　　"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

　　Kane was gone when Elise woke up the next morning.She stretched luxuriously and smiled.Last night had been nice.They'd just talked and then slept beside each other,yet she felt so much closer to him.Knowing that he really wanted to build a future with her made her feel more confident.Let the Marlas of the world do what they will!


　　Rolling out of bed,she showered and wandered downstairs.Kane didn't show up for breakfast,but he'd left a her a note stating that he had a meeting with the pack's lawyers concerning the Northern Oil issue and would be back for lunch.She was pleased he'd informed her himself rather than having someone else pass the word along,feeling it showed he was really trying to build a relationship with her.


CHAPTER 31