The Alpha's Burden

Chapter 6 - Little Choice

Kristine POV

“Like hell!” I exclaim as anger vibrates through my body. I pivoted away from everyone standing there and started to step forward, intending to run away from everyone. I could feel tears of rage filling my eyes at the audacity of everyone around me. My own parents were willing to send me off with a stranger rather than support me and my desire for true love.

Before I could take that full step, I found myself quickly tossed over my fated mate’s shoulder. I tossed my head up to see the smiles on my parents' faces, as I started to pound my fists on the man’s back. “Put me down this instant!” I screamed, much to the amusement of those around us.

I feel a sharp slap on my ass, as my mate’s hand slaps me. How dare he do this to me! How dare he! Wanting to escape, I continued to squirm around on his back trying to get dislodged in any way possible. I could feel his body shake and I thought I was winning, only to realize he was chuckling at my expense.

Taking a breath, “Please,” I whispered, deciding to play the helpless victim. I felt his step falter and hid my smile as I knew I had caught his attention. “Just put me down; I will walk on my own,” I added, as he came to a stop. Slowly sliding my body down his, I felt every muscle and the swipe over his semi-hard bulge.

I could not help the swift intake of breath as my core quickly slid across his member. I knew it was the bond betraying me. Taking a step back, I fixed my hair and my dress and gave him my coldest look. “I will not be going anywhere with you,” I said, as I took a step backwards. He takes a step towards me, and I suddenly realize how vulnerable I am.

We are outside, in the dark, and it seems like it is just the two of us. “Why?” he asks quietly. His question catches me off guard. Why? “Why? Because I want another man. A man who is not you,” I replied coldly. I see a brief wave of pain cross his face, and then it is quickly covered up with amusement. I felt the uneasiness of guilt but quickly shut that door, not prepared to evaluate what it meant.

“Do you think it matters to me that you do not want me? I want you and I will have you. You are my fated mate. I have waited too long for you, to simply give you up,” Zack says as he takes hold of my arm and pushes me forward. I try to dislodge my arm, but he holds firm. “You are okay stealing me away from my home knowing I do not want you?” I taunt him.

I knew I was playing with fire, but I was hoping I could stall long enough for Dan to rescue me. He was a strong warrior. It would be a difficult fight, but I hope to win by continuing to talk and convincing Zack it is in his best interests to let me go. “Why are you so willing to give up on the fated mate’s bond?” Zack asks me.

“What?” I asked, confused by his question. “The Moon Goddess does not make mistakes. Why are you so willing to turn your back on her wishes?” he asks me. “I think she made a mistake,” I reply quickly. I had to get him to release my arm. The sparks bouncing across my skin were causing me doubt, but I had to stay strong. The sparks were simply a bond I did not want.

“You are telling me that the sparks between us are doing nothing to you?” he demands as he pulls me to a stop. He pulls my body closer to his until we are touching. I can feel the sparks across my chest … down my belly and lower as he cups my ass cheeks and pulls me closer, so I can feel his heat.

“I cannot ignore them; they are making me want to take you here and now. To make you my own,” he says as his lips whisper across my lips and down my jaw to my marking spot. I realize I am holding my breath as I wait for his next move. His lips simply linger there, gently kissing and sucking on my sensitive skin.

Suddenly, the delicious feelings were stolen away, and I was left with a cold breeze on my neck. Hearing his chuckle, I slowly opened my eyes and lifted my head. He was laughing at me. “I did not believe you were that immune to the feelings. You see, little mate; you want me as much as I want you. You just think you should not share those feelings because of your little boy toy,” Zack says as he steps away from me, starting to drag me towards a waiting SUV.

“I need my things!” I shriek as I realize I am closer to the SUV than I expected. I had no clothes, no make-up with me. Nothing. And there was no sign of Dan. Where the hell was he? I expected he would show up like my knight in shining armor, but I did not see him at all. I dig my heels into the ground trying to stop Zack from moving any further, but my efforts are futile. His strength far exceeds mine, and I am left almost tumbling over if it was not for his strong arms catching me.

“Your things are already in the SUV. Anything else will be shipped to you,” he says as he opens the door to the SUV. “Having a little trouble there, Alpha?” I hear a man before I see him as he teases Zack. “Shut the f**k up,” he mutters as he pushes me into the vehicle. Before I could scramble across to the other door, I felt his hand wrapped tightly around my ankle. I was unable to dislodge his grip and screamed in frustration at the situation I found myself in.

Zack POV

Cringing at the screams coming from my mate, I mind-linked my warrior, “Let’s get this show on the road,” I say to him as I see him glance back at me from the front seat. “Are you sure you want to take her with us?” he asks with a grim look. “She seems to be unhappy with her fated mate,” he adds as I scowl at him.

“She will adjust; drive!” I say as he turns back around. “That’s enough,” I snap at Kristine. She stops her screaming and tries to take her ankle back to herself. I find I like touching her skin. I like the feeling of belonging, and I like the sparks that assure me I have found my fated mate.

I tighten my grip only to see her grimace at the pressure. I lighten up slightly but refuse to release her. I refuse to give in to her. The sooner she accepts her fate, the sooner we can get into some sense of normalcy. This was not how I anticipated finding my mate would be. My expectation was that she would fall into my arms, and we would spend the night dancing before moving to my suite to solidify our bond.

Instead, I got this hellcat, who wanted another man. It did not matter. I was happy to have a hellcat. She would be a handful, but I would love her with all that was in me. And I would protect her. And with time, I trusted that she would love me as much as I loved her.

I glanced over to her to see a lone tear roll down her cheek as she leaned her head against the window of the SUV. “It will work out, you will see,” I said to her softly. She does not turn her head to look at me, she simply replies, “I hate you.”.