The True Mate

How did love turn me from the daughter of an alpha into a slave on the run...?

This is my story-and none of it was ever my choice.

Before I can tell you how I lost everything, you need to know how it all began.

My father was a respected and well-known figure, even outside our tribe.

Everyone said he was the greatest alpha in a very long time.

With the help of his friend, Draven, he united our pack. Under his leadership, we became one of the most powerful tribes.

But Draven always believed he should be the alpha.

His ego and brute strength consumed him.

My father knew this, and to keep our village from tearing itself apart, he chose to keep Draven on his side.

When I was still a child, he promised that I-his only daughter-would marry Draven's only son, Jax,

and that Jax would one day lead us as the alpha of our village.

But I couldn't honor my father's promise.

Jax was not very different from his father.

In fact, he was even worse.

He was nothing but an animal, with no manners at all.

And like his father, he believed power was everything.

The idea of being with him always made me feel sick.

Then one day, I overheard Draven talking to my father.

I froze in place, my heart pounding, as I realized they were talking about me.

"Steve, Nora has grown up and become a beautiful bride.

I think it's time we set a date for her marriage to Jax."

Steve laughed.

"Come on, Draven. Let's leave this to the kids. They should decide for themselves."

Anger flashed across Draven's face as he replied,

"Steve, my son feels that your daughter is avoiding him.

To be honest... I feel the same way."

Steve's expression grew more serious.

"Draven, that's not true," he said firmly.

"My daughter, Nora, has known since she was a child that she belongs to Jax.

She will not be with anyone else.

There's no need to create conflict over an idea that isn't real."

Draven's jaw tightened, anger burning in his eyes.

"Then talk to your daughter," he snapped.

"And come back to me with a clear date.

I don't have patience for girls' childish behavior."

A mix of fear and anger crashed over me.

I turned and left the house before they could notice.

Outside, I jumped onto my horse's back.

But two unfamiliar men blocked my path.

One of them had a long scar cutting across his blind eye.

"Where are you going, princess?" he demanded, a mocking smirk on his lips.

I ignored them and kicked the horse.

As it shot forward like an arrow, I rode through the forest without purpose.

My mind was crowded with a flood of thoughts.

I didn't want to face them.

And I couldn't marry Jax.

But I knew very well what my decision would lead to.

Refusing him would tear the village apart.

It could even start a war.