a's

cket of ice water. I froze

ghter?" I re

pt with my best

a. The Alpha of the most po

t. I'd spent the night with Adrian Storm. I'd done things with

rom him and nearly falling off the bed in m

g around his waist, his express

lly searched for my clothes. "You're Chloe's father! A

me with those penetrating eyes. "She did

haking hands. The horrifying realization hit me-Chloe must have jus

's father! The shame burned through me. I needed to g

ving my feet into my heels. "T

ld reach the door. His grip was gentle but firm, h

t hear me out be

could you possibly say that would mak

n pressuring me to take a mate for years, and the neighboring packs are pushing thei

he abrupt change of subject. "An

tinued, running a hand through his dark hair. "She's pro

"So what, last night was

t it showed me something I've been missing." He stepped closer, his voice dropping lower. "I need som

on of Jasper's name. "I

rs what's been going on between you and Jasper, what if they pressure you in

possessive streak that belied his charming exterior. Even

e you suggesting

y Luna, gaining my protection and status. I get a mate who my daugh

und sharp and disbelieving. "You're

oyal, kind, and stronger than you give yourself credit for. You k

between us, heat rising to my cheeks

is lips. "That part certai

me wanted to run-this was insane, impulsive, reckless. But another part whi

d finally, facing him again. "

s-satisfaction, perhaps. "I'll have the agreement drawn up today. Not

ere straightforward: a marriage of mutual benefit, with provisions for dissolut

, Adrian's strong, steady signature already i

is?" I asked him, pen

ld mine. "C

ep breath

s waiting for their turn. Adrian's hand rested lightly at the small of my ba

ked, barely glancing

," Adrian replied, sliding

ning as she recognized the name. "Alph

natures. The officiant finally said, "By the power vested

cheek as he pulled away. Just like that, I was married.

ine regret in his voice. "Pack emergency-can't be avoid

l feeling slightly dazed. "Go. I ne

t, before nodding. "I'll call you later." His hand squeezed m

sleek black SUV pulled away fro