Page 15 of Come for Me
I pump my arms harder, and Sam comes panting beside me.
“Are you sure it’s her?”
“I’m sure. I can feel her.”
Crunching leaves, panting, and thudding footfalls are the only prominent sounds between us as we dodge branches and jump over rocks. My miles-long lawn, stretching out in front of my castle, comes into view.
I never thought I would hate having so many acres of land until now, when it stands between me and uniting with my mate. Her scent gets stronger as I draw near my home, with Sam still on my tail.
I’m too busy getting high off her that I almost forget what day it is.
“Shit!”
My heart races.
“You think she’s in the Hunt?”
I stopped visiting other packs a few years into my reign and sent liaisons. I lost hope I could find my mate among them, convinced this was the Moon Goddess punishing me for my sins.
Most people didn’t go through the Hunt five times like I did, in hopes of finding their mate, only to emerge unmated and question if the Moon Goddess has forsaken you. Once was disappointing enough to come out of, which is why the majority of those only participate in their first eligible year.
Even though I haven’t participated in the past few years, I would’ve known she was here. My mate would’ve come into my home to be paraded among the wolves—males drooling over what they wish they could have, not knowing they’re in the presence of royalty.
“She has to be,” I conclude before Sam could answer.
With that, I know two things to be true about my mate.
One, she’s twenty-one.
Two, she’s participating in the Hunt.
With a roar, I shift. Fear and adrenaline have me charging, causing Sam to fall farther and farther behind.
Sam yells to my men guarding the castle, “Open the fucking door!” He shifts.
I sense her again. Only, this time, she’s in pain, confused, and scared. My heart races from the rush pumping through me.
The whiff I pick up on leads to the woods in my backyard, confirming my suspicion, but I didn’t expect to receive her fear.
My wolf whimpers, knowing what this means.
“She’s being hunted. Someone’s chosen her.”
Sam growls, ready to spring into action at the news that my queen is in trouble. Already a protective beta to her.
“You’ll get to her in time, Dax. Don’t worry.”Silence passes between us. Then Sam simply adds, “And if you do not, you’ll kill him.”
Damn right I will.
It takes everything in me to push away the intrusive thought of someone trying to force a bond on what’s mine. Rage hits like a tidal wave, and my claws rip through the earth. Picking up the pace, I fantasize all the ways whoever is causing my mate pain will suffer.
He’s mine to torture. Mine to kill. And I will enjoy every moment of it.
Hang on, darling. I’m coming.
Chapter Six
Alaina
