Bounded To the Broken Alpha

ow now cast long, jagged shadows across the desolate ground. Alpha Kian stood in the middle of the shattered ruins of what had once been a thriving pack, his heart as broken as the

t, scanned the remnants of his once-proud territory. The trees, now stripped of their leaves, seemed to bow in mourning. The scent of

. He was alone now, standing amidst the death of his own family. His pack had been obliterated by the rival Moonfire pack, and with

est, but it had no joy in it. Only

ht bitterly, "when everything yo

in arms-fighting valiantly until they were overwhelmed by the sheer number of their enemies. Kian had been forced to retreat, to watch helplessly as his pack was torn apart. His b

as a cruel

elivered the worst

e hair on the back of his neck rose. His instincts screamed at him to turn, but he stayed still, l

ave to turn

ar

him by a deal he never agreed to. The woma

him, and her scent-wild, intoxicating, and strangely familiar now burned into his senses. Her presence was impossible

this. They had forced him into an unbreakable bond, one that had been sealed with blood. Elara had been chosen. Kian didn't c

en look at her

a shiver down Kian's spine, something raw, something vulnerable. It wasn't what he had expected. Elara was never vulnerable.

for the first time since the bond had been formed. His gaze raked over her form, taking in the pale skin, the dark eyes, the strong, lithe

or the death of my people? For the bloodshed that now stains this land? For the family, I will ne

osture proud, despite the weight of Kian's words. But those dark, stormy held something deep within them that Kian

think I wanted this? I never asked for this bond, Kian. I never asked to be here. But h

nd his hands clenched into fists at his sides. He couldn't look at her any longer. He couldn't look at the woman who w

this," he muttered through clenched teeth, his voice hoarse. "I never wanted a mate. I never wanted to live through this hell. And n

she might say something, that maybe she would apologize again or try to explain herself. But i

g her off. To push her away. But something about the way she touched him, so

peak. She di

eight of it pressing down on him harder than ever before. Why couldn't he let go of the pain? Wh

t terri