Chapter 3 – Marked Against Her Will

Polly would never have imagined her mate would be anyone unordinary. She’s a simple girl. Her strength and skills are average at most. She’s not even very good with fighting. Her evaluation results fluctuate from month to month. She can’t seem to create consistent wins. Or at least, a two-to-one ratio of wins and losses. She rarely achieves winning all three.

She was early today, preparing some equipment for their training. She felt a little different, like something’s about to change in her life. She couldn’t place it, what it was, until that moment.

She stood up after stacking the equipment in one corner and deeply exhaled. It was a little tiring. She froze upon feeling a presence from behind her and her heart raced when a unique scent registered in her senses. No way . . .

It’s not what she thought it was, right? She lowered her head and placed her hands over her heart. Was she ready to meet her mate? She thought of Ren, the guy she liked. Would she be able to let go of her feelings? Won’t it be unfair to be with her mate when she still has feelings for someone else? What is she to do?

She took another deep breath. One thing at a time. Let’s meet him first and decide what to do later. The bond might help her move on if he’s going to be someone she can easily like.

Polly could hear his footsteps, getting closer, and she took a moment to ready herself. She slowly turned around and lifted up her gaze. He’s tall but when she saw his face, her eyes widened in fear. Oh, no! Why him?

She recognized him as the guy who tried to mark Sab ages ago. She was with her at the time and she witnessed that incident. She knew who he is, an Alpha’s son. She knew how strong he was. He fought all her male co-trainees and they didn’t succeed against him. The disparity was great and it opened their eyes to how much they still lack and how much they still need to improve. She began to shake her head, taking a step back and softly uttering a short “No.”

Jared’s expression darkened. He saw how she looked afraid of him, her retreat, the slight shake of her head . . . and he clearly heard her say no. He lightly growled. Somehow, he understood she planned to reject him. She won’t accept him. And he can’t accept that. He must have her! He must have her mate!

He’s not sure why she’s afraid of him. Does she know him? He’s sure this is the first time he laid eyes on her. She’s clearly young and very pretty. From the look of things, she’s a resident of Snow Mountain. He grimaced. That must be it. Members of Snow Mountain must have known his actions from last year.

He rushed towards her, reaching out and trapping her in his arms. Polly struggled but he’s really strong. He didn’t budge nor batted an eyelid. She couldn’t think of a way to escape him. Should she yell for help?

“Don’t. Please, stop. Let me go.” She tried to beg him, but Jared merely stared at her for a second before lowering his head. He sank his fangs against the fair skin of her neck. Polly winced in pain before pleasure hit her. Her mind went blank when he began to suck and consume her blood. She lightly moaned and trembled in his arms, her body weakening. Jared held her tightly as he enjoyed the taste of her. He wanted to do more. He wanted to mate with her.

Polly was panicking inside. He marked her! What’s going to happen now? She doesn’t want him. How would this affect her future? It’s unheard of. At least, that’s what she knew. She doesn’t know anyone who has been marked without their consent.

She almost fainted from the fear enveloping her being.

It was Ren, along with Quinn, who found them first.

“What the fuck?” Quinn rarely curses, but the scene they saw was enough to anger him immediately. Why is it always this guy? He quickly recognized him. The two of them rushed over and tried to take Polly away from him.

As the approached, Jared looked up and gently licked the wound he made on the woman’s neck. He growled in annoyance. Why are these people bothering them?

“What have you done to her? Polly?” Ren demanded while trying to see Polly’s condition.

“Fuck off! Take your eyes off my mate.” He’s losing control again, the bond hijacking all of his being. His senses, his actions, and his thoughts.

“No, shit.” Quinn muttered as they paused to assess the situation. How are they going to take her away? Ren’s expression darkened. They both wanted to know how much they improved in the last year since they faced this guy. They’ve been toyed with back then, unable to even hit him.

“I’m telling Cleo to get help.” Quinn quickly decided and used his link with his mate.

What the heck? Cleo was momentarily surprised before rushing out of their home and into the pack house. She needs to tell their Alpha.

She sprinted as fast as she could and when she neared the place she yelled to ask where the alpha was.

“What’s going on?” Someone frowned at her actions.

“It’s Polly. She’s . . . I don’t know? Attacked? That guy is at it again.” She sounded urgent and someone quickly called for Clyde.

“What guy? What happened to Polly?” Another asked.

“That Jared guy, from Blood Moon.” She sounded helpless and was relieved when Clyde and some of his men showed up.

“What’s going on?”

“Quick, alpha! In the training grounds. That guy marked Polly! Quinn and Ren are there already.”

“Who?”

“Jared, from Blood Moon!”

Just hearing that name, Clyde knew it’s trouble. He turned to the side and instructed one of the men.

“Go and find Alpha Wade. Tell him what’s happening and bring him to the training grounds.”

His father, the former Alpha, showed up with a grimace and they all went to rescue Polly. Who would have thought? That guy seemed like a menace.

When Wade heard about it, he was extremely distressed. What was that idiot doing? They’re not in their territory. He should conduct himself well. He sighed deeply before following the others. Along the way, his men have already discussed how to restrain him. He may be strong, but he’s no match against five or six seasoned warriors from their pack.

It was chaotic. The man acted like a beast. Wade has never seen him act like it. He’s being territorial with the woman, not letting anyone approach them. He warned them away and would swipe his arms whenever anyone gets too close.

Wade’s men slowly moved into position, but they can’t be sure how Jared would react. Surely, he won’t hurt the woman. Right? They hoped so.

Clyde instructed his own men to prepare for it. They’re to protect those who came to watch. There’s not many but they could still get hurt. Why must they come simply to gossip?

Sab also showed up and stood next to Clyde. Her expression was dark. Polly seemed helpless. She’s worried for her.

At Wade’s signal, several men attacked Jared, forcing him to let go of Polly and face them. One got smacked in the face before three of them caught his limbs to immobilize him. It wasn’t easy. They got hit, but those were comparably weaker than Jared’s usual. Clyde instructed a few others to assist in restraining the guy.

Lucas, Snow Mountain’s pack doctor, stepped forward with a potion and forced him to smell it. Jared lost consciousness after a minute or so. Most of them sighed in relief.

“Tie him up. Guard him. Don’t let him loose.” Wade grimly ordered before facing Clyde and Conrad.