Run-away mate

Running for safety

The Alpha prince of Evermarsh is in need of a strong, healthy, fertile she-wolf to provide an heir. Send queries care of this publication

*Tia*

As the coach bounces over the rough road, I fold up the advert I have clipped from the newspaper and slip it back into my reticule. Turning my attention to the bleak countryside, I reflect that it isn’t nearly as bleak as my life. Agreeing without compunction or remorse to marry a man whom all of Blackrock city knows to have lost his sanity pretty much says it all.

My life is in shambles; I am penniless, and I have nowhere else to turn.

But marriage to the Alpha prince suits my plans beautifully. The castle is on a large estate to the west at the edge of the great moores. Isolated. No one ever visits. The Alpha prince never leaves. It is unlikely that anyone will think to look for me there. But if they do, I will be a Princess, a she-wolf who has gained power… power I am willing to wield if necessary, to protect myself and all I love.

The Alpha prince has sent me funds for my journey, but fearing discovery of my escape, I purchase neither railway nor coach ticket, opting instead to travel in a mail coach. The driver, a big burly fellow, is kind enough; he doesn’t bother me, and hopefully, after delivering me to my destination, he will forget he ever set eyes on me.

Reaching into my reticule, I remove a hard peppermint sweet from a paper sack and pop it into my mouth. I have been traveling for far too long, I am tired and hungry, but nothing good ever comes of complaining. Best to just get on with the task, no matter how unpleasant it might be, and I am fairly certain that today will be filled with naught but unpleasantness. But I will push through and ensure the Alpha prince never regrets taking me to mate.

As we round a curve, I see the monstrous building… black as Satan’s soul, with towers, turrets, and spires reaching for the heavens… looming before me, growing larger each time the horses’ hooves hit the ground. It can be no other than Evermarsh Castle. A chill skitters down my spine. If I had any other choice…

Only I don’t.

With my marriage to the Alpha prince, I will step into the aristocratic circle. Luna princess of Evermarsh. I will garner respect simply because of my position at his side. And the child I deliver to him will be safe, under his protection.

No one will dare harm the child. No one will dare hurt me.

Ever again.