　　"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

　　Feeling inexplicably uncomfortable with the gesture,she picked up her napkin and arranged it in her lap,keeping her eyes down."Thanks,Bryan.That was a nice thing to say."


　　"No,it wasn't a nice thing to say.It's the truth.I've always thought you were pretty and when you laugh,your eyes get all sparkly.Plus,you're sweet and always trying to see the positive side of things."


　　She shifted in her chair,suddenly nervous.What was Bryan getting at?He'd never gone around spouting her virtues like that before.Surely,he wasn't still thinking that they—?


　　The arrival of their meal cut into her line of thought and they both waited silently for the waitress to place the food on the table.


　　Once the server was gone,she cleared her throat.She had a bad feeling that Bryan was going to ask her to run away with him or some such thing and she wanted to head him off."You know,Bryan,I am bonded to Kane."


CHAPTER 40