Forbidden Hope: A Werewolf Wars Prequel Novella by Bethany Shaw Read Free Book Online Page B

being abducted three years ago?”
    Emily shook her head. She remembered that day all too well.
    We’ll get more men here to help us protect our boundaries from unwelcome wolves. Maddie and Amelia can finally sleep easily at night. And you—you’ll be going to your own fortress. You’ll be safest of us all at Juarez’s compound,” Daniel stated, not meeting her gaze.
    “You know, it’s not just me that will be affected by this,” she warned. “You’re his eldest son, the next alpha of this pack. How long until he starts dictating your life too, Daniel? Are you prepared for that?”
    “I know what my duty is,” he responded quietly.
    Emily narrowed her eyes. He can’t possibly believe that! The more she studied him, the more she saw the resignation in his eyes. Her heart broke for both of them. But she wasn’t ready to give up, not yet. “Don’t fall in love, Daniel.”
    Daniel’s head snapped up in confusion.
    “I love Marcus and I can’t imagine a life without him. I can’t stand the thought of another man touching me like that. It makes my skin crawl.” Daniel looked away. “Don’t fall in love because once you find someone you love, you’ll never want to let them go, even for duty. I pray that you never have to feel the way I do right now.” She stepped back, satisfied that she’d reached him on some level. “I’m ready to transition now.” She shoved past him and out the door.
    She might not be strong or an experienced fighter, but she wasn’t going to succumb to this life either. She couldn’t. There had to be another way.

Chapter Four
    E mily leaned toward the mirror as she traced her finger across her lip and jaw. She narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing her face. All evidence of her father’s wrath had disappeared when she shifted last night. Accelerated healing was one benefit to being a werewolf. Apparently being a she-wolf held no benefits, after all, her only use was to be a breeder. She gritted her teeth as anger coursed through her.
    What am I going to tell Marcus?
    She shuddered at the thought. Her heart clenched painfully in her chest and she let out a long breath.
    The back pocket of her jean shorts vibrated, she reached her hand back and plucked out the device. Her hand shook slightly as she opened her new text message.
    I’ll meet you at our spot in 10. –Marcus
    Emily closed her eyes willing the angry, scared tears not to fall. Pull it together Emily . Opening her eyes, she took one last look in the mirror before returning to her bedroom and slipping her shoes on. Her stomach churned as she made the short walk down the hall to the stairs.
    Her father stood at the bottom of the steps. Great! Now he’s spying on me too. Emily licked her dry lips and gripped the handrail for support. Holding her head high, she stomped down the stairs. Without a glance, she brushed by her father, and made her way to the door.
    Emily gasped as warm fingers wrapped themselves around her elbow and jerked her backward. A shiver shot down her spine and she recoiled in a desperate attempt to free herself from his grip.
    “I assume you remember our conversation last night,” Emmett’s gruff voice hissed into her ear.
    Emily nodded but didn’t respond. Any thing she said would only result in further punishment—or worse. She wouldn’t be forgetting that conversation anytime soon—she wouldn’t be forgetting it ever. She’d never been close to her father, but last night they had crossed a line they would never be able to repair.
    “I’m giving you fifteen minutes. If you’re not back in this house by then, I’ll send my men out and they’ll shred Marcus to pieces. After today, you’re to have no contact with him!”
    Emily swallowed, turning enough to glare at her father. “I’m not going to let you hurt Marcus.” She wrenched her arm free of his hold and marched toward the door.
    The hot spring air assaulted her as she stepped onto the porch. Her eyes scanned the woods to her right for