Forced to love the Alpha

et with reassurances about the greater good of the pack and the status and care she would receive as the Alpha's

ety denied her that solace. Time was against her. Whether they were genuine reasons or

could conjure a feast for an army at a moment's notice. The food was no doubt delicious, but she couldn't bring herself to eat. Well-wishes from pack members and speeches from the Elders were exchanged, followed by the commencement of the bonding ceremony. Zephyr led her t

e cast fleeting glances at him as they crossed the moonlit lawn. Should she break the silence with some words? Her thoughts raced to find an appropriate comment, but n

he was aware that the first mating could be painful, and given his size, she had little hope that it would be a gentle experience. If it were Kieran, she believed it would be diffe

mained well-maintained, featuring a solid stone chimney, shuttered windows, and a small porch. Zephyr pushed the door open and gestured for her to enter, following closely since their wrists were still

joined wrists, and she nodded in agreement. He took a jackknife from his pocket and cut the rope, letting it fall to the ground. Nielle immediately pulled her a

"We seem to have a similar reaction to be

f what to say, and the sil

uly wanted to be her mate, or was he, like her, turning away from someone he loved for the sake of his pack's welfare? Bef

hroom and closed the door, letting out a sigh of relief. For a few minutes, at least, she would have some privacy and be free of Zephyr's presence. It wasn't that he was displeasing to look at; in different circumstances, she might have admired his phys

being an outcast was unthinkable. Besides, she would have no place to live, no means of support, and the constant fear of detection. While it hadn't happened in years, it wasn't to say th

on in her jaw. In fact, her entire body felt tense. Perhaps a hot shower would help. She turned on the taps, adjusted the spray, and then stripped before stepping into the stall, letting the poun

und, and they had rolled around, playfully nipping at each other before bounding away, only to jump and tumble again. They had nuzzled and licked each other's faces, then transformed back into human form just ins

only to realize it wasn't her imagination. Hands were touching her! With a startled