The Alpha's Curse, The Mafia's Queen

Selena's POV

I walked through the forest path with a bundle of rope resting lightly in my hands as I made my way toward the training ground. The morning air was cool against my skin, and the distant sounds of movement echoed through the trees, letting me know that the pack had already gathered. By the time I reached the clearing, a small smile had already formed on my face.

The training ground was full of life. Young wolves my age stood in scattered groups across the open space, stretching their limbs, laughing quietly, and preparing for the morning run. The sight always made something inside me soften. For a short moment, I allowed myself to believe that I belonged here, even if I knew that was not entirely true.

I adjusted the rope in my hands and stepped forward, preparing to join them, when a voice stopped me.

"Selena Aria." I froze immediately. Because it was my full name. And in the pack only elders knew my full name.

Slowly, I turned around.

A man was standing a short distance away, leaning his back against a large tree. The branches above him filtered the moonlight in a way that framed his face clearly, even though the forest was still bright with early morning light.

He was one of the pack warriors responsible for training young wolves. His posture was relaxed, but there was something about the way he stood that made it clear he carried authority without needing to prove it.

I blinked at him. "Yes?"

"What are you trying to do?" he asked me.

I opened my mouth to respond, but he raised his hand slightly before I could speak.

"I know," he said calmly. "I am just asking."

Then he pushed himself away from the tree and walked toward me.

Each step he took was steady and unhurried, as though he had all the time in the world. When he reached me, he tapped my shoulder lightly and smiled.

"I can see you are eager to run," he said. "So what is your aim in today's training?"

A small smile returned to my face without me even thinking about it. "I will be the fastest runner today," I replied honestly.

A quiet chuckle left him, soft but amused.

"I believe you," he said. "From your expression, I can already tell you were planning your victory."

For a moment, I felt something warm settle in my chest. It was rare for anyone in the pack to speak to me without distance or judgment. Then his tone changed.

"But you cannot join them."

My smile disappeared instantly.

I looked around quickly, wondering if he was speaking to someone else, but there was no one behind me.

"Me?" I asked in confusion. "I am not late."

He nodded once. "I know."

My confusion deepened.

"But today's training is not about running," he continued. "It is about preparing those who will defend this pack in the future war. It's about training those with wolves."

Without waiting for my response, he walked past me toward the gathering of young wolves.

I turned slowly and watched him.

As he spoke to them, some of the wolves stretched their bodies while others cracked their necks and fingers in preparation for training. Their focus was sharp, serious, and completely different from the playful energy I had walked into earlier.

I remained where I was, still holding the rope in my hands, unsure of what to do with the sudden change in atmosphere.

Then I heard footsteps behind me.

"Selena!"

I turned immediately.

Nyra was running toward me with three other children close behind her. Her face was bright with excitement, and the moment I saw her, my expression softened without effort.

A genuine smile returned to my lips.

Nyra grabbed my hand as soon as she reached me. "You promised you would tell us a story today," she said breathlessly.

Before I could answer, she was already pulling me away from the training ground.

I hesitated for a moment and glanced back.

The warrior was still there, speaking to the young wolves. As if sensing it, he lifted his gaze and looked directly at me across the clearing. And for a brief moment, our eyes met.

I did not understand why, but I felt something shift inside me. Then Nyra tugged my hand again, breaking the moment.

"Come on," she insisted.

I exhaled softly and allowed myself to be led away.

Together with the children, I walked toward the part of the forest where the pack had already set up a fire to keep the younger wolves warm after training.

Selena's POV

The fire crackled softly in the center of the clearing, its flames dancing under the open night sky of the Silver Pack. Tiny sparks drifted upward like restless stars, disappearing into the darkness above.

The children sat in a circle around me, their small faces glowing in the warm orange light, their eyes wide with excitement.

I lowered my voice, watching them lean closer.

"And then," I whispered, "the white wolf leaped across the river and saved the entire pack from the shadow hunters."

A chorus of gasps filled the air.

One little boy crawled closer, his eyes shining.

"Was she scared?"

A soft smile touched my lips.

"Even the strongest wolves feel fear," I said gently. "But courage means protecting others even when you're afraid."

Another child frowned thoughtfully.

"But don't packs have Alphas?" he asked. "Why did the white wolf save them? Where was the Alpha?"

I rested my chin on my hand, pretending to think as the others nodded in agreement.

"Of course the pack had an Alpha," I said. "But in this story, the white wolf was both the Alpha and the Luna."

Confusion spread across their faces.

"How?" they asked together.

I chuckled softly.

"Because she was special. She was a hybrid, stronger than two Alphas combined."

The clearing instantly filled with excited chatter.

"I'm going to be the white wolf one day!" one girl declared.

"No, I will!" another argued.

The boys joined in loudly.

"We can be the white wolf too!"

Their laughter and arguments echoed into the night until I clapped my hands.

"Alright, alright! Quiet down."

Slowly, the noise faded.

After a moment, Nyra raised her small hand.

She had been quiet the entire time, her wide eyes filled with wonder. She had been my favorite since the day she was born.

"Yes, Nyra?" I asked softly.

"I have a question," she said shyly.

"Only one," I teased.

She nodded quickly.

"You said the white wolf is stronger than two Alphas, so how can I become a white wolf?"

My expression softened.

"Oh, Nyra," I said gently, "white wolves are very rare. Only the Moon can bless someone with that power.

Her shoulders dropped slightly.

"But," I added quickly, "you can still become the strongest wolf in the Silver Pack if you train hard."

Her eyes lit up again, determination shining in them.

"Good," I said, standing. "Now it's late. Go home before your parents start worrying."

The children groaned but obeyed.

"Thank you, Selena!" they called before running off toward the pack house.

Nyra lingered. Then she ran back and hugged my leg tightly.

I bent down, gently ruffling her hair.

"I want to be the white wolf of the Silver Pack," she whispered.

"You will," I said softly. "If the Moon chooses you. But I know you'll be strong."

She smiled brightly and ran after the others.

Soon, the clearing fell silent again. Only the fire remained, crackling softly beside me.

"Great story."

I jumped and turned. Isadora stood near the trees at the edge of the clearing.

"Oh my God, Isadora, you scared me."

She smiled faintly. "Sorry. I didn't mean to."

Moonlight washed over her pale skin, making her glow faintly. Her long black hair fell like silk over her shoulders, and her icy blue eyes held an unnatural shine.

She looked almost otherworldly.

"Have you been there the whole time?" I asked.

"Of course," she said casually. "I wanted to hear the ending."

I groaned. "You're unbelievable."

She laughed softly. "It's late. Let's go before the patrol starts asking questions."

We walked back to my small house at the edge of the pack. The night air was cool and quiet.

As soon as we stepped inside, Isadora pushed the door open like she owned the place.

"Now," she said dramatically, "what did you cook?"

I blinked. "I-I"

She ignored me and headed straight to the kitchen. Moments later, she returned with toasted bread and fried eggs.

"Oh look," she said cheerfully. "Breakfast."

"I lost my appetite earlier," I muttered.

She sat down and started eating. "You skipped breakfast again?"

"I promise the children a story and I was late," I said defensively.

She shook her head. "You care about them more than yourself."

Her words lingered in the air. Before I could respond, a loud knock echoed through the house.

We both froze.

"Are you expecting someone?" Isadora asked quietly.

I shook my head.

The knock came again, slower this time.

I walked toward the door, my heartbeat quickening. I leaned closer and peered through the peephole, but the darkness revealed nothing.

Then I felt it. A strange awareness brushed against me the moment my fingers touched the handle. The air felt heavier... charged with something I couldn't explain.

My heart skipped.

Slowly, I opened the door. And there he was.

Alpha Kael.

He leaned casually against the wall beside my door, as if he had all the time in the world. A small, knowing smile played on his lips. For a moment, I couldn't move.

"Hi," he said, his voice low and warm.

My throat went dry. "Hi."

His gaze held mine, steady, searching.

"Are you busy?"

The question felt too normal.

"No," I said softly.

"Good." His smile deepened. "Would you take a walk with me?"

"A walk?" I repeated, glancing at the dark night behind him. "At this time?"

"There's nothing to be afraid of," he said gently.

Something about his voice made my chest tighten, not with fear, but something softer... something dangerous.

I hesitated.

Then I turned and glanced inside. Isadora was still eating, completely unbothered.

I stepped out and closed the door behind me.

When I turned back, he was already watching me.

He straightened and extended his hand.

"Come."

My breath caught. And then it hit me. The thought I could never escape.

I didn't belong anywhere near him. Yet here he was.

An Alpha who is interested in me. It didn't make sense.

In every story Alphas never chose girls without wolves. They rejected them. Cast them aside like nothing. So why me?

This moment, him standing here, reaching for me, it felt unreal.

Too impossible.

My fingers trembled as I stared at his hand.

Maybe just for tonight. Let it be real. Let it be simple.

Let it not hurt. Slowly, I placed my hand in his.

His fingers closed around mine, warm, steady. And deep in my heart, one quiet prayer echoed: Please let this night go well.

Selena's POV

The night was quieter than I expected.

Only the soft whisper of the wind moved through the trees, brushing against my skin like a secret I wasn't meant to hear. The pack grounds felt different at night, less judgment, fewer watching eyes.

Just silence.

And him.

Alpha Kael walked beside me, close enough for me to feel his presence, but not touching. Not yet. His steps were calm, unhurried like he was exactly where he wanted to be.

Unlike me. My thoughts twisted and turned until I couldn't hold it in anymore.

"Why?" I asked suddenly, my voice softer than I intended.

He glanced at me. "Why what?"

I stopped walking.

He slowed too, turning fully to face me.

"Why me?" I asked again, clearer this time. "Why would you choose to walk with me, when everyone in the pack sees me as," I hesitated, the words bitter on my tongue. "As nothing more than a human?"

My chest tightened, but I forced the words out.

"A mistake," I added quietly. "A girl born from a one-night encounter between a werewolf and a human."

The words felt heavier once spoken. For a moment, he simply looked at me.

Then, calmly like it was the simplest truth in the world. he said,

"Because you're my mate." And immediately the air went still. And my heart dropped.

"No, I'm not," I shot back immediately, shaking my head. "That's not possible."

"Why?" he asked, his voice still calm but his eyes sharper now, studying me carefully.

A bitter laugh escaped my lips.

"Because I'm not worthy."

The moment the words left me, something shifted in his expression.

"Why would you say that?" he asked quietly.

I met his gaze, even though it hurt.

"Because I don't have a wolf."

Silence followed. Then, unexpectedly he laughed.

I blinked, startled. And before I knew it, a small, disbelieving laugh escaped me too. It wasn't humor. It was something else. Something broken. Something tired.

We stood there, laughing at something that wasn't funny at all. Then he stepped closer, slowly and carefully. Like I was something fragile.

My heart skipped. As he reached for my hand.

The moment his fingers touched mine, everything changed.

A sharp, electric sensation shot through my skin, racing up my arm like lightning. My breath caught as warmth followed spreading through my chest, curling deep inside me like it had always belonged there.

My heart pounded fast, loud and uncontrollable.

It wasn't fear.

It wasn't confusion.

It was something deeper. Something that felt like recognition. Like my body knew him even if I didn't.

My fingers trembled in his grasp, but I didn't pull away. Because I couldn't.

So it's real? The thought echoed in my mind, soft and terrifying at the same time. He really is my mate.

A storm of emotions flooded me mixed with shock, fear, disbelief and something dangerously close to hope. And that hope scared me the most.

Panic crept in before I could stop it. I gently pulled my hand away.

"I-I should go," I said quickly, avoiding his eyes. "My friend will be looking for me."

The moment felt too big. And too real. And I wasn't ready for the pack.

"I'll walk you back," he said immediately.

I shook my head. "No. It's fine. My place isn't far."

I didn't give him a chance to argue. I turned and started walking away, my heart still racing, my hand still tingling from his touch. Each step felt heavier than the last.

But I didn't stop.

"Selena." His voice stopped me.

I froze.

Slowly, I turned back. And our eyes met across the quiet path. And there he was again looking at me like I was already his. And s small smile rested on his lips.

"See you at tomorrow's mating ceremony."

My breath caught. For a moment, I couldn't speak. So I just nodded.

The night air clung to my skin as I made my way home, but my mind was far from calm. Because I could still feel it.

His touch. That warmth that refused to leave like it had carved itself into me.

You're my mate.

The words echoed again. Softer this time. But heavier.

I reached the small steps leading to the house, my thoughts tangled a faint smile still resting on my lips.

And then.

"Selena!"

I blinked.

Isadora stood near the door, a torch in her hand, her face filled with relief and worry. The moment she saw me, she rushed forward.

"Where have you been?!" she demanded, grabbing my arm lightly. "I came outside to check on you and you were gone. I almost lost my mind! I thought the night patrol took you or something happened, you've never been out this long!"

Her words tumbled over each other. Concern. Fear. Care. And all I could do was smile.

"You're always worried about me," I said softly.

She paused, narrowing her eyes.

"Of course I'm worried about you!" she snapped but there was no real anger in her voice. Only relief.

I laughed softly.

We walked inside, and I closed the door behind us.

The quiet wrapped around me instantly as I leaned back against the door. My body relaxed. But my mind drifted again.

To him.

To the way he looked at me.

To the way my body responded like it had found something it had been missing all along.

A soft sigh escaped me.

"Okay." Isadora's voice cut through my thoughts.

I looked up.

She stood in front of me now, arms crossed, eyes narrowed.

"Where did you go?" she asked. "And why have you been smiling like that since you came back?"

I didn't answer.

I couldn't. And the smile only deepened.

"Selena," she warned, stepping closer, "you're starting to scare me."

I bit my lip, trying and failing to hide it.

"Say something!"

I laughed softly. "Okay! okay. Guess what happened."

"I'm not good at guessing," she said immediately.

I smiled.

"The person that knocked earlier."

She straightened.

"Was the Alpha."

Silence filled the room.

"Wait," she said slowly. "Which Alpha?"

I raised a brow. "The one you know."

Her eyes widened. "Alpha Kael?"

"Yes." I answered immediately.

"You're joking."

"I'm not."

She stared at me, trying to process it.

"You won't believe what happened next," I added.

"What?" she asked quickly.

I hesitated, remembering.

"He asked me to go on a walk with him."

Isadora froze.

"You went?" she asked.

I shrugged, trying to act casual but the smile betrayed me.

"He said I had nothing to be afraid of."

She stared at me. Then narrowed her eyes.

"So because of Alpha Kael," she said slowly, "you left me alone in this house?"

"I didn't."

"Wow," she cut in, placing a hand on her chest. "Betrayed. Abandoned. Forgotten."

I burst out laughing.

"You're so dramatic!"

"I almost died of worry and you're laughing?" she shot back, but she was already smiling.

I nudged her lightly. "You know you're my favorite person."

She tried to stay serious and failed.

"I'll forgive you," she said, lifting her chin, "but only because I'm kind."

"Of course," I teased. For a moment, everything felt simple.

Warm. Safe.

Then we heard knock on the door.

The sound echoed through the room.

We both froze.

Another knock followed. Firmer this time.

Isadora and I exchanged a look.

The smile slowly faded from my face.

"Is your Alpha back to check if you got home safely?" she asked quietly.

I shook my head.

"No it can't be him."

Another knock again, but slower and heavier.

A strange unease settled in my chest.

"Then who is it," Isadora whispered, "at this time of night?"