"Who are you?" I came awake with a jerk, disoriented and aching all over. 
A heavy male body lay beside me---we were both naked except for the sheet covering our bodies. 

I searched my memories of the night before, trying to figure out how I had gotten here while attempting to wrap the sheet around my body. I stopped when I realized I'd leave my bed partner totally nude.

I remembered myself saying over and over, "I'm your mate!"

I eased myself off the bed to look for clothes. I tried to be as quiet as I could so I didn't wake up the stranger. 

His scent was all over me, all over everything really. Rich and masculine, every time I breathed I felt as if I was being surrounded by the forest with hints of wood and a warm spice I couldn't name. I wanted to crawl back into bed beside him and never leave.

My wolf, Rayne, grumbled in my head, "We shouldn't leave! He is our mate!"

Rejected My Alpha Mate

No one has paid me any particular attention. I thought everyone would be able to tell I had given in to temptation with my former mate the night before, but I looked myself over carefully in the mirror as I got ready to go to the studio. I didn't look any different no matter how hard I studied my reflection.


Bella was surprised I showered before finding breakfast -I normally don't bother with a shower in the morning- but I had zero desire to leave even a trace scent of arousal on my skin.


I'd rather be hungry and clean than full and smelling of sex.


Howard called to make sure I was on my way in so I skipped breakfast entirely in favor of getting to Camelot Records on time. I knew we had to go over the final Master on my LP. I was supposed to approve the final versions; they cared about my input even though this was my first record.


Chapter 60