Page 10 of Mated to the Wolves

Most homes here back up to the woods. A pack with no means of cover is like a sitting duck.

Moving deeper into the woodland, I admire the stars overhead and the rustling of animals moving about in branches. Eyes glow up at me from the ground as small nocturnal creatures stir.

They sense I’m a predator. Wood crackles from a fire ahead. Smoke drifts up into the air. The sound of whimpers and moans reaches my sensitive ears. I giggle.

I’m not a stranger to nights spent in the woods away from prying eyes.

“Who’s there?” A masculine voice asks.

“Sorry; just passing through.” I walk into the light of the fire, and my stomach plummets. This is not my night.

Douchebag extraordinaire and Daddy’s entitled brat, Bo Jensen, stands in front of a large white tent with built-in windows in the front flaps. He’s always looked like a model with his dark hair, dark eyes, and chiseled body.

But his attitude left much to be desired. His cupid’s bow lips part, revealing even, white teeth. I want to slap the triangular-shaped face perfectly sculpted with sharp cheekbones, a firm jaw, and thick lashes.

“If it isn’t the resident fire starter back from the land of the humans I see.”

“Looks like,” I say continuing to move.

He steps in front of me with supernatural speed. Here we go.

“We’re not kids, Bo. I won’t put up with your bullying anymore. I’m done playing games.”

This time around there’ll be boundaries. Lying back and taking everything the pack wanted to throw at me like I’m the town dump is off the table.

“You think we’ve forgotten who you are? That you’d come back and slip in undetected?” He quips.

Bo grins, showing his sharp teeth. “No. Freaks like you should expect to be called out. If we’re not careful, your insubordinate ways and weakness might spread.”

They hate me for not fitting in. “Being a beta is not a crime.”

“No.” His quick agreement is startling.

“But you ruined family legacies, didn’t you? First, the fire only you survived.” He holds up a finger. “Then against all odds, you become the first in centuries not to present as an alpha.” He tsks. “Not even an omega. Just a lowly beta. The last of the great Eskildson family holds none of their powers. He sighs loudly. “Two great bloodlines wasted on a useless beta when the pack needs magic desperately.”

“I appreciate the recap.” I clap. “It was nice. I actually lived it, so it wasn’t necessary.” I step around him. I’ve heard the song and dance so many times it goes in one ear and out the other.

He blocks my path. Nostrils flaring, he glares down at me.

“I can’t control the way things played out for me. And I have as much right to live in our town as anyone else.”

His thick eyebrows fly up, and he laughs. “We’ve become brave while we were away.” He steps

into my personal space. “I wonder what else you learned.”

I hold my breath to avoid inhaling more of licorice, spiced honey, and vanilla scent as his power presses down onto me.

My skin prickles, and I wait wondering if he’s going to use his alpha command on me.

“What’s the matter, beta?” He leans closer. “Scared?”

Ashamed of the powerful response I’m having to him, I glance away afraid he’ll see my desire. Mother nature can be a real bitch.

When your body’s entire goal is to keep you running at the peak shape, beings of beauty are created and designed to be pulled toward each other. Too bad this shiny, edible looking apple has a rotten core.

Glee fills his expression. Bo likes the hunt and the chase, and I’ve just presented myself to him as prey.

“Bo.” A brunette head appears at the tent opening. “Stop playing with the loser and come play with me,” she purrs.

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