Page 36 of The Alpha's Chosen Fate

Colten sighed heavily."Giving her some freedom might be the only way to earn back her trust.If you keep treating her like a prisoner, she'll never come around."

I had to cover my mouth to stifle the incredulous noise threatening to escape.The notion of Briggs giving me freedom was ridiculous.

Rieka was far more tempted than I was to submit, thinking more about Onyx than Briggs.

I could hardly blame his wolf for the actions of his human but there was no way to separate them.

I won’t submit without your blessing, she assured.But we could be happy.Eventually.After we kill the blonde bitch.

Hmm.That could potentially bring me joy, but I wouldn’t claim Briggs simply because I’d removed the obstacle in my way.

I stepped back from the door, my head spinning.I was tired of thinking about it.

The hall fell silent, and for a moment, I allowed myself to breathe.A whiff of my skin reminded me I needed to wash him off of me.

Before I reached the bathroom, I was halted by the sound of the bedroom door slamming against the wall.

Briggs stood there, his pale blue eyes sparking with amber, wild and desperate.Onyx had taken over his human.

"Yield to him," Briggs’s wolf commanded abruptly.“Let me have my mate.”

Rieka became very alert.She cautiously watched as Briggs wrestled control back from his beast.

He ran a hand through his short black hair, frustration etched into every line of his face.His mouth opened, then clamped shut.

We remained in an awkward standoff until he dipped his head and said, “Goodnight.”

Then he was gone.

I would not let Briggs McClellan break me.No matter how much it hurt, I would fight the bond.

Even if it meant living with this emptiness forever.

Chapter 11

Ivy

A soft knock sounded at the door.The same time of day as yesterday.And the day before.

Briggs had latched onto a new tactic.Why the Alpha thought that knocking would change anything was illogical.He knew very well I couldn’t open the door.

Prisoners didn’t have such privileges.

Briggs was still my only visitor.Or, at least, the only one who came inside the room.

There were only two people I wanted to see and I doubted I would be allowed to visit with them anytime soon.As long as I held out, Briggs would keep Caleb and Emery away from me.

Twice I’d nearly caved to his requests to spend time with him.In doing so, I’d hoped he might grant a request for me to see my brother and best friend.

Knowing he’d only use them against me to get more of what he wanted, I kept my mouth shut and prayed they wouldn’t do anything stupid, especially Emery.

A louder knock echoed through the door, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes.The key slid into the lock with a faint click, but still, the door remained shut.

A few seconds later his deep voice came through."Ivy, why don’t you come walk with me for a bit?"

I didn’t move from my seat by the window or acknowledge his invitation.Eight days now he'd shown up like clockwork, graciously inviting me to join him outside.

Briggs sighed heavily."I know you're still upset, but staying cooped up in there isn't good for you or your wolf."

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