Page 1 of Forced Pregnant Mate

Chapter 1 - Lena

There is a fresh, cold wind blowing down from the very tops of the mountains, gathering chill as it rushes down into the valley, where it caresses my skin and ruffles my hair. The sun above the peaks sinks slowly towards the horizon, leaving us in deep shadow.

The rising excitement of the crowd seems to be in direct relation to the leaving light. It’s like an unspoken rule—once the sun goes down, that’s when the party gets serious.

I’ve never been this close to Dallas Peak before. My pack comes from Silverton, close to the modest range of the West Needle mountains. Twilight Peak and its little sisters look like low hills compared to Dallas Peak and the monstrous Mt. Sneffels rising behind it.

The Silver Meadows Pack invited us here to make our alliance official. After months of meetings and negotiations, we finally have an agreement, and the packs can mingle and share territory.

“Lena,” a loud voice barks at me. “Don’t just stand there. Get in here and help.”

A shock runs through my body, making me jump. I answer without thinking.

“Yes, Father.”

I hurry over to where he’s unpacking boxes from the back of the truck. He’s brought a few cases of beer to the pack party as his gift to the alliance. Every family has donated something, with the idea that coming together and enjoying good food and drink will create harmony for us all in the long term.

I wrap my arms around a box and awkwardly head over to the barbecue area, stacking the beer with some other drinks.

“Be careful!” Father snaps. “Don’t go breaking it.”

“Of course not, Father.” I don’t enjoy obeying him, but I’ll happily go along with whatever he says, so long as he leaves my brother alone.

Things have been so rough since Mother died. One of the most horrible things about this situation is that I can’t remember what Father was like before Kelly, our stepmom. Was he always abusive, or did she bring it out in him?

“Get back to the truck,” he snaps. “You’re not making yourself useful. Where’s that no good brother of yours?”

“Sam is around,” I answer.

Even if I knew where he was, I sure as hell wouldn’t tell you.

“Hey, Lana!” a cheery voice calls from the crowd. I look over to see Christina, one of my best friends, hurrying towards me.

“Uh, Chris, I really can’t—”

“Nonsense!” she announces, linking her arm through mine. “She’s got to go and mingle, Pete. After all, this party is about all the folks from both packs getting to know each other, isn’t it?”

“Alright,” Father says. “Have a good time, but don’t forget to come and check in with me. There’s always more work to be done.”

I hold in a groan, trying to relax. He’s always so nice in front of other people but brutal when nobody is watching. I know I’ll pay for this early escape at a later time, but right now, I really don’t care.

“Where are the others?” I ask, keeping close to Christina.

“Mae and Dana are here, over at this picnic table,” she answers, pointing towards the tree line opposite us. Keeping a tight hold on my arm, Christina starts navigating through the crowd towards the picnic area.

The small campsite is almost overflowing with people. It looks like both packs have attended in full, and everyone is laughing, talking, and even dancing. Not far from where we’re headed, I can see someone with a massive boom box spinning out tunes. Picnic tables are all full, and the tantalizing smell of barbecue is beginning to sizzle in the air.

I wonder if—

“He’s not here yet,” Chris giggles. “Or if he is, I haven’t seen him.”

“Are you reading my mind now?” I mutter. Chris shrugs.

“I don’t have to. Why do you think I went and rescued you from your Dad? I know what you really came for.”

A hot, tingling wave rushes through me, leaving my cheeks feeling warm. I don’t know if I’m embarrassed because I’m so transparent, or if it’s because I know I’m going to see him tonight.

Him.

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