The Ruthless Beta’s Forbidden Mate

005

SHANE

I buttoned my crisp black shirt to the collar, staring at my reflection in the dark glass of the mirror. I checked the pocket at my hip, making sure the clean sharp edge of my blade rested flat against my leg. If anyone dared to step in my way tonight, I’d end them before they could draw breath.

I slipped out of the room, melting into the darkness of the middle of the night silence. A few of my pack men were already in position across the estate, keeping out of sight. One of them slid out from a dark alcove and fell into step beside me, his movement entirely soundless.

"Everything is set, Beta," he whispered against the stone wall. "The horses are waiting around the woods."

"Good," I muttered. "Follow me."

We moved carefully toward the upper level of the house, keeping our weight off the squeaky floorboards. As we turned the corner near the master hallway, a solitary guard posted near the archway spotted us, his breath hitching as he opened his mouth to shout.

Before the first sound could clear his throat, I closed the distance, drove my fist into his windp**e, and silenced him immediately, lowering his unconscious body to the carpet.

Seconds later, we reached the door of the princess’s chamber. I picked the lock, slipped inside, and lunged toward the tall canopy bed. Before the figure under the covers could draw breath to scream, I clamped my palm firmly over her mouth, pinning her against the mattress.

Movement on the floor caught my attention. Crouched beside the bed, shaking like a leaf, was the little maid who had brought my meal earlier. She had slept right on the carpet at the foot of the bed.

I shoved the girl from the bed into my man's arms. "Hold her."

Then I reached down and snatched the trembling maid off the floor by her waist. She let out a piercing scream, but I slammed my thick hand across her lower face, muffling the sound against my palm.

"Scream again," I growled directly into her ear, "and I'll end you right here."

She went deathly silent, her jaw locking shut in my fingers. But her mouth was set hard. She looks like the type who doesn’t back down.

Beside us, the girl in the noble nightgown thrashing in my guard's grip began to struggle wildly, kicking her feet.

"Stop struggling," I barked at her, my voice low and dangerous. "You’ve got a little business with my Alpha."

The girl in my arms—Maya began to twist against my chest, her muffled voice pleading desperately through my hand. "Please... don't take me," she choked out, her breath hot against my skin. "You already have the princess!"

My eyes dragged down her thin nightdress, taking in the soft curves pressed flush against my chest. A dark knot tightened in my gut. "You'll be of good use to me little wolf," I muttered.

She begged again, her eyes wide with tears, but I didn't look at her twice. I swung her up over my shoulder, hooking my arm around her thighs. Together with my guard carrying the other girl, we slipped out through a hidden passage behind the tapestry—a secret passageway so old and buried even the princess didn't know it existed within her own walls.

Once we cleared the secret door and broke out into the night air at the edge of the woods, the horses were waiting.

"Secure the princess carefully," I ordered my man, shoving the noble girl toward his saddle. "Nothing touches her. Those are Alpha's orders."

I turned to the horse beside mine, swinging the trembling woman up onto the seat before throwing my leg over behind her. I pulled the reins tight, dug my heels into the animal's flanks, and we rode hard into the dark.

Hours of non stop riding blurs the night away until the sky turns pale grey. The woman sitting in front of me had finally succumbed to exhaustion, her body going limp as she fell asleep against my frame.

I drew her closer, tightening my arm around her waist to keep her steady while her head slouched back against my chest. She was impossibly soft, light as a feather, and her hair carried the rich scent of expensive oils that filled my lungs every time the wind shifted.

We finally crossed the border, riding straight into the courtyard of my home pack house.

I leaned down, pressing my lips near her shell like ear. "Wake up," I whispered.

Her eyelashes fluttered, and she sat up with a sudden, disoriented gasp.

I dismounted, reaching up to haul her down before turning to my guard. "Take this woman to the guest room while I deliver the princess to the Alpha." As the guard reached for her arm, I grabbed his wrist in a iron grip, my eyes narrowing. "No one touches her. Understand?"

Maya spun around, her eyes flashing with sudden fury as she screamed at me, "I am not a tool for you to own! Let me go this instant!"

A slow smirk spread across my face. "Getting a little feisty?” I murmured, stepping closer until her back hit the guard's chest. "I'll be back for you soon."

I left her glaring after me, turned to the actual princess, grabbed her roughly by the elbow, and marched her upstairs to the main office.

Alpha Cain was already waiting patiently behind his desk, a dark glass of wine in his hand. The moment we stepped through the threshold, he smirked.

"I didn't expect you to fail, Shane," Cain said smoothly.

"I never fail," I answered, giving the princess a slight push forward into the light.

Cain stood up, stepping out from behind the desk to inspect her like a fresh trade good. "She’s pretty," he murmured, tilting his head as he studied her trembling frame. "Not quite as stunning as the rumors say, but... she’s pretty enough. She’ll do."

He reached out, brushing two fingers along her jawline. "So soft."

He pulled his hand back and looked at me. "Thank you for your hard work, Shane. Is there anything you want for this?"

"I don't need anything," I said coldly, rolling my shoulders. "I'm tired and I need to rest."

Cain nodded, calling toward the door. "I'll have a maid take her to a guest room."

"I brought her maid with us," I cut in before he could call a servant. "It seems they can't do without each other."

Cain raised an eyebrow, a cruel little smile touching his lips. "Oh? Well, if that's the case, put them together in the room." His dark eyes roamed hotly over the princess's body, taking in her thin nightgown. "At least she won't be alone and bored."

Cain stepped in close, leaning right down to whisper something low into the princess's ear. Whatever he said made every drop of color drain from her face, her whole body steeled into rigid horror instantly.

I let out a low smirk. Of course the fucker planned to woo her—or break her before bargaining with her dad.

"I'll be seeing you later, Alpha," I said, turning on my heel and leaving them to their games.