Page 3 of Come for Me
Judging by his expression, he’s thinking exactly what I am.
“Alaina.” He holds out his hand.
With no explanation needed, I take it, and he leads me into the woods.
* * *
Minutes later, I scan the area for my shirt while trying to tug my jeans over my ass, retracing our steps.
Okay, we were making out by that tree, where I took his shirt off...
“My father says I have to take a mate this Hunt, no matter what.”
I snort. “You don’t say.”
I’m not surprised he’s expected to bring home a mate. He told me an alpha is weakest without a mate and would, therefore, deem him not quite ready to rule.
Having heard this from him before, I search for my shirt.
... And then I was bent over here.
“If I can’t find my mate tomorrow, I plan to mark you asmine.”
My breath catches in my throat.
The forest stirs, birds flapping their wings as if they, too, feel the uncertainty. The moment stretches into an eternity as his words settle in. His declaration has taken me—and nature—by surprise.
Caleb’s pecs contract as he tightens his belt, and I tear my gaze away, biting my lip, thinking over his proposal.
Mating with Caleb could be a win-win for us. I could stay here, which he knows I want. Being his luna would also mean access to confidential pack records, where I could learn more about where I come from and who my mother was. Caleb’s a nice man, not bad to look at, and I’m comfortable with him.
Saying yes would mean Caleb could appease his father and rank up to an alpha. If I don’t say yes, I risk getting weaker, and if my Goddess-chosen mate finds me one day, I’ll have to leave. The only downside is I would be expected to work toward my luna duties, gaining heirs to ensure the future of the pack.
“And what ifmytrue mate is there?” I ask, resuming the search for my shirt.
Even I can’t resist the mate bond. The Moon Goddess chose our fated pairs. To decide against Her and mark another requires a balancing of the scales. By tempting the Moon Goddess, we would cause the ultimate demise of our intended mates.
He comes into view, holding my shirt with a knowing smile.
Caleb always was one of the best trackers and hunters in the pack.
Smiling, I take the shirt from him.
As I dress, he steps back and leans on a tree, crossing his muscular arms. We stare at each other, communicating silently. His face relaxes upon the awaited arrival of my realization.
Everyone knows how mate bonds are severed: either the true mate is killed or a wolf is claimed by another before the fated mate can. Once marked, I would quickly lose my ability to recognize my mate, and he would eventually die of a broken heart.
Would I rather my mate be killed than live somewhere else? Would I choose his agony over my own?
My silence is a response Caleb picks up on.
My soon-to-be mate pushes off the tree, smiling.
Chapter Two
18-year-old Alaina
The natural waterfall roars, cascading into a rippling pool. Butterflies flutter in and out of hazy beams of light where the sun peeks through over the rock dome hiding this oasis. The water sparkles even brighter under the crepuscular rays.
