Page 25 of Broken Forced Mate
She looks up at me with eyes full of betrayal and confusion. “Why couldn’t you just tell me?”
“Because the intelligence is classified. I’ve already told you more than I should. If I told you anything else, it could compromise ongoing investigations and get people killed.”
“So you decided to kidnap me instead.”
“I decided to save your life.”
“By forcing me into marriage with a man who rejected me.”
I swallow hard against the pain in her voice. “Yes.”
“And what happens after we’re married? Do I become your prisoner permanently, or just until you decide the threat has passed?”
“You become my wife.” The words feel strange on my tongue. “With all the legal protections that entail.”
“Legal protections from what?”
I can’t tell her about the intelligence reports suggesting Thornridge plans to use captured omegas as leverage against opposing packs. Can’t explain that marriage to me would give her legal status that even enemy operatives would have to respect. And I certainly can’t tell her what will change inside her once we’re—ifwe’re mated.
“From people who would use you to hurt your family,” I offer instead.
Raegan studies my face for a long moment. “This marriage would somehow give me power to protect my pack?”
“Yes.”
“Even if you can’t explain the details.”
“That’s right.”
She’s been quiet for so long, I start to worry she’s gone into shock. Then she stands and walks to where Evangeline is patiently waiting for the show to finish.
“If I agree to this insanity, what exactly am I signing up for?”
“A legal marriage recognized across all territories,” Evangeline replies. “The ceremony itself is binding, but you would need to file paperwork with your respective pack leaders to make it official within your own territories.”
“And if I refuse?”
“Then you remain vulnerable to whatever plans your false fiancé and his associates have for you. And your pack remains vulnerable, as well.”
Raegan closes her eyes and takes a shuddering breath. When she opens them again, her expression is resigned.
“Fine. Where do I sign?”
My hands shake as Evangeline produces the marriage documents. The official forms are written in elegant script on parchment that smells of sage and old magic.
“Are you sure about this?” I ask Raegan as she takes the offered pen.
“No. But I’m sure about protecting my family.” She signs her name with quick, angry strokes. “Even if it means binding myself to a man who thinks kidnapping is an acceptable form of courtship.”
I take the pen from her fingers, and our skin brushes for just a moment. The contact sends electricity up my arm, and I see her shiver in response.
“Raegan—”
“Don’t.” She steps back, putting distance between us. “Just sign the damn papers so we can figure out what comes next.”
I sign my name next to hers. Wyn Lemay and Raegan Blacklock, bound together by law, if not by choice.
“Congratulations,” Evangeline says with a smile. “You are now husband and wife.”
