THE ALPHA'S DEFIANT MATE

s were slowly coming back to life as shopkeepers set up displays and early r

normal, so why did

y head, tapping my face

few days now. It was as if someone was watching me but I dismissed it as paranoia at first, even though I knew

uld explain this lingering unease. Nothing seemed out of pl

he area, my wolf instincts s

sy going about their lives. Still, my heartbeat quicken

ust sleep-deprived and on edge from my nightmare

e I stepped outside and every time I walked down the street, I could feel an

arp scent of coffee from the café next door. It was a powerful combo that I would h

d for the knob and pushed open the door to the bookstore. The small bell

stressed brain, and it worked. I was feeling so

ime," Mrs. Porter remarked from behind the counter, her g

of the morning coffee," I

ng look. "or you we

ided to come clean. "I did.

ed to take care of yourself when you are still young

it disappeared as fast as it ca

usied myself with restocking shelves.

in a dark coat that did nothing to soften his intimidating presence. His hood was pulle

to myself as I scanne

grazing the spines of the books without real interest in any of them. He had

ere anything you are looking for spe

e search until I had to step in again, but he met me in silence. I swallowed hard,

ething?" I asked again,

sharpness of his jaw. The shadow of his stubble cast along his

was deep and smooth. "Jus

e. The trembling feeling of being watched washed over me again. My instincts screamed at me, warning me to g

ile, moving from shelf to s

u ever need me," I said and

nmistakable scent caught

s town. I had specifically chosen the place because it was hidden perfectly from the

st be passing through the town, and he wasn't looking for me, I co

lly made his way to the door. He paused, glanc

a," he said softly. "Danger

rror. Before I could respond, he was gone,

e I stood; my breat

enched my fists, my nails

ad fou

e to flee this instant,

, my body refused to move.

agile sense of normalcy. The thought of tearing it all d

ant risking everything. I cl

re because whether I ran or not, the