I did as he'd ordered and fled to the rickety bridge crossing the creek. Barely making it over as the males returned in wolf form. They eyed the swaying boards, disliking the sight of them. They'll have to return human, to risk it. A nearly impossible feat for a wolf under the Mating Moon. It was a well-known fact that once we succumbed to the Mating Moon and took on wolf form, our primal nature took over at such a level that it was difficult to force your body to do anything. Other than what the beast desires… I ran as hard as I could. Knowing I'd have only a bit of time. It'd take a long awhile, if at all, for them to overpower the moon's effect. *** But when I looked back again, I saw among the wolves there was one that was different. One hunter which was still in human form. The strongest and most powerful, the only male among these, able to resist the bright gaze of the Mating Moon. The alpha. Draven strolled through them and across the bridge while they paced and whimp

I averted mine to the floor at my side. “What are you going to do to me?” He caught my chin and lifted it so my eyes met his. “Everything...” His hand flicked my hood off and plucked the laces of my cloak. Sweeping it open to cup a breast in his callused hand. "Don't do this to me." I begged. Closing my eyes against the sight of him touching me. "Begging so soon?" He clucked in his cheek. "I thought you had more fight than that." I peeled my eyes open and looked fearfully at him. What's that mean? I'm not permitted to fight him. He's the Asara Alpha! "Most of the females want me to take them." "Then go get them." I tossed my arm limply. "Why me? I've never done anything to you!" Never upset you. Never disturbed you! "No you haven't." He looked at me thoughtfully. "Perhaps that's the problem." "I'm not a problem!" I frowned. "You are. You're the only female who doesn't want to be my mate." He's likely right. "Please, Draven." I tried a last time. Don't try and turn me int

I knew as he came again that it was well and truly done. I couldn't escape him he was going to make me his. Tonight. After he came he slumped atop me. Tucking his face into the crook of my neck and winding his fingers into the blonde curls along my head to hold me there as if savoring my scent. "Why did you pick me, Draven?" I whimpered. "You could've had them all." He sighed. Lifting his head. And I saw his eyes were that dark shade, flinted with yellow. "I've told you over and over again, Lyra. You were made to be mine. Do you know why father brought you into the pack?" I chewed my cheek, shaking my head. *** I remembered Edrick, the former alpha, coming across me, hiding in the woods and I remembered the boys at his side. Draven and his little brother, Alaric. I was one of the few Alaric had said goodbye to before he'd gone after the she-wolf that'd escaped over the wall, Lara which I'd heard was now hiding amongst humans. Something against our sacred code. But she'

Despite that he was still in human form, he was already generating power and authority in wild waves that made me want to duck my head. I averted my gaze to the side, but he snatched my chin and turned my face back to him. “You do not look away.” He commanded. “All wolves shy from the alpha’s gaze but his mate. She averts only when her challenge has been called by him.” “Challenge? I’ve never challenged you.” He tossed his head back and laughed outright. “Haven’t you?” “’Twas never my intent.” “No. But it is you’re way. You’re a strong, bold, defiant woman. Perfectly suited to a man that can gentle her.” “I won’t be tamed!” I snapped. “Having heard the term before and hating it anew.” “I did not say ‘tame’, Lyra. I’ve no wish to kill your spirit. I just want to gentle you to my hand.” “I don’t know what that means.” “You will.” With that, he was clearly done talking. Sweeping my calf up to hook over his hip. Holding it there with one hand while his other reached for the soft

He was quiet a long while. Staring at that ceiling. Looking at his profile I wondered for the first time, what manner of thoughts plagued an Alpha. I remembered the kid he used to be. A laughing boy who used to tease the others. And outrun them all. “What?” "You look strained.” I blurted. Realizing I really should watch what I was saying to him. Saying the wrong thing could get me killed. Even if he was right about Marta, a wolf under the Mating Moon was a dangerous thing to reckon with. He snorted. “I am. A bit.” “About the continuance of the Pack?” He tossed me a quick look. “I’m surprised you’d be aware it’d plague me.” “You just accused me of having a keen intellect. Are you revoking your compliments so quickly?” “Not nearly.” He smiled. “I meant it.” There was quiet between us a moment and I sensed he stalled. So am I. I hoped that keeping him talki