I blinked.
And blinked again.
The alpha’s grip tightened on my hands, instead of letting go.
“Bo claimed her yesterday,” one of the guys behind Ambrose called out. “There’s a scar on her shoulder from his bite. If you try to mate with her, the bear will kill you.”
I felt the alpha’s gaze jerk to me. Quickly.
He sniffed the air, like he was looking for Bo’s scent. I’d washed it off the night before, though.
He growled softly, as if he’d actually smelled the bear on me. Which he couldn’t have.
Because we weren’t mates.
I wasn’t about to say that, though.
Not when the lie was my only chance at getting out of the hellish life I was about to seal myself into for the rest of forever.
The alpha reached for my shoulder.
I took a step back as Bo roared fiercely.
His massive body was right behind mine a moment later, towering over me like the giant he was. One of his hands caught my waist while his claws tore through the modest sleeve of my dress in a heartbeat, exposing my shoulder and arm. I had topress the fabric to my skin to avoid flashing my tits too, when the heavy fabric immediately started to slide downward.
Gasps rolled through the crowd as everyone saw the scar where my shoulder met my neck.
The claiming mark.
Everyone knew what they looked like. Cub Lake had more than enough women mated to bear shifters for that.
The alpha’s gaze grew icy.
I took a step backward.
Bo stepped in front of me, putting himself between me and the alpha.
I looked at my dad, worried he’d make good on the knife promise.
But I saw Artie sitting next to him, watching our father closely.
Bo must’ve gotten my asshole brother in on the plan.
The insane, incredible,perfectplan.
The alpha wouldn’t know that Bo and I hadn’t made vows.
No one would.
I was going to escape after all. Thanks to Bo, even though I would’ve sooner died than asked him for help a week earlier.
I’d give him anything he wanted. Money. Sex. A Call of Duty win. And I’d do so happily.
Before I disappeared and found someone else to mate with, of course. Just to make sure the alpha could never try to force my hand again.
“You stole my fiancé,” the alpha said, his voice lowering.
“She didn’t want you, and she’s not youranything. Stay the fuck away from her,” Bo snarled.
