Page 22 of Their Rejected Queen

He’s an Alpha.

And now I’m in his territory, running through an open field that makes it impossible to hide my tracks. All my head start managed to do was piss him off, based on the howls on my heels.

The hooded figure’s advice rings through my head. He isn’t speaking to me this time, but my mind rolls the memory of his voice through my ears on repeat.

“Submit.”

Cursing to myself, I slow my strides and conserve my energy as black spots sprinkle my vision. I’m not built for this.

There’s a rhythmic thump against the ground not far behind me. Godric is coming at me at full speed, and he’s on all fours.

I rarely had to worry about encountering monsters in my sector of the Elite City. But there had been a loose wolf once.

It had mauled one of my brother’s friends, then escaped to Monster City before it was found.

Rumor had spread of the vicious bloodthirst of wolf shifters, as well as how unrecognizable the victim had been. He’d been identified only by the unique cuff links he wore.

Turning to face the approaching wolf, I don’t back down. I don’t keep running.

If I’m going to die, I’m going to die with my chin up.

He’s a flash through the tall grasses, appearing a short moment later with his maw snarling with warning.

I can’t see Godric in those bright golden eyes.

Only a beast.

He’s breathtakingly gorgeous. The massive creature has shimmering guard hairs on a coat of bronze. I’ve never seen a wolf, much less one with those colors.

“There you are,” I say. “A big bad wolf chasing down a little girl. Aren’t you tough?”

If he can understand me, he doesn’t seem fazed by my insults.

Wolf-Godric starts to circle me. I glance down the field to see if anyone else is coming, but he’s alone.

“No witnesses for your cruelty?” I ask. “You don’t want your boyfriends to see what you do to a defenseless slave girl?”

Curling my shoulders in the appearance of a submissive posture, I brush my fingers over the vials.

He thinks I’m a defenseless slave girl, but I’m not.

I have an explosive magic tonic that can destroy us both.

If he means to kill me, then I’m going to make sure death comes for us both.

The only thing that stills my hand is the crack of bone that comes next.

As I freeze and glance up, I take in the contorted figure of a man emerging from what had been a massive wolf.

I should cast down my gaze. I should prepare my tonic.

I should do anything other than openly stare at the naked man who takes shape before me.

Shifting is clearly painful. Godric growls and makes intimate sounds that rush blood to my cheeks.

When he’s fully in human form, I lose all my propriety training and take in his muscular body decorated by scars. It’s not the first time I’ve seen a nude male, but it is the first time I’ve seen one this close up.

My eyes widen when my gaze slides down.