Hunted by the Alpha King

Twelve

How did you find yourself in the company of a warlock Willow? Rana asked her host, coughing again. Also, I think I might kill that mate of yours.

You cannot kill me, my love. A deep voice interrupted her inner rants. It was a testament to how tired she was if he could break through Rana’s defenses.

You have certainly tried to kill me.

Has the farmer not given you my blood?

Rana looked up to see the young blonde man staring at her. His amber eyes screamed innocence and fear at the same time. “You the farmer?”

His c****s pinked. “A simple transfiguration spell.”

“Was that his blood?” Rana nodded towards the thrown pail.

“Yes, he said you needed to accept the bond and drink that.”

You rat bastard! Her spine tingled at his deep chuckle.

You will be mine, sweet Rana. Willow will be, too, once I find you.

Are you coming to get me now? Fear caused her to shift, then groan in pain when her body protested.

I know where you are, my love.

Then why aren’t you here?

Leif is fighting me. Rana smiled, grateful that her mate had listened to her and was helping her escape. It doesn’t matter. You have to accept the bond, or you will die, Rana.

You cannot force me!

It is not me! It’s the Black family tradition. The female has to accept the bond, or else she will die.

What is wrong with your line? Did they all realize they had nothing to offer, forcing their mates to be with them?

Her body clenched and grew hot at his amused chuckle.

Or, our mates tend to be the strongest she-wolves. They need to learn who the alpha is.

You are not my Alpha! Rana hissed.

Once you accept the bond I will be.

I am a Rogue.

I know. We will have to rectify that.

We won’t be rectifying anything. I am a rogue and you are not my alpha.

You. Will. Accept. The. Bond. Ronan was beyond angry, Rana could sense that even in her state. You will not die! I will not allow it!

Rana heard the angry howl. It was so powerful the wooden beams that held up the shed shook.

RANA! RUN! Leif screamed in her mind. Clearly, Ronan had overpowered Leif, again.

“You need to hide me!” She gasped to the farmer.

“What?” He asked, his eyes wide.

“Hide me!”

He bent forward to grab her. Right as his hands touched her skin she screamed. Wherever the farmer had touched felt like someone had branded her. Her skin was on fire, the scalding pain was nearly too much for her.

The farmer had released her when she started to scream. “I can’t help you up! The mating bond refuses to let me!”

Tell that bastard to stop touching you! Leif growled in her head. From their connection she noticed that whatever pain she was feeling he was as well. He knew everything that was happening to her. Just accept the bond so you can get away Rana.

I don’t want to be mated to that pup!

Then you will die! You will have to wait for another host entirely.

Rana swallowed the pain coursing through her body. It fueled her anger. Toward the injustice of her mate. Toward him tricking her twice in one night. She was supposed to be the most powerful wolf that the world had ever seen, reincarnated multiple times with more and more knowledge. Yet a young, arrogant wolf had tricked her. He had come to her unworthy and uncaring. Ronan expected her to bow to his will, to overlook his infidelities. Expected her to ignore that he had disrespected her and her host. Willow deserved more than him.

It was common practice for a dire injury to occur during the mating process. To an outsider, like the farmer, the wound seemed unnecessary and brutal. It would be hard for a male wolf to not maim his mate during the Chase. They are more animal than man in the moonlight. They wouldn’t let any room for the she-wolf to get away from them. Most neck wounds were healed by the blood and saliva of the male wolf. But Willow and Rana had run.

It was quite impressive that Ronan was able to follow them to the human town. More impressive that he had offered his blood to a stranger in order to save her. But she couldn’t release the anger that held onto her. He know what marking her would do, knew that she didn’t want it, yet he continued. Defied all odds just to tear into her throat.

If he had appeared to her unsullied Rana would’ve accepted the mating. She would’ve ignored the Richard’s wishes and stayed to mate with Ronan.

But Ronan had disrespected her.

I am sorry. Rana enjoyed the pleading note in his voice. He should be sorry. Please accept the mating. Or you will be lost to me forever.

It’s what you deserve.

A wolf without his mate was useless. It would be the ultimate revenge if Rana decided to give up and die tonight. Without her Ronan would be in constant pain. He wouldn’t be able to shift fully. The moon would no longer call to him. He would be desolate. Alone and weak. Everything he deserved.

I will be too. Leif’s voice broke her heart. She didn’t want her own mate to experience that pain, only his host. Leif would suffer greater than he had ever deserved. He had already been waiting for her for centuries.

I accept the mating, she whispered to the mate channel. Instantly she could feel his relief. She could see through his eyes, the forest halting as he processed the phenomenon. Every fiber of her being called for him. Desired him. Pulled toward him. She could feel his presence even though he was miles away. She could feel the warmth and softness of his fur like he was right next to her. He brushed his wet nose along her jaw. The smell of the forest at nighttime entered her mind. Along with a spice she couldn’t place.

Good girl.

Rana gritted her teeth, You will never find us again, you bastard.

NO!

Willow felt Rana shift back. Her vision turning back to normal. The farmer stood in front of her, shock on his face. “You need to hide me, now!”

He nodded like a bobble head and bent to help her. She pulled her hand away and moved to stand on shaky legs.

“Your neck! It’s healing!”

She placed a trembling finger along her neck wound. The flesh knitted itself together. Ronan’s blood coursing through her, making her stronger than she had ever been. She walked forward, through the shed, into the moonlight. An old farmhouse sat about twenty feet off. The pale yellow walls showed signs of age and rot. But it would have to do.

“Can you hide me in there? And make sure my mate doesn’t get in.”

The farmer nodded before leading her toward the house.