Forced to love the Alpha

ed in the assembly room." Her heart raced at the unexpected summons, and she exchanged a quick glance with Kieran, her best friend, with whom she'd devel

, forewarning that something was amiss. She waved briefly to Kieran and followed Damian, her curiosity now ful

and the mixture of emotions left her bewildered. Her eyes darted around, taking in the Elders deeply engrossed in conversati

ysical prowess. Dark, slightly disheveled hair framed a striking face with chiseled features and full lips. Sensing her scrutiny, he turned, his amber eyes locking onto hers

emingly dismissing her presence. Her father, noticing her, approached her

iving her sun-kissed skin a dewy glow. Wiping a smudge of dirt from her nose, she turned her attention back to

in wolf form, especially during hunting season, and even

ed away from the property's edg

tell you. As you may know, the pack to the east has a new Alpha. His name is Zephyr." He gestured towards the imposin

politics had never concerned her, and her father had always shielded her from council meetings. Nonetheless, it was evident

s here to meet

nd an inexplicable quiver of un

rge, a fresh alliance should be formed. Zephyr is willing to be

room to find Zephyr gazing at her with a neutral expression, his hands b

is for the pack's benefit. Strong alliances are crucial to guard

when she had been bonded to a male from the north. Back then, at the age of twelve, she had been more excited about t

he need for alliances. Pack wars are a thing of the

ish having to explain this to her. He, like many in their pack, adhered to the old traditions and expected unquestioning obedience. As the youngest in the family, she had been treated more leniently, with fewe

owledge of our existence but in their persistent attempts to encroach on our terr

een made by the Elders, and the Alpha had endorsed it. Defying the pack's mandates would lead to exile. Nielle had never known a life outside the pack, and

are here. A dinner is being prepared, and the pack is being

She couldn't bring herself to think about the rest at the moment. She was well aware of the implications of mating; it

e saw Zephyr had moved closer, standing beside her father. "I'm p

s of average stature, but next to the new Alpha, she felt rather petite. Her father nudged her with his elbow, and she realized that Zephyr had extended his hand towards her. Tentative

d a reassuring squeeze. "I'll see you later, at the ceremony." Zephyr cast o

d gently pushing her away. "Go and find Martha. She's been instructed to help you get ready." Martha, Damian's wife, had been

he knew it wasn't an option. There was nowhere she could go without

no whe