Alpha Knight's Cursed Mate

NIRVANA

"Hey. Where are you? Our flight will leave in less than an hour." The boarding area had just started checking in.

I quickly went behind the woman with a kid. I wanted to get it done soon so I could rest during the fight.

"I'm sorry, Vana." The voice from the other end of the line was somber. When he followed with a deep sigh, I knew what came next. "It's obvious I'm the only one trying."

I briefly closed my eyes. "I'm trying, Axell. That's why we're doing this."

"Not hard enough. I'm sorry if I have to do this over the phone."

"You could have answered my call, Axell. And maybe I also canceled the trip we planned for almost two months."

"You should go on this trip alone. Who knows, maybe you'll find what you're looking for and maybe shed some light on what you want in a relationship. I hope we can still be friends when you come back."

"Sure." I had to bite my tongue not to argue or call him names, but that was all I could say. What was else left to say? He broke up with me over the phone before our trip.

I stared at my phone screen when the call ended. In my other hand was my only luggage. Somehow, I felt relieved instead of wallowing in heartache.

"Next!"

I dragged my not-so-sorry self and gave my economy class ticket with a smile to the flight attendant. It was now or never. Maybe Axell was right. I badly needed this trip alone.

I slept throughout the flight. I always traveled light. I didn't need a bag of cosmetics, a suitcase of clothes, and another for shoes. It was a miracle the kid beside me wasn't grumpy.

The weather was a little humid in California. Kailin arranged a taxi to take me to the vineyards. She was my classmate and best friend, but she had to go back to be with her family to help her cousin run the winery business.

The taxi took me to her place. The massive sign of Blackwell Vineyard and Winery appeared before me while the driver seemed in a rush.

I was amazed at how vast the place was. I knew Blackwell was loaded, but Kailin never bragged about how filthy rich they were, especially her cousin, who ran the business.

The taxi stopped before the iron-wrought gate. It automatically opened, and the humongous colonial estate house stunned me. I immediately saw two big guys- McKaye, Kailin's twin, and the other was just around his age.

Kailin was already grinning.

Before I could open the door, the guy opened it from the outside.

"Vana, you made it!" Kailin engulfed me with a tight bear hug and then looked at me from head to toe. "Oh, my God! You look incredible."

"Excuse me?" I couldn't help but smile. "We Facetimed almost every day, and we last saw each other just three months ago."

"I miss you." She then looked behind me and oddly raised a brow. "Wait. You're alone?"

"Yup," I said with a pop.

I wasn't entirely disappointed, but Axell and I planned this trip for two months.

Before the takeoff, I wanted to tell Kailin I was coming alone and that Axell wasn't coming with me.

"Care to explain?"

A clearing of throat interrupted me before I could tell her about Axell.

"Where should I put this?" A male voice behind me asked.

I turned to see a guy around our age with curly dark hair.

"Take it to the room across mine. Thanks, Zander."

"Um. That wouldn't be necessary," I resisted. The least I could do was to be less of a burden since I would be staying here for free. "I can take it. It's not that heavy."

"It's okay," Zander said before he left, leaving me puzzled.

"So, you finally made it."

I smiled at McKaye as I offered my hand. "Hey, McKaye. Glad to finally be here."

"We don't do handshakes around here." He pulled me into a bear hug, just like Kailin. "My sister's friend is my friend."

"Appreciate it. And thanks for accommodating me."

He smiled, showing off the resemblance of his twin sister with their dark copper hair and chocolate brown eyes; he was born on December 31st, while Kailin was born on January 1st, making him the eldest. "Well, you should thank our boss."

"Silly. Ignore him." Kailin held my hand, dragging me away from her brother. "You must be hungry."

"See you around, Vana." McKaye waved a hand.

"See you later, McKaye." I looked at Kailin. "You must have questions, K."

"Yeah. What happened? You sounded excited last night."

"Well, Axell broke up with me over the phone while I was boarding. I knew something was off when I called and texted him, and he didn't reply or return my call, but I had no plan on canceling this trip. I wanna be here, K."

"I'm so sorry, Vana." Her voice was tender as she squeezed my hand.

"I'm fine. Maybe he got tired of waiting and my regarded excuses. I just wanted this trip to be special." I followed her inside the house, and I was pinned with pairs of eyes coming from steroid-boosted men who could snap my neck with their fingers.

"I forgot to tell you we have guys around, but don't worry. They may be big and tall, but they're harmless." Kailin stopped, glaring at least six guys in the entrance hall. "Hey, don't be rude."

"Hey," they chorused.

"Hi." I smiled politely, and they went back to their lives just like that.

"So? You're single, huh?"

"I think it's for the best. I need some time alone before I help Grandpa manage the restaurant." I followed her upstairs.

I was surprised to see many antiques, decorations, and paintings as we walked through the hallways and passed by many doors. Then, there was another sitting room with a regency interior style.

"So you will start working once you go back?"

"That's the plan." I found my suitcase before the door, which would probably be my room for a few days.

"First, come with me." She opened the room across from mine. "I'll show you the view of the vineyards."

We entered her modern aesthetic room, and she went to open the door leading to the balcony.

The gust of warm wind rushed inside. The vast vineyards were spectacular and mesmerizing. It ranged through mountains.

I could almost feel the peace and the solitude, see the beauty under the moon and stars, and feel the nocturnal air whiffing against my skin at night.

"Earth to, Vana." Kailin nudged me. "Where did you go?"

"This is striking." Before I could finish my words, a Wrangler rushed against the dust, following the motorbike that caught my attention.

"What the hell are they doing?" Kailin asked almost annoyingly.

The man driving the motorbike wasn't even wearing a helmet. He didn't even slow down as he got closer, and so did the Wrangler.

"You've got to be kidding me!" Kailin yelled behind me as we watched the man do a sharp brake and get off of his bike before it landed on the ground.

A man who was ridiculously tall with broad shoulders and tousled dark hair. His thick dark brows met together as if he was pissed off with something. His sharp jaw looked like it hadn't been acquainted with a razor for days.

The man growled as the guys from the Wrangler jumped off. He was only wearing a white t-shirt with bloodstains and carelessly worn blue denim jeans and combat boots, yet somehow, he made it look expensive.

A pair of dark glasses hid his eyes, though, making me wonder if they were blue, green, or gray.

The two college boys argued over something about fights.

"Knock it off!" The hot-as-hell grunted, scaring the college boys. His voice was deep and husky, crackling something like electricity ran down my spine.

The college boys shut up, one with a bloodstain on his shirt. They must be identical twins.

"Who's the hot biker dude?" I couldn't just help it. I had to ask.

Kailin only chuckled beside me.

I turned to face her, my cheeks burning. "Oh, shit. Your boyfriend? I don't know you're dating."

Crap.

"What?" Her eyes narrowed before crunching her nose. "Ew. Yuck. Gross. That's my cousin."

"Oh." My lips formed an O shape before pressing them together.

"Yeah. Meet my cousin, Knight Blackwell, who runs the Blackwell Vineyards and Winery, the CEO."

"Oh." I could only smile.

"Oh? Really? And why are you smiling?" Her eyes narrowed further, but she was not offended. She was more likely making fun of me.

"Nothing." I shook my head and laughed.

Kailin laughed with me as well. "Don't get fooled. I love him with all my heart, and he's straight as an arrow, but he doesn't do relationships, doesn't mix business with pleasure either, and his mere goal is getting rich. Don't say I didn't warn you."

"I wasn't thinking like that." Liar.

We laughed out loud until I felt something was watching me- or someone. I turned and looked down. The big hot biker dude pulled his sunglasses up, and his gaze was electrifying- forest green eyes, staring right back at me.

I was sure my heart was beating so hard as I stood there in silence. A strange and unfamiliar feeling- a combination of excitement, tension, and heat began creeping up my neck.

And he just suddenly turned into a mighty lion with a disapproving glare, and something changed in his eyes, almost glowing. It radiated a dangerous intensity or was just a reflection from the sunray before muttering something under his breath.

Flustered, I felt appalled as he began stepping back. Without a word, he picked up his bike, cranked it, and hurried on his merry way, leaving nothing but dust behind.

KNIGHT

"What the fuck did you two do?" I blew out a hard breath. I was having a conference call when my third-in-command, Luka, used the link to inform me of these twins' brawl with the biker's son, Travis.

They lowered their gazes, showing their respect for my rank. They both had busted faces and knuckles. They could have handled Cadogan's son if they weren't afraid of exposing us.

"Don't." I cut off quickly when they both opened their mouths. "I don't wanna hear excuses. And this is your last warning. Do you hear me?"

"Yes, Alpha," they chorused in submission.

"I was in the middle of an important call, and here you two are trying to prove to be men when you both are just pups. And now I have to deal with Cadogan." I looked at Maddox and Fabian. "That these two idiots are out of their minds."

"It won't happen again, Alpha," North, the youngest, said.

"It's Travis's fault, Alpha." Of course, West had to make an excuse for himself.

"I don't wanna hear it, West." I pointed at him. My anger still kept boiling. I grabbed him by his front shirt and made sure he looked me in the eye. "If you want to blow some steam, come to me, and I will show you. Do you understand me?"

"Y-yes, Alpha." He nodded quickly. "I'm so sorry, Alpha."

"I don't care if you apologize. The damage has been done."

And then he coughed, blood spattering on my white shirt. The guys gasped as they saw the bloodstain.

"What the fuck?" I let him go.

"I have a loose tooth."

"Unbelievable." I shook my head in dissatisfaction.

My phone chimed. The message came from McKaye, my cousin, that his twin's best friend just arrived at the house. As an alpha, I had to welcome our guests, especially those at the pack house.

"See the pack doctor, or I will be the one to pull that tooth off your mouth." I went on my bike.

I loved this baby that had been mine for two years. I could afford sports cars, but it wasn't my thing. Besides, I needed to run the winery business and invest till I grew old so the next generation had trust funds to continue the Blackwell legacy.

Being werewolves, we lived longer than normal humans. We needed to save for future generations. In my case, I also ran a pack.

We arrived at the house, and the twins quickly argued, blaming each other when it was all their fault and why they always got into trouble.

"Knock it off!" I was still pissed at them.

It was easy to please Cadogan. All I had to do was give him a few bottles of wine, and I didn't want to have bad blood with bikers.

We may be stronger than them, but they could play dirty. And I also wanted human allies. Besides, they couldn't open their mouths that we were werewolves if they found out our secrets.

I just heard someone say from the house. A voice so buttery, soft, and sweet, and a smooth touch of bourbon vanilla with a human scent, and something more lingered in the air. A fizz of citrus atop a floral jasmine and rose after the rain with a warmth of Amber and Sandalwood yielded an incredibly sensual sillage.

Then I heard her laugh, her voice so rich and free, almost catching me off guard.

And I hated surprises.

I was always ready for anything, but not this time.

My heart nearly busted in my chest because I instantly knew what was happening.

I took off my sunglasses and lifted my gaze.

"Mine." My wolf purred in delight, claiming what was rightfully and fated for him.

It should take me to the moon that she was stunning- so goddamn beautiful, and those incredibly innocent eyes were staring back at mine.

This was not happening.

Alpha Califf's words were a punch to my gut, but a human and distractions were the last thing I wanted in my life right now. No matter how gorgeous she was, she was also human. And I had priorities. She was not on the list. My eyes just glowed. I felt it.

"Fuck. Shit." I stepped back and grabbed my bike on the ground, dashing away.

I arrived at my house. I quickly took off my shirt and went to shower. Her eyes still lingered in my brain. My wolf just purred in agreement.

Kailin's voice came through the link. I shut her off, but I knew her. She was stubborn and persistent.

A moment later, a loud bang knocked on my door. She had a key to my house, and so did her twin.

"Knight, I know you're in there. Get the hell out. I need to talk to you."

I shook my head and wrapped the towel around my waist. I put boxers on before I went to the door.

"What the hell, Knight?" Her face flushed with anger, eyes narrowing at me.

"Be careful, Kailin." It was a simple warning, but she received the message instantly.

She scoffed, rolling her eyes at me. "Of course. You're using the alpha tone on me."

"Why are you here? I've wasted enough time today." I went to my walk-in closet and picked up a new shirt and a pair of jeans.

"Why did you suddenly leave? I wanted to introduce you to my best friend?"

"It can wait. I have important matters at hand."

"Of course. You don't have time for me but for your business and whores."

Growling, I went to her. "Watch your tone, Kailin."

"I know everyone is depending on you. You're a good alpha, but you need to slow down. Running a business and a pack is not a sprint. You need to pace yourself. Why are you so grumpy anyway?" She followed me out of my room towards my kitchen. "What's going on?"

"The twins."

"It's not new. What did they do this time?"

"Travis and the bikers beat them. Tell Mac to send some wine to Cadogan. I don't want troubles with them." I grabbed a bottle of water.

"Noted." Kailin took some loaves of bread and cold cuts to make me a sandwich. "Make sure to be at the pack house at dinner?"

"I'll try." My answer got a glare from her.

"What's wrong with you? It's a common courtesy to show up and welcome a guest, Knight, as an alpha, the boss, and the owner of these vineyards. Of all people, you know that. I want you to meet Nirvana."

"Nirvana." Her name rolled on my tongue.

"Yeah. My classmate. I shared an apartment with her, remember?"

I shook my head. I didn't pay much attention to the people around her because I knew McKaye kept an eye on his sister.

"You're such a jerk. She lives in New York. Her grandpa owns a restaurant, and she plans on helping him once she gets back, so I only have a week with her. And before you ask, she just broke up with her boyfriend."

A boyfriend. My wolf, being an ass he was, he growled.

"Why does it matter?"

"She just called you a hot biker dude." She smiled before placing a sandwich on the plate and gave it to me. She made one for herself, too.

My heartbeat spiked- a sign that I should stay away from her as far as possible.

"I don't give a shit. I will be there and say hi because I'm doing it for you." I took a bite of the sandwich. Her gaze was still burning into me.

"Well, I do. I want you to be nice. She's human, so don't show up grumpy."

"I know the drill. You don't have to remind me."

"Oh, I have to. Because sometimes, you forget you're human, too, and know decorum. Sometimes you act like an alien, Knight Orion."

"Just eat and leave. I have work to do."

"Jeez. Just work, work, work." She began eating her sandwich. "I'm sure Mac has already informed everyone that we have a human guest. They can't just shift around and walk naked."

"Yeah. I don't wanna repeat what happened to Carter." Carter Wade was the deputy sheriff in town who witnessed one of my pack members shift. It was difficult for him, but he kept our secrets secret, and I was grateful.

"Anyway, I informed Vana beforehand that you don't do relationships."

I met her in the eye and glared. "What do you hope to achieve, Kailin?"

"She may have a crush on you, but she's off limits. You can't swing your dick on my best friend. Do you understand me?" She poked her finger at my chest.

"I don't like your friend. She's not my type. And you don't have to tell me. I won't sleep with my sister's best friend." Lie and lie and more lies.

"Good." She grinned and wrapped her arms around me. "That's why you're my favorite cousin."

"Lucky me." I scoffed. "You only have one cousin, brat."

"See you then." She looked at my face as if inspecting me. "Maybe you should shave or trim."

"No."

"Up to you, biker boy."

"Get out of my house and stroll around with your pretty little human best friend. You have the entire vineyards at your disposal."

"I got to go and see my beautiful best friend." She finally walked away, swaying to piss me off. "I think I should set her up with Kaleb."

Fuck.

NIRVANA

"I look ridiculous." I glanced at my reflection in the mirror.

I chose the square softline neck black midi dress since I didn't have many to choose from. Kailin offered her closet to me, but I bothered her enough.

"Yeah. You look ridiculously hot." So was she, in her velvet teal midi dress. Kailin had an athletic body. She preferred going to the gym and heavy lifting to my Pilates.

"So, you're not dating anyone?"

"I told you. My family is traditional when it comes to marriage. So why bother dating if I can't be with him forever."

"You dated in college." I recoated my lips and pressed them together.

"Because I was bored, and I needed dicks."

That cracked me up. "Really? So these bunch of dicks are off limits?"

"Lower your voice. They can hear you," she whispered but still smiling.

"Noted. They have superpowers." I snorted and picked up my phone to check some messages. I got one from Grandpa but nothing from Axell. What was I expecting? We were over. I was not even sure if we could be friends.

Axell was a coward. He could have just told me before I went to the airport, like everyone else would. Instead, he chose the easy way out.

"What are you thinking?"

"My ex."

"Don't waste your breath. Axell doesn't deserve you." She offered her hand. "Let's go before my cousin sends a cavalry to drag us downstairs."

"Your cousin is weird," I told her honestly, yet she didn't look offended as I grabbed her hand.

"Yeah. He's a good guy, but I don't know why he acted like he forgot his pies in the oven."

I laughed softly as we headed downstairs. "Maybe he really had pies waiting for him."

"I told you. He's not a commitment type of guy, and I never saw him bring women into the vineyards."

"I bet he hooks up a lot." I instantly heard chats and murmurs. I wasn't expecting to see a lot of people. I thought it was just a family dinner with me as a guest.

"Well, he's a guy with needs."

I felt a sudden jolt in my chest. "He's loaded and hot, and he can have any women he wants."

"Exactly."

The chatting stopped. The house went silent, except for my own heartbeat. My pulse quickened, and heat spread from my neck to my chest when I saw everyone's eyes on me. Most were guys in shirts and pants. They all cleaned up well.

"Hi. You must be Nirvana." The man in his early thirties with tan skin came. He looked like he was important around here, wearing a light blue suit without a tie.

I shook the hand he offered. "You can call me Vana."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Kaleb with K."

I smiled. "Nice to meet you, too. Well, Nirvana, like Kurt Cobain, Nirvana."

"How do you find the Blackwell Vineyards so far?"

"I have yet to take her on a tour around the property. All we did was stay in my room all day, but we will do it tomorrow," said Kailin.

"You won't regret it. It's pretty nice down here. It's not the same weather in New York, but if you love vines and wines, you came to the right place. How long are you planning to stay? I hope for a few weeks."

"She will come more often, Kaleb. Trust me." My best friend patted my back.

"You guys love K, huh? Do you like Keeping Up with the Kardashians?"

Kaleb chuckled. "I prefer Desperate Housewives."

"Is Knight here?" asked Kailin.

"He's on his way." Kaleb took two glasses of wine and gave one to me.

Kailin was already sipping hers. "Try our Merlot. You're going to love it. I know you like fruits."

I swirled the dark liquid in the wine glass and took in the rich, fruity flavor before I took a sip. The blackberries, cherries, and red plums flooded my tongue with the hint of vanilla and spice aroma of tobacco, a lingering finish of chocolatey taste.

"Amazing. Three years old?"

"Yes."

"I just turned twenty-one, but I used to steal my grandpa's leftover wine. I learned a few things. And I really like the dryness and spiciness of it."

"You have a good taste, Vana."

"This is just so good." I raised the glass at an eye level so I could see the red liquid.

"Knight just arrived. Let's go to the dining room," Kailin informed excitedly.

I suddenly felt nervous, which I never felt before. I was the type of person who went with the flow, but right now, I wanted to go back to the room and just drink wine there until I passed out.

The dining room was surprisingly big and elegant, with a long, lengthy table, and the dark red velvety curtains were drawn to the sides. The crystal chandelier hanging low from the ceiling and interesting pieces of antique wood sculptures, particularly a wolf's head, caught my attention.

Then, the room went silent. The man of the hour walked in, drawing all the attention to him. What was with this guy that caught all my attention and my senses alerted?

Knight Blackwell was only in a formal white shirt, sleeves rolled over his elbows, showing off those huge muscles and veins. He matched it with dark pants but clearly knew he could pull it off effortlessly.

He was massive and taller up-closed, and he looked unbelievably attractive, not to mention his neat quiff cinnamon brown hair, full lips, straight nose, and the dark stubble covering his hard jawline made him look like he was ready to seal the billion-dollar deal for tonight.

I couldn't call myself petite with my height of five foot and seven inches, but he made me look dainty before him.

"Nirvana." His expressive green eyes met mine. His voice was pleasing with a husky rumble that he didn't want anyone to hear. He somehow didn't look pissed off than this morning, but he wasn't happy either.

A gasp escaped from my throat. My cheeks burned, realizing he was already standing before me. He was close enough that I could see the flecks of light green in his dark forest-green irises. And he just caught me checking him out.

"Just Vana." I offered my hand even if he didn't. I cleared my throat when it somehow dried up. "Nice to finally meet you, Mr. Blackwell."

He pulled out a hand from his pocket and shook my hand firmly and briefly as if he could get cold or get electrocuted when he held my hand a little longer. I still felt the jolt of electricity in that evanescent moment.

I heard a chuckle, and it definitely came from Kailin.

Disappointed filled my chest. I didn't know why. I didn't know this guy, but I felt strange feelings when he was around.

"Knight is fine. Welcome to my humble home."

"Thank you. Knight."

"Kaleb." That was all. He left and went to the head of the dining table.

Kailin and I followed. The guys began occupying the chairs. I sat beside Kailin before the big bad wolf while my heart was still hammering.

I couldn't help but steal glances at him and everyone around who wasn't properly introduced besides McKaye, Zander, and Kaleb. The rest were still strangers to me.

The dinner was served with a five-course menu.

"I'm Luka," said the late twenties guy with darker skin sitting next to my left.

"Vana." I smiled at him.

"How do you like the vineyards so far?"

"I haven't been to the vineyards, but I'm excited to see the harvesting, processing, and the tasting room."

"I can tour you around," said the dirty blond college boy from this morning.

"Oh. I saw you this morning," said the college boy, who had a bloody shirt but didn't look hurt or have bruises on his face anymore.

"I'm West. The handsome of the twins."

Just a clearing of the throat from Knight felt like a command, silencing everyone.

"We have guests coming over in two days for the tasting. Sometimes we're short of staff. You can join us and get a commission for every bottle you can sell." The woman with straight brown hair smiled.

"That sounds fun. Count me in," I replied excitedly.

"That's Heartley," Kailin introduced her to me. "She's the daughter of our family doctor, Dr. Duncan Shaw."

"I sent the bottle you asked to Cadogan," McKaye told Knight, who seemed bored in his chair.

"Thank you, Mac."

"I received another email from Califf. The distributors like the Cabernet more. That's the bestsellers, Alpha."

"Alpha?" I turned to McKaye.

There was a long silence in the dining room before Knight replied, "They call me alpha because I boss them around. I got the name in college." It suited him.

"I see. Mind if I ask how did you get into the winery business?" I particularly asked Knight, but the dining room went eerily silent again, without a breath or a single sound from the cutlery. "Sorry. I should have gone to the internet and checked the website."

"This has been a family business for three generations. My grandfather started only ten hectares of vineyard. He only sold his Cabernet in the farmer's market until a rich buyer tasted his wine. The man offered my grandfather a partnership, but he refused. It wasn't easy. It took years and years of blood and sweat before the Blackwell Winery came to the local and state markets."

"That's beautiful and inspiring." I smiled warmly. Something deep within my chest lightened up.

"How about you? What's your story?" Kaleb asked.

"My grandpa owns a small restaurant. Some rich men offered to buy it, particularly the place, but Grandpa refused because of his loyal customers. He said this may mean nothing to them, but for me, this is my life. I sent you to school because of this restaurant, and I will keep this running until the day I die."

"Wow. He sounds like a good man," Heartley said.

"He is," Kailin affirmed.

"Where are your folks from?" Heartley was a sweetheart. She sipped his wine.

"I grew up in the city, but my mother's side is from Portland."

"What about your parents?"

I looked at Kaleb. It still hurt a lot, no matter how many years had passed after losing both parents. "They died in a car crash."

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Vana." His hand came to my wrist, squeezing a little, but it was gone in an instant as if I burned him until my gaze met with the big bad biker's green eyes.