Althea was utterly confused.

She was the daughter of a traitor, taken by the Alpha King as a hostage, claimed as nothing more than his breeder. She had expected cruelty, humiliation and a cold prison. But instead, he had marked her, saved her life, and now he touched her like he craved only her.

Althea had prepared herself for the worst. She believed he would be disgusted by her… that he’d simply take her, cold and silent, without even meeting her gaze. Without a kiss. Without concern. ...