The Alpha’s Temporary Mark

When I came to my senses, I realized my communication crystal was blinking.

My father's voice came through, filled with an excitement he couldn't hide.

"Anya, I've already made your favorite beef bone soup, and I've prepared roasted venison."

I took a deep breath, said nothing more, and fled.

My father and I spent the whole afternoon preparing a lavish warrior's feast, simmering his secret-recipe wild game stew.

The hot dishes grew cold on the table. Kade never showed.

The few mind-links I sent him went unanswered.

Seeing the disappointment dimming my father's eyes, I felt a pang of shame and made excuses, then stepped out onto the balcony to forcibly activate my mate bond with Kade.

This time, the link connected quickly.

I got straight to the point. "Are you here? My father has been waiting a long time."

He sounded as if he'd just remembered. "Sorry, the meeting ran long. I lost track of time..."

Suddenly, the sound of loud music and the laughter of a pack of wolves came through the connection.

It was the soft, ambient music unique to high-end private clubs.

"Kade, try this. I had the chef make it just for you," Selena's saccharine voice cooed through the link.

"Some old veteran's cooking? So dated. They probably don't even use the right spices."

"Is Selena getting jealous?" someone teased.

"Don't you worry. Anya's no competition. Her old man is a washed-up warrior. Didn't even earn any real honors in the war."

The mocking laughter of his friends made my blood run cold.

I heard Kade's impatient "Mmm," as if he was frequently checking his phone.

"Knock it off, you guys," he said, his voice laced with annoyance.

I heard the flick of a lighter, followed by his smoke-raspy voice.

"Anya, I just took over as Alpha. I can't look bad by leaving an important meeting early. I'll make it up to your father another day, okay?"

Did he really think I was a fool, that I'd believe he was holding a meeting with the sounds of a private club in the background?

I unconsciously tightened my grip on the communication crystal. Just as I was about to speak, I heard an urgent voice from the other end.

"Kade, stop wasting time. Selena's waiting for you."

Kade stubbed out his cigarette, his voice laced with false tenderness. "Be good. You're always so understanding. I'll make it up to you tonight when I get back."

After ending the transmission, I returned to the dining table, feigning a casual air. "He has an urgent meeting," I said with a forced smile.

The table was laden with the food he had prepared. The beef bone soup was still simmering over a low flame, its aroma filling the air.

"Let's eat first."

"We're not waiting?" my father asked, looking at me.

"We're not waiting."

We sat quietly at the table. My father ladled a bowl of soup for me.

"Anya, do you think the Alpha truly loves you?" he asked suddenly.

My spoon froze mid-air.

"An Alpha who truly loves you wouldn't let you face an embarrassing situation alone on an important occasion."

My father's voice was calm, but every word was a nail driving into my heart.

"He might have really had something urgent..." I tried to defend Kade again.

"Child, I've seen a thing or two," my father said, shaking his head. "Anya, I want to see you settled as a proper Luna in my lifetime. But if a mate bond isn't built on a foundation of respect, I would rather you walk alone."

He paused, looking at me. "And remember, a warrior's honor is more precious than an uncherished love."

I put down my spoon and hugged my father.

"Dad, I know what to do now."

When I returned to our penthouse apartment, Kade had somehow already returned.

He was coming out of the kitchen with a glass of blood-red, potent wolf's liquor.

When he saw me, his eyes landed on the duffel bag at my side, and his pupils constricted.

"What's this? I hear you're going to the Silver Crest Pack?"

I didn't deny it.

Kade closed the distance in a single, sudden step, pulling me into his arms.

"Anya, you're not going anywhere without my permission."

He kissed me forcefully, the movement rough, as if staking a claim.

I bit down hard on his lip. "Let me go, Kade."

He hissed in pain and stopped, but then he bent down, scooped me up with one long arm, and threw me onto his shoulder.

I was tossed onto the plush sofa, the impact leaving me breathless and dazed.

Before I could recover, Kade was already on top of me. "The Silver Crest Pack. Don't even think about it."

"You are my marked mate."

His warm breath fanned across my trembling eyelashes.

I struggled instinctively.

Feeling the resistance from the woman in his arms, Kade's grip on my wrist tightened abruptly.

His other hand clamped down on my restless waist, and his knee pinned my tense legs, completely cutting off my escape.

He then lowered his head and sealed my lips, his fingertips expertly igniting fires across my skin.

It wasn't that he was oblivious to my emotions; he was just used to solving conflicts this way, with brute, primitive force.

In four years as his secret mate, whenever friction arose, this proud Alpha would never stoop to console me.

And I had always been the one to yield to his Alpha temper.

But this time was different. He had been deceiving me from the very beginning.

I cleared the possessive fog from my head and shoved him away with all my might.

"Kade, let's end this."