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A Pretty Target
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Forsaken Mate Making An Entrance
The second I step out of the bathroom, my father’s hand clamps around my arm. His grip is like a vise, biting into my skin. “Where the hell did you go?!” he hisses, furious gaze blazing down at me. “Are you trying to make me look like a fool, disappearing just as you are to be introduced?” How was I supposed to know I was getting a formal introduction? He didn’t mention it before, and no one else bothered to say anything to me either. “My sincerest apologies, Beta Pride.” I try to bow, but his hold on me limits my mobility. “I needed a moment to freshen up, to make sure I’m presentable for our esteemed guests. I didn’t wish for my inferior nature to offend them.” It must be my imagination, but I swear his expression softens as he releases his grip on my arm. It’s rare for him to offer any hint of approval, so this sudden shift in character must have something to do with the agreement between the packs. I see the signs. It’s subtle, but his heartbeat is a little quicker, and a fain
Forsaken Mate Wallflower
Dinner ends, and the dishes are carted away, mine still loaded with most of what Griselda heaped on it. In the end, I couldn’t stomach more than a dozen forkfuls before my nerves threatened to send it all back up for a second look. It’s for the best. I want to survive this evening, so I need to be on my toes and not lethargic from a grand feast. But now there’s nothing to distract Wesley and Quinn from trying to goad me into making a spectacle of myself to ruin the celebration. No doubt they caught wind of Beta Pride’s tense attitude. His enthusiastic punishment of me has never been a secret. Many verbal and physical lashings I’ve received came with a live audience. Quinn’s vicious gaze lingers for an especially long time on my father’s hard expression. I can damn near read her mind. She’s scheming to light his fuse and aim him in my direction. There is no chance in hell that I am falling into that trap tonight. Not when I’ve already been promised to Alpha Nolan should anything go
Forsaken Mate Leaving An Impression
I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from smirking at his words. That wouldn’t be proper. Rising from my bow, I’m still careful to keep my attention on the floor out of respect. “I am at your disposal, Alpha Thane.” “Very good, Ms. Pride. Walk with me.” His hand rests between my shoulder blades as he leads me around the outer edge of the study. It’s the kind of touch I imagine an older brother or cousin would use on their younger relative as they teach them to ride a bike or skateboard. Steady. Firm. Warm. Maybe even safe. Unexpected, given how frightening Alpha Thane is as we make the rounds about the room, nervous eyes locked on us with each step. This is the opposite of blending. I’m struggling to keep my composure and focus on breathing normally to keep my heart rate in check. “It’s unsettling, you know,” Alpha Thane grumbles, glancing down at me sideways. I swallow hard. “Sir?” “You move like a ghost. Your footsteps in heels are silent, and even the sway of your dress on t
Forsaken Mate Eyes On Me
The rest of the event sputters on without incident. Not long after I return to Beta Pride's side Alpha Thane wanders away from Quinn's flaunting and mewling. Somehow, I find myself back in his perimeter, occasionally catching a wayward glance or nod from the intimidating man. Alpha Nolan and my father are too preoccupied trying to earn his favor to notice. Still, his subtle attention doesn't escape me. Whenever his cold eyes land on me, a mischievous spark glinting within them, I want to curl in on myself. Just what is he planning? Even as Alpha Nolan rambles about amending the terms now that the two packs have improved relations, Alpha Thane's gaze flickers in my direction. It's so fast I doubt anyone else notices. But me, and it sends a prick of panic down my spine. I wish I knew what's going on in this man's head. What his interest in me is. Was telling him I'm at his disposal a mistake? Alpha Thane holds his cards close to his chest. I can't understand what kind of man he is,
Forsaken Mate Escape
Before I can respond, Beta Pride swiftly intervenes. "She passed in childbirth, Alpha Thane. It's a painful memory for us both and why my Makayla is so dear to me." I would think he meant those words if I didn't know better. Maybe Beta Pride has his eyes set on a future in the arts. His devotion to his own act this evening is downright award-winning. That sad look on his face… you'd never know he curses my mother every single day and beats her daughter whenever he can. The mask is slipping. It's now or never. "Thank you for the opportunity to meet you," I say, and then, with tightly controlled composure, I turn and exit. Racing out of that suffocating study, I gasp for breath, and my body trembles with relief. The promise of the night air calls to me. I crave it against my clammy skin. Every step brings me closer to freedom, away from the oppressive walls of the packhouse and the critical gaze of everyone who wishes me dead. Pushing through the exterior doors, I nearly weep when
Forsaken Mate Cornered
Every word I know vacates my mind as I stare up into the eyes of my nightmares, so much like his son's. That same evil glint shining in the ice blue of his irises. I open my mouth, but nothing comes out. Alpha Nolan laughs. Head back, eyes closed, a full body laugh verging on a cackle. The sound of it fills the air and drowns out everything else. No more crickets or breezes. And when he stops, the sounds of the night do not return. Muted like me. "You should see the look on your face, Kay." My throat tightens painfully when my nickname from Milla rolls off his tongue. "I can call you that, right, Kay?" he purrs, dragging his fingers along my jaw. "We're close enough, what with you being the daughter of my beta. You won't deny me, will you?" "Of course, I'm happy for you to call me whatever you like. It's an honor, sir." "Sir? Better than Alpha Nolan, but still." He clicks his tongue again, shaking his head. "I am your Alpha, Kay. Say it." "S-sir?" He slips his hand around my th
Forsaken Mate Stranger In The Night
Smoke wafts into my face, stinging my eyes. Because why wouldn't it? What part of me hasn't been tormented in the last 24 hours?I scalded my skin and scratched at it with a rough rag until there was no trace of Alpha Nolan's touch left. The scars and bruises from Wesley and Russel are all but gone. And yet, every inch of me still hurts down to the very marrow. I barely had the energy to start the fire in my pit, but it needed to be done.Fear and worry kept me from eating at the dinner, and now that the panic has worn off from Alpha Nolan's advances in the courtyard, I'm starving. I've hunted and scavenged some meat scraps from the café in the territory. I throw them into my lone, worn-out pan, adding the few unbruised vegetables still rattling around in the bottom of my cooler. It's not gourmet, nothing close to the finery I was served in the packhouse earlier. But washed down with some tequila, it'll do.The meat sizzles in the pan as flames lick up the sides, charring the metal bl
Forsaken Mate Sharing A Meal
I step back, slipping into a defensive stance, and he quickly raises his hands."I mean no harm." Nodding toward the fire, he continues, "I smelled the food and thought I'd investigate.""Who are you?" I scan him top to bottom once more, this time careful not to get distracted."Rafael, sentinel guard from Io. Rafe, if you like."Io. Of course, they brought their own guards. It makes sense when so many members of their pack guardians are here in an unknown arena. Not to mention the rising number of rogue attacks between Io and River Crest's territories.I force my body to relax out of the defensive stance despite my unease. It's best if I don't do anything that might antagonize even the guards of Io; this alliance is too important, and I'm still in the crosshairs."Makayla, sentinel guard for River Crest." I offer a polite bow and try to ignore how imposing his aura is. Does everyone in Io give off such dominating vibes?"Makayla." My name is a breath in his voice, said softly with mo
Latest chapter
Forsaken Mate Wedding Bells - Finale
If looks could kill, Erick and Marco would be dead right now. The hideous glare on Wesley’s face paints a stunning portrait of the man I know him to be. Now, everyone else finally gets to see him for the hateful, lying, psychopath that he truly is.His façade of innocence melts away and all that’s left is a shaking, contemptable man with nothing to lose and a singular goal. I can feel his wicked intentions vibrating in the air. It’s obvious. And pathetic. Anyone else would have slumped and begged for mercy. But not Wesley Wrest. Never Wesley Wrest.Through grit teeth, Wesley growls. “You traitorous little shits don’t know what you’re doing. You think I’m gonna let you get away with ratting? You think you’re gonna make it out of here alive after the shit you just pulled?!”Before King Helios can grab and detain him, Wesley slips out of reach and charges the altar. I step forward, pulling the two pups behind me and standing him down. As I figured, the mate bond wouldn’t let him hurt me.
Forsaken Mate Wedding Bells - 2
“The Goddess did no such foul thing,” Rafe growls, stomping down near Wesley. “Your schemes end here, worm.”“Alpha Rafael, Makayla, explain,” King Helios roars, no longer passively sitting to the side.“Through nefarious means, Alpha Wesley Wrest severed the mate bond between Makayla and myself. We are true fated mates, marked, and promised to one another for some time,” Rafe states. With his head held high, he looks just as regal and commanding as the king. My heart races just watching hmi address the room with confidence.“Liar! You stole her from me when Io came for diplomatic meetings!” Wesley shouts. “She is mine and has always been. Only mine!”“There was never any mate bond between us. How dare you try to claim otherwise over five years after we both came of age!” I snap. “King Helios, I humbly submit testimony from one Quinn Iverson, the former Luna candidate of River Crest.”Wesley’s eyes grow wide and the whispers around the temple hall grow into full blown outrage as a scre
Forsaken Mate Wedding Bells - 1
I’m nervous.My heart’s pounding and I can barely think straight. Every breath feels too big for my lungs, like I might pop any second. The dress wasn’t this tight yesterday. The shoes didn’t pinch like this. Am I growing? Will I end up filling the entire temple hall with my massive, bulbous feet and wide back? Is Rafe going to see his bloated bride and run away in fear.“Makayla, breathe.” Thane’s warm hand covers mine. He pulls me into a gentle hug, squeezing with just the right amount of pressure to calm me down and stop my thoughts from spiraling.“I’m okay,” I lie, my fib muffled by his suit jacket.“Your heart’s racing like a running rabbit,” he chuckles, pulling away. He brushes a strand of my long, curled hair from my face, kissing me on my forehead. “I know it’s scary, but there’s nothing for you to worry about. Everything’s in place. And you, my
Forsaken Mate Unwelcome Intruder
I’m exhausted.Between preparing for the Luna Ceremony, the wedding, and all the pack celebrations these last three days, I’ve been swamped with engagements and work. And if that isn’t bad enough, Rafe has been insatiable.I haven’t been able to go to his office for lessons since we’ve had a change of plans. I’ve been working with Thane, Christobel, Elder Raimey, and countless event hires from caterers to dress makers. More than once, I didn’t see Rafe all day until we both showed up separately to the pack celebrations late in the evenings.We would both be drained from these long days, but the second he sees me, he’s on me. His hands don’t leave my body, his gaze never wanders from my face. It’s like he’s desperately clinging to me to prove that his love hasn’t wavered with the removal of our bond. I don’t know what to do or say to show him that I feel the same about him.So, I just let him do whatever he wants and try to keep up.These last three days, he’s dragged me from the celeb
Forsaken Mate Bond Broken
“This changes nothing!” Rafe roars.His shouts pull me from my numb sleep into aching consciousness. My body feels like it was tossed off a cliff and rolled over by a semi. I blink the world into focus and find the familiar ceiling of Io’s hospital above me.“She is my mate. We know this. So whatever is happening is of no concern to me,” Rafe snarls. “Makayla is my Luna. She is going to be my wife. This changes nothing.”“What’s happening?”I push onto my elbows and find the room filled with concerned warriors: Dr. Juniper, Christobel, Thane, and an elderly woman I’ve never seen before. Her round, wrinkled face turns toward me, though her milky white eyes don’t seem to see anything.“My child, give me your hand.” Her withered fingers reach for me, and I pull away on instinct. Rafe pulls me into his side, kissing my hair.“It’s okay. Let Elder Raim
Forsaken Mate Wesley's Plans
“Yes! Please! Please save me.” Real tears fall from Quinn’s eyes as she begs me for her life. How many times have I imagined this scenario? Quinn crawling at my feet, completely humiliated. Beyond humiliated. Hopeless. Alone. Scared. Everything I was. Everything she inflicted on me.And just like her, I will show no mercy.I stomp on her hand, grinding it under my heel and ignoring her cries of pain.“Listen carefully, Quinn,” I mutter. “Because I won’t be repeating myself. Do you understand?”She nods, stifling her cries.“You’re going to tell us everything that you told Wesley about Io. Everything. You’re not going to conveniently leave a single detail out, do you hear me?”She nods again.“And you are going to tell us everything that Welsey has done since taking control of River Crest. The rogues, the attacks, everything.”Another nod.“And when you’re done spilling your guts about that, you’re going to tell us his plans and why he’s doing all of this.”A different reaction. She gl
Forsaken Mate Head on a Spike
“Makayla! Makayla slow down!” Christobel shouts after me.I won’t. I can’t.My legs carry me swiftly back to the packhouse and through the gated doors that lead down to the dungeons. I’ve only been once, but this trip is decidedly faster than the first. I take the stairs four or five at a time, ripping my lovely party dress and ruining all the hard work Christobel and the attendants did to make me look presentable.I can’t care about that right now. I can’t even stop my thoughts from scrambling madly, spiraling to a single point. Quinn Iverson must die. Today. At my hands.How dare she? How dare they?! River Crest wasn’t content with mercilessly tormenting me for years. No, they couldn’t be satisfied now that I am gone and no longer an eyesore to their perfect little pack. They had to go and mess with my new family.She’s not getting away with that. And once I’m through with her, I’m taking Wesley’s head with my bare hands!I bottom out at the end of the stairs, huffing furiously and
Forsaken Mate Rebecca
The downside to being all dolled up for a celebration is limited range of motion and the inability to run full speed when you need to.Trying to keep up with Thane and Christobel is a challenge in four inch heels and this flowing dress. I’ve given up on keeping my hair looking pristine and neat, the curls flow wildly behind me as we surge toward the west gate.Appearances don’t matter. All that matters is getting to whoever is waiting before Rafe does. Not that I care what he does to them, I just don’t want to beg him for permission to see them in the dungeon again. And I’m not overly fond of the idea of going back down there anyway.Plus, if Quinn’s sudden arrival is any indication, calming him down for hours and days after will wear me out. My legs are shaking as is and my lower back is killing me. As much as I love him and our time together, I would rather not have a body cast on for my Luna ceremony.Please, Goddess, don’t let it be Wesley or Deadrick.My silent prayer is answered
Forsaken Mate The Morning After
I don’t recall falling asleep. But I’m awoken by Christobel and a number of attendants rushing in to tend to me. The sun casts the room in a warm, golden glow. Rafe’s scent lingers in the air, but is slowly fading, much to my heartbreak. He must have slipped out earlier and left me to sleep in.“We’ve prepared a bath for you, Luna,” one of the attendants announces, head bowed. I don’t recognize her. I don’t recognize any of the women clamoring around me, eagerly pushing to be ahead of the group. Christobel’s kind eyes shine with pride as she stands at attention in front of all the rest.“Now ladies, I only agreed to let you assist me today because you were all so eager to serve our new Luna,” she declares, silencing the commotion. “If you continue to behave in such an immature fashion in front of Luna Makayla, I will dismiss all of you and serve her myself as I’ve always done.”Ah, I see.She’s showing off our close relationship. I struggle to conceal a smile. I’ve never seen this sid
