This Damaged Thing, This Tainted Mark
At eighteen, I was defiled by a wolf from an enemy pack.
Alpha Rylan Valerius, in his attempt to save me, was grievously wounded by a cursed blade laced with silver. His wolf form was permanently damaged, leaving him unable to fully shift and with a permanent limp.
After being fitted with a custom brace, he gently traced the mate mark on my neck. "Don't be afraid, Caelia Thorne," he whispered. "My wolf form is damaged, that's all. Why are you crying? I told you I would protect you forever, and I won't go back on my word."
After that, he fought a battle to the death to avenge me. In all of Aspen Ridge, no one dared to cross me again.
I once thought my happiness would last forever… until his intended mate, Genevieve Croft, threw their bonding ceremony invitation in my face.
"Did you really think he'd let a defiled, damaged thing like you bear his heir? Rylan says your very essence is tainted, your bloodline rotten to the core. Only I am worthy of being his mate. We're holding the ceremony next week. You simply must come and witness our celebration."
I stared at the ornate runes on the invitation.
Then, I extended my claws and drew a shallow, bloody line across her smooth cheek.
Afterward, I had my second-in-command send a message to Rylan's Beta.
"I want to make a bet with him. If he wins, he can have his new plaything. But if he loses, I'll take her life!"