Page 58 of The Alpha's Chosen Fate

“Briggs—”

“She planned to have me killed, Ivy."

Ivy gasped.

"Before she died, Ruby confessed that she had intended to end my life and rule the pack with her true mate.Through our child.”The bitterness in my voice was palpable.

“Briggs.”

“Colten and I have discussed it at length and we came to the same conclusion that her mind created a narrative that it was you, my actual mate, that would perish because she was so fixated on being Luna and bringing along her true mate as Alpha, she ignored reality.”

A shudder rippled through Ivy as she stared at me in shock.“That …that conniving backstabbing whore!”

Her hands rolled into fists.“Tell me you tracked down her mate.”

The familiar thirst for blood rose.“I wish I could but we haven’t figured out who it is yet.”

Ivy seemed to deflate.“Well, shit.”

And wasn’t that putting it lightly?

"Briggs,” she sighed, “are there any more truth bombs you plan on dropping?"

I snorted."No.But I need you to understand that keeping you safe is the biggest concern I have in life.I assume Ruby’s mate will try something.It’s why I hover, why I keep that door locked.”

Orange-gold light burned in her irises.“Don’t pretend that’s why.”

“Are you ready to submit to me?To be marked?”

On a huff, she looked away.I considered it progress her nails weren’t raking down my face.

I rose to my feet.“We can walk now or I can give you some time.”

“I need air,” she declared, ignoring my outstretched hand and flouncing out the door.

My little mate would castrate me if she knew her challenges only made me want her more.Made me want to fuck the enmity right out of her.

Ivy’s defiance would make her submission all the more sweet.

Chapter 17

Briggs

I stalked through the night-shrouded forest, unease undulating beneath my skin.Colten's text message had set my nerves on edge.

Turner Phelps, the Blood Fang Alpha, was at our border, asking to speak with meandmy mate.

Suspicion had immediately gripped the back of my neck in an icy glove.

I got out of my truck and waited.Colten appeared from the treeline just ahead, cast in shadows.Like a good Beta, he’d come to escort me the rest of the way on foot.

"What did he say, exactly?"I demanded.

Colten shook his head."He refused to tell me anything more.Said he'll only speak with the Darkwood Alpha and Luna.Together."

“I don’t like this.”

“Me, either.That’s why I added protection at your cabin and sent for Baylor.”

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