[Clear Ridge Pack 06] • The Alpha's Reluctant Mate

Marcus is my mate. I know it and he knows it. His place is beside me, like it always has been, like it always will be. So, why the hell does he keep denying it and acting like we’re nothing more than Alpha and subordinate?

It doesn’t matter. He’s stubborn, I get it, and I still love the sh*t out of him. We’ve got time to work things out.

Or so I thought. Now, it looks like time is no longer on our side. Suddenly, I’ve got a terrified pup in my arms and an unconscious she-wolf at my feet, and a sinking feeling that things are about to hit the fan.

The darkness inside of me can feel the evil out there coming for mother and pup, and while I promised to protect them from him, who is going to protect everyone else from me?

–Ryland

I made a promise to always protect him, and I will do everything in my power to keep that promise. Even if it means protecting him from himself.

He insists we’re mates, but it’s impossible. Doesn’t he understand that things aren’t always as easy as he makes them out to be, that not everything ends up roses? He’s an alpha for God’s sake, he should know better.

It doesn’t matter. I know better, and right now, ‘better’ is keeping him at a distance. It should be easy, right? After all, it seems he’s suddenly the father to an unknown pup, and I’ve told him I can’t play happy family. All I can do is make sure they both survive Ryland’s lack of parenting skills.

That was the plan at least. But with the malevolent danger heading our way, the best place to protect them both is beside him.

I just hope that when this all over, I’ll still have the strength to walk away.

–Marcus

Disclaimer: Contains mature content, intended for adult audiences only. See inside cover for additional content warnings. This is the sixth book in the Clear Ridge Pack series. Reading the others in the series will provide context, but this book can be read as a standalone. Approximately 66,000 words with a strong happy ever after ending and no cliffhanger.