Page 23 of Broken Forced Mate

But Evangeline just smiles and gestures toward the main building. “Perhaps we should discuss this inside. The desert chill can be quite harsh this time of night.”

I cut Raegan’s restraints with my knife, ready to grab her if she bolts. She rubs her wrists and glares at me like she’s planning my murder.

“I’m not going anywhere with either of you.”

“Yes, you are. Because if you don’t, I’ll tie you up again and carry you inside. Your choice.”

“This is kidnapping.”

“So it is,” I acknowledge.

We stare at each other across three feet of charged desert heat. Her breathing quickens, and I catch the faint scent of herarousal beneath the anger. My wolf responds immediately, and every instinct screams at me to claim what’s mine.

But she’s not mine. She never was, and after today, she never will be. Not willingly.

Raegan stalks toward the building. “Fine, but when this is over, I’m going to destroy you.”

“Get in line,” I mumble, thinking about how her brother will have my head on a pike as I follow her inside.

The coven’s interior is exactly what I expected—whitewashed walls covered in hanging herbs, crystal formations catching sunbeams from high windows, and the constant sound of wind chimes creating an otherworldly atmosphere.

Evangeline leads us to a small chapel lined with candles and flowering vines. The altar is a simple stone, worn smooth by centuries of use, with two chairs placed in front of it.

“Please, sit.” Evangeline gestures to the chairs. “We have much to discuss.”

“We have nothing to discuss.” Raegan remains standing, arms crossed. “I’m not marrying anyone, especially not the man who kidnapped me.”

“Child.” Evangeline’s voice holds infinite patience. “Do you understand the nature of the threat you face?”

“What threat? Everyone keeps talking about threats and danger, but no one will tell me what’s actually happening.”

“Your fiancé isn’t who he claims to be,” I tell her again. “The engagement puts you and your pack at risk.”

“So, you decided to solve that problem by committing multiple felonies?”

“I’m protecting you.”

“I don’t need your protection!”

“Like hell you don’t.”

We’re standing inches apart now with fury simmering between us like electricity before a storm. Her scent fills my head—jasmine and female wolf, and my cock strains against my pants.

“You rejected me,” she whispers. Her voice breaks on the last word, and it’s like a bucket of cold water. “Three years ago, you looked me in the eye and told me I meant nothing to you.”

“I remember.”

“And now you think you can just take me? Decide what’s best for me without asking?”

“I’m trying to protect you.”

“By treating me like property? By making decisions about my life like I’m some helpless child who can’t think for herself?”

Then she slaps me.

The sound splits through the chapel like a gunshot. My cheek burns, but I don’t move, don’t react. I just let her fury wash over me like I deserve.

“You don’t get to do this! You don’t get to reject me and decide you want me when it’s convenient for you.”