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A Decision To Make For Survival

A Decision To Make For Survival*

EMELIA

As I slowly opened my eyes, the room spun around me, and I felt a wave of dizziness wash over me. I tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through my head, forcing me to lie back down. Where was I? This wasn't my bed, and this definitely wasn't my pack's den. Panic set in as I remembered the events leading up to my unconsciousness. I had been betrayed, sold to the Cursed Alpha by my own mate and step-sister. The memory made my blood boil with anger and hurt.

I heard muffled voices outside my room, and my curiosity got the better of me. I carefully got out of bed, my legs wobbly beneath me, and tiptoed to the door. I pressed my ear against it, trying to make out what they were saying, but their words were indistinct. Frustrated, I slowly turned the handle and opened the door, hoping to catch a snippet of their conversation.

That's when I saw him - the tall, strong, and cold man. His piercing gaze locked onto mine, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. He glared at me, his expression unreadable, but somehow, I felt safer with him than I had in a long time. Maybe it was the way he stood, radiating an aura of quiet confidence and strength.

The other man, who introduced himself as Kieran, smiled warmly and approached me, but I found myself drawn to the cold man. There was something about him that made me feel protected, like he would keep me safe from harm. I knew it sounded irrational, but I couldn't shake off the feeling.

"Who are you?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

The cold man's gaze didn't waver, but Kieran stepped forward, his eyes filled with kindness. "I'm Kieran, Alpha of the Moonlight Pack. And this is Keiden, your mate."

My heart skipped a beat at the word "mate". No, that couldn't be right. My mate was Ryker, not this...this stranger. I shook my head, trying to clear the confusion. "No, that's not possible. My mate is Ryker, from the Raven Pack."

My heart sank when Kieran said the words "your mate". The cold man, Keiden, was the Cursed Alpha Alethae refused to marry because he is a walking curse, now they want me to be mated to him?????, over my dead body.”

I rather die than get mated to the cursed man because I know that I’m going to die anyway.

I felt a chill run down my spine as I realized I was trapped in the same pack as the monster who was supposed to be my mate.

"No, no, no!" I exclaimed, backing away from them. "I won't marry him! I won't be his mate!"

Kieran's expression turned soothing, but I couldn't calm down. "Emelia, child, don't be scared. We won't force you into anything."

But I knew I had to convince them. I took a deep breath and explained everything - how Ryker was my true mate, how Elaina and my step-sister had betrayed me, how I ended up here. I hoped they would understand, but Kieran just listened patiently, offering comforting words.

Keiden, on the other hand, looked uninterested. "I've told you before, I don't think she's my mate," he said abruptly, his voice cold.

I felt a surge of hope. Maybe he would reject me, and I could escape this nightmare.

"I don't care what you think," Kieran said firmly. "The bond between you two is strong. We'll figure this out, Emelia."

But Keiden just shook his head and turned to leave. "I need some air," he muttered, exiting the room without a backward glance.

I stared after him, surprised. Why did he leave like that? Didn't he want to claim me as his mate? The thought sent a shiver down my spine. I didn't want to be his mate, but a part of me wondered why he rejected me so easily.

"Kieran, please," I said, turning to the Alpha. "You have to believe me. Ryker is my mate, not Keiden."

Kieran's expression turned sympathetic, but I could see the doubt in his eyes. "We'll investigate this, Emelia. But for now, let's focus on your safety and well-being."

He offered me a warm smile. "Don't worry, child. You can eat and dress first. Then, my guards will escort you to Keiden's house."

I felt a surge of panic at the thought of being trapped with the Cursed Alpha. "No, please, Kieran. You have to listen to me. I don't belong here. Let me go, I beg of you."

Kieran's smile never wavered, but his eyes seemed to gleam with amusement. "I'm afraid that's not possible, Emelia. You're under my protection now."

I pleaded with him, trying to find a way out of this nightmare. But Kieran just chuckled and patted my hand.

Just as I thought all hope was lost, Kieran's expression turned serious. "But I can offer you a deal, Emelia. Help me, and I'll let you go free."

I hesitated, unsure of what he meant. "Help you with what?"

"Keiden," Kieran said, his voice low. "I want you to watch him, report his movements to me. Help me understand him."

I was taken aback. Why would Kieran want me to spy on Keiden? "Why? What do you want from him?"

Kieran's smile returned, but this time it was cold and calculating. "I want him dead, Emelia. And I think you can help me achieve that."

My eyes widened in shock. "You want me to help you kill him?"

Kieran nodded. "Yes. And in return, I'll let you go free. You can return to your precious Ryker and forget all about this."

I felt a shiver run down my spine. Could I really trust Kieran? And what did he have against Keiden? But the promise of freedom was too enticing to resist.

"Okay," I said finally, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'll do it."

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