Page 1 of Forced Alpha Bride (Wolfshade Brides-for-Hire #3)

Afternoon light flickers through the leaves above my head, making dappled shadows across the dark wood picnic table. A swift, chill breeze lifts my hair off my neck, and I shiver as I’m reminded that night is coming soon.

And I’m going to bed alone. As usual.

I look up from my plate, eyes following Galen and Nico as they play in the far corner of the yard. Clara is not far away, sitting in the grass and watching them as she enjoys the sunlight. I lean forward to prop my chin in my hand, and a deep, rattling sigh rumbles through my chest.

“Dear God, girl, are we keeping you up?” Mother asks.

Fuck, I forgot she was there!

“Sorry, Mom,” I said. “Just tired.”

“It doesn’t sound like you’re tired. It sounds like you’ve got the weight of the world on top of you. Do you want to talk about it?”

Yes.

“No,” I said instead. “It’s okay, Mom.”

She goes quiet, and I’m forced to look up at her so I can try to gauge her mood by her expression. Her eyes are narrowed with a suspicious glare, and her lips press together as she nibbles her lip.

“Don’t try to figure me out, Mom.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t dare,” she chuckles. “I stopped trying when you were about fourteen. The only thing I’m trying to figure out is how long it’s going to be before you crack and go on a serious date.”

“Mom!”

“Oh, come on. We both know it’s true. Seeing your brother settle down has affected you, hasn’t it?”

I let out another long sigh, and Mother chuckles.

“You can say you don’t want to talk,” she says, “but those sighs speak volumes.”

“Okay, look,” I sigh. “It has affected me. They just look so happy. We went over to Cyan Lock last week, and I saw Kit with Lexa. Matches made by Iris Porter seem to be… I don’t know, magical.”

Mom nods, smiling as her gaze follows Nico and Galen around the yard.

“I have to admit, I wasn’t thrilled about this initially.

It was a relief when Clara left town, because we all wanted him to marry into the first families.

It was a shock to see her return. After I got to know Nico, though, and I saw the change in Galen… well. I couldn’t be happier.”

I nod slowly, not looking over at her. The tangle of problems Clara and Galen had to deal with just to be together isn’t something I want to get into right now. I still don’t like how my family treated Clara back in high school. My mother wasn’t innocent in that, either.

When she reaches over and touches my hand, I jump so high, I almost land on the table.

Mother chuckles softly. “Jumpier than usual?”

“Yeah, Mom. Sorry.”

“I’m not going to tell you what to do, but I can’t handle another family gathering where you just stare miserably at Clara and Galen and sigh like an old workhorse. I know you’ve had trouble finding a steady boyfriend—”

“Enough, Mom,” I grumble, my cheeks burning red.

“—so maybe Porter’s is exactly what you need to find the right man.”

“Stop, please,” I groan, my chest closing as the breath is forced out of my lungs.

I love my Mom, but I’m not talking to her about this.

The icy breeze whispers through the leaves again, making the light dance across the table and cooling my cheeks. There’s a reason why I’ve never dated seriously, and I’ve never revealed it to anyone except Krista.

I have complete and utter sexual dysfunction. I’m dead on a sensory level. Ultimate ice queen, destined for a life of celibacy.

My hands clench a little, and I have to make a conscious effort to relax and not sigh again.

I want a partner, more than anything. But I can’t find a single person I’m attracted to!

Across the yard, Nico turns away from his chasing game with Galen and runs over to Clara. He barrels into her, and they roll across the grass, laughing. When Galen catches up, he tumbles into the pile, wraps his arms around Clara, and kisses her.

Her body softens as she leans into him, her hands coming up to stroke his chest and arms. Her eyes close, and her head tilts back. Something deep inside me aches, and for a shocking moment, I have to fight back tears.

I want to feel like that!

My whole life, I’ve never felt really, truly attracted to anyone. I had a few boyfriends at school, but I got bored with them quickly. After a few make-out sessions, I knew all any of them could do was bore me.

I’ve heard a lot about passion, desire, and arousal, but I still have no idea what it feels like.

Mother clears her throat slightly, and I snap out of my trance, looking down at my plate. Picking up a spoon, I poke at my slice of mud cake, thinking about finishing it out of sheer boredom.

“I wish you’d open up to me, Winnie,” Mother sighs.

“I’m sorry, Mom. It’s nothing too deep, okay? It’s not like I’m not having severe trauma or anything. I’m just frustrated.”

“Okay,” Mom says with a nod. “I don’t want to push, but—”

“No,” I cut in.

“You haven’t even heard what I’m going to say!”

“I don’t need to. You’ve got another first-families boy lined up for me, don’t you?”

“Well,” Mother hesitates, looking uncomfortable. “There are plenty of first families up and down Wolfshade who have eligible sons—”

“No, Mom,” I sigh, not even trying to hold it in. “I’m done, okay? Say bye to Galen for me.”

I push myself up from the table, kicking away my chair as I step back. I look over at my brother one more time. He’s wrestling with Nico while Clara laughs and tries to stay out of their way.

“I’m sorry,” Mom says. “I thought I was helping.”

“You’re not,” I mutter. “Just leave it alone.”

I turn and walk quickly away, back towards the manor. It’s become a bit of a Sunday afternoon tradition to have lunch in the main gardens. I usually enjoy it, but it’s like there’s a deep, itching frustration in me, and it’s finally gotten so intense that I can’t ignore it.

What even is attraction? How does it actually feel?

I work my body hard as I jog up the stairs, trying to distract myself, but it doesn’t work. By the time I get back to my room, my thoughts are still stuck in a mire of lust. Sexual fantasies that I can never satisfy.

Because I’ll never find a man who makes me feel that way.

I hurl myself down on my bed, wishing I could cry, but I’m too tense even for that. Arousal flows through me, making my nipples hard and spreading heat between my legs, but no images rise in my mind.

I must have a dysfunction of some kind to be able to get so horny like this but remain unattracted to any man.

I close my eyes and roll onto my back, breathing steadily as I try to slow my heart. Even though I calm down a little, it only makes my arousal burn brighter.

Images dance through my mind. Galen and Clara, smiling up at each other and holding hands. Lexa and Kit, doing one of their famous dances, the chemistry crackling between them. The longing inside me hurts so much, I actually let out a little sob.

Sitting up, I glare at my phone on the nightstand. Even though I’m nervous, I push through it and reach over, snatching my phone and flicking it open before I can think about it.

The second I open the browser, Porter’s comes up. I’ve barely even tapped on it when the chatbot blinks. All I do is type my name, and suddenly I’m live with the woman herself.

Winnie Ramses! What a pleasure to receive your expression of interest. You want to become a bride for hire?

Yes , I answer, even though I’m starting to panic.

That’s great! We don’t often get high-profile candidates like you. It just so happens we have a bachelor in need of a first family's connection.

Oh? I reply, truly surprised.

Yes, dear! Over in Gryphon Eyrie, I’ve just had an application from a gentleman who is specifically looking for a refined lady who can enhance his social position. I think this role would be perfect for you!

I snort softly, chuckling as I shake my head.

I can do that.

I know you can! Your social connections and poise are very valuable in the right setting. Would you like to arrange a meeting?

For a few seconds, I stare at the screen. A big bubble of nerves is rising in my guts, but the huge wave of arousal inside me pushes against it, leaving me in a state of pure, raging anxiety.

If I don’t do this, then nothing changes. What if she really can help me?

Iris , I type quickly. Do I have your assurance that this match will be favorable?

Of course, dear! I consider all the variables when I put a couple together, and your ongoing happiness is my only concern.

But what about chemistry? Are you sure I will get along with this guy?

My cheeks are burning red again, and I don’t know how to express my concerns and keep my dignity at the same time.

Winnie, let me put your mind at ease. Identifying chemistry between couples is what I do best. I admit it can be difficult in the beginning for some of them, but that’s only because the feelings are so strong. Do you understand?

I think about Clara and Galen and how they struggled initially compared to how they are today. I didn’t see Lexa and Kit in their early stages, but I heard about their troubles, and looking at them now, you’d never guess they started out that way.

Okay , I type back. I’m in. Tell me what to do.

I’m arranging a meeting at Gryphon Eyrie tomorrow. I’ll meet you by the fountain at ten with your mate. Sound good?

I tap my finger on the edge of my phone while I think. Gryphon Eyrie is along Lycan Pass, a fair distance from here. I’d have to leave right now if I want to make it in time.

Are you going forward, dear? This is a matter of some urgency.

Yes , I type back. I’m leaving right now.

I leap up from the bed and throw a few things into a backpack, bouncing around the room and keeping my thoughts away from the reality of what I’m doing. I know if I think too hard about it, I won’t go.

What if I meet this guy, and I’m just dead inside like I was with all the others?

It’s too horrific to contemplate, so I push the thoughts away.

If worse comes to worst, I’ll get out of it somehow.

Once my bag is packed, I sit down on the edge of the bed and text Krista. The one great thing about this is that I’m going to be with my best friend.

Krista, you awake? I’m coming up to the Eyrie.

I wait a few minutes, but there’s no reply. Frowning, I try again.

Hey, babe, you around?

My phone feels like a brick in my hand as I stare at it, seeing no response.

It’s not like Krista to leave me hanging. What’s going on?

Sighing, I shake my head, flicking over to Galen’s thread on my phone.

Galen, I’ve got something to tell you.

Jesus, this has got to be good if you’re texting me this late. Did you break another artifact in the main hall?

Shut up, Galen. That was one time!

Actually, it’s happened lots of times. Why do you insist on playing ping-pong in the house?

Because it’s cold out.

We have a huge basement.

It’s cold down there, too. Would you listen to me?

What?

I’m going over to Gryphon Eyrie. I made a match with Porter’s.

There is a distinct pause before the three little dots begin dancing again.

Wow, Winnie. That’s a big step.

I know. I didn’t expect things to happen this fast, but my meeting is tomorrow.

You don’t have much time, then. Are you going?

Yes, I’m leaving right now.

Well, good luck, kiddo. I think this could be good for you.

I stare at the screen, feeling nervous but with an edge of hope.

I’m proud of you , Galen’s next words flash on the screen. Really, Winnie. You’re putting yourself out there, and it’s really brave.

Thanks, Galen , I text back. I love you. Talk soon?

I love you, too. Text me as soon as you meet your guy.

Will do. Bye, bro.

Looking up from my phone, a smile spreads across my face, leaving a warm glow in my chest. There’s a sense of calm growing inside me, a certainty that I’ve done the right thing. I grab my bag and jog down the hall, heading for the front door.

“Where are you going, young lady?” my mother’s voice rings out as I pass the study. I pause, suppressing a groan as I backtrack a few steps.

“I’m not a teenager, Mom. I can go out.”

“I was joking, honey,” she chuckles. “I am curious, though.”

Mom’s sitting in her favorite big armchair, a glass of brandy in her hand as she watches me. I decide to take a leap and tell the truth.

“I’m going to Gryphon Eyrie,” I say firmly. “I contacted Iris Porter, and she has a match for me.”

“Oh!” Mother cries, getting up so fast, she drops her brandy. The glass rolls across the floor, forgotten as she hurries over and throws her arms around me.

“Well done,” she says, squeezing me hard. “I wish you the best of luck, sweetheart. You deserve love in your life, and I’m so happy you’re finally trying to find it.”

“Thanks, Mom,” I answer, hugging her back. “My meeting is tomorrow, so I have to leave now.”

“Okay.” She pulls back, her eyes shimmering just a little. “You better get going. Call me soon, please?”

“I will,” I answer, squeezing her hand before I turn to walk away.

I go out through the front hall, letting the big doors close behind me with a loud thump.

I cross the gravel drive to my little car and hop in, starting it up.

Looking up to the dark, jagged edges of Wolfshade against the night sky, I feel a surge of excitement in me that is more anticipation than anxiety.

I’m going to meet the man of my dreams!

As I leave Quartz Key, my home, this thought becomes a certainty, and I put all my hope and faith into the future—and Iris Porter.