Ravens of the Mist Book 3: Behind Enemy Lines

I glance around, feeling a sense of belonging with the pack that chose me. We’re not your typical pack. We’re outlaws, rogues as others label us.

Our leader is Renard Weston. He’s not my destined mate, but soon he’ll be my official one.

He’s made a promise to me. After he avenges his brother’s death, he’ll mark me as his mate.

I can’t help but scoff.

But that’s not true. Our past is proof enough.

When I was fifteen, hunters wiped out my pack. I survived because my mother helped me escape.

She smeared my clothes with the blood of dead werewolves to mask my scent.

She gave her last breath to save me.

A month later, Renard found me on the brink of starvation. I’ve stuck by his side ever since.

Now, at twenty-two, I’m ready to be his mate.

He just needs me to do one thing first. After that, we’ll be together forever.

We haven’t shared a kiss yet. He says when the time is right, he’ll let me know with our first kiss.

There are unmated males in the pack, but none dare touch me. They know the consequences of crossing Caesar.

Caesar is Renard’s wolf. As black as the night, he would never harm me. He doesn’t want Onyx to despise him.

I jump as two large hands land on my shoulders.

“Stella, what are you doing?” Renard’s voice sounds behind me, making me smile.

I turn to face him. “Joining the hunt, with you guys.”

He tucks a stray lock of my hair behind my ear. “What did I tell you?”

My smile fades. “Not to join in.”

He lifts my chin to meet his gaze. “And why is that?”

I clear my throat. “Because Onyx will be easy for the prey to spot.”

“And?” He presses.

“We don’t want to risk someone seeing her. She could put the pack in danger.”

“Good girl.” Renard plants a kiss on my forehead. “I promise, soon you’ll be able to let her out more often.”

Renard only allows me to transform into my wolf when she’s on the verge of distress.

If a wolf is confined for too long, it can go mad, and there’s no coming back from that.

Before I turned eighteen, Onyx never had an issue with Renard. But ever since we were old enough to find our mate, she started seeing him differently.

As she’s said, she’d do anything for me. So I know she won’t stop me when I mate with Renard, even if he wasn’t our chosen one.

I look at him with pleading eyes. “Why can’t you stay with me, instead of going on the hunt?”

He smiles at my question.

“If I could, I would. Stay hidden until I come back for you. You remember what happened last time you didn’t listen to me.”

I shake my head. “Don’t worry, I won’t disobey you.”

I watch with envy as the others transform into their wolves, ready for the hunt. I retreat back into the cave to wait for Renard’s return.

I settle on the floor to catch some sleep.

I want Renard and Caesar to be ours.

I’m relieved that Onyx can’t see my dreams. It would give her another reason to reject them as our mate.

I shouldn’t keep this from her, but I can’t help it. Renard saved my life. He’s always been there for me. I won’t betray him.

“Stella, we’re back. It’s time for you to eat.”

Renard takes my hand, leading me to the food they’ve just hunted.

I adore rabbits. It’s a rabbit. We all sit down to eat, and as usual, the meal is consumed in silence.

When we finish, everyone leaves the table except for Renard, Eric, and me. Eric is Renard’s right-hand man.

“Stella,” Renard begins, his voice serious. “You remember I mentioned I’d need something from you.”

I nod, meeting his gaze.

“I need your help to get justice for my brother’s death. I need you and Onyx.”

I reach out and take his hand. “You know I’d do anything for you.”

“I need you to infiltrate a pack and seduce their Alpha. He’s mated, but not to his true mate. Their bond won’t be as strong as it would be between an Alpha and a Luna.”

I let go of his hand, stepping back in shock. “You want me to seduce him? But you said you’d be my first in everything.”

“I knew this would happen,” Eric mutters under his breath.

“Leave us, Eric. I can handle this,” Renard commands.

Eric nods and leaves, leaving me alone with the man I’m supposed to mate with.

“How can you ask this of me?” I ask, my voice trembling.

“Stella, you promised you’d do anything for me. Remember, I saved your life. If you refuse, I won’t mate with you.”

I gasp, taken aback. “How can you expect me to do this? I’m a rogue. He’d never go for someone like me. You said it yourself, he’s already mated.”

Renard growls, or maybe it’s Caesar. “Are you questioning me?”

He takes a deep breath, trying to control his anger.

“Trust me, Stella. Once the Alpha sees Onyx, he won’t be able to refuse you access to his pack. After that, leave the details to me.”

“But why seduce him? You said you’d be my first.”

Renard grips my arms, not too gently.

“Once I’ve avenged my brother’s death, you’ll be mine.”

He lets go of my arms and cups my face. “Please, do this for me.”

“Okay.”

Even though I’m a bit scared of him, I can’t say no. I owe him too much.

I don’t either, but I don’t have a choice. Especially if it means getting what I’ve always wanted.

Which is him.