The Villain Alpha's Cursed Mate-Chapter 111: One Option

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Donovan felt a throbbing headache build as he sat through the meeting with the hierarchical members of the damned, and the current agenda revolved around Naya, a topic he had no interest in discussing.

The seven representatives from the prestigious houses were visibly displeased with his decision to strip Naya of her rights in the land, as she belonged to one of the most influential families among them.

"I understand my daughter has offended you," Naya’s father said as he rose from his seat with a strained calm, whilst keeping his frustrations in check. "But she remains my daughter, Alpha. Had she known the woman she spoke so rudely to was your mate, I’m certain she would have held her tongue. Furthermore, from what we’ve gathered, your mate is the daughter of an Alpha from the Therondia pack. It’s only natural that we struggle to accept someone whose father commanded half the forces responsible for the slaughter of our people."

His words were clearly pointed, the room growing tense as he voiced the unspoken resentment shared by everyone present.

Naya quietly stood in a corner with Macbeth, pretending to feel remorseful as she stepped forward. She subtly shook her head at her father’s claim, silently urging him not to speak ill of their Alpha’s chosen mate.

"It doesn’t matter that she’s the daughter of a pack responsible for half of our losses," Naya began, her voice steady but filled with contrition. "She is the Alpha’s mate, and if he has chosen her, I trust he has his reasons. The fault lies with me. I let my hatred for her pack cloud my judgment and took it out on her. For that, I ask forgiveness from the Alpha."

Naya then turned her gaze towards Donovan, lowering herself onto her knees before him. "I know I disrespected your mate in front of the registrar, and for that, I am deeply sorry. I’m on my knees before you, pleading for your forgiveness, both for my actions today, and for everything I’ve said and done to you in the past. I won’t trouble you or your Luna anymore. I’ve learned my lesson, truly.... I’ll do anything you ask to make amends."

"Please forgive her, Alpha," Macbeth implored softly, bowing her head as she stood in her corner. Naya’s heart raced as Donovan’s silence continued to stretch, and she wondered what he must be thinking right now.

Since the day he stripped her of her rank, she hadn’t dared to show her face outside, paralyzed by the fear of facing scorn and ridicule. She had wept bitterly, cursing his detestable mate for putting her in this torn position.

But deep down, she knew that her fury, no matter how justified she felt it was, would yield no vengeance. It wouldn’t undo the humiliation or restore her standing. If she wanted to exact any sort of meaningful retribution on the woman, she had to be cunning. For now, she would quietly play the part, feigning submission and remorse until the moment presented itself.

"My daughter kneels before you, Alpha," Naya’s father interjected, his voice laced with concern and authority as he stepped forward. "She hasn’t slept, she hasn’t eaten since the day you cast your judgment upon her. For the sake of the elders who govern the house of the Damned, I implore you— free her from this punishment. Grant her your mercy."

Naya, realizing ordinary words won’t work, allowed her emotions to surface. She began to cry softly in front of everyone, her sniffles quiet and deliberate, all to make her act more believable. As expected, she earned sympathy from everyone present, but what troubled her the most was the one voice missing; her Alpha’s.

"...Naya," Donovan spoke at last, his tone sending an unexpected shiver through her. She had never heard her name sound so sweet, so delicate, as when he said it. From his lips, it felt like a melody she hadn’t realized she longed to hear.

But Donovan’s next word cut deeper than any silence. "What makes you think I need your apology?" His voice was calm, and even his raven, perched on his shoulder, remained still.

The sudden question struck Naya like a blow, shattering the illusion she had so carefully constructed. For a brief, agonizing moment, she was left utterly speechless, caught off guard by the sharp turn in the conversation.

"I don’t need your apology," Donovan made it clear to her. "But the one you owe an apology to is my mate. I understand the fact that you have respect for me, but that respect must extend to her. You will go down on your knees and tell her how sorry you are. If she accepts your apology, I’ll let her decide whether you can regain your status back." His tone was final, closing the matter with a decisive edge.

"Alpha," another member stood up. "That woman is the daughter of our enemy. How can you accept such a bond? What if she is a mole from the palace? With all due respect, you are placing blind trust on the daughter of a man who has caused us so much harm — simply because she’s your mate. You need to consider the rest of us."

"I have considered each one of you enough," Donovan said coldly, his words cutting through the room, his tone laced with an Alpha edge. "I carry the weight of all your burdens , but I will not sacrifice any more of myself just because I’m your Alpha. Someone questioned earlier why I haven’t revealed my mate yet, so let me make this clear: the reveal will happen only when she’s ready, not when any of you here decide it’s time. Don’t play tricks with me, and if any of you try to disrespect her, you will see the worst of me. Now, you either sit down or leave."

His authority echoed in the room, the ultimatum hanging heavy in the air, making everyone pin their lips tightly together, their heads lowered from the fear of truly unleashing his wrath.

Donovan’s expression left no room for debate. "The nerve to question my orders in the first place," he growled. "If your daughter wants her title back, she has only one option — to apologize to those she truly wronged, and she has to mean it. I could have killed your daughter where she stood, but she’s not worth the effort."

He rose from his seat, and Naya stared in disbelief. The idea of apologizing to that evil woman ignited a blaze of fury inside her. But the bitter reality was clear: if she refused to do it, her title as the lady from the house of Terrain would be lost forever, along with any chance to reclaim her power or exact revenge.

"I’ll do it," Naya’s voice rang out before Donovan could exit the room. Her sudden declaration stunned everyone, especially Macbeth, who had no recollection of this being part of Naya’s plan. "I’ll... apologize to your mate if that’s what it takes to resolve this."

Donovan didn’t waste another moment. "Let’s go then," he said, already halfway out of the door.

Naya couldn’t fathom how coldly he regarded her, how indifferent he was despite her swallowing her pride for his sake. She had lowered herself to apologize, and yet he refused to acknowledge even that. She had even agreed to make amends with the woman he called his mate, but his reaction was aloof. Her heart stung from his behavior, but with that woman in the way, she would never be able to win Donovan’s affection.

It wasn’t until she stood before Esme, right outside the Shadowspire, that the reality of what she was about to do finally sank in. Kneeling before the bewildered Esme and feeling her knees pressed against the cold ground, she felt a sting of tears forming. She refused to meet Esme’s eyes, knowing that if she did, her anger and resentment would be impossible to hide.

Meanwhile, Esme was at loss, unsure of what was unfolding before her until Naya spoke, her voice strained. "I... I’ve come to seek your forgiveness. I’m truly sorry for all the things I said to you at the registrar’s office... please... forgive me."

Althea and Acheron were watching from a corner, as Naya lowered her head before Esme, seeking her forgiveness. Donovan stood beside Esme with his arms crossed, and Esme glanced his way in disbelief, unsure of what to make from this situation.

He got Naya to apologize??