The Alpha's Forced Mate

ile on the passenger seat. Missing persons reports dated back five years. All disappearances coincided with lunar cycles. She gripped the steering wh

researching small-town revitalization. No one would suspect the truth. Her true identity was a journalist specializing

ral store, and a coffee shop. The coffee shop was the target. It was cal

dark wood and worn leather. Three tables were occupied. All occupants were male. All sto

sta, a tired-looking woman, gave a

ra paid with cash. She did

hirts and sturdy boots. They looked like lumberjacks. Their eyes were too sharp.

e air c

ked rock. It was wild and potent. It hit her like a physical force. It drowned out th

he was there. The temperature in the room dropped. The other men in the

the cup on the coun

ee. Her hand shook.

ck. His jawline was sharp. His presence was overwhelming. He was not just big. He was dangerous. He was let

s had warned him. A disturbance. A disruption. He thoug

ht and forbidden things

se for an Alpha like him. He ruled by force. He did not rule with

It clawed at his skin. It demanded release. It dema

p toward her. T

s forgotten. Her journalism instincts screamed danger. Her body ignored the warning. It leaned to

rowl. It was not a question. It

was humiliating. This man was insane. He w

voice was stead

ched out. It did not touch her. It hovered near her

hed silently. They waite

"I don't belong to anyone. I am a journalist. I will c

yes. It amused the wolf. It angered

re for two weeks. I am not leaving with you." She articulated

The scent was a drug. He needed to touch her. He

splashed the hot black cof

oom e

not register. The scent of her panic amplified. He was

away from the counter. The movement was instant. She

She kicked his shin. It was like ki

e things." Dax pulle

moved. "Mr. Thorne!

Maeve." Dax did not look b

till on the floor. Her phone was in the purse.

was idling. A large man sat in

arcus," Dax

He opened the rear passenger doo

ad hit the leather. The world spun. She scr

red. He went around the car. He got into the passenger seat. Marcus got back into the drive

lara shouted. She rub

den eyes were intense. "There is a difference

al. I don't know you." S

hick, soft blanket from the floor. He tossed i

myself. I am leav

tor. He reached over the seat. His hand gripped her

scent. I know what you are to me. You are mine. You are safe

gers. She felt the terrifying truth of his words. He was

." She hated the tremor in her

or malice. My motive is survival. You

hick forest pressed in on both sides. The light dimmed. Sh

re you t

pound. You will b

ed protecti

ally from yourself. You do not understand th

a hu

k sound. "That is the one thing I

n? Was this part of the curse? Was she meant to be the cure? The sacrifice? He

broke. A massive stone wall appeared. It looked like

ng was a massive lodge, built of huge logs and dark stone. It was surrounded by smaller cabins and manicured grounds. People w

ctly in front of t

x instructed. He

ded. She had to play the part. She opened her d

ess was overwhelming. She saw the eyes. They were foc

. She was impeccably dressed. Her face was sev

voice was sharp. "You brough

not ask permission. He stated fact.

loser. She looked Elara up and down. Her golden eyes were t

She is weak. You need strength,

The heat radiated through her shirt. It was a wa

line is irrelevant. Th

ered Elara again. She saw the defiance in Elar

hin smile touched her lips. "She fought you. She will

imary obstacle was gone.

terior was luxurious. The furniture was heavy and expensive. T

ea. They walked up a curving staircas

n the property. You will not leave it without Daxiel's escort. You will be given clothes. Yo

ulent. It had a massive four-poster bed. It had a huge

ure walk-in closet. He pulled out a small electron

ting like a monster. He was acti

"This is yours. Everything in it is yours. Do not be confused

hat?" Elar

ion. Your life be

d nod. She closed the door behi

the envelope. Her name was written on i

was a photograph of her. She was seven years old. She was standing next to her parents. They were at a lake. Her pare

iew magazine. It was her undercover identity. The identity she had packed in a hi

shake uncontrollably.

to write about town revitalization, Elara. You are here to expose the pack. You are he

The full reality of her situation crashed into her. He knew. He kne

she whi

es. Every person who comes here is screened. Your application for the pres

er. The possessiveness wa

rite my story. The irony is perfect

he had prepared for rejection. She had not prepared for this. She had not prepare

ed to say. "What do you

elevant now. All your life is irrelevant now. Only the mate bond

atly. He put them back in the envelope. He placed the envelope back i

vered here. You will eat. You will rest. You will

d the door. Ela

can't just leave me here

the handle. He paused b

I am your mate. I claime

He closed the heavy wooden door. S

n. Her fight was not over. It had just begun. Her fear was immense. Her defiance was absolute. She looked around the opulent cage. She had

was rising outside the large bay w