Page 1 of Destined Mate

Chapter One

Jerome

JEROME STOOD on the edge of the forest, his gaze fixed on the stone circle illuminated by flickering torchlight.

The thick canopy of trees above him blocked out most of the moon’s silvery glow, creating a somber atmosphere. The rustling leaves and chirping cicadas provided a stark contrast to the stillness in the clearing.

A powerful alpha werewolf stood in the center of the stone circle. The moonlight danced off his white fur, illuminating the blood that coated his muzzle and dripped to the ground. Aroundhim, torches blazed, sending plumes of smoke into the air and casting eerie shadows.

Anger radiated off the wolf as his gaze centered on the lifeless body of the wolf at his feet. The oppressive heat of the humid night air only added to the tension of the moment.

And yet, amidst all this chaos and violence, not a single breeze stirred. The stillness only amplified the intensity of the scene unfolding before Jerome’s eyes. His heart raced as the alpha shifted into his human form.

Death surrounded the other male as he stood in the center of the circle.

Blood seeped into the compacted earth beneath the surviving alpha’s feet, staining it an ominous hue in the carnage’s aftermath. The once pristine surroundings were now littered with three broken bodies.

Death had not come easily to any of the three. Intestines and body parts lay scattered about, a gruesome sight. The sharp metallic scent of blood and feces mixed with the acrid smell of smoke.

It filled Jerome’s nostrils, overwhelming his senses. His body trembled as he tried to process the devastation before him. Glowing eyes of onlookers watched the lone wolf’s every move. Gurgling screams from the dying shifters still echoed in Jerome’s head.

Even though the winning alpha’s adversaries had paid the ultimate price, he hadn’t gotten off scot-free either. His blood also soaked into the ground, which was only appropriate since he’d won the challenge. Now he was truly part of the land for which he’d fought and claimed.

Not all the alpha’s wounds had healed when he’d shifted. He needed food and another shift to repair the remaining damage Jerome could see through the blood and gore that painted his naked flesh.

Even his hair clung to his skull, and Jerome could no longer tell its natural color. The blood dripping off the ends snaked down his back—a very muscular back. A very sexy back.

Then he roared his victory to the night sky, the sound ringing across the otherwise silent land as a warning to the surrounding shifters that this was his now.

The power stunned Jerome. And for the first time in a long time, his cock stirred.

Having made his point, the alpha’s gaze swept across the circle, making eye contact with every member of the pack he’d just taken control of. Then those dark eyes fell on Jerome, and he shivered underneath the intensity of that gaze.

Blood dribbled into the winning alpha’s eyes, and he carelessly wiped it away. But he never broke eye contact with Jerome. Then he licked his fingers and smiled. Dimples popped out, and Jerome’s desire turned into a burning need.

As the alpha approached him slowly, Jerome’s breath hitched in anticipation and the primal urge to submit grew. The sexy wolf gently pressed a thumb against Jerome’s bottom lip, opening his mouth before allowing their lips to collide in a heated kiss.

Then the kiss ended, and the alpha roared again. The onlookers around the ring joined him, their voices full of joy and acceptance. A wave of anxiety, shock, and relief invaded Jerome as he also linked with him—the new alpha of his pack and his mate.

“My name is Wesley Valentino, and as the winning alpha, I claim this pack as mine, and it’s alpha mate as mine, too.”

There was a howl.

And another.

And another.

And suddenly alarms sounded.

What?

Opening his eyes, Jerome jerked up in bed, the name Wesley ringing in his head as the vision faded. Confusion and something hot swept through him, but it didn’t take long to realize the alarms he heard werenotpart of the vision.

Jerome’s heart pounded as he vaulted out of bed, the remnants of his vivid dream swiftly replaced by urgent reality. The bedroom was dim, lit only by the moonlight slicing through partially open blinds, casting long shadows across the rug.

Sirens screamed through the night air, warbling high-pitched warnings that hurt his sensitive ears. He rushed toward the window, peering out into the chaos.

The brisk sounds of distant engines and shouting greeted him, along with figures darting between buildings in the compound—shadows moving stealthily. He knew those were not pack members because they smelled wrong.

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