Page 2 of The Wolf Prince's Mate

I was halfway across the woods when I heard heavy footsteps behind me. The sound of snapping twigs and rustling leaves grew louder, and I knew the guards were closing in. My lungs burned, and my muscles ached as I tried to increase my speed. But I was no match for them, and it was only a matter of seconds before I was tackled to the ground by two giant wolves.

I screamed and kicked in protest as the warriors dragged me back to the pack house, where I was roughly dumped on the floor.

I immediately got on my feet but fell to my knees when I met the Alpha’s domineering gaze. I scanned the crowd that had gathered in front of the packhouse. A feeling I’ve not experienced in years settled deep into my bones.

The faces in the crowd were familiar, but none of them were friends or family. I was alone; no one was coming to save me, no one would fight for me, and most importantly, no one would put me together when they were done with me.

“Alpha, I swear it’s not what it looks like. I can explain,” I pleaded, clasping my hands in front of me.

His eyes were filled with so much hate and disgust. If it were possible for one to melt beneath another’s gaze, I’d be a molten mess of flesh and bones.

Karl stood next to him, wearing a similar look, but his was laced with amusement. Save for the trail of dried blood on his face, there was no trace of the damage I had done.

“Mira Raven, you’ve been found guilty of dishonoring pack rules. You tried to force yourself on your future Alpha, and when he resisted, you resorted to violent measures.”

My eyes widened at the accusation. I looked at Karl, and he smiled in return. This couldn’t be real. There was no way they believed this nonsense. I tried to defend myself, but the Alpha continued.

“Since you’re desperate for male attention, you’ve been demoted to breeder status. You’ll serve the pack in the only way you are fit for.”

My heart dropped to my stomach. Being a breeder was a fate worse than death. I would be stripped of my freedom and reduced to nothing more than a vessel for producing offspring for any male wolf who was capable of breeding.

It was a punishment reserved for female wolves who were found guilty of “dishonoring” pack rules, a horrific fate enacted to keep the women in check.

I wasn’t guilty. I spent my whole life keeping my head down and avoiding male attention. I knew I had no one to speak for me, so I stayed out of trouble, even avoiding social gatherings and mating ceremonies.

“Alpha, I’ve done nothing to violate pack rules. You can ask around. I’m not a troublemaker. I mind my business and do my work," I pleaded, my voice trembling slightly.

“Are you calling my son a liar?” Alpha asked, and I looked at Karl, feeling my stomach churn at the smug look on his face.

“Yes,” I replied, not taking my eyes away from him.

His eyes narrowed to slits, and surprised gasps washed through the crowd. It wasn’t every day an Omega challenged an Alpha’s judgment and called his son a liar in front of the pack.

My kind was expected to keep their heads down, lips sealed, and tails tucked. We were expected to only eat after everyone had their fill and to take everything handed to us without complaint.

It worked if you didn’t mind being a foot mat for the rest of your life. While I wasn’t concerned with being a foot mat, and some days, I didn’t mind a few punishments here and there. I wasn't going to take this one. I would readily choose death.

“You stupid bitch,” Karl’s eyes blazed with fury as he charged at me, his fist ready to strike. I shut my eyes, bracing for impact, but his fist froze mid-air as a deep, velvety voice cut through the tension.

“Touch her and I'll tear you apart.”

My eyes sought out the intruder who dared to threaten the Alpha’s son, and I was met with the most gorgeous man I had ever seen. He stood above six feet with strong, muscular shoulders that filled out hisshirt and arms that looked strong enough to break me in half. But what stood out to me were his eyes—icy blue orbs that seemed to cut right through you and held you enchanted while he peered deep into your soul.

My wolf was the first to recover from this enchantment. Every trace of the wariness and resignation she felt beneath Alpha’s dominating presence suddenly disappeared, giving way to a bubbling cocktail of excitement and anticipation.

I was taken aback by her sudden reaction, but surprise was the least of what I was feeling. My heart pounded in my chest. A mixture of excitement and nervousness coursed through me, leaving me hot and breathless.

Mate. Mate. Mate.she chanted repeatedly, unable to contain herself.

Mate?I mused, pondering on the odds of meeting my mate just when I was about to become a breeder.

The stranger finally walked into the gathering, and I was hit with the mouth-watering scent of sandalwood, pine, and a hint of musk. It took everything in me not to throw myself at him.

His eyes met mine, lingering for a short moment before he returned his attention to Karl.

“Prince Griffin,” Karl stuttered. “You need not concern yourself with her. She’s a lowly Omega who disobeyed pack rules.”

Karl rambled off about my position in the pack and how I wasn’t worth a pinch of salt. But what stood out to me was his greeting—Prince Griffin.

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