Betrayal

•18•

Breaking through the brush she rushed forward in anticipation of the cool water soothing her sore paws and quenching her thirst. She did indeed find the sparkling pool of refreshment but she did not count on it being occupied with three very large, menacing wolves.

Power and authority spilled forth from the largest wolf when he growled and made Karin drop to her stomach in submission.

The other two circled a trembling Karin with teeth bared. The leader shifted, "Rogues are shown no mercy in my territory. You are now my prisoner until I decide your fate which will probably be a slow death. Shift now." He commanded, his alpha status clearly apparent.

The other two shifted also each grabbing an arm of the frightened girl.

The alpha laughed when he recognized her from the picture Alpha Drew sent over. "So this is the conniving little girl that caused a war. Release her." Both her arms were dropped.

Walking closer and lifting her face he whispered, "Hello, I'm sure you know my reputation and I can verify it's all true."

"Alpha Steel, no it can't be. I thought this was unclaimed land." Karin barely got out she was shaking and scared beyond belief. This man was known for his ruthless behavior and showed no compassion.

Laughing he leaned forward and brushed her lips with his, "I claimed this area a few months ago to expand my lands. Now why are you trespassing? You know how I feel about rogues, mates or not."

His voice caused her body to shiver. Damn! Just her luck to be mated to this emotionless alpha. Her traitorous body likes his touch and voice though. Trying to fight it she stood straighter. It's a good thing she couldn't feel the mate bond yet, her eighteenth birthday was still six months away.

"I was leaving my pack because they abused and bullied me. I am looking for a new pack that is kind and welcoming and will treat me as family." Since they are mates she was sure he would accept her in his pack and then she would finally be Luna and gain power and respect. She was sure his cold emotions would soon thaw and he would shower her with love.

His laughter bounced off the trees and sailed through the valley. "You are gravely mistaken if you think you will find that here." He stood right in front of her and leaned down to whisper in her ear, "I know you lie. Your pack banished you with good reason. I HATE being lied to and I HATE rogues therefore you will be brought straight to the cells."

"But we are mates." She barely got out but he still heard.

"Mates or not you will remain my prisoner. Don't get me wrong I will gladly use you to mate to appease my wolf but hear this- you will never be Luna to my pack and you will never touch or be touched by another male." He stroked her cheek. "You are mine."

"No! I am an alpha's mate, I deserve to be Luna." She whined.

"Wrong sweetie, you deserve the life of a prisoner. Your actions are not those of a Luna but those of a weak, uncaring, selfish young girl who only does things that benefit herself." He licked her lips then placed a small kiss on them.

Crying she wailed, "It's not fair! Why does she always get what she wants and I never get anything."

"You will get exactly what you deserve." Alpha Steel sneered and picked up the small girl and threw her over his shoulder. "Don't worry little mate, by the time your wolf acknowledges me as your mate you will be begging me to reject you."

He swatted her ass. "These next six months will be fun and entertaining. Shall we see how long you can hold out before you break and beg for death." His sinister laugh was heard throughout the whole pack.