sat down at the table, pulling me onto his lap. I glanced over at Nathan, hoping he would do something, anything, to get me out of this. But the look on his face was worse than what I felt. He looked hopeless, hurt even, as if this was the last thing he wanted to see.

But why should he be hurt? It’s not like we were anything more than… what, exactly? Friends? Something more? All sorts of thoughts gnawed at me as Lucian kept treating me like I was some fragile thing.

He started to feed me, well forcefully fed me.

After making sure I swallowed, he cleaned my cheek , and even went so far as to lick sauce off the corner of my lip like what the f*ck. The possessiveness in his actions was overwhelming, suffocating.

Billy and Bobby tried to lighten the mood, making jokes and chatting as if nothing was wrong, but it was clear they were on edge too. And then, as usual, Matt had to open his big mouth. “Looks like Bella’s finally found her mate,” he said with a smirk, his eyes darting to Nathan. “Maybe it’s your turn next, Nathan.”

Bobby shot Matt a bombastic side-eye, clearly annoyed. “Shut up, Matt.”

Nathan didn’t respond. He just stood there, looking pale and distant. “I... I'm not feeling well,” he finally said, his voice hollow. “I’m going to leave.”

I started to rise, intending to go with him, but Lucian’s arm tightened around me, pulling me back down. “Where do you think you’re going?” he demanded, his voice cold and possessive.

“I’m going with Nathan,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

Lucian’s fist slammed down on the table, making the plates and cutlery rattle. “You are my mate...do you hear me mine.” he growled, his eyes blazing. “And you’re not going anywhere apart from where I’m going.”

“No!” I cried, trying to pull away from him. I needed to get to Nathan, needed to escape this nightmare. But Lucian was too strong. He grabbed me again, holding me tight against his chest. His grip was unyielding, and I felt a wave of helplessness wash over me.

“Nathan!” I screamed, my voice filled with desperation. “Please, help me!”

But Nathan didn’t move. He didn’t even dare to look at me. He just turned and walked away like my cries were useless. The sight of him walking away, leaving me in Lucian’s grip, broke something inside me. I cried out again, struggling with all my might, but Lucian held me tight, his freaking large arms were like iron bands around me.

I had never felt so betrayed , so utterly powerless. The man who had saved me before, who had kissed me by the lake, who cared about me was gone. And now, I was trapped in the arms of someone who claimed me as his, someone I didn’t want, someone I didn’t love.

Lucian’s voice was in my ear, low and possessive. “You’re mine, Bella. And I’m never letting you go.”

I squeezed my eyes shut as hot tears streamed down my face as I realized the terrifying truth.