The Alpha's Pretend Mate

A Sister's Burden

The forest felt different now. Ivy moved through it as she always had—silent, cautious, her senses heightened—but the shadows seemed heavier, the trees pressing closer with every step. For the first time in years, she wasn’t running to survive. She was running toward something. And that terrified her.

The satchel bumped against her hip as she hurried along the familiar trail, her thoughts racing faster than her feet. Kael’s voice echoed in her mind: *“You’ll come back.”* He’d said it with such certainty, as if the idea of her breaking her word was impossible. She’d promised herself she wouldn’t trust him—couldn’t trust him—but the calm confidence in his voice had rattled her in ways she didn’t want to admit.

Her breath puffed out in small clouds as she approached the cave. Liam would be waiting inside, pale and fevered, his weak breaths echoing in the damp space. A fresh wave of anxiety tightened her chest, but she pushed it down. He was why she was doing this. He was the only reason.

The jagged mouth of the cave loomed ahead, black against the soft gray of the pre-dawn sky. Ivy slowed, her hand instinctively moving to her dagger. Even out here, away from pack lands, she couldn’t afford to let her guard down.

“Liam?” she called softly, her voice just loud enough to carry inside.

A faint rustling answered her, followed by a low, weak groan. She stepped into the cave, her sharp eyes quickly adjusting to the dim light. Liam lay on a makeshift bed of blankets and tattered cloth, his face pale and damp with sweat. His chestnut hair clung to his forehead, and his eyes fluttered open as she knelt beside him.

“You’re back,” he murmured, his voice hoarse.

“I always come back,” Ivy said, forcing a smile as she brushed his hair back. “How are you feeling?”

“Like I’ve been hit by a cart,” Liam muttered, though the faint twitch of his lips told her he was trying to joke. “What about you? Find anything useful?”

Ivy hesitated, her fingers lingering on the edge of the blanket. “I found... something.”

Liam’s brow furrowed. “What kind of ‘something’?”

She exhaled sharply, her shoulders sagging. “I made a deal.”

Liam stiffened, his gaze sharpening despite the fever dulling his features. “With who?”

“The Alpha of Blackthorn Pack,” she said, keeping her tone calm. “He needs something from me, and I convinced him to let you come with me to his territory.”

Liam tried to sit up, but his strength failed him, and he slumped back against the blanket. “Ivy, are you serious? You can’t trust them.”

“I know,” she said quickly, her voice firm. “But we don’t have another option. You’re getting worse, and they have healers—real healers. If this works, they can help you.”

“And if it doesn’t?”

Her throat tightened, but she forced herself to meet his gaze. “Then we’ll deal with it. Together.”

Liam’s brow furrowed, his lips pressing into a thin line. “What’s the deal?”

Ivy hesitated, but only for a moment. “I have to pretend to be his mate.”

Liam blinked, his confusion quickly giving way to disbelief. “You’re joking.”

“I wish I was,” she muttered, her tone dry. “But it’s temporary. Once we’re there, I’ll figure out the rest.”

He shook his head weakly, a faint laugh escaping him. “You’re insane.”

“Maybe,” Ivy admitted. “But I’m not going to let you die out here.”

Her words silenced him. For a moment, the only sound was the faint drip of water somewhere deeper in the cave. She pulled the blanket up to his shoulders, her movements gentle but determined.

“We need to move,” she said, her tone shifting to something more practical. “Can you stand?”

“With help,” Liam said, his voice strained but resolute.

Ivy nodded and slid her arm under his, carefully lifting him to his feet. He was lighter than he should’ve been, his frame too thin, his steps unsteady. Her chest ached, but she kept her expression calm. He didn’t need to see her worry.

The journey back to Blackthorn territory was slow, every step a delicate balance between Liam’s faltering strength and Ivy’s constant vigilance. The forest was quiet, the pre-dawn light casting long shadows across the path, but her unease didn’t fade. Every rustle of leaves, every distant snap of a branch, felt like a threat waiting to pounce.

“You hear that?” Liam asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

“It’s nothing,” Ivy said quickly, though her hand drifted to the hilt of her dagger. “We’re almost there.”

By the time they reached the edge of Blackthorn’s territory, the sky was streaked with pale gold and soft pink. Two wolves stood guard at the entrance to the village, their postures straightening as Ivy approached. Their eyes flicked to Liam, then back to her, their suspicion clear.

“I’m here to see Kael,” Ivy said, her voice sharp.

The taller guard’s nostrils flared as he took in Liam’s scent. “We don’t usually let rogues past the border.”

“Good thing I’m not here for your approval,” Ivy snapped, her arm tightening around Liam.

The guard’s lips curled into a faint snarl, but before he could respond, Kael appeared, his stride unhurried but commanding. His sharp silver eyes flicked to Liam, then back to Ivy. He didn’t speak immediately, but the faint nod he gave her felt heavier than words.

“Let’s get him inside,” Kael said finally, his tone calm but decisive.

Ivy didn’t hesitate. Whatever her doubts about Kael, whatever her fears about the deal they’d struck, one thing was clear: Liam needed help. And for now, this was their best chance.