Page 23 of Cuffed By My Mate

“He arrested me. When I first was passing through town, I was kind of speeding, and he pulled me over. Then he realized that I was his mate.”

“But you’re human and didn’t know,” I guess, and she nods.

“Yeah, so he arrested me to keep me here and try to convince me that we were meant to be.”

“How did that go over?” I ask with a giggle, and she laughs.

“Not great at first. Then, I don’t know. I got it. It was just so right being with him.”

“You’re fated to be together. You’re perfect for each other,” I agree, and she nods.

“He’s the love of my life.”

We share a smile, and I try to ignore the cracking in my chest as I realize that I’ve lost the love of my life.

Her phone goes off, and she sighs.

“It’s Tucker. I need to get home.”

“Thanks for coming by and checking on me. I’m glad that I got to tell you the truth.”

“Crew will be home soon, I’m sure, and you can tell him the truth then too.”

I nod, hoping that I look more confident than I feel, and walk her out. I scan the road, searching for Crew, but he’s nowhere in sight. I wait a few more minutes and then have to face the truth. He’s not coming home, and I need to leave.

I head back inside and grab my bag. I take one last look around the house before I trudge out to my car and toss my bag into the back.

It takes me three tries to get my old car to start, and I choke back tears as I pull out of the driveway and head down the road.

I make it a few miles before red and blue flashing lights appear in my rearview mirror. I frown as I pull to the side of the road. My car sputters and dies before I can shift into park, and I curse as I roll to a stop on the shoulder of the road.

I’m so busy dealing with my car that I don’t notice Crew coming up to the driver’s side door. Not until he rips my door open and drags me out. The next thing that I know, he’s slapped some cuffs on me and is pushing me back against my car.

“What are you doing?” I gasp.

“Where are you going? Back to Red Fog?” He asks angrily.

“What? No!” I shout, and he searches my face.

“Then where?”

“It’s obvious that you don’t want me. I was leaving. I’m going to go find a new town. A new pack.”

“You think that you can just replace me and this place?” He asks and I shake my head.

“No. I know that nothing will ever compare to you or Twisted Oak. This place was becoming my home, but I can’t be here with you and notbewith you.”

He steps back from me, giving me a little space, and I tug on my wrists.

“Want to uncuff me?” I ask, and he shakes his head no.

“Why are you in Twisted Oak? Why did you come here?” He asks.

“It depends on who you ask.”

“I’m asking you,” he says, crossing his arms over his chest and staring down at me.

“I’m trying to escape. I hate my dad and brother. I hate the Red Fog Pack and everyone in it. It’s not safe there for me or anyone who isn’t an asshole. I was trapped there. Until my dad ordered me to come here and spy on this pack.”

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