All Chapters of The Alpha's Mate: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

We head south, away from Flagstaff and down through the deserts of Arizona. It’s so much different from the pine trees and mountain trails of Flagstaff. I see tall stone mountains, brown with bare rock, not covered in a green carpet of trees.On the back of Nash’s motorcycle, I watch the desert fly by. Tall saguaro cacti dot the landscape, their arms reaching toward the sky. They’re so much shorter than the massive trees on the Flagstaff mountains, but somehow they look just as majestic.I could make a life in the desert, I think. After all, what better place is there for a lone wolf like me? Most big towns and cities already have an established pack of wolf shifters, but this area is so remote and lonely that I could get by without anyone bothering me.Leaning against Nash, letting the wind tangle my hair, I try to imagine life on my own as a desert dwelling lone wolf. I already know that in my wolf form, I can fend for myself, even if my white coat won’t afford much camoufla

Nash takes me to a place called Corey’s Fry Shack, which is accurately named - it’s just a tiny little building near the boardwalk. We both order “animal style” burgers, which not only come with extra meat and a delicious tangy sauce, but also a huge paper plate of fries and a chocolate milkshake that’s so thick they don’t even bother giving you a straw, just a spoon with an extra long handle.We sit on the beach, balancing out food on our laps. The sand is warm against my legs and the ocean seems impossibly blue, stretching out toward the horizon like a polished opal.Neither of us speaks for a while as we tear into our burgers. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was until Nash mentioned food, but I absolutely devour my lunch before starting on my chocolate shake.“I have to admit,” I say, licking a thick dollop of chocolate milkshake off my spoon, “this is pretty great.”“Didn’t I tell you?” Nash seems pleased with himself. “Best burgers in the world.” He smears a french fry

We play in the waves until the sun starts to go down. It’s cooling off, and we probably shouldn’t be on a private beach after dark, so we make our way back into the shallows, climbing out onto the sand. Nash shakes himself off vigorously, and I laugh.Back in human form, we lay on the sand for a while, watching as the sunset paints the horizon in dazzling oranges and pinks. Sure enough, there are actual dolphins visible out in the water, their dark shapes jumping and twirling in the dusky light.“I suppose we ought to find you a place to stay,” Nash says, helping me up with one strong hand.“I actually saw a cute little cottage on our way to the restaurant,” I said, “with a sign in the window saying that it was for rent.”“Let’s go check it out, then,” Nash says. Back on his motorcycle, leaning against his back, I can see a tiny tuft of fur from the rabbit pelt peeking out from under his helmet. It’s pure white, with no stain or anything, even though he wears it in his

I’m so proud of Nash for having the courage to return to his pack. We decide to wait a few more days to really gain our strength back, so we spend some time cuddled up in the cabin together and frolicking on the beach.I’ll miss Baja, but it’s clear that Nash belongs in San Diego, and if we go back there, I’ll still be able to go swimming in these incredible beaches and eat amazing seafood.Plus, I won’t need to learn Spanish. Nash has been doing all the talking, explaining to the lady who rented us the cottage that we actually need to leave but will pay her for the entire month. She seems sad to see us go, but puts her hands on our shoulders and prays a blessing over us in Spanish.It’s human religion, not werewolf magic, but it warms my heart all the same. Finally, it’s time to get back onto Nash’s motorcycle and head for San Diego. We take the scenic route, around cliffs and beaches, the sea air in our hair. He keeps the rabbit pelt in his helmet, and occasionally I cat

My heart is pounding in my chest. This wasn’t how things were supposed to go. We came back here so that Nash could get his home back, not so he could lose his life.“Ansel, please -”“Become my Luna, Sarah, and you can have everything you want.”But I know that’s not true. I want Nash, and if I agree to Ansel’s terms, I’ll never see him again.“I can’t.”“Very well.” Ansel looks disappointed. He stands up from the sofa and snaps his fingers, calling his henchmen back into the living room. “Prepare the prisoner for his execution,” he orders. “And alert the rest of the pack. They should be witnesses.”I want to scream and fight, but I need to think strategically. I pretend to burst into tears, blubbering about not being able to watch, and run out of the pack house.I race to the motorcycle and dig around in my bag until I find my phone. With shaking hands, I dial Arnold, glancing around to make sure no one is watching me.“Arnold! Quick, I need help!”“Sarah, w