It's hard to believe that the end of Forsaken Mate is finally here. Next update will conclude the story. I am so honored that you came with me on this journey and I hope you'll stick around to see the happily ever afters!
I smelled him coming a mile away.My father only ever comes to see me when he reeks of cheap whiskey and rage. He needs a target to attack and someone to blame for all the various misfortunes of his life. I'm guilty of only having been born to the bitter tyrant.I press my face against the dingy wallpaper inside my run-down trailer tucked away in a corner. My heart pounds with an all too familiar dread, despite having endured this scene many times in my life. It's all burned into my body, like muscle memory.The sound of his heavy footsteps echoes outside with the uneven crunch of gravel under Deadrick Pride's stumbling gait. He's here for me, fueled by the liquor that consumes his inhibitions and ignites his rage.The trailer, my paper-thin sanctuary, closes in around me. Its walls, worn and rusted, bear the scars of countless altercations. The only physical evidence remaining of the many wounds inflicted by my father, my family, my pack. The half-broken windows allow slivers of moon
"Get up, bitch." Wesley sneers down at me, his voice dripping with venom. "Or do you need more time to finish crying to mommy dearest?" His words sting, but I'm used to them, along with his slaps, his kicks, his punches. His words are probably his weakest weapon, but that doesn't stop them from stirring something wounded within me. I pick myself up and get on my feet despite my aching, tense abdomen. I know the drill and keep my eyes lowered. Grit and bear it. That's all I have to do. Just grit my teeth and bear it. "Not much of a mother, though," he sniffs, circling me and her grave. "Took the first chance she could to leave you behind. I guess that's where you get that coward streak from." Wesley Wrest knows just what to say to cut me deep. He's had years of practice. Of course every insult and barb is carefully calculated to prick at my raw nerves. He also knows that I can't do anything against him. As the future Alpha of River Crest, he's already got more power than he knows w
If I were anyone else, I might have believed him. Might have believed he'd be gentle and let me go after and never bother me again. If I were someone else, I'd be stupid enough to see this as a chance to change my fortunes in River Crest. Maybe get into the future Alpha's good graces. But I'm not someone else. I'm Makayla Pride. I know there's nothing I could ever do to be free from this nightmarish hell. I know Wesley, Quinn, Russel, and the other three hiding out in the woods waiting for orders will never let me go unscathed. Even if I beg like he wants and give him my body. And because I am me, I know what's coming next. All I can do is relax and wait for it to pass. "You'll never get another chance like this, Pride." His thumb traces my bottom lip, and that flicker of insanity sparks in his eyes. His composure is cracking. "Beg me, and I'll make you feel like heaven." "Stop wasting your time on her, Wes. She's not worth it," Quinn snaps, crossing her arms over her chest like
Stepping out into the warm sunshine, I feel nothing but cold. A shiver runs through me when I see Deadrick Pride’s imposing figure looming at the end of the gravel path. A hint of anger still boils in his grey eyes as he approaches me at the bottom of my stoop. He barely surveys the damage he caused last night, grimacing as though the state of my home was the result of my shortcomings. Like the wreckage is proof I’m always at fault. How dare I not repair everything he ruined in mere minutes? Useless, stupid Makayla. Before he reaches me, I step forward and bow deeply, as is required for underlings when in the presence of pack leadership. Can’t say I hate it. It gives me an excuse to look away from his perpetually disappointed face. To meet his eyes would be like stepping into a minefield, so I keep my gaze lowered even after finishing the bow. Volatile doesn’t even begin to cover my father’s temperament, and there’s no way of knowing what will set him off. “You took your time,” he
I did my best to clean up the mess around my home. With so few possessions to destroy, it didn't take long for me to clear everything away or simply toss it in the trash. At least that's taken care of now. With my father's threats still hanging in the air like a guillotine blade, I retreat into my trailer. The wreckage remnants inside are too accurate a depiction of exactly how I'm feeling. Like the last pieces of my fragile sanity will soon splinter, broken windows beneath his heavy boot. But I can't dwell on it or anything else without potentially disintegrating under that very same boot. There'll be nothing left of me but dust and shards of what I used to be. Also, I don't have time to waste on metaphors and sadness. There's an event to prepare for—a mask to put on. It's a bit sickening, really, how I have to mold, shape, and scrape myself together to appease the same people who've spent my entire life tormenting me. All of this to survive. "Is it worth surviving?" The question
With Milla silenced and my appearance made "presentable," I head to the River Crest pack house. Twenty minutes of walking in heels isn't ideal, but it's a reasonable excuse to delay the inevitable.The pack house comes into view too soon for my liking, and I heave a heavy sigh. This place is the absolute worst. It starkly contrasts the wilderness I usually call home, a grandeur that feels like another world.Stepping through the opulent doors, I hold my breath and keep my gaze lowered to the floor, sticking to the walls and corners of each room.My father's orders loop in my mind like a mantra—blend in, be quiet, be invisible. I've mastered this art form during the years I've barely survived in River Crest.I risk a quick glance around the main hall and can't deny how beautiful the pack house is. White wisteria hangs from the ceiling and nearly every flat surface. Lace, tulle, and candles, all in River Crest's signature blue, white, and gold.My blue dress blends with the event's blue,
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
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
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.
“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
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
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
“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
“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
“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
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
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