Anna Brown thought she was a normal girl in a normal world. But things become not-so normal when she stumbles upon a guy passed out on someone's lawn. 

He is Ray Pierce, the Alpha's son of the Bloodclaw pack. Sick of being controlled by his wolf's desires and duties, Ray is adamant about not taking over his father's position. Thus, he wants to win a wish from the Moon Goddess in order to free himself.

A Luna would make him more susceptible to accomplish his plan, so he blackmails Anna to be his mate during the tournament. However, things won't be easy since Anna struggles to get the approval of his pack as she helps Ray fight against the Vagabonds.

***
"You brought the girlfriend, good job."
Wait, did he just say…
"Girlfriend?" 
"Yep, that's what the deal is about. There's an event happening and I need a—partner. That's where you come in. You need to act as my mate." 
Mate? As in, his lover?

The Beast Within is created by M. E. Jackson, an eGlobal Creative Publishing signed author.

THE Beast Within

The air in the room thins dramatically. Everyone is holding their breath, waiting for Ray’s next move. Is he going to lash out? Start a fight? He looks about ready to take anyone who dares speak back to him. 


I see Claire go pale as a sheet at his question, since she’s the one who initially dumped it on me. 	


Seeing everyone on edge, I couldn’t help but let out a pathetic laugh. Ray looks at me as I smile through my embarrassment. This is all so embarrassing. If I hadn’t been so naive in the first place, he wouldn’t have to be threatening everyone like this. He wouldn’t have to make himself look like the bad guy. This is all my fault.


“Don’t worry about this, Ray. It was well deserved on my part.”


Sighing, I take the first steps towards him, feeling all eyes on me as if I have some kind of death wish. 


“It’s all over and done with now,” I say. “Let’s just go.” 


Chapter 14: Vulnerable