Bride of the Cursed Alpha (Auren and Lucien)

Chapter 231

Chapter 231

Summer POV

Ever since they had announced that the next contest entails Nesting Trials, I was on tenterhooks. And where was Bradley for the whole week? His absence made me sad to the level that I didn’t feel like eating. Tammy had to force me to have food. Moreover, the contestants weren’t on their best behavior. Daisy was antagonized, and polarized all other girls in her favor.

As for Laura, I have no idea why she was ill again. This time hives erupted on her body and face. Her face looked like a swollen tomato. She forced me to continue with the next contest. Not only that, she appeared a bit shaken after she had called her father on Saturday. Though she mentioned something about the casino shutting down, I didn’t catch it all.

On Sunday, I was reading the flyer they handed to us.

“What is a Nesting Trial?” I asked, bewildered as hell. “Like we have to make nests like birds?” I sighed, feeling like an idiot. “I don’t understand why we’re doing this. It’s like we’re supposed to be cavewomen?”

Tamara laughed. “When she–wolves are in heat, they have this natural instinct to make a nest.” When she found me frowning all the more, she added, “It’s actually simpler than it seems. Basically, you’re supposed to make a nest for your mate… or at least for the man you’d choose to breed with, you know, for the first time. It’s all symbolic for the trial, but it’s about showing how you’d prepare for such a life–changing experience.”

I stared at her, confused. “What’s that? What kind of nest?” I imagined twigs, leaves and grass blades.

“You can search for it on the Internet,” she replied.

I blinked. “Wait, so I’m supposed to imagine… who I’d want to breed with?” My cheeks flushed as the idea sank in.

Tammy nodded. “Exactly. The nest is a symbol of comfort and warmth, a safe place to bond and mate. Think of it like… a cozy place for your first encounter with an Alpha. Your choice will say a lot about your future role as a Luna. You need to show that you can create a space that’s nurturing and welcoming.”

I furrowed my brows in disbelief. “Nurturing and welcoming? That’s ridiculous.”

“Trust me, you’ll get it once you start,” she said with a grin. “Just think of Bradley. How would you like to share your first time with him?”noveldrama

The mention of Bradley made my heart flutter, but I quickly pushed the thought away. “But this is so… Neanderthal,” I muttered, irritated.

“I’ll provide you with whatever you want to make it with.”

“What are heats?”

“Heat is when a she–wolf is on her periods.”

Eyes wide, I asked, “So they make nests every month?” How exhausting that would be?

She chuckled. “No, we are on heat four times a year.”

Shocked, I blinked my eyes.

“Just research, okay?”

Tammy laughed. “You’ve got to play the game, Summer. Just let go of the absurdity and imagine what kind of space would make you and your mate feel comfortable and safe.”

I nodded slowly, trying to focus on her words. “Alright. I guess I’ll try.”

It was the day of the Nesting Trial, and I could already feel the tension in the air as the she–wolves gathered in front of the judges, who stood in front of a row of small cabins, each one placed deep within the woods.

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Chapter 231

The sun hung lazily in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the scene, but inside, I felt the chill of confusion. This was the one triat i wasn’t sure of Despite Tammy’s explanation, I wasn’t sure what it meant to make a nest, nor did I have any clue about what I was supposed to do.

*Okay, Summer,” I muttered to myself, scanning the other girls who looked way more confident than I felt. They seemed to have it all figured out, but well, I was nervous despite all the research.

I looked over at Tammy, who was talking to some of the other contestants. She caught my eye

“Best of Luck!” she chirped.

I nodded with a tight smile.

and waved me over. I quickly made my way toward her

As we walked over to our respective cabins, I couldn’t help but feel an unease settle in my chest. I wasn’t ready for this. How was I supposed to create something meaningful, let alone prepare for something as intimate as mating, with so many eyes on me? And the whole idea just felt… like I was exposing my privacy. But I knew that Tammy was right. If I was going to be part of this trial, I had to do it.

The cabin assigned to me was small, with a single bed, a fireplace, and a window that looked out over the woods. I glanced around at the sparse furniture. This was where I had to create my “nest.” I sighed and plopped down on the bed. The whole thing was absurd. I didn’t even know where to

start.

on

autopilot. I thought about Bradley, as Tammy suggested. How would I want to share I got up and began pacing around the room, my mind working c that first moment with him? I imagined him lying beside me, the room filled with warmth and comfort, a place where we could truly connect. I felt the heat rise to my cheeks again, but I quickly shoved those thoughts aside and turned to face the bed.

I didn’t have any fancy supplies, no silk sheets or blankets like the other girls probably had. But I could make do. I pulled the bedspread off, folding it neatly and placing it in the center of the room. I grabbed some cushions and placed them in a circle. I knew it wasn’t much, but it was cozy and comfortable. I added some small candles around the room to create a soft, intimate atmosphere. Finally, I laid down a few soft blankets on the floor to complete the nest.

As I worked, I couldn’t help but wonder what Bradley would think. Would he like it? Would it be good enough? A deep sigh left my chest as I sat back down because Bradley won’t be coming to even see it.

After some time, the other girls began to come out. But I couldn’t stop thinking about Bradley. What did he expect? Would he even care about this silly trial? I came out of my cabin, anxiety getting the better of me.

Once all the nests were ready, the judges called us to present our work. I stood up, my knees feeling a little wobbly, and took one last look at the nest I had created. It wasn’t perfect, but it was genuine.

When it was my turn, I walked to the judge, my eyes on the floor. “This is my nest,” I said quietly, feeling exposed. My cheeks burned as I waited for their judgment.

The judge had a stern expression on his face. He looked at me, then at my cabin. “This is your space?” he asked, raising an

eyebrow.

I nodded. Just as Judge Cody walked toward it, a ferocious snarl echoed in the woods.