　　"Mated?To me?"She knew her mouth was hanging open in shock.Darting a glance across the room,she saw Kane staring at her blandly,his hands behind his back.If her expression offended him,he didn't show it.She looked at her father,blinking to hold back the tears that threatened to fall."But...What about Bryan?"
　　"I'm aware you've had your eye on him,but this is for the good of the pack.We need strong alliances so that we can guard against the human threat.And,allied packs allow access between territories and increase the area in which we have to roam."He stopped speaking and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder."I know this is a surprise,but don't worry.Kane is a good man.He'll make you a fine mate."
　　Elise had no idea when she came home that day that she'd end up mated to a complete stranger.A new Alpha and the need for an alliance between packs have made her a pawn Excerpt:She lay beside him,staring blankly at the ceiling.The deed was done.They were mated.It didn't matter that she had no love for him nor he for her.Political alliances were more important than feelings...

Mated To The Lycan King

　　"Julia,it's okay.Thomas is fine and neither Kane nor I mind that you didn't make it over.To be honest,there were so many new faces swirling around me that you could lie and say that you were there.I wouldn't even know the difference."She tried to lighten the mood,feeling sorry for the other girl who was worried sick about her mate.


　　Julia gave her a watery smile."Thanks.I'm good now.It's silly of me to be feeling teary now that I know he's going to be okay.Delayed reaction,I guess."She dug a tissue out of her pocket to wipe her eyes,then pasted a smile on."So...Tell me about yourself."


　　The two of them sat on a bench outside the infirmary and started talking,soon discovering that they had several things in common.Elise began to feel more at ease and Julia seemed to be forgetting the drama of the past day,at least for a while.They were so engrossed in discussing a recent book they'd both read that the sound of the door opening behind them caused them both to give a start.


CHAPTER 16