CHAPTER 1 — Walk Away, She's Mine!

Raven

What do you do when you find out your arranged mate is having an affair with your best friend?

Freak out, slide into depression and spend the rest of your life questioning yourself because some idiots didn't know your worth?

Hell no!

“Can I have another shot?”

The excitement in my voice was scary, even to me. I was always this bubbly kid, but all of that died with my mother. Now, I'm just the beta's daughter who's always willing to be the sacrificial lamb.

As if Jesus didn't do enough!

I downed the liquid, clicking my tongue as it burned down my throat.

“It's for the pack,” was all Father had to say and I'd instantly do it. Whether it be letting go of my dream to get a college degree, or agreeing to an arranged marriage with a man I deeply loathe.

Now, he cheated, and I can't wait to shove it in my Father's face. I don't have to marry him anymore. What better way is there to celebrate this than to have some fun that I'd never been allowed to? Get drunk, find a random sexy man at a club to spend the night with, get my very first orgasm… live the life that had been taken away from me.

“Barman, one more please.”

“I'll take the bill for that one.” A voice echoed behind me, followed by the sound of wood scraping against the cemented floor.

I turned to the man who had taken a seat beside me, a wide smile spreading on my face instantly. I think I found a man.

And it took the tiniest effort.

“Well, hey there, handsome!” I drawled, batting my eyelids at him.

His lips parted to respond, but almost immediately, they fell short. I felt an overwhelming presence behind me right before an intoxicating fragrance shrouded my nostrils.

“Walk away, she's mine!”

The handsome man stuttered a response, getting out of his seat and scurrying away. Meanwhile, my heart began pounding in my chest.

I contemplated between following him, absolutely ignoring this interrupter; and confronting him for being such a jerk. Both options seemed shitty because no matter how hard I tried to ignore the knot tightening in my stomach, I knew for certain that the man standing behind me was someone I knew.

His voice… I was sure I knew that voice.

“Look at me!” He commanded, authority laced in every syllable.

His presence radiated confidence and power, like that of an Alpha. I couldn't refuse the order, even if I tried.

“You scared my company…” I began as I turned, but the second my eyes fell on him, I utterly froze.

Not only was he an Alpha… he was my Alpha.

Oh shit!

His eyes darted to the man long lost in the crowd, then back to me. “He wasn't worth your time.”

Oh fuck! Fuck, fuck, fuck! What was he doing here?

The main question; What am I doing here?

The Alpha of Reds Pack and my father, the Beta, are friends. I could get into a lot of trouble if Father knows I'm here.

Why didn't you think this through, Raven?

Worst part? The Alpha is Luca's father. Perfect cherry for the tip of a perfect milkshake.

Wait a second…

I'm on a disguise! Guys, I did think this through. I disguised my face with makeup and wore a wig entirely different from my actual hair. How could I have forgotten? He can't recognize me.

This realization gave me courage I'd normally never have. “And you are?” I asked.

He was staring at me so intently, it made the hairs on my skin rise. Just so I wouldn't lose my mind from the dark intensity in his eyes, I let my eyes run over him.

For the first time, I really looked at the Alpha. I barely realized when my lips fell open in a gasp. His shirt clung impossibly to him, revealing a perfectly sculpted chest that looked like they were drawing me in. His shoulders were broad, the type of broad that screamed ‘I work out every morning’, and holy molly, those abs…

“Your eyes can give you the answer to that.”

My eyes darted up instantly, embarrassment flooding my cheeks. It took a minute for me to remind myself that he couldn't recognize me.

Be normal, Raven. You're just another girl at the bar.

“Don't be shy. You're worth my time too.” He said the words so casually, like it was nothing. Meanwhile, my insides were burning up.

“What’s your name?” He demanded.

Shit! Think fast, Raven! “Anna.”

“Anna.” He repeated, as if tasting the name on his tongue. “Beautiful name.”

I swallowed. There was something about his voice that made my lips throb, but not the lips on my face.

However, his next words made my heart sink.

“But why do I have a feeling you're lying to me?”