The Rogue Series Book 3: The Beta and The Rogue
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Gemma Rue
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The Matebond
Book 3: The Beta and the Rogue
LIAM
Ember’s frown is a challenge as we lock eyes in a heated staring contest. Our wolves are restless, pushing against the surface of our minds to watch each other. She’s everything I’ve ever dreamed of in a mate—strong, confident, and beautiful.
She’s perfect. Sure, there’s the minor issue of her being a rogue and wanting to reject our bond, but what relationship doesn’t have its problems? With time, she’ll learn to trust me, and the idea of rejection will fade into a distant memory—just a hiccup we’ll laugh about later.
Ember growls, breaking eye contact and moving to sit on a makeshift chair in the command center of her rogue camp.
“Looks like I win,” I laugh, flashing her my most charming smile.
Predictably, she’s unimpressed. She’s too strong and independent to be swayed by something so trivial. Winning her heart will be a tougher challenge than charming the omegas back home.
But that’s half the fun, right? Ember rolls her deep-brown eyes. Even in such a small gesture, she’s stunning.
“Is this a joke to you, Beta Liam? Because I don’t have time for your games; I have a camp full of people depending on me,” she snaps.
I sit across from her, maintaining our eye contact. Sparks dance across my skin where her eyes touch me, further proof of our connection.
“It’s sexy how protective you are of your camp,” I flirt.
A chunk of wood hurtles toward my head, but I manage to duck in time. Ember mutters a string of unintelligible insults under her breath.
“Listen, I understand you have no reason to trust me, but I’m here because I want what’s best for all of us, rogues and pack wolves alike,” I plead.
I don’t expect her to trust me freely. As a rogue leader, it would be foolish of her to trust a pack wolf without making me earn it. But even if it takes everything I have, I’m ready to do whatever it takes to prove myself to her.
The sparks continue to hum against my skin, sending a shiver down my spine. With each passing moment, I feel more and more drawn to her.
Damn, how can one mate be so perfect? I wonder.
“Tell me the words to reject you, and maybe I’ll trust you,” Ember challenges.
I raise an eyebrow at her. “If I tell you how to break our bond, how quickly will you reject me?”
Her face twists as she considers my question, a mischievous glint darting across her eyes. “Fifteen seconds.”
Well, at least she’s honest. It should be heartbreaking that my mate has threatened to reject me multiple times within the first few hours of knowing me, but I don’t scare that easily.
“Let’s make a deal. If you come with me back to my pack and hear out Alpha Jackson and Alpha Harley’s plans for the future of rogues, then I’ll tell you the phrase you need to reject me,” I suggest, leaning in closer to her with a grin.
In a low tone, I add, “That is, if you still want to by then.”
“You’re so sure of yourself, Mr. Beta, but you’re not the first pack wolf to try to win me over.”
“But I’ll be the last one,” I tease, trying to suppress the surge of jealousy.
She stands her ground, arms crossed. It’s clear she’s used to being in control. Her tone, frame, and confidence radiate power.
“Why do you want to—me? We don’t even know each other yet,” I ask, all humor drained from my voice.
“I don’t need to know you to know that pack wolves can’t be trusted,” Ember retorts sharply. “Besides, rogues don’t have mates, and I don’t intend to be the exception.”
Her pained expression holds my gaze. Wolves don’t choose to be rogues without reason. What drove my mate to abandon her and take on this challenging life? Which pack betrayed her to create this deep-seated mistrust?
I remain silent, leaning back in my chair, studying her as she manages her camp.
***
EMBER
Hale perches herself on the tree next to me, shaking her head. “You shouldn’t go. We don’t owe them anything,” she whispers, idly picking at a leaf in her hand. “Pack laws will never change.”
I glance around, confirming my so-called mate—who acts more like a stalker—isn’t within earshot.
“Clearly, we don’t owe Night Fang anything. If anything, they owe us,” I scoff, pausing to consider my next move.
Rumors are swirling that Night Fang has closed their pits and stopped attacking rogues, but I doubt that these rumors are true. Packs can’t be trusted. If I go with Liam, there’s nothing preventing Night Fang from throwing me into a pit or worse.
Laughter echoes from the families in the camp, and my heart twinges. I don’t really have a choice. I have to protect my people and figure out what’s happening to rogues at their border.
“Night Fang might have information about the missing rogues. I have to at least try, for Dex’s sake.”
Hale’s lip trembles. She misses Dex just as much as I do—maybe even more, if the rumors about them are true.
“He probably just ran off,” she snaps, wiping her eyes.
Dex isn’t your typical rogue. He’s been by my side for almost ten years. He wouldn’t abandon me, not without saying goodbye.
“Promise me you won’t fall for that beta’s charm?” Hale pleads. “This camp won’t survive without you.”
Liam’s stupid face flashes across my mind. There’s no denying he’s attractive—with his effortlessly swept-back black hair, strong jawline, pale skin, and carefree smile—but he’s also smug and irritating. I don’t have time for someone like that. There’s only room for one smug person in a relationship, and I’m not planning to give up that title anytime soon.
I laugh and roll my eyes. “You’ve got nothing to worry about. That beta might charm omegas back in his pack, but there’s no way I’m falling for his nonsense.”
I pause, winking at Hale. “If anything, I’ll have him eating out of my hand and begging to join the camp.”
The image of Liam kneeling before me, his eyes thick with desperation and his muscles glistening with sweat as I order him around, flashes across my mind. I’ve been with my fair share of rogues but never a pack wolf. I bet he knows how to satisfy a partner. My cheeks flush at the thought.
“I know that look, Ember. He’s not some random wolf you can play with and walk away unscathed.” Hale grips my hand, her voice growing serious. “You need to be careful.”
“He’s not even my type,” I mutter, but we both know I’m lying. Liam is everyone’s type.
“Now, let’s discuss the camp. I’ll be gone for a few weeks,” I remind her, trying to steer the conversation away from my personal life.
I walk Hale through the process of running the camp for what feels like the hundredth time. It’s the first time I’ve left her completely in charge. Normally, I depend on Dex or Wendy to help oversee things when I’m away, but that’s not an option now.
Dex is missing, and I’m taking Wendy to help find him.
Footsteps thud toward us.
“Your mate is a sarcastic jerk,” Wendy whines, glaring at Liam. “If I have to watch him any longer, you’ll be mateless.”
“Promise?” I chuckle, earning a low growl from Liam. I’m surprised he’s lasted this long with all the teasing. He wouldn’t survive a week as a rogue.
“Thanks for babysitting him, Wendy. Go tell everyone else to get ready to leave.”
Liam leans against a nearby tree, his eyes studying me.
“It’s sweet that you have your friends watching over me,” he teases. “I feel so loved and protected to have my mate taking such good care of me.”
“Glad I can make you feel special,” I snort as I jump down from the branch I was perched on. “And I’m not your mate.”
For the first time since I’ve met him, Liam falls silent.
Sparks hum against my skin from his gaze. Warmth floods through me, and my heart starts to pound.
“Stop it,” I snap, glaring at him.
He grins at me, all cocky. “Hmm, it’s interesting you felt that, considering we aren’t mates.”
A wave of anger surges through me, swiftly pushing away the warmth from the mate bond. Why does he have to be so infuriating? The Moon Goddess definitely has no clue what she’s doing. I wouldn’t mate with Liam even if I were in his pack. It’ll be a miracle if we both make it to Night Fang alive.
“You better behave on our journey back; traveling is dangerous for rogues. If your actions put anyone at risk, I won’t hesitate to kill you,” I threaten, my words sharp and clipped.
“You can try, but I’m pretty strong,” Liam laughs before his face grows more serious and he steps closer. “But you don’t have to worry. You’re the most important thing in my world. I will never put you in harm’s way.”
My heart skips a beat, and our gazes lock. I’m rooted to the spot, caught in the intensity of the moment.
My instincts kick in, and I find myself leaning toward the handsome pack wolf standing in front of me. He closes the distance between us, his hand lingering above my arm.
The air around us crackles with energy, sending a rush of sparks through my body. It would be so easy to believe his promises.
