Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 44411 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 222(@200wpm)___ 178(@250wpm)___ 148(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44411 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 222(@200wpm)___ 178(@250wpm)___ 148(@300wpm)
Leah has never wanted to enter into a barbaric union with a stranger. She has spent years grumbling about the norms that dictate she will be mated to a man she does not know on her twentieth birthday. She has no choice, though. Bucking the system is not an option.
In an ironic twist of fate, Elias also believes the claiming practice is archaic. He ignores his upcoming ceremony until the last second. His family and friends even step in to prepare his home for the arrival of his mate. He should feel bad for his attitude, but this pack custom infuriates him.
Fate does not make mistakes, though. She knows what she is doing. When the two Fated lovers step into the same room, they are brought to their knees. It may be barbaric, but their bond is undeniable. Life is not always blissful in the mountains, however. It can be dangerous, sometimes even before the honeymoon period is over.
The books in this series include strong elements of age play. If this genre is offensive to you, this may not be the book or series for you.
*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************
Chapter One
“What are you doing?”
Elias turned his head to the side at the sound of his father’s voice. His brother, Brock, was right behind him. Elias had known they were approaching for a few minutes. He’d scented the two of them as they’d grown closer to the house, and he hadn’t bothered to get up from his spot on the back deck as the male constituency of his family shifted to human form and joined him.
It’s not as though he could hide from them. They would have scented him, too, probably from a mile away.
Elias nodded toward the amazing view in front of him. The best part about being a member of the elite Alpha Protectors was living up in the mountains where he could be one with nature as often as he wanted. The green trees, snow peaks, wandering streams, and fresh air pulled him to sit out on his deck often.
As his father—Owen—and Brock stepped onto the deck, Elias finally spoke. “Enjoying the weather. What are you two up to today?” He knew exactly why they were here, and he would deflect as long as possible.
At thirty-six, Elias was two years younger than Brock. The two of them had always been close growing up. They’d rarely fought. Most often whatever shenanigans they’d gotten up to had been planned in cahoots, which drove their mother batty.
Even when they’d become men and moved into their own homes, they’d still spent a lot of time together—until Brock had claimed his mate last year and become consumed with her.
Elias didn’t blame him. He wasn’t annoyed or jealous. He understood. Suzette was Brock’s top priority.
Brock’s best friend, Arion, and his brother, Damon, had also claimed their mates in the past year. The three of them were so happy. They’d moved into another stage of life. After years of waiting impatiently, they were right where they wanted to be.
Elias wasn’t like them. He couldn’t explain it. He’d never been all that interested in taking a mate. He enjoyed his freedom. He liked living alone, being able to shift into his more natural form and running free whenever he wanted.
As an Alpha Protector, he took his job seriously. During his shifts guarding the citizens of the valley below, he covered his territory as if it were a matter of utmost importance. And it was. He understood that the citizens of the valley were just as important as any other being. He wanted them safe. Nothing would happen to them on his watch.
All of that was about to change, and he wasn’t looking forward to it.
Brock stepped in front of Elias to block his view, leaned against the railing, crossed his arms, and narrowed his gaze. “Don’t act like you have no idea why we’re here.” He nodded toward the house. “Have you even started putting your mate’s nursery together?”
Elias sighed.
His father joined Brock, leaning a hip against the same railing. “Talk to us, son.”
Elias leaned back deeper in his chair, hoping to project an air of nonchalance. He crossed one leg over the other, took a sip of his coffee, and set the mug on the small table next to him. “About what? There’s plenty of time.”
Brock’s brows shot up. “Two weeks.”
Elias narrowed his gaze at his brother. “If I remember correctly, you were tightening screws on your Little’s crib at the last minute. Why are you judging me?”
Brock shook his head. “Nope. I had the nursery completely finished two weeks before the ceremony. In addition, I was eager as fuck to meet Suzette. I was just outwardly dragging my feet to fuck with Arion and make him think I didn’t care. This thing with you is different. You really don’t care.”