MATED TO THE LONE WOLF

Chapter 2: part one

The bedroom door clicked shut as Marcus slipped out to reinforce the eastern borders, leaving Ramond alone with the soft, rhythmic sound of Lizzie’s breathing.A low stir from the bed broke the silence. Lizzie shifted beneath the heavy blankets, her eyelids fluttering open. For a disorienting second, the unfamiliar opulence of the Alpha's quarters panicked her. She bolted upright, her heart hammering against her ribs, her small omega wolf instantly curling into a defensive posture."Easy," Ramond said, his voice dropping to a deep, soothing rumble. He remained by the window, purposely keeping his distance to avoid startling her. "You are safe here. No one can hurt you in this house."Lizzie’s wide eyes locked onto his. The moment their gazes met, the frantic beating of her heart began to steady, replaced by that undeniable, magnetic warmth of the mate bond. She pulled the quilt up to her chin, her voice barely a whisper. "Where... where am I?""The Blackwood pack house," Ramond replied, taking a single, slow step forward, checking to see if she would flinch. She didn't. "I am Alpha Ramond. Last night, at the border... the Goddess chose us."Lizzie swallowed hard, the weight of his words crashing over her. An omega with no family, no standing, and a dark past, mated to the most formidable Alpha in the northern territories. Before she could process the shock, a gentle knock sounded at the door.A kind-faced, older woman carrying a tray of steaming broth and fresh bread stepped into the room. "Alpha, I brought something for the girl. She looks starved."