Bride of the Cursed Alpha (Auren and Lucien)

Chapter 228

Summer POV

The other contestants had gone, and only a few lingered, but now, I noticed they were looking over at me, some with jealousy, others with surprise. Well, I wasn’t there to impress anyone; I was there to make a difference, even if it was small. Because that was all I had to offer. My time, my heart, and my empathy.

As the day went on, the staff took the contestants to other wards, where more checks were given. Some girls even sat with the patients to get a picture. remained at the end of the crowd, not wanting to be in the pictures. Once again when every contestant left, I remained there and talked to the patients, hearing out their miseries. I felt like I was creating a bond with all of them. All my life, no one was sympathetic toward me. No one took my side. I had to fight it all alone. But now I could give these patients what I never got. My support and sympathy. An ear to listen to their woes.

Everything wasn’t about money. It wasn’t about gifts.

At the end of the day, the staff came over to me. “You’ve made a real impact today, Summer,” one of the nurses said. “The children have been happier than we’ve seen them in a long time.”

I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through me. “I’m just glad I could help,” I said quietly.

All of us were gathered to go back. In the van Alex announced, “Please gather in the main conference hall of the resort. We will be announcing the results of the contest.”

I let out a rough exhale as I peered at other contestants, who were chirping away happily, satisfied with the donations they made and how they appeared in front of the cameras.

Tired, I sat alone at the back of the van. I wished Tamara was with me, but she was probably busy being one of the organizers. I wondered why she even befriended me in the beginning. Maybe she was bored with the girls?

I took a nice bath when I reached my room. Before going for the results, I silently prayed to God that I made it through even if I was in the last. Wearing a soft pink blouse, paired with a white long skirt, I went to the conference room. Alphas and potential Lunas were talking amongst themselves. I searched for a familiar face. No. My eyes searched for him. He wasn’t there. But I found Alpha Damon leering at me. Quickly, I averted my gaze. What was his problem?

Through the commotion out there, my eyes landed right on the man sitting on the podium, looking like he was in control of everything. Our eyes met, and I couldn’t help but bow my head. He appeared like an older version of Bradley. Next to him was a beautiful woman who looked like an older version of Tamara. Yep. Bradley’s parents. Surprisingly, they both smiled at me.

Just then, the judge for the contest, a stern–looking man, came over to the podium. He looked at everyone with a calculating expression before nodding. “I’m Cody Brown, your judge for the contest.” His gaze swept over the room. “You’ve all done well.”

I blinked in anticipation. My hands turned clammy.

“Tonight, two she–wolves will be leaving.”

A murmur broke out as he opened the envelope in his hand. A frown appeared on his forehead. “Kittie and…” He lifted his gaze. Lclenched my jaw when his eyes met mine. Shit. He was going to call my name/He said, “…and Georgia. They will be leaving us.”

The two girls let out a loud cry, as I breathed a sigh of relief, clutching my heart with my hand.

Cody ran his hand over his bald head. “One of you has won the contest and will be receiving five thousand dollars as a gesture of goodwill.”

“I know that’s me,” Daisy giggled.

Cody turned his gaze at me again. He smiled a rare gesture. “Summer has won the first contest.”

“What?” Daisy almost squeaked.

Cody continued, “Your genuine heart and connection with the children were what impressed us. You’ve shown that it’s not about wealth or gifts. It’s noveldrama

10:39 Tue, 10 Jun WWO

about making a difference, and you did that. It was about giving them something that money couldn’t buy time, attention, and lave. The Shadow pack is the wealthiest pack in the North. So donations given by all of you meant little. The judges were looking for something more valuable than thờn

I felt my heart leap. I couldn’t believe it. I had won. A few girls came to me to congratulate me as Daisy sent daggers through her glares.

“Congratulations Summer! Keep it up!”

The entire room erupted in claps and cheers.

“You may proceed to dinner,” Cody said, and the crowd dispersed.

”

As I began to walk out, I felt a sense of pride I hadn’t felt before. It wasn’t about being the richest or the most powerful. It was about being the most compassionate, the one who could make a real difference.

And that was enough.

“So, you’ve won the first contest?” His voice snapped me out of my thoughts. He was leaning against the door frame with his arms crossed across his chest, looking like a God.

“Alpha Bradley!” My cheeks heated. “Y–yes.” Why did I stammer in front of him. His presence always flustered me. But where was he all day? And why did I feel like I was missing him?

“Congrats.”

“Thank you.” What happened to the room AC? Why was I feeling hot? And how come the room was empty now?

“You wonnnn!” Tamara’s shouted as she came to hug me from behind.

I chuckled. She was so enthusiastic and my only friend. “Thanks Tamara.”

“Call me Tammy!” She squeezed me tighter and stepped back. “That was awesome!”

I grinned. “It was all I could do.” From the periphery of my vision, I saw his parents making way

Tammy introduced them. “This is Alpha Lucien, and this is my mom, Luna Auren.”

I don’t know why, but I dipped my head to bow to them.

“Many congratulations!” Luna Auren beamed. “You’re truly the Luna material.”

I shook my head. “I’m doing this for Laura.”

to us.

Luna Auren glanced at Bradley, and then came near me. “For the time being, think that you are doing it for yourself. And only then you’ll be able to win the next contest.”

I blinked at her in surprise. She encouraged me like she was my mother. I nodded, swallowing a thick knot of emotions.

“Good, now enjoy your dinner.” Then along with Alpha Lucien, who was smiling at me,

she walked out of the room.