Page 12 of Forced Alpha Bride
“Oh, really?” I sneer, rocking back on my heels. “You know I just completed an alpha challenge, right? Do you really think I’m scared of your brother?”
“You should be!” Winnie says, her voice cracking. “You’ll never hold your position without the respect and support of the first families, but you know that, don’t you? That’s the only reason you want me!”
I’m about to snap back at her, but something in her voice stops me. There’s a hint of fear in her, maybe even shame.
Does she really think that’s the only reason I want her? She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. I’d want her if we were lowly stray dogs!
Maybe try telling her that, asshole.
“I’m sorry,” I say, taking a long, slow breath to calm myself as I extend a hand. “Please, let’s start again. I am Damon Mackay, newly appointed alpha of Gryphon Eyrie. And you are?”
She stares at my outstretched hand, keeping her own stuffed under her arms. She stares at me for so long, I begin to wonder if she is actually going to shake my hand, but she finally reaches for me.
“Winnie Ramses,” she whispers, staring into my eyes.
When our palms touch, a hot jolt of electricity runs through both of us. Winnie lets go quickly, stepping back so fast, she almost falls into the fountain. I grab her arms to help steady her, and she yelps, pushing me away.
For fuck’s sake, what the hell is wrong with me! I have to focus on what’s important here. I’ve wanted the alpha position my whole life, and now that I finally have it, I need her so I can keep it. Nothing matters more than that!
Winnie sits down on the low stone wall, and I sit beside her, leaving some space between us. The silence of the deserted town becomes even more pronounced as I realize I have absolutely nothing to say to this woman.
“We should get going soon,” I say firmly. “The ceremony will need to be completed, and I’m sure you’d like to rest and settle into your new home.”
Winnie stiffens up all over, and I can smell her adrenaline.
She’s scared.
“Look, Winnie,” I begin, trying to sound reassuring. “I don’t know what you’ve heard, but—”
“Did you really kill thirteen wolves?” she asks softly.
“No,” I answer. “I think it was nine, actually. I haven’t been to the hospital to get the exact details. The only thing that matters is that I won.”
Winnie nods. “Yes, I suppose you’re right. You won, and that’s the important thing. Not the dead and injured men.”
“Winnie,” I say in a hard tone. “I followed tradition. Everything I did is sanctioned by our laws. You know this.”
“I know those laws are brutal, savage, and outdated,” she answers. “And most of the younger pack members are changing them. You didn’t have to fight.”
“Yes, I did,” I snap, losing control. “It was the only way I could get a shot at the alpha position. No one would respect me any other way.”
“So you killed them.”
“Yes,” I answer, my voice harsh. “I killed them or injured them so badly, they could no longer fight. This is our ancient law. None of my rivals can stand against me, and I’ve proven that. Now it’s my right to rule.”
“And you think it’s also your right to take a woman?”
She has her face turned away from me as she asks that question, then slowly brings her eyes to mine. I stare at her, equal parts of desire and rage rising in my blood.
“I did not ‘take’ you, Winnie. You volunteered, accepted, and agreed. None of our laws condone ‘taking’ women.”
Her gaze flickers, but her face stays calm. Obviously, she thought she might have me in a loophole, but I dodged it.
“And what about your reputation?” she asks, still looking into my eyes. “What about everything else you’ve done?”
“Well, I can’t comment on what people think I’ve done,” I consider. “But if you like, I can give you a complete account of my past history—right after we perform the ceremony.”
“Okay,” she nods. “That seems fair. I just—”
