Chosen By The Cursed Alpha King Chapter 138

Damien's POV

By the time I reached my house, dawn was slowly creeping into the sky—soft streaks of pink brushing against the fading night. I paused outside my front door, hand still on the knob, and let out a long breath.

Maximus.

My brother.

My stubborn, reckless, infuriating brother…

We were okay.

I never thought I'd live to see the day.

I leaned my forehead against the wooden door and closed my eyes. My chest felt light—almost too light. Like I'd been carrying a boulder for years and someone had finally lifted it off my back.

Our parents…Goddess, they would've been so proud.

I inhaled deeply—

And froze.

A scent.

Soft. Sweet. Warm. Roses… mixed with lilies.

My wolf stirred instantly, restless and pacing inside me.

Where is that coming from?

Why does it smell like…

My heart kicked against my ribs.

Slowly, I opened the door and stepped inside.

The moment I crossed the threshold, the scent hit me hard—richer, stronger, wrapping around me like silk.

Roses and lilies.

My breath shuddered.

What the hell?

I barely had time to process it before I heard footsteps rushing toward me.

"Master Damien! Thank the Goddess you're alright—I was so worried!"

Rose.

My maid.

She threw herself into my arms without hesitation, hugging me tightly.

And the moment she touched me—

The scent exploded around me.

My wolf lunged forward in my head, howling so loudly I nearly staggered.

MATE!

I went rigid.

Rose froze too—her body tensing against mine like she'd felt something crash through her just as violently.

Slowly…painfully slowly…she pulled away.

Her wide eyes met mine.

She opened her mouth to speak—

But nothing came out.

I couldn't speak either.

I just stared at her—this girl I had seen every day, this girl who had served in my house for years—But somehow I had never really looked at her.

Her soft brown eyes. Her warm caramel skin. Her pretty face framed by messy curls she always pinned up while she worked.

She was beautiful. How had I never noticed?

She dropped her gaze, fidgeting with her fingers, her breathing uneven.

Silence sat between us—heavy, trembling.

Then, in a tiny voice—so small I almost missed it—she whispered:

"It's okay if you don't want me…I—I'll go pack my things and leave."

My heart stopped.

She turned slightly, like she was already preparing to walk away.

But my senses snapped back violently.

I grabbed her hand and pulled her against my chest.

"Who told you I don't want you, Rose?" I whispered.

She looked up, eyes glossy. "I'm just a maid."

"You're not just a maid," I said firmly, holding her face gently. "You're my mate, Rose."

Her lips parted. "So…you're not going to reject me?"

I cupped her cheek, thumb brushing her skin. "Never."

A small, nervous smile tugged her lips—and something warm spread through my chest.

She was breathtaking.

How had I lived under the same roof with her and never realized she was mine?

Goddess truly had a sense of humor.

I pulled her tightly into my arms, burying my face in her hair, letting her scent sink into every part of me. Roses and lilies. Sweet and calming. Perfect.

My perfect mate.

I kissed her forehead, unable to stop myself. And for the first time in a long while, peace settled over me.

She slowly pulled away, cheeks flushed. "I—I'll go prepare you a bath."

I smirked. "Will you be joining?"

Her eyes widened and she blushed harder. "Master Damien…"

My brows furrowed. "You don't need to call me that. I don't even know why you started calling me that in the first place."

I leaned down, bringing my lips close to her ear, and whispered:

"Unless you like when I'm your master."

Her breath hitched so sharply I felt it.

Before she could recover, I caught her chin gently and kissed her.

Slow. Deep. Hungry.

She tasted sweet—like warm honey—and I savored every second, kissing her like I'd been starved for her my whole life without knowing it.

When I finally pulled back, her lips were slightly parted, her cheeks warm, her breathing unsteady.

I took her hand in mine.

"Starting right now," I said, voice low, "you're not permitted to lift a single damn finger to work."

"But—"

"No buts." I pulled her closer. "You're my mate, Rose. And you'll be treated as such."

She looked down shyly, her eyelashes brushing her cheeks. She was so cute I almost groaned.

Keeping her hand in mine, I guided her farther into the house toward the stairs.

"Damien?" she whispered.

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"Will you… will you take me to the human town one day? The one you always go to? I've always wished I could go."

I stopped at the foot of the stairs, turning to face her fully.

I brushed a strand of hair from her face. "I'll take you anywhere you want to go."

Then I added with a playful smirk:

"Just so you know, the men you'll see there are not as hot as me."

She shook her head shyly, voice barely audible. "I don't want to look at anyone but you."

A slow grin spread across my face.

"Good."

I bent down and kissed her again—sweet, soft, lingering—her hands gripping my chest lightly as I held her close like she was something precious I had finally found.

And this time…she kissed me back with no fear. No hesitation. No doubt.

Just us.

Just the start.

Just destiny.