Page 18 of The Alpha King's Mate

She reached out and took Aliana’s wrist.

Malakh growled, and I barely stopped myself from shoving her away from our mate.

“She has a steady pulse, Alpha,” she said, placing Aliana’s hand back on the bed.

I reached for her wrist, rubbing away Ember’s scent.

Aliana was mine.

All of her.

Especially that scent.

? ? ?

The doctor came, placed something beneath her nose—and Aliana groaned. Her eyes opened, and just like that, I could breathe again.

“Ugh. Argh. By the Moon Goddess,” she cried, then gagged.

“Everyone out,” I commanded.

Aliana rubbed the back of her neck, and I winced. That damn collar.

“Why do you smell different?” she asked, voice hoarse.

“Because I’m your mate.”

She blinked a few times, then began to chortle.

She thinks we’re a joke, Malakh whispered.

“You’re my mate,” I said urgently.

She laughed harder, holding her sides. When she finally managed to control herself, it wasn’t any better.

“You. Alpha King of the Bloodborne pack. My mate?” she asked, wiping the tears away.

I remained dignified. Arms crossed, lips pursed tight.

Then her amusement died. Her eyes widened, and she gaped at me.

Her wolf was there—and had just confirmed my diagnosis.

“I, Aliana of the Silvermere pack, reject—”

I leapt forward and slapped my hand over her mouth.

“If I need to cut your tongue out to prevent those words ever being uttered again, then that is what I shall do,” I vowed.

She mumbled something, but I didn’t remove my hand.

I needed a gag.

I shook her, just enough to get her attention.

“You will not reject our bond,” I growled.“I will fucking tie you to my bed until your heat begins. There won’t be any escape then.”

She tried to punch me. I climbed on top of her until she lay flat against the bed, and she was still trying to bite my hand when I settled over her. My eyes rolled back as I breathed her scent in.