Page 1 of Forced Wolf Bride

Chapter 1 - Diego

"Find me a mate? Have you all lost your minds?" I scoff, my gravelly voice echoing through the dimly lit meeting hall, incredulity blazing from my eyes as I look at each of the pack members assembled. "The mate bond won't magically make me stronger or give us an advantage against Silverstar pack. It didn't work with my first wife, and it won't work now."

"You've seen how Mateo only grows in strength since taking Billie as his mate. The same goes for any other Silverstar wolf, including Mason." Marcus, a young, low-ranking wolf, steps forward. "That's no coincidence. He's gaining strength by the day, and soon, we won't be able to keep up. If you take a mate of your own, it could even out the playing field."

I roll my eyes, running a hand through my long, slightly graying hair, and try to keep a handle on my simmering rage. "And what makes you think I'll find such a woman? We're currently under attack from one of North America's most powerful alpha males. Most females would run a mile. Besides, my strength has always been my own, as alpha. Not because of a bond. You should all remember that."

I stand, holding Marcus's stare until the lower-ranking wolf looks away and steps back in retreat. Silence descends over the meeting hall, and I'm on the verge of dismissing everyone just to put a stop to this ridiculous line of discussion when I hear someone clear their voice.

The pack's second-in-command and my lifelong friend, Zack, steps forward, seemingly undeterred by my aggressive stance and fierce glare. "Alpha, we've seen the power of the mate bond in other packs. It's not just about strength; it's about support, unity, and healing. We can't afford to lose focus or let the opportunity for revenge slip through our fingers. Not after what happened with Tyler. We can't just let that slide."

My thoughts had begun to drift over the thought of starting again with a new mate, but the mention of my son's name brings me sharply back to the moment and sends a sharp pang of discomfort through my heart. My strong, proud son Tyler had been taken from me by Mateo's pack in a dispute over his ex-girl, McKenna. He hadn't been a perfect man, to say the least, but he was my son, and I owe him vengeance. And it's the least my pack expects from me.

I find it ironic that my pack seems to think that finding my own mate will somehow ease my soul and deliver us the advantage we need after our recent setback. Our lives and destinies appear to be ruled by this damn mate bond.

Despite my doubts, I know my pack's thirst for revenge and my oath of vengeance to Tyler must prevail. Our recent losses have left the pack uncertain, and there's no way my wolf will allow that sentiment to fester.

"Fine,” I say. “If it will appease you all, I'll consider it. But I'm not sure where you think I'll find a suitable mate?" Though I’m never short of female company, there's no one in the pack I'd ever consider as a mate.

I can't deny my wolf is intrigued, though. There's a strange gnawing that creeps into my consciousness now and then, a feeling that I'm missing something. Someone. The feeling has been even more present since Tyler's death. I assumed it was the natural feeling that results from a parent losing a child, but if I'm honest, the feeling was present long before his death.

My first wife, Tara, was a good woman and an excellent mother. I loved her and grieved as a man would when she died in a tragic accident when Tyler was only a pup, but my wolf was able to navigate her loss far more easily than when Tyler died. She and I simply weren't true mates, and the mate bond wasn't broken because there was nothing to break.

As the pack members exchange knowing glances, a few younger members stand with Marcus, nudging each other casually and laughing. "I'd suggest not waiting for the perfect woman to wander in off the street," one says with a chuckle.

Zack raises his eyebrows at me, and I shake my head. "If anyone suggests that damn true mates site, I suggest you leave now before Diego rightly throws you out."

I'm glad Zack said it. I can't imagine anything more demeaning than internet dating for alpha wolves. I stand, about to signal the end of the meeting and kick everyone out when Marcus has the audacity to step forward again. I find myself wondering when that wolf will learn his place.

"Let me and the boys handle this issue, alpha," he assures, obviously keen to impress. Part of me wants to encourage his ambition, and another part wants to crush him to relieve some of my frustrations.

"And just how do you 'boys' expect to handle such a problem?” I ask. “From what I hear, you struggle to find your own women."

That comment raises a round of raucous laughter from the rest of the room. I level my gaze on Marcus, looking defiant with all eyes on him.

"We'll bring you some women. If you don't like them, we'll try our luck. If you do... then problem solved," Marcus replies confidently.

I roll my eyes as some of the younger men whoop, obviously thrilled at the prospect of an influx of new women to the pack. I look to Zack, who shares my distaste for Marcus's plan. I can't deny he's got the pack fired up, though.

I find myself wanting two things: for Marcus to shut up, and to draw a line under this stupid mate issue.

"Do as you wish on this minor subject, Marcus," I say, stepping off the slightly raised stage so we're level. Even so, I still tower over him. "But be careful not to overstep with me. Know your place before I have to put you in it."

Marcus immediately bows his head, and the other men fall silent. It's been years since I've had to assert my authority in outright combat, but I won't hesitate to put Marcus in his place. The whole pack knows that, but does he?

"This meeting is over," I say, not even giving him a chance to reply. I've heard enough. "My only priority is getting revenge for Tyler's murder. Mason is responsible, and he must pay. I won't allow our pack to look weak. We avenge our own!"

The crowd breaks out in loud cheers, with several men at the front raising their fists in agreement. Many of them were friends with Tyler and felt his loss almost as much as I did. He was a complicated and sometimes difficult man, but he was also a prominent member of the pack.

The men begin to file out, all except Zack. As my second-in-command, he sees everyone out, no doubt listening to their opinions as I hear the word “mate” muttered several more times before he finally shuts the doors to the hall.

I release the breath I hadn’t realized I was holding and lean back against the bar.

"Zack, I don't need a mate," I say, finally breaking the silence. "I don't know why it's even being discussed."

He sighs and shakes his head before responding. "You know as well as I do that it's not just the younger men who are pushing for this. The elders believe a mate would bring you strength and stability."

I scoff at his words. "Strength and stability? That's what they think I need help with?"

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