　　"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

　　She frowned at his rather condescending view of how ladies spent their time but,to be fair,she hadn't really done anything yet that showed great initiative.Well,now was the time to change that.


　　"That's very generous of you,Kane.Actually,I was going to talk to you about something.I was thinking that I'd like to get a part-time job."He opened his mouth to speak but she ploughed on,giving him no chance to interrupt."Back home,I helped out a bit in the office and around the house,and I earned a small wage from the pack's general operating budget.I know you probably don't need that kind of help here,so I was thinking I'd apply for a job waitressing in town."


　　"Elise,you don't need to work.Despite the possible financial problems,the oil spill will cause us,the pack isn't destitute yet."Kane folded his arms across his chest.Inwardly,she winced.That wasn't a good sign.


　　"I know,but I like the idea of having my own money and being independent."


CHAPTER 32