　　"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

　　Reaching for a marshmallow and stabbing it onto a stick,she nonchalantly worked herself away from him.The slight distance made her feel better,more in control,and she breathed a sigh of relief.Concentrating on toasting her marshmallow to perfection,she withdrew it at just the right moment;the skin a warm toasted brown with the promise of a sweet,melted interior.Her mouth watered in anticipation and she sat back,blowing gently to cool the treat in preparation for consuming it.Just when it was ready,a large hand reached around and pulled the stick from her grasp.


　　Indignantly,she turned around only to see her marshmallow disappearing into Kane's mouth.


　　Kane grinned at her."I know,and I thank you for preparing it just the way I like it."


CHAPTER 20