The She-Wolf Series Book 2

SAMANTHA

I was desperate for a breather. I rushed into the kitchen, gasping for air. Rankor’s imposing stature and raw strength had been daunting, but he’d managed to make me feel secure and soothed during our porch-side chat.

Ivar, on the other hand, radiated a frostiness that sent shivers down my spine. Yet, I still craved him. My phone began to vibrate in my pocket.

I fished it out and took a calming breath before answering.

“Hey, Cassie,” I attempted to sound upbeat.

“Sammy? You okay, hon?” Cassie’s voice was laced with concern. “I just…had a bad feeling.”

Cassie had confessed over the past year that while many considered her a bona fide psychic, she didn’t have visions. Instead, she experienced “feelings.”

As our bond deepened, she began sharing more of these feelings with me. I felt privileged to be trusted with her secret, but it sometimes meant she had a deeper understanding of my life than I was comfortable with.

“Everything is…okay,” I lied, heading toward the back door. I didn’t want Ivar overhearing our conversation.

He seemed keen on keeping his presence a secret, but I knew Cassie wouldn’t back down until I spilled the beans. Besides, I needed someone to confide in, and Cassie was my best friend.

Shutting the door behind me, I quickly filled her in on the day’s happenings. She listened without interruption.

“What should I do, Cass?” I asked. “I need him out of my house, but he’s made it clear he’s not leaving. He keeps looking at me like I’m an annoying insect he can’t squash. It’s obvious he’s not thrilled about our bond.”

“Are you sure he’s unhappy?” she questioned. “I think he’s just not used to being denied.”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“Well, he’s the werewolf king,” she clarified. “Everyone obeys him, and no woman has ever rejected him. I know you’re new to the werewolf world, but every she-wolf has fantasized about being his mate at some point.”

The thought of another woman touching Ivar made me bristle. My mind flashed back to the woman photographed with him a few months ago, and Ayisha growled lowly.

“I’m not just going to do his bidding, Cassie,” I retorted. “That’s no way to live.”

“Honey, I’m not suggesting you should,” she replied gently. “I’m just offering some perspective.”

She paused before continuing, “You know, I’ve pondered a lot about fated mates over the years—why some people find theirs and others don’t. I believe the Moon Goddess sends them to those who truly need them. Maybe people who wouldn’t be able to go on otherwise, but have something significant they’re meant to do.”

Her words made me think about her relationship with Michael. They were polar opposites. Cassie was vibrant and cheerful. Michael was reserved and moody.

It was puzzling how they were such a perfect pair, but I knew that Michael had been in a dark place when he met Cassie. He always said she was the one who brought him back to the light.

It made sense for them, but I wasn’t sure it applied to Ivar and me.

“And Sam,” Cassie broke into my thoughts. “I know Michael tells everyone I saved him, but that’s not true. He came into my life when I needed him.”

I realized then that I didn’t know much about Cassie’s life before she mated Michael. I had asked, but she only ever gave vague answers.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

She sighed. “It’s a long story and I promise I’ll tell you someday. But right now, we have bigger fish to fry.”

“Okay,” I agreed. “So, how do I get the caveman to leave?”

“Are you sure you want him to go?” she asked.

I hesitated. The truth was, I didn’t. But I wanted him to *want* to stay, and that clearly wasn’t happening.

I turned to look through the window behind me as I pondered my response. The curtains were drawn back, revealing Ivar lounging on my couch, a blanket haphazardly draped around his waist.

One hand rested on his sculpted abs while the other was tucked behind his head, accentuating his muscular biceps. He was a sight to behold.

When my gaze met his, his icy stare cut through me as he glared disdainfully. My face paled as I realized a werewolf as powerful as him might have heard our entire conversation.

“Cass, I have to go,” I mumbled before hanging up. I squared my shoulders and took a deep breath before reentering the house and heading to the living room.

Best to face the music sooner rather than later.

“What did you hear?” I asked when he remained silent.

“Everything you said,” he replied nonchalantly, but his voice held a dangerous edge. “And some of what Miss Cassandra Stevens had to say.”

I looked away, mortified and fearful of his anger.

“I thought I made it clear I didn’t want anyone knowing about my current situation,” he stated calmly.

I felt like I was in the calm before a storm.

“Cassie won’t tell anyone,” I assured him. “She’s my best friend.”

He chuckled darkly.

“She was right about one thing,” he said quietly. “No one defies me, Samantha. I’ve been lenient with you because of our relationship. That ends now. I am your king, little wolf. You are my mate.”

I looked at him, puzzled by his words. What leniency had he shown me? His face was serious, his eyes aflame.

“I told you when we first met that I’ve waited my whole life for you, Samantha. I’m done waiting. We will mate and you will be my queen.”

“You would force me to mate you?” I asked, incredulous.

“I will do whatever it takes to ensure the safety of my people,” he stated firmly. “My vulnerability endangers all werewolves.”

“How dare you,” I spat.

“What? Is that ‘caveman’ enough for you, mate?” He threw my words back at me.

Anger surged within me, and with it the power of the alpha I knew I was. No one threatened me. Ayisha growled in my mind, and I let her eyes shine through my own.

“Listen here, Your Highness. You might be used to submissive she-wolves who cater to your every whim,” I growled. “But I am a warrior and an alpha. If you want to take something from me, be prepared for the fight of your fucking life.”

His gaze hardened on me, and an almost tangible energy buzzed around him. Despite his apparent frailty, I was acutely aware that I was up against a king who had seen a thousand years come and go.

But that didn’t mean I was going to back down, or that I wouldn’t fight him until my last breath.

A smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth, but it was devoid of any real amusement.

“We’ll see,” he murmured.

His gaze drifted back to the ceiling. His eyes fluttered shut, and he seemed to drift off into sleep.

I stormed out of the room, my footsteps heavy as I climbed the stairs.

The sound of my bedroom door slamming shut echoed behind me.