LauraRave

“P-please let me go..” I stammered and before I knew it, I was word vomiting while crying. “—I won’t return. You won’t ever see me again. I know you don’t want me as a mate. You hate me, so please let me go.” I cried out. 

Cain’s jaw tightened with each word that left my lips  “What gave you the idea that you have the power to choose what you want?” His voice was low, “You don’t get to decide what, how, and when you leave. Only I get to do that. You don’t get to leave me, you don’t get to run! You only leave when I want you to.” 

"I didn’t ask for this,” I whispered, trembling. “I didn’t ask to be your mate.”

Cain stepped back, “Neither did I,” he muttered under his breath. “But the bond doesn’t give us a choice, does it?”
~~~~

As the only child of her late Alpha father, Avery Jae was meant to inherit her family’s legacy. But on the day of her arranged marriage to Alpha Lucian, her world crumbles. Rejected, humiliated, and cast aside for her own cousin, Avery barely escapes with her life only to find out a much deeper secret. One that changes everything. 

When Avery awakens, she finds herself in a foreign land, caught by the ruthless guards of the Vehiron pack, led by the infamous Alpha Cain. Tall, broad and as dangerous as the army he commands. 

Alpha Cain has a reputation that sends chills down the spine of even the most dangerous warriors. Haunted by his dark past, he has vowed never to take a mate, yet the moment he lays eyes on Avery, everything changes.

With a single word, Avery is bound to Cain—whether he wants it or not. In a world where betrayal runs deep, can Avery ever trust the alpha who might just be her worst enemy.

Betrayed by Blood, Claimed by the Alpha

The afternoon sun was harsh, and Avery knelt in the dirt, carefully pressing fresh herbs into the soil. Her hands were covered in mud, but she found the work calming. A sense of peace settled over her as she tucked another sprout into place.

Selena and Millie were with her, also digging and planting. They weren't given as much work as before, maybe because Avery was Cain's mate, and they understood it. Somehow the favor extended to her friends.

Selena stood nearby, holding a small basket of seedlings. "Here," she said, reaching down to pass Avery a sprig of rosemary.

As she leaned forward, her sleeve slipped slightly, just enough for Avery to catch a glimpse of bruised skin near her shoulder. It was now a dark shade of purple, which meant it was healing. The faint outline of what looked like a handprint marred her usually flawless skin.

Chapter 160