Chosen By The Cursed Alpha King Novel

037 You Have to Seduce Me +25 Bonus You'll Have To Seduce Me ADELE'S POV I sat in the sun - drenched morning room with Queen Emilia , a half - finished cup of tea cooling between my hands . Emilia looked radiant even in a simple linen dress , her hand resting protectively over the gentle swell of her belly . Pregnancy agreed with her ; she glowed like the moon itself had settled under her skin . She tilted her head , studying me with that knowing smile she always wore when she was about to poke at something tender . " So .... tell me . How's your relationship been with Lucien ?

" I sighed , long and heavy , setting my cup down . The sound felt louder than it should have . " I can't say we're good yet . Not really . " I traced the rim of the saucer with my fingertip , avoiding her eyes . " He's trying , I know he is . Last night he had a nightmare . He kept whispering ' stop ' like someone was hurting him . I held him until he calmed down , but ... he's so scared , Emilia . Terrified of something . And he hasn't told me what it is . " Emilia reached across the small table and squeezed my hand . Her touch was warm , steady . " I'm sure he'll tell you when he's ready .

Give him time , Adele . " " Yeah , " I muttered , " but I hope he doesn't push me away again . Because I swear , I won't survive it this time . Four months of him shutting me out nearly broke me . ' " He won't , " she said firmly, like she could command it into truth just by saying it . " Lucien's many things- cold , stubborn as hell... but he's not stupid . He knows what he almost lost . " I managed a small laugh at that . " Stubborn as hell . That's putting it kindly , " Emilia grinned , then leaned back in her chair, one hand still on her belly . " By the way ... I'm hosting a ball .

The first one since I became queen . Every alpha and their luna will be here . Every ranked member . The whole kingdom , basically . I want it to be perfect . " My eyes lit up . Finally - something I could sink my teeth into . " That's amazing . " She laughed softly . " I was hoping you'd say that . I want you to help me with the preparations . Actually ... I want you to run them . " " Done , " I said immediately . " But I also want you to take your pregnant self and relax . I'll take care of everything -flowers , menu , music , seating charts , all of it . " Emilia's face softened .

" Adele- " " No arguments . " I stood , moved around the table , and bent to press a gentle kiss to the small curve of her stomach . " Aunty loves you already , little one , " I whispered , " And I'm not letting your mama stress herself out . " Emilia's eyes glistened as she pulled me into a hug , arms tight around my shoulders . " What would I do without you ? " " Probably drive the king insane , " I teased into her hair . 1/5 037 You'll Have To Seduce Me +25 Bonus She laughed against my neck . " Probably . " A soft knock interrupted us . One of the maids curtsied in the doorway .

" My queen , the king would like to speak with you . " Emilia rolled her eyes so hard I snorted . She leaned in close , voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper only I could hear . " He's so dramatic . He could just mind - link me . " I bit my lip to keep from laughing out loud as she stood , smoothing her dress . She gave me one last squeeze before gliding out of the room , regal even in her playful exasperation . I settled back into my chair , alone now , staring out at the gardens . My smile lingered .

Emilia and the king were everything I hoped mates could be - playful , devoted , unafraid to show the world how much they loved each other . I wanted that . Goddess , I wanted that so badly it hurt . A shadow fell across the table . I turned and there he was . Lucien . - He stood just inside the doorway , hands in his pockets , looking unfairly gorgeous in a simple black shirt that stretched across his chest . The morning light caught in his dark hair . " Hey , " he said , voice low and rough . I rolled my eyes , turning back to the window . " Hey . " He didn't leave .

I heard his footsteps , slow and deliberate , until he was right beside me . Then he pulled out the chair Emilia had vacated and sat - close . Too close . His knee brushed mine under the table and heat shot straight up my thigh . " Listen , Adele , " he started , voice softer now . " I know I've been nothing but a jerk . " " You can say that again , " I muttered , still not looking at him . Silence stretched between us , thick and heavy . I could feel him staring , could feel the weight of everything unsaid pressing down .

Then his hand moved - slow , careful - and warm fingers closed around mine on the tabletop . My breath caught . " I didn't want to drag you into my darkness , " he said quietly . " So I hurt you . I pushed you away because l thought it would keep you safe from ... me . " His thumb stroked over my knuckles , sending sparks dancing across my skin . " But Adele ... I promise to be a good mate . I promise never to push you away again . Please - please forgive me . " His voice cracked on the last words , raw and pleading . I finally turned to look at him .

His face was open , vulnerable in a way I'd never seen . Like he was bracing for me to tell him no . Something inside my chest twisted . 2/5 D37 You Have To Sastuce Me +25 Bonus " Lucien , " I whispered , " you hurt me . You made me feel like I wasn't beautiful enough . Like I wasn't worth wanting .' He shook his head hard , leaning closer . " No. Goddess , no . You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen . You don't even know what you do to me . " His free hand lifted , fingers brushing a strand of hair from my cheek , lingering there .

" Every time you walk into a room , I can't breathe right . Every time you touch me - even just brushing past - I'm on fire for hours . " My heart slammed against my ribs , Heat pooled low in my belly . " I thought you didn't want me , " 1 admitted , voice barely above a whisper . " You pushed me away for four months , Lucien , I was alone . I cried myself to sleep thinking I'd done something wrong . That maybe I wasn't enough for you . " His eyes darkened with pain . He slid his chair closer until our knees pressed together , until I could feel the heat radiating off his body .

" I'll make up for every second , " he said fiercely . " I'll be better . I swear on my life . " " Lucien , " I whispered . " Whatever it is , you're scared of ... you can talk to me ... I'm here for a reason . We're mates so we can carry each other's burdens . " " I know that . I'll tell you soon , Adele . I'm sorry - so fucking sorry - for hurting you . " He brought my hand to his lips , pressing a slow , burning kiss to my knuckles . His breath was hot against my skin . " Can we start afresh ? " he asked , voice rough with hope . I searched his face for a long moment .

The regret was real . The want was real . The fear still lingered in the shadows of his eyes , but so did something brighter - something that looked a lot like love . I smiled , small and slow . "Yes . " Relief flooded his features , so strong his shoulders actually sagged . " But , " I added , leaning in until our faces were inches apart , " don't think I'm going to make this easy for you . You'll have to win me over , Lucien . " His eyes flared , pupils blowing wide . " Really ? " he murmured , lips curving into a dangerous , delicious smile .

We were so close now I could feel his breath on my mouth . My whole body tingled , every nerve ending awake and begging . " Yeah , " I whispered . Our lips almost brushed - almost . " Since I spent four months trying to seduce you ... I think it's your turn to seduce me . " His gaze dropped to my mouth . A low growl rumbled in his chest - quiet , possessive , hungry . He leaned in the last fraction of an inch , lips hovering over mine , heat and promise and restraint all wrapped together . He didn't kiss me .

3/5 037 You Have To Seduce Me +25 Bonus He just stayed there - lips almost touching mine , breath mingling , bodies inches apart - letting the tension build until it was unbearable . Until I was the one burning . Until I was the one aching . And right when I thought I couldn't take another second .... He smiled . Slow . Wicked . Hungry . " Then be ready tonight , little mate . " P Comments +2 Support Share 4/5 Editorial Board Editorial Board Our editorial team works behind the scenes to refine each chapter, maintain consistency, and deliver the best reading experience.