Mated To The Enemy Alpha

ht's encounter, and the unease that had gripped her chest didn't seem to fade with the morning light. For a moment,

resence had already become a fixture in her

ll lingering in her muscles. The pull of the bond she shared with Brandon had been overwhelming. She hadn't wanted to admit it, but s

et voice on the other side. "Elle, are

a deep breath before answerin

the strength she needed. Her long, dark hair was tangled from sleep, her pale skin almost ghostly under the mor

ing dark. Something dangerous. Her mind flashed back to the body they had found last night-the body of

ans, Elle dressed quickly, mentally preparing for the d

r her, taking in her appearance, though he quickly masked whatever emotions flashed through his face. His s

y, though his eyes lingered f

"I'm here. Let's g

the morning-wolves were already training, the smell of coffee and food wafting from the kitchen. It was clear that Brandon's A

Brandon inside, where several key members of the pack were already gathered around the long table. Ma

his voice rough, his usual calm demeanor

ed up to the front. He didn't sit but instead stood with his arms folded, looking every bit t

t-" Brandon began, bu

incident. This is j

or a moment, everyone turned to look at her. Brandon didn't speak, but she cou

cks. Not just here, but all across the region. Wolves are disappearing. Bodies are bein

voice tight with disbelief. "Are you sug

his words. "Someone or something. We don't know yet, b

waste any more time. Marcus, gather the scouts. I want every pack near us on hig

the truth is, we're getting nowhere fast. Whoever or whatever

making her feel restless. "This is bigger than just a

t's why we need to work together, all of us. We

notice the way the room shifted with his words, the way the pack seemed to lean on him for direction. It made sense. He was the Alpha. He was s

th a team this afternoon. We'll start scouting the surrounding territories. Marcus, I want y

. "I have other plans," she said, her voice laced with an

as ever. "No. But you're the best track

her chest, her irritation r

ed. "I'm asking you to be part of the pac

words she wanted to say. She was about to argue, to

. He wasn't just asking because he needed a tracker. He was a

up from the chair. "I'll help. But don't thi

all smile, though it didn't reach

their voices a blend of uncertainty and determination. Elle's mind buzzed with thoughts of what had been rev

veryone, be ready. I'll be leaving within the hour

room, leaving Elle and Brandon standing together. For a moment, neit

ess, her voice clipped. "You'

ly, his sharp gaze locking o

eyes narrowing. "This isn't just about the a

his shoulders. It wasn't the first time she'd sensed something beneath the surface with him, but

d, his voice low but controlled. "The pack

allies, right? I won't stand by while you k

ought he might push her away, might tell her she wasn't ready to know the truth. But instea

, almost as if to himself. "Not because I don't trust you, bu

t him off the hook so easily. "I'm not some fragile hum

his expression softening ever so

to back down. "Then explain it

's been hunting our kind for years. They've been moving in the shadows, targeting the

furrowed.

er it is, they're using magic, something ancient and dangerous. It's bee

of his words settled over her. "And y

't let you-any of you-get caught up in it. I'm no

was something about Brandon's intensity, the way he was taking on all the responsibility, that st

," she said quietly. "If we're goin

r of relief in his eyes. But just as quickly, it was gone. He stood straig

said, his tone turning more businesslike.

remind him that she didn't need his protection, but she held back. This wasn't the time to get caught u

she said, her voice firm. "Yo

er for a long, tense moment. He finally gave a sharp no

t flinch.

ughts. Elle's mind raced as she processed everything she'd just learned. There was more at play here than just rogue attacks. There wa

al battle was only just beginning. And somehow, she knew that Brandon was right about one thing