Chosen as the Cursed Alpha's Seventh Bride

Emilia’s POV

"Come home. Now. Emilia." My father Henry’s call came through.

I stared at my phone for a moment. Whatever disaster Linda had created, I wanted a front-row seat.

The drive to The Frostridge pack house felt shorter than usual—probably because I was looking forward to this.

Before I even reached the front door, I heard it. Linda’s wailing, loud enough to wake the dead and dramatic enough for a soap opera.

I pushed the door open.

The scene was even better than I’d imagined. Linda was collapsed in Dorothy’s arms, her face blotchy and swollen, mascara streaking down her cheeks in ugly black rivers. She looked like a drowned raccoon.

Beautiful.

I had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from smiling.

"Oh," I said mildly, stepping into the living room. "Did someone die?"

Three pairs of eyes snapped to me with identical fury.

Dorothy released Linda and lunged at me. Her hands shoved hard against my shoulders, and I stumbled back a step.

"You shameless bitch!" she shrieked. "How dare you show your face here after what you did to my daughter?"

I straightened, brushing off my jacket calmly.

"What exactly did I do?" I asked, injecting just enough innocence into my tone to make it insulting.

Henry stood, his face dark as a thundercloud.

"Don’t play dumb, Emilia," he growled. "Linda told us everything. The fake proposal. Sebastian humiliated us because of you."

I blinked. "I have no idea what you’re talking about."

"Liar!" Linda’s voice cracked as she pointed a shaking finger at me. "You planted that proposal in Sebastian’s study! You set me up!"

I tilted my head, studying her tear-stained face.

"Did I?" I asked softly. "Funny. I don’t remember doing that. Do you have proof?"

"You told me to look in his study!" Linda screeched. "You said there were important documents!"

"No," I corrected, my voice cooling. "I warned you not to snoop through other people’s things. Multiple times, actually. But you didn’t listen, did you? You couldn’t help yourself."

I looked around the room slowly, meeting each hateful stare.

"Let’s be honest here," I continued. "You all think I’m worthless. A half-breed disgrace with no wolf. So please, explain to me—how exactly would someone like me have the intelligence or resources to manipulate all of you?"

I paused."You’re giving me way too much credit, Linda."

My voice was calm. Steady.

Henry stared at me for a long moment.

His thoughts crashed into my mind like a wave.

[She’s too simple to do something this elaborate. And even if she did... we need her. She’s Sebastian Simons’ Luna now. She’s useful to the pack. We can’t afford to lose that connection.]

I kept my face blank even as disgust rolled through my stomach.

Dorothy’s thoughts were uglier.

[That witch won’t last. The curse will kill her within months, just like the others. Then Linda can take her place. We just have to wait.]

And Linda...

[I hope the curse takes her soon. I hope she suffers.]

The hatred in their minds was so thick I could taste it.

Henry cleared his throat, his face apologetic.

"Emilia," he said gently, like I was a skittish animal he needed to coax. "Your sister is just upset. She didn’t mean what she said. Don’t take it personally."

"I won’t," I replied flatly. "I’m used to it."

I glanced at the clock on the wall.

"It’s late. If there’s nothing else, I’ll be going."

"Stay for dinner," Henry said quickly. The invitation was hollow. Insincere.

He didn’t want me here any more than I wanted to stay.

"No, thank you."

I turned and walked out without looking back.

The drive back to Silver Moon Pack’s pack house felt like shedding a layer of grime.

By the time I pulled into the driveway, my mood had lifted considerably. Linda’s tear-streaked face kept replaying in my mind, and I had to press my lips together to keep from laughing out loud.

Step one of revenge: complete.

When I walked through the front door, I froze.

The living room was full.

Titus, Mila, and Tiffany were all seated together, talking quietly.

"Mom, Dad," I greeted, smiling despite myself. "I’m back."

Mila turned, her face lighting up.

"Emilia! Perfect timing. Have you eaten yet, sweetheart?"

I glanced briefly at Sebastian, who was sprawled on the couch with a tablet in his hands. He didn’t even look up.

"Yes," I said. "I had dinner at my parents’ pack house."

"How are they?" Titus asked warmly.

"They’re well. They send their regards."

"Emilia," Tiffany piped up suddenly, grinning mischievously, "what happened with your sister today? She came storming out of here this afternoon with all her luggage, looking like she’d been personally victimized. I tried to stop her, but she wouldn’t listen."

I blinked, glancing at Sebastian again.

He still didn’t look up. Didn’t say a word.

Of course.

"Oh, that," I said lightly. "Linda’s dramatic. She’s been spoiled her whole life. I probably said something she didn’t like last night, so she went home."

"She seemed pretty high-maintenance," Tiffany said, wrinkling her nose. "Hard to believe you two are related."

Titus chuckled. "You’re not much better, Tiffany. Your mother and I spoiled you plenty."

"Hey!" Tiffany protested. "Don’t drag me into this! If anyone’s spoiled and bad-tempered around here, it’s Sebastian."

Sebastian finally looked up, his green eyes narrowing at his sister.

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me," Tiffany said smugly. "Right, Emilia?"

Oh, Moon Goddess.

I froze like a deer in headlights as all eyes turned to me.

I nodded. Then immediately shook my head.

Neither answer was safe.

"I, uh—I actually need to go upstairs," I said quickly. "I have some work files to review."

I practically bolted from the room before anyone could stop me.

Once I was safely inside my small sanctuary, I collapsed onto the bed and let out a long breath.

Then, finally, I smiled.

A real smile. Wide and genuine and just a little bit wicked.

Linda’s sobbing face flashed through my mind again, and this time I didn’t hold back the laugh.

It felt good. So, so good.

This was just the beginning. The first tiny step in taking back everything they’d stolen from me.

And I was going to savor every second of it.

"You seem to be in a good mood."

The unexpected voice startled me.