Chapter 3 His Kidnapped Bride

Steven's POV

A rumor spread that I was looking for my bride. It wasn't true. However, I knew why such words scattered around the Packs, which caused terror for everyone.

It was because the Alpha of Blood Rose Pack, Zean, announced that he wanted to give me a bride as a gift for guarding the borderline of his Pack – Something that I would never dare to have.

Why should I ever dare to take a bride?

My cursed soul brings nothing but death and despair.

My friends, they all perished, for they thought my curse was naught but a lie.

'I am but a lonely rogue, doomed to wander this world alone.'

If it weren't for the dying words of Zean's father, I'd have left the Blood Rose pack long ago. But here I am, wandering these desolate woods, haunted by the memory of his plea.

["Protect my son, Zean. Protect him and the Blood Rose Pack."]

I can't shake the weight of those words. They cling to me like a shroud, a constant reminder of my duty.

With a determined clench of my fists, I admonished myself to cast aside any frivolous musings and concentrate on the purpose of my journey to the Alpha's house.

'As a werewolf, I am bound by an unbreakable code of honor - promises made must be kept, vows must be fulfilled,' these words echoed in my mind like a powerful incantation, propelling me forward until I stood before the Alpha's doorstep.

As I entered the room, my gaze fell upon the Alpha of the Blood Rose Pack, seated regally on the sofa. Our eyes locked momentarily, but I quickly averted my gaze in deference.

"Greetings to the Alpha of the Blood Rose," I said, dropping to one knee and crossing my arm over my chest.

"Steven, my dear friend, there's no need for such formalities," Zean replied, permitting me to rise. I stood, meeting his gaze once more.

Zean, the Alpha of the Blood Rose Pack, exudes a welcoming aura and speaks with a soothing tone. He is the offspring of Leon and the individual entrusted to my care.

"I came here to report on the security situation around the border. Three rogues attempted to enter the territory, but I handled them. You don't have to worry. The pack is secure," I informed.

A heavy silence permeated the room, broken only by Zean's footsteps as he rose from his seat.

He approached me with purpose, stopping directly in front of me.

"Your reports are consistently concise and to the point," he remarked hushedly. "Yet the message remains clear. You handled the situation with skill and efficiency."

Zean's eyes flicker, but I can't tell what he's thinking. Why does he seem annoyed even though I gave him the good news? His eyes remind me of Leon's; he always looks like he's hiding something.

'But I hope it's just because of my curse.'

"Steven, your performance was exceptional, as always. The pack is indebted to you," Zean stated with a smile.

"I am merely fulfilling my duties," I responded. "Furthermore, your generosity in allowing a rogue like me to remain around the borderline of your pack is enough for me to feel indebted."

"If only you don't have a curse that can kill everyone near you, I might let you come in and out as many as you like, Steven."

My heart shattered into a million pieces. A heavy weight of exhaustion consumed me, draining every ounce of my being as I reminisced about my friends who died due to my curse. Yet, I held back the tears. I convinced myself that I had no right to weep for their demise.

"Alpha Zean," I said, looking back into his eyes again. "There's also one reason why I visited you."

"And that is?"

"I heard that you asked your wolf soldiers to find my mate. I begged you to stop the search. I don't want to get married; moreover, meet my mate."

"Is that so?" he inquired, feigning ignorance about why my curse prevented me from meeting my mate. "Well, well. What's to be done? I've just received word that your mate has been delivered to your cabin."

My eyes grew bigger, and my heart skipped a beat.

"Zean!" I exclaimed, my voice louder than usual.

I was infuriated that he had taken such a reckless action without seeking my permission.

"Why did you do that? That wolf's life is in danger if she remains with me!"

Despite knowing about my curse, he had brought her into my cabin.

"I don't give a damn about that girl," Zean spat, making my blood boil. "All I care about is you, Steven. You've been wallowing in self-pity for years. It's pathetic to be alone."

My fists clenched and unclenched behind my back.

How dare he act like my feelings don't matter? If this isn't Zean, I swear I'll unleash my fury on whoever stands before me.

"Now, return to your cabin, as your mate may feel scared if she wakes up alone," advised Zean.

I didn't require Zean's reminder, as I knew the situation.

Upon hearing his unexpected news, I promptly returned to my cabin without even bidding farewell to the Alpha.

My priority was to reassure my mate and alleviate any concerns she may have had.

Without delay, I sprinted through the dense forest and arrived at my cabin in no time.

As I stood before the entrance, a tantalizing aroma of sweetness and pungency wafted into my nostrils, causing me to wrinkle my nose in delight.

Could this be the unmistakable fragrance of my mate?

Filled with a mixture of sadness and disappointment, I walked inside. As I approached the bedroom, the smell intensified.

Creak.

With a spine-tingling creak, the ancient door slowly swung open, revealing a mysterious and shadowy room illuminated only by the moon's soft glow.

And there, lying on my bed, was a delicate and ethereal woman with long, flowing locks of silver hair cascading around her like a shimmering waterfall.

Her skin was as pale as the moon itself, and her frail form seemed as though it could be shattered with the slightest touch.

As I gazed upon her, my mind went completely silent, as if someone had hit the mute button on my thoughts.

She was a vision of otherworldly beauty, but her body was too thin.

By the light of the moon, I could see the marks of brutality etched into her skin.

'What kind of pack could have treated her like that?'

My wolf, Yel, growled in anger, but I couldn't help but feel a twinge of pity for this poor woman.

As I approached her, I was struck by her stunning beauty. But alas, my heart knew the bitter truth.

"She wasn't my mate."

The excitement Yel and I felt was fleeting, leaving me utterly disappointed.

But then, as if fate had a twisted sense of humor, I found myself standing before a stunning girl who had no connection to my wolf.

I tried to convince myself that I wouldn't feel anything, but as she moved, my nerves were on edge. And when her eyelids fluttered open, my heart raced with anticipation.

"Hmmm!"

With a groan, she sat up, wincing in pain.

Her eyes scanned the room, trying to make sense of her surroundings.

Suddenly, she locked eyes with me and recoiled, hugging herself in a defensive stance. Her emerald eyes widened in fear, and her parched lips parted in confusion.

"W-Who are you? W-Where am I?" she stammered, her face contorting with worry.

As the only person in the room, I stepped forward and introduced myself.

"My name is Steven," I said, hoping to ease her anxiety. "And you're in the borderline of Blood Rose Pack."

With a flicker of recognition, her face strained even more.

"S-Steven?" she asked. "You mean... you are the CURSED ROGUE!"