Cursed To Be My Mate

By Kelly Starrz

When Alpha King Rhys finally found his mate, he expected fireworks, a puzzle piece to click into place, a Luna to help him rule the kingdom, not this.. this savage rogue. A rogue whose intention had been to assassinate him.
Hated upon first sight, Amira cursed the Moon Goddess to find out her mate was the tyrannical Alpha King she'd been trained to kill. With nothing left to do but reject the king and escape almost unscathed, neither Rhys nor Amira expected what came next. It was unheard of to reject the gift the Moon Goddess blessed them with.
Only a few were granted a mate, and Alpha King Rhys and Amira did precisely that- Rejected the gift. Cursed by the Moon Goddess, they wake up inside each other's bodies.
Switched to live in each other's worlds, Rhys and Amira are forced to figure out how to return to their original forms. Can they stop fighting, bickering, and scheming against each other, or will this curse open their minds and hearts to each other's troubles?

• Language: English
• Publisher: iSuperNovel
• Release date: Mar 1, 2024

Book preview

Chapter 76: Dark Memories

The sound of flesh ripping and wolves yelping and growling echoed throughout the grounds of the Desai estate. Carried in the arms of her Nanny, Amira's tiny arms tightened around her neck as she watched the mansion go up in flames. Her heart thumped like a war drum, her eyes scanning the grounds for her father. It was chaotic, and the nightmare gripped Amira until the usual scenes unfolded.

It's been a while since I last had this dream, Amira murmured, watching everything from afar as though she were a phantom watching from the side to see her younger self wrestle with her emotions. Nothing could be done. She could not go back into the past and correct any of it.

She was too young to fight anyone, yet she punished herself from these days onwards and vowed she would get revenge.

Nanny! Young Amira screamed, her eyes widening at the approaching werewolf who hadn't transformed. She doesn't remember his face. It is blurred, a phantom of her imagination now. Still, he slices her Nanny's back with a silver blade, and they fall to the ground.

In a last attempt to protect Amira, the Nanny threw the child a few feet away, and she fell into the bushes. Amira started to crawl back towards her, uncaring to the tearing of her skin from branches and thorns.

No! Her Nanny cried, her hand outstretched to Amira, those amber eyes of her wolf flashing before the sword stabbed the back of her neck, stilling her forever.

Amira screamed, covering her hands as the man started marching in her direction. Her hands and feet scrambled backwards, the sting of thorns nothing compared to the fear of this man taking her life. The man's sword slowly rose.

You're the traitor's daughter… Sorry pup. I'm just following orders.

Traitor? Amira didn't stop, even though it was futile. Until a large black form pounced on the man, taking him out. His scream died with the gurgling of blood as the black wolf sank its teeth into the man's neck. Amira rose to her feet, tears in her eyes as she waited, uncaring for the blood on her father's mouth.

Alpha Dashiell lowered so she could climb on top of him, and he raced into the woods, Amira clinging onto his fur. Leaves whipped by her face at her father's speed, leaving the scent of blood and burning in the air. Amira looked behind them, noting the burning night sky and the fumes collecting into a cloud above the mansion.

The pack was gone, that much she knew. Throughout the night, they kept moving. It was only Alpha Dashiell and Amira left. She started to fall asleep on his back, grateful to be with her father. As long as she was with him, nothing else mattered.

Amira knew what was coming next. The moment this scene darkened from sleep, she would be ripped away into another. Her nightmare never really changed. It was her memories, after all.

‘If I'm caught. Do not look for me. My precious daughter, live for yourself. That is all a father can ever ask.'

The dream went dark, and suddenly, young Amira was running through the woods, the king's men chasing her. She was getting further and further away from their territory. Her father was captured whilst saving her.

One of the trackers was catching up to her at rapid speed. Amira knew she was going to be captured or, worse, killed on the spot. In her panic, her body crumbled to the ground, and she began heaving until her eyes glowed and her bones started breaking, black fur sprouting beneath the skin.

At the tender age of seven, Amira met her wolf and managed to injure a fully grown werewolf and escape. She stayed in wolf form for days, unable to shift back because of her emotional state. The wolf whined, going through the forest as they followed the scent of their father's blood.

One week later, Amira was in the city, her clothes torn, her eyes downcast as she roamed through the streets, looking the part of a beggar. Nobles shoved her aside, spitting on the pavement at such a site, unaware of who she'd been only days before. None of that mattered to her then or now; she was by herself, alone.

But Amira had no choice; she'd heard through the filthy mouths of others gossiping where she'd been searching and hoping to steal food from that Alpha Dashiell was to be in the square at noon.

Amira didn't hear any other information about being discovered with the piece of bread in her hand that she, fortunately, ran away with, escaping punishment and keeping her hunger at bay for another day. Now, she was in the square, frowning at the crowds, wondering what was happening.

The crowds went silent to a man's voice, one she recognised greeting them and exposing the crimes Alpha Dashiell partook in. The crowd booed and ignored the small child weaving through the public until she was at the front.

Seconds. It had only taken seconds for her father to find her. He looked awful. The once-striking man must have been beaten up daily or poisoned to stop his healing. Blood stained his clothing, bruising and cuts formed, and one of his eyes was swollen to the point it was half closed.

‘Amira. Get away from here!' His voice echoed through her mind, as clear as the sky above on such an awful day. How was he speaking to her in her mind?

‘Father…' Amira sobbed back. ‘What are they going to… Why? Why are they-'

‘As your Alpha, I command you to run. Leave this place and never return! Go. NOW!'

A jolt went through Amira, and like a puppet forced to move, she turned away, looking over her shoulder as she started to run, and skidded to a complete stop, watching as an axe swung down on her father's neck. The crowd roared in delight, and she collapsed to her knees. The Alpha command no longer takes effect as her father's blood spills to the ground, his head in a basket.

That's his kid! Get her!

The noise drowned out to the beat of her heart as Amira stared back at her father's lifeless form. Her gaze moved to those around her. Their hands clapping, eyes sparkling from being entertained at the life lost. She looked at the jewels around their necks, the fine clothing. These were nobles.

Amira's eyes fell on her father again before someone grabbed her arm and yanked her to her feet.

Mira! A pair of brown eyes stared back at her. One of the street kids that had helped her before tried tugging her away from the approaching guards and sudden attention to them. But her body was frozen. Her father… Her father…

Mira!

The world around her shook, but she couldn't look away from her father, even as another child started dragging her away and fleeing the king's wrath.

Amira! That wasn't this child's voice.

Amira!

Her body was being shaken.

Amira sniffled, her eyes snapping open, and she gasped at the hands on her shoulders. Her dark surroundings are opulent and stylish, unfamiliar yet familiar. Her heart pounded loudly, the visage of her father's death still flashing across her eyes as her head was pulled up into the warm arms of another. The scent wrapping around her and Demon's soft words kept her from utterly breaking down.

Chapter 77: Confessions in the Night

~ Rhys ~

Holding Amira in his arms, Rhys stroked the top of her head, frowning as she clutched to him, appearing so vulnerable. He could see why. They'd shared another dream. A nightmare. A memory. One Rhys knew she wasn't aware of his presence.

He forced himself awake after the crowds cheered in happiness for Alpha Dashiell's beheading. The dream was gut-wrenching and full of horrors that such a young child had to witness. It was no wonder Amira was the way she was.

Rhys could hear and see everything as Amira did. Even Alpha Dashiell's voice was in her mind as it went blank between her memories. Now he rocked her back and forth, growing used to seeing his body and cuddling it to calm her erratic breathing and silent tears. Nobody should see the king in such a way. Fortunately, Amira wasn't loud in her nightmares.

Approaching the guards in Amira's nightgown made it easy to slip into his quarters. Rhys shook his head. His hand stroked back the damp hairs from her face. Who was he kidding? He didn't go to Amira because he was worried others might hear her. He jumped out of bed in a rush to ensure he would be beside her when she woke up.

Rhys might not be the first person Amira would want to see after such a nightmare, but at least he was in Amira's form. His heat emanated onto her, and she gradually calmed down, her breathing slowing, tears drying.

I need fresh air, Amira broke the silence, breaking away from Rhys' hold. He watched her climb out of bed, only then realising she slept naked. Does Amira sleep naked in this body, too?

Slipping into some breeches, Amira kept her back to Rhys. He could tell she was still tense, lost to her thoughts from the stiffness of her movements. She looked over her shoulder at Rhys, pursing her lips before pulling on a shirt.

Can I escort you to the gardens? Rhys asked a little hesitantly. It was unusual for him, but he didn't want Amira to be by herself. His brows tugged together from the feeling of protectiveness overcoming him. He also didn't want her to go to the forest.

It was evident Amira wouldn't try escaping, especially in his form, but the forest was still dangerous.

Amira stared at herself in the mirror across from her for a moment, her brows knitted together before she nodded and started towards the doors, only to pause and throw her coat at Rhys. He caught the velvet coat, surprised. But he followed Amira's gaze and remembered he was only wearing a black nightie with most of his legs and chest on show.

Their stroll was silent except for the light autumn breeze with the rustling of leaves and their footsteps. Surprisingly, it wasn't awkward, especially after their light confrontation in the afternoon. Neither Rhys nor Amira saw each other after that, each wishing to dine in their rooms.

Now, Rhys came to realise why Amira must have had her nightmare. They'd been discussing their fathers. Amira took a seat on a bench and let out a deep exhale. Rhys remained nearby, observing as the tension in her shoulders gradually eased and dissipated.

Amira tilted her head back and watched the stars, a thoughtful expression on her face. Rhys slowly settled down next to her and followed her gaze. The stillness, the sound of her heart, her breath, and the stars it was serene.

You saw my nightmare? Amira questioned quietly, her gaze not wavering from the stairs.

Rhys nodded, then realised she wasn't looking at him and added, Yes. We shared another… dream.

Amira swallowed, lowering her gaze and looked at him. He was loyal to your father, She said, even though her dream had no evidence to show otherwise. How could it? It was memories from her childhood.

At his silence, Amira added. Thank you. Surprising Rhys. He watched the blush growing on her cheeks from such a simple statement. But he knew she meant it, and it was clear he'd been the only one to see her in such a state.

Amira was strong and smart, and people relied on her. As a leader, Rhys knew what it felt like to bear the weight of others on your shoulders, never able to display any weakness, lest others cut you down.

I'd like to be left alone now. Please, get some rest, Amira smiled gently, a look that was strange on his face. Nonetheless, the smile didn't reach her eyes, and it made his chest ache to see her assuring him and telling him to sleep.

Rhys didn't move, and the silence ensued, causing Amira to look at him with furrowed brows, unsure about what to do. But he didn't want to leave, yet he also wanted to clear up something else. He didn't understand why, still he blurted out something only his Beta knew of, My father asked me to kill him… It was not by choice.

Amira's breath halted, her eyes widening at this revelation. She watched him in shock, waiting for further explanation. Rhys swallowed, looking back at the sky once more, He couldn't live without his mate…

Her heart clenched painfully. It must have been awful. She couldn't imagine it. Or imagine asking her child to take her life because of her pain. Rhys was still alive, whether he was fully grown or not. She looked at him in a slightly different light now.

Amira could tell there was more to the story; she could almost feel it. But she didn't want to push Rhys. The night had already been swallowed up in grief. It was best not to push him even though her body was in turmoil. One thing was sure. She felt like they'd grown a little closer after sharing what little they had between them.

Although Amira didn't wish for anyone to see her memories. The Moon Goddess must have deemed it worthy, so something like this would happen. She didn't think more about it, though; she felt… lighter even as she accepted the weight of Rhys' confession.

I'm sorry, Amira whispered, realising Rhys would not tell her the rest. His confession was already a big step- towards what she didn't know.

As am I. Rhys looked down at his lap. Would it give you peace of mind to go through my father's investigation into yours? He looked at her, expression serious and quickly added, You might not like what you see.

Amira's lips parted, unable to speak for a moment. I will understand it better. Whether I see what I want or not. She nodded, swallowing down her rising anxiousness from the slight fluttering in her stomach at his proposal.

Rage did still burn wildly