Crowned And Cursed.

Mine!

It had been two days since Nathan and I shared that kiss by the lake. Things had been surprisingly smooth between us, and though I didn’t feel particularly attached or in love with him, I couldn’t deny that being around him felt… comfortable. Still, there was something missing, something I couldn’t quite put my finger on.

Later that day, I overheard Nathan talking to Billy and Bobby. Apparently, some Alpha from a small pack owed this Lucian guy money, and the debt was long overdue.

“We need to go collect it,” Nathan said, his tone serious.

I didn’t have much to do, and the thought of staying behind while they went off on some mission didn’t sit well with me. “I’m coming with you,” I said, standing up.

Nathan turned to me, eyebrows raised. “No, you’re not. It’s dangerous, and I’m not risking your safety.”

I crossed my arms, refusing to back down. “I’m not doing anything here anyway. Besides, I can take care of myself.”

Nathan looked at me for a long moment before finally sighing. “Fine, but you do exactly as I say. No arguments.”

We headed outside to a sleek, black Porsche parked in the driveway. It looked like one of the latest model, with sharp lines and a glossy finish that screamed luxury. The tinted windows added an element of mystery, and the low, growling hum of the engine sent a thrill down my spine, Awesome sauce.

Nathan opened the door for me, and I slipped inside, sinking into the plush leather seats. The interior was just as impressive as the exterior, with a state-of-the-art dashboard, touchscreen controls, and a steering wheel that looked like it belonged in a race car.

As we drove off, Nathan kept his focus on the road, occasionally glancing at me as if to make sure I was still there.

“we are almost there,” Nathan said, his voice breaking the silence.

Billy and Bobby, who were sitting in the back, immediately started bickering about silly petty issues.

“You always hog the armrest!” Billy complained.

“That’s because you are clumsy and always leave it up,” Bobby shot back.

“ Fine Mr Robert the perfect,” Billy said with a smirk.

I turned to Bobby, curious. “Robert ? wait Bobby isnt your real name?”

Bobby hesitated, then sighed. “No, it’s not. My real name’s Robert. But Nathan’s always called me Bobby, ever since we were kids.”

I tilted my head, intrigued. “Why does Nathan call you Bobby?”

Bobby’s expression softened, and he glanced at Nathan, who was still focused on driving. “When I was younger, I had a pretty rough time. My family wasn’t exactly the best, and I ended up on the streets for a while. Nathan found me, took me in, and treated me like a little brother. He started calling me Robby , but it sounded a bit like ruby , hence Bobby, and it just stuck. He’s always been there for me, like an older brother I never had.”

His words touched me deeply I wish I had someone like that. It was clear that Nathan meant a lot to Bobby, more than just a friend or packmate. It made me see Nathan in a different light, one that was softer, more caring.

Soon, we arrived at our destination, a large, somewhat rundown building that looked like it had seen better days. Nathan pulled over and turned to us, his demeanor shifting to something more serious, more dangerous.

“Stay in the car until I signal,” he instructed.

Billy and Bobby nodded, their playful banter gone. They were all business now, their faces hard and focused. I watched as Nathan got out of the car, his posture tense, ready for anything. He approached the building and disappeared inside.

As we waited, I could feel the change in the atmosphere and I couldn’t help but feel a little nervous. Billy and Bobby were silent, with their eyes steadily fixed on the entrance. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Nathan emerged and signaled us to follow.

The moment we stepped out of the car, Billy and Bobby completely transformed from the sweet, playful guys I’d come to know into intimidating, no-nonsense enforcers. I tried to act tough and blend in , but they were quick on their feet,I ended up walking like a penguin

Inside, we were met by an old pack leader, a grizzled man with a weathered wrinkled face. He looked at us , his eyes possessed fear and defiance.

“I told you already I don't....don’t have the money,” he said, his voice trembling slightly.

For a person who claimed not to have money, he looked like he lived a lavish soft life. I looked around the room, taking in the lavish furnishings, the expensive artwork on the walls. It was clear this man wasn’t lacking in wealth. He just didn’t want to pay.

Nathan’s eyes darkened, and I saw a side of him I hadn’t seen before. His usual calm, composed self was replaced by something fierce, almost feral and dangerous and I loved every bit of it.He stepped forward, towering over the old man. “You don’t have the money?” Nathan’s voice was low, dangerous. “It sure doesn’t look like you’re struggling.”

The old man stammered, trying to come up with an excuse, but Nathan wasn’t having any of it. He grabbed the man by the collar and lifted him off the ground with ease, his strength undeniable. “Where’s the money?” Nathan growled, his voice sending a shiver down my spine.

I couldn’t help but feel some kind of admiration, maybe even attraction, as I watched Nathan in action. There was something intoxicating about seeing him like this, powerful and in control.

The old man, clearly terrified, finally broke down and confessed. “It’s in the safe! In the back room! The code is 13006 , please, just take it and leave me alone!”

Nathan dropped him to the floor and motioned for Billy and Bobby to collect the money. They moved quickly, efficiently, as if they’d done this a thousand times before.

“ It was nice doing business with you,” Bill remarked with a small salute. Just as we were about to leave, I felt a sudden sharp pain against my throat.

A man had grabbed me from behind, pressing a knife to my skin. “You’re not leaving with that money,” he hissed and two more men appeared.

“Billy , do you know what time it is? ”

Billy rubbed his hands together chuckling, “ ohhh yes...It's time to rumble.”

Everything happened so fast. One moment, I was struggling against the man’s grip, and the next, Nathan was on him like a beast unleashed. The two of them fought fiercely, exchanging blows with brutal efficiency. Nathan took a few hits, and I saw blood stain his shirt, but he didn’t falter. With a final, devastating punch, Nathan sent the man crashing to the ground.

I stood there, stunned, as Nathan wiped the blood from his lip and turned to me. “Are you okay?” he asked, his voice softening as he looked at me.

That was a turn on, I nodded, my heart still racing from the adrenaline. “Thank you,” I whispered, my voice shaky.

Nathan’s eyes searched mine, and for a moment, I saw something there, something raw and real. “I won’t let anything happen to you,” he said firmly.

His words warmed me in a way I wasn’t expecting, and I found myself leaning into his touch as he gently brushed a strand of hair from my face.

“ Oh no , look you're bleeding.” I pointed at his arm that had a slight small cut. Without thinking twice I ripped a part of my clothing and wrapped it around his wound. I could feel him staring at me but I didn't dare to look at him.

“Let's go,” he called out to Bill and Bob who were carried away , enjoying kicking some ass.

On the way back, Nathan mentioned that there would be a small get-together that night hosted by Lucian. “You’ll finally get to meet Lucian,” he said, glancing at me.

I wasn’t sure how I felt about that. Nathan said his name with so much respect and honor which could mean he was the alpha or someone important.and from what I’d heard, he was someone not to be trifled with. But there was no point in worrying about it now. I had more immediate concerns—like what I was going to wear.

That night Allison and Sara, were more than happy to help me get ready. They picked out a stunning blue dress for me, the kind that hugged the litter curves I had in all the right places. A touch of makeup and a pair of heels completed the look. I barely recognized myself in the mirror.

When I walked downstairs, Nathan was waiting for me, and I could feel his eyes on me, taking in every detail. He couldn’t stop looking at me, and it made me blush under his intense gaze.

“You look very beautiful,” he said, his voice low and husky.

“Thank you,” I replied, feeling a flutter in my chest.

We drove to the restaurant, when we arrived, we were shown to a private table, and the others joined us soon after. The conversation flowed easily, and the food was delicious—rich, flavorful dishes that I savored with every bite.

Nathan excused himself at one point to take a phone call. I took a sip of my drink, enjoying the slight buzz it gave me, when suddenly, a voice behind me made my heart stop.

“Mate! Mine.”

I turned around slowly, my breath catching in my throat. A man stood there, his eyes locked on mine with an intensity that made my skin prickle.The word ‘mine’ echoed in my mind, sending a jolt of fear and excitement through me.

What the hell was happening?