essing matters, promising to meet her in half an hour. She wasn't entirely sure if she wanted to go for a run with him; that had been an activity she and Fred h

ing sun, leaving behind wisps that gave the surroundings a faintly magical aura. Lisa cherished this land, knowing every inch of it by heart. She closed her eyes, picturing herself running down

r arms over her head, and twisted from side to side. She glanced back at the house, wondering how much longer he would be. As the Alpha, she understood that his time wasn't always his

the dangers posed by hunters and illegal traps. A wolf could be caught and shot

e. Whirling around, she saw Fred standing just a few feet away, his s

to have her friend back away when she was just a foot away. His abr

ou know what the problem is." Fred

sn't my choice! The Elders decided on the need for the union. You we

ed to be battling some internal conflict, then sighed deeply and met he

ped for the same thing." She gently held his hand in hers. "This union was for

owering toward her lips. A heavy silence hung between them, and Lisa realized he was leaning in, clearly inten

ptly retreated, pulling his hand away. They both turned to se

while I was tending to pack business." His voice carried

ered. Something in Vegas's expression fright

sing his attention on Fred, a look of disdain in his eye

We've been friends

to keep you company while you were waiting. However, your 'friend' s

ation and tried to defend her actions

.. to my mate." Vegas's words rumbled with a possessive edge, causi

see you around." Fred's voice

d was likely coming to an end. She watched him turn and head back to the house, then

inded him that you are my mate now, an

was

sense his desire for you, and I do not share my mate with anyone. We are

ach up

mone levels in you. He may not be consciously aware of them yet, but in a few days, he will be. That boy needs to r

not kept secret within the pack, Lisa wasn't pleased with Vegas red

e my mate. Fred will stay away. End of t

ing, and Vegas was right. As much as she hated to admit it, she couldn't continue to encourage a relationship with Fred. It wouldn't be fair t

nning purely for the joy of it. Her wolf eyes scanned the surroundings, quickly adjusting her path and speed to match the terrain. At the same time, she sensed V

behind or tried to overtake her. She realized he was playing with her, which frustrated her. She veered off the path, heading into rougher terrain. Racing over a hill, she descended a slope, her claws digging into the soil as she struggled for traction on th

ight, snapping and rolling, trying to evade her assailant, but to no avail. W