REJECTED MATE

She couldn’t control the feelings that swept over her. Part of her wanted to get on her knees and beg him to fuck her, and another part wanted him to get on his knees and press that face between her thighs.Luke wrapped his fingers around her neck, pulled her close, and then she shared her first kiss. The moment their lips touched, all of it became clear to her. This man, her alpha, was her mate.“One day, when you meet your mate, you will just know, sweetheart. We can’t tell you exactly how we know this, but you have to trust us. It’s this feeling, it is more powerful than anything you’ve ever felt. It is more exciting than Christmas, more enjoyable than chocolate ice cream, and so much more intense than any exam you’ve ever studied for.”Holy shit! Maya couldn’t believe it. This was impossible. Luke Marshall, the pack alpha, the wandering nomad biker, was her … mate. This couldn’t be happening.She had never felt this way. It was shockingly overwhelming, almost terrifying, and she d

Five years ago, Luke Marshall had walked into a bar, the same bar he’d been inside for eight years straight, perhaps even longer. He’d walked into that bar as the alpha of the pack, and nothing life-changing had ever occurred. He’d seen groups over that time celebrating their transition. Some large groups, others small. He’d often had a drink with them, given them a slap on the back in celebration, and waited a couple of days before moving on.That night, it had been different. He’d walked into that bar and the moment he inhaled, he smelled her. His mate—the woman who was meant for him.He’d seen her take a drink of her beer, wrinkle her nose, and step out of the bar. Luke hadn’t been able to stop himself. He’d followed her, intrigued by the woman, besotted. There was no escape from it. None whatsoever. She was a newbie. Young. Eighteen freaking years old.He was a nomad. He’d taken a vow to be on his own. Each time he came back to this fucking pack, he broke that bastard vow, but he

“I still don’t like it. You spend way too much time on your own, exploring the woods. We’re worried half to death about the trouble you can get into.”“Mom, I’m fine. Last night I wasn’t alone. Jordan was with me.”Leah sighed. “That’s good. Jordan is a good boy. You haven’t had … you know...”“I’ve told you, Mom, that’s not going to happen. Jordan and I are not mates.”The cup Luke had been holding shattered within his grip.Maya sipped her drink while staring at him over the rim.“I don’t know my own strength,” he said, as an excuse.Her father was already fussing over him, trying to clean up the mess.“Let me grab you another one,” Leah said, reaching for a mug. “It’s such a shame. You and Jordan have been friends for as long as I can remember. He’d make a nice mate, I’m sure of it.”“He’s not mine.”“I know, but you are aware that some people mate even though they’re not fated mates.”She chuckled. “I know that, Mom, and when his mate comes along, I’ll be left high and dry. Trust

By Monday morning, Maya pressed the back of her hand to her mouth to try and stifle a yawn. Yesterday she’d spent all day away from home and arrived late. Her mother had been worried, and had saved her a large dinner of beef, vegetables, and gravy, but she’d not been able to eat.She’d been worried about going home in case Luke was there. He hadn’t left town and she didn’t know why. She hadn’t slept well wondering what he was up to. Putting the nails on the shelf, she began cleaning away the loose ones, picking them up and placing them in the multi-box. Customers could come and grab a handful, and would be charged by the size of the bag. John was really excited when he came up with the idea. Maya hadn’t cared. She’d been smiling and encouraging, but it was still just a bag of nails and bolts. Boring.With the shelf full, she straightened the rest of the boxes before heading toward the other supplies on her list. John had given her a list of items to check for stock. Checking each item

He wasn’t used to being rejected. On the road, women were more than willing to share a small amount of time with him. Even with the scars on his face.“Maya?”She got to her feet. “Look, I know you’re clearly used to getting what you want, but I’m not going to have dinner with you. Please, just leave me alone.” She went to walk away and he reached out, grabbing her arm.Did she not feel anything when he touched her?“Will you stop doing that? People will start talking and I don’t want to be the gossip. Stop touching me, stop sitting with me, and stop … just stop.”“You’re my mate, Maya.”“And you didn’t give a fuck about that before, so why bother now?”There was so much he wanted to say to her, but instead John arrived. He had no choice but to let her go, and he was pretty sure in the back of his mind his wolf whimpered. They’d been so long without her.“How was everything?” John asked.“Everything was fine,” Maya said. “Can I talk to you for a moment?”John looked at Luke who smiled