Alpha's Forbidden Mate

*** Darrick ***

I'm the alpha of the Wolden Valley werewolf pack. We used to live in harmony with humans, but twenty years ago they learned we walk among them and they were not happy. We've spent every day since then attending rallies and protests and fighting to regain the rights we lost in those first chaotic months after being discovered. I've grown used to putting my pack first, to prioritizing our prosperity and safety over everything else. I'm okay being alone. I have my pack. I have my friends. I have enough.

That is... until I find my mate on the opposite side of a protest rally.

** John **

I'm not surprised to learn that my old high school boyfriend is a werewolf. I've long suspected the small town where I lived my first fifteen years was controlled by a werewolf pack. I'm not even shocked to discover that Darrick is now their leader. But it doesn't change anything. It doesn't erase the way my family was ostracized from our home town twenty-two years ago. Besides, it's ancient history. It's over and done with. I don't even care if there's an explanation for why any of it happened. I have a new life and a great career. I have good friends. I'm content right where I am.

I just need to walk away from Darrick without looking back.