　　"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

　　Hitching herself up in the bed,she earned a scolding from Nadia,but gained a better view of the activity outside.Kane was talking…to Bryan!Uh-oh!And he looked upset.This couldn't be good.She had been sure that since she and Kane now had their mental connection,the rivalry between the two would cease.Apparently,she was wrong.She considered eavesdropping on the conversation but that would be rude.Even though they now had a special bond between them,she believed each of them still deserved some privacy.


　　After a few more verbal exchanges,Bryan left and Kane stood watching him go,shaking his head.Kane rubbed his neck,staring at the sky and exhaling gustily before turning to re-enter the infirmary.She braced herself for what she might hear.Without even trying,she could sense Kane's mental disquiet.Deciding to grab the proverbial bull by the horns,she broached the subject as soon as he was near.


　　"I saw you were talking to Bryan.What's wrong?"


CHAPTER 70