The Alpha's Mate: In The Alpha's Embrace

By Destiny B

"What's your name, princess?"

Princess. It sent a shiver down my spine, and my entire body seemed to catch fire. "Angelique," I managed to respond in a hushed tone, uncertain if he caught my name amid the chaotic beating of my heart.

"Angelique," he purred, his voice a sensuous melody, "a perfect name for someone as enchantingly beautiful as you are."

My name rolled off his tongue like velvet, each syllable caressing the air. Holy shit, was it hot in here, or was it just me?

"Uh, thanks. What's yours?" I inquired, capturing my bottom lip between my teeth. His gaze fixated on the subtle movement, and he moistened his lips with a slow, deliberate flick of his tongue, sending heat straight to my core.

"Dante Greene. I'm surprised you haven't heard about me," he said, his eyes dancing with amusement, as if he could sense the effect he had on me.

Could you imagine? I would literally die right now if he knew why I kept shifting in my seat. Gushes of heat were currently pooling in my underwear like a relentless waterfall, and the more he spoke and stared at me like a predator locked on its prey, the more intense it got...

***

17-year-old Angelique Baker is forced to move to a new town under mysterious circumstances. Starting a new school at the end of her senior year has already turned her world upside down, but just wait until she finds out she's mated to a werewolf and discovers the secrets her dad has been keeping from her since her mom's disappearance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: supernovel
• Release date: Apr 17, 2024

Book preview

Chapter 51

Angel's POV

As I nestled against Noah, I thought back to the last conversation I had with David:

David crouched down in front of me. There was a crazy, feral look in his eyes, one I had never seen before. I instinctively wrapped my arms around myself, a cold wave of fear washing over me.

D-Dad, why am I here? I stammered, my voice trembling.

He raised his arms in a grand gesture. Honey, I have great news. Your mom is alive! Katherine is alive! he announced, his voice tinged with joy.

I furrowed my brows. What are you talking about? That's not possible, I breathed, memories of her appearing to me in my dreams flooding back with a chilling clarity.

He grinned ear to ear like the Cheshire cat, his yellow eyes making his expression even creepier. It is, Angel. The rogues told you she died during childbirth, but that it just what Jett told them to save himself from humiliation. She couldn't have gotten pregnant in the first place because she-wolves can only be impregnated by their true mates.

My eyes widened with shocked realization. S-So that meant you lied to me and Dante about not being my dad?

He nodded, keeping that creepy smile plastered on his face I had to. That cocky fucker was going to force the information out of me.

I grimaced, feeling a toxic blend of emotions. While I was slightly relieved to learn that he was actually my father, the truth left a bitter taste in my mouth. At this point, he was barely an upgrade from Jett.

He stood up and began pacing back and forth, occasionally throwing glances at me as he spoke, I wasn't honest with you before. Katherine knew that I would never accept her rejection, but she was okay with it so we could stay mates as long as possible. He paused, his voice quivering with anger. Even after he placed his mark over mine, our connection wasn't severed. It was all thanks to the red wolf. She refused to accept him as their mate. She put up a block on her mind to protect me, but a few times a year, she would let it down for a short moment to tell me that she loved and missed me, or she would say, I hope you're taking care of our princess. That's why when you told me she had died, I knew it wasn't true. I would have felt it. I then noticed that she hadn't spoken to me in a while, so I had to go see for myself.

I was speechless as I stared up at him. I felt as if I was watching him lose his fucking mind right in front of my eyes.

After I knocked out Dante's weak ass warriors, I went to find Jett's hideaway and confront him. I knew that she wasn't dead, he would never kill her because he had this sick version of love for her, he explained, his jaw clenched in anger, his eyes darkening as he recounted the events. He just had her locked up and injected with wolfsbane. I begged him to finally let her go, but he said he would only trade her for someone of equal power. That's where you come in, baby girl.

He crouched down to stroke my hair, but I flinched away. I didn't want him anywhere near me. He wasn't my father anymore; he was a monster.

He growled, wrapping his fingers around the front of the silver collar around my neck and yanking me up slightly off the ground so that I had no choice but to look at him. I whimpered as he touched the spot on my neck that Dante was supposed to mark.

It's perfect that Dante hasn't marked you. Jett doesn't know why it didn't work with Katherine, but since you're unmarked, you can be his vessel with no complications. He'll never bother us again, he declared, his tone cold and calculating.

My heart twisted as I realized what he was saying. Y-You're willing to trade me for her? I asked, my voice cracking as the betrayal slices deep into my soul.

You wouldn't understand, honey. You've only had your mate for a short while now. Imagine building a life with your mate, marking them, creating a child together... just to have it all torn away.

He gripped the collar tighter, restricting my breathing. His hot breathed fanned against my face as he glared at me with pure resentment in his eyes. Do this for Daddy, okay? I've given up fourteen years of my life with your mom to raise you alone even though I could have handed you over to him a long time ago. You owe me this...you owe us this! he roared.

He suddenly released the collar, sending me crashing to the ground. I lay on the cold, hard concrete gasping for air while he callously continued his psychotic story.

Jett's location is impossible to find if you're not an insider, so while that little, cocky asswipe of yours is running around like a chicken with its head cut off trying to find you, Jett will invade and steal his territory. Then I will deliver you to him and get my mate back.

The realization that Dante was actually searching for me hit me like a ton of bricks. I burst into tears, unable to hold my emotions in any longer. Dad... you can't do this, I pleaded desperately.

Too late, he sneered, coldly dismissing my cries and heading to the door. He knocked on the steel door and one of the twins let him out. Sweet dreams, my Angel.

Alone in the dark once more, I sobbed loudly, feeling utterly helpless and trapped in a never-ending nightmare.

(End of flashback)

Noah, you don't seem like a bad guy. Why are you helping him? I whispered, peering up at his face.

He stared off into the distance, his expression distant and pained. My brother and I need the money. Our parents died during a rogue attack when we were young. The Silver Shadow Claws treated us like shit, like it was our fault our parents were gone. As soon as we had the opportunity, we went rogue. We've been doing dirty work to survive ever since.

And this...job is okay to you? I furrowed my brows, struggling to comprehend how he was led down this path.

He rubbed his hands through his long, straight hair as he thought about it. No, but your dad is paying us a lot of money. We could start over...even get a house and jobs in the human world.

You never thought about just joining another pack? I asked tentatively.

No, fuck all of them. He growled, anger flaring across his face.

I tensed. Sorry for asking, I nearly whispered, taken aback by the sudden intensity.

He took a few deep breaths to calm himself. Then, he pulled up the sleeve of his sweater to reveal his arm, which still looked like it was healing…just very slowly. You're obviously super powerful, Angel. If your dad's plan is successful, Jett will use you and your child to conquer the entire werewolf world.

A stifling wave of fear swept over me. This was Jett's plan, and David was aiding him just so he could have my mom back?

Suddenly, there was a knock on the other side of the door. Open it! Noah yelled as he released me and stood up, his entire demeanor shifting back abruptly to David's cold-hearted henchman.

Justin popped his head in. Sorry, I didn't know you were spending quality time with our princess, he teased, wiggling his eyebrows.

Justin, I swear keep your fucking hands off her, he growled, giving me one last glance before disappearing from the room and leaving me to suffer by myself again.

Chapter 52

Dante's POV

It had been a goddamn week since Angel was taken from me, and we weren't getting answers fast enough. Despite Akira's relentless pursuit and capture of one of Jett's higher-ups, we weren't getting anywhere after two grueling days of torturing him.

Where the fuck is my mate?! I growled menacingly, pressing the silver blade deeper into his chest, fresh-blood pouring out onto my already-soaked hand.

He gritted his teeth. Fuck you!

I pulled the knife out of him and tossed it to the ground. My fist collided with his face, the sickening crunch echoing through the cell. He let out a loud groan, clutching his nose. This was my third time breaking it.

I had likely broken all the bones in his body at least once. He was also so pumped full of wolfsbane and silver, I wasn't even sure how the bastard was still alive.

He was a hatch-faced middle-aged man with long, silver hair and a huge scar over his right eye. His body, though thin, bore the signs of strength matching his rank. Whatever the rogues used to mask their scent had long faded from him, replaced by a pungent odor of garbage.

I crouched down beside him, my canines dangerously close to his neck, itching to tear his throat out. Let's kill him now!

Be patient, Quinn. We'll break him even if we must bring him to the brink of death, let him heal, and do it all over again.

You're one of Jett's squad leaders, damn it! You know something! I barked through clenched teeth. Tell me where he took her!

His stubborn silence only fueled my fury. I lunged at him, wrapping my hands tightly around his neck. Listen here, fucker! I'm getting really tired of your shit! My mate has been missing for seven days. Seven fucking days! You have no idea how close my wolf is to ripping your body to shreds, and I'm about ready to let him do it!

He clawed at my arms, drawing blood, but it didn't faze me. Nothing could hurt me anymore.

As his face turned purple from lack of oxygen, I released my grip. He began gasping and coughing up blood. I watched him in disgust for several minutes.

Alpha, I-I really don't know. Yes, we were looking for the red wolf, but I was never informed that we were able to capture her, he stammered out, desperation evident in his voice.

Just the mention of her stirred up another wave of rage, but I was relieved that he was finally cooperating. Where can I find the son of a bitch? I growled.

He hesitated, but when I reached for the knife again, he raised his hands defensively. Please don't, he cried out, tears filling his eyes.

Taking a deep breath to calm myself, I made an offer. I'll tell you what. Tell me where he is, and I'll spare your life.

What? Quinn growled in protest. We never agreed on that!

I ignore him, focusing on the rogue, who looked at me with wide, deep-set yellow eyes.

D-Do you swear? he stuttered.

My jaw twitched in annoyance. Yes, I'm not a monster, I snarled. I just want my mate home safe.

It didn't matter anyway. Jett would surely execute him for betrayal once he returned. That's if I didn't find and take him out first.

He eyed me warily as he pressed his shirt against his chest wound, which was already drenched in blood. I couldn't imagine how much pain he was in, nor did I care. Nobody gave a damn about my agony when they abducted my mate.

Jett doesn't stay in one place for more than a day or two. He has fifteen hideouts across the U.S. I-I can map them out for you, his voice trembled as he spoke.

Alex, I bellowed. The guard rushed into the cell.

Yes Alpha?

Get me a map and a pen.

He nodded and disappeared, quickly returning with both requested items in hand.

Hurry up before I change my mind, I growled, tossing the map and pen at the rogue.

I watched as he circled areas on the map. Immediately, I noticed a spot marked between my and Jalen's territory in South Carolina.

What is that? I demanded, pointing to it.

A cave deep in the forest. It's hidden by a waterfall, he answered in a gravelly voice.

So that's how they were able to move in and out of our land undetected.

Once he finished marking the map, I snatched it and headed towards the cell door.

Wait, Alpha Dante! I can be of help, he pleaded, desperation and sincerity lacing his words. He must've realized that his safety was far from guaranteed once I released him.

I froze, not even bothering to turn around. What can you do for me?

Whatever you need, he replied quickly.

There was no way we could trust him, but he could also be helpful in navigating through Jett's hideouts.

I'll be back, soon, I said, walking out of the cell and locking the door behind me.

As I stepped outside, I inhaled deeply, savoring the fresh air. Hour in the dungeon had left me smelling like the mingled scents of torture and rogue stench.

Returning to the packhouse, I found Jalen waiting for me by the back door.

Anything useful? he asked.

I flashed the map at him. The location of all of Jett's hideouts.

He smirked. Good work.

All I had to do was nearly kill him, I muttered nonchalantly as I walked past him.

He trailed behind me. You look like shit, Dante. Want to take a nap before we make any moves?

I paused to scowl at him. Jalen, I literally have three days to find her before she goes into heat. I don't have any time to rest.

I despised the concern in his voice; the pity clouding his face. Yet, when I caught a reflection of myself in his eyes, it was truly terrifying. My gaze remained two, angry black points, my curls dirty and matted with neglect. Traces of the rogue's dried blood was all over me. I couldn't even recall the last time I ate or slept. At this point, my body was fueled solely by rage.

Chapter 53

Dante's POV

We walked into the dining room where everyone was sitting down eating breakfast. Meeting now, I commanded using my Alpha tone. Heading to the conference room, I took my seat at the head of the table while Akira, Jalen, Luis, and Jasmine found theirs. Rashaad was on morning patrol, so I would have to fill him in later.

I placed the map in the middle of the table. This here is how we'll find the piece of shit who took Angel. Tonight, we'll head to this area. I paused to indicate the location on the map. Even if we don't find Angel, we'll find the rogues that have been sneaking past our borders, terrorizing and killing our people. So, either way, we'll have a win today.

Jalen furrowed his brows, stroking his goatee thoughtfully. Hmm, so this is how they got past my defenses. How were they so close, and neither of us realized it? he growled.

I understood his frustration; I felt the exact same way.

We still don't know what they use to cover their scents, Luis chimed in.

Actually, we do, Jasmine interjected, drawing our attention. Dante, remember that spot we used to go to when we were kids?

My chest tightened. That was where I had taken Angel on her first run.

Remember those beautiful, purple flowers that grew there that didn't smell like anything? Well, since I haven't gone to school in over a week, I was able to do some research, and they're called Moonshine flowers. I think the rogues are making a spray out of them to hide their scents.

Fuck, why didn't I think of that? Jalen hissed.

I cursed myself inwardly. We had access to these flowers the entire time. I could've hidden Angel's scent as soon as I knew they were after her, and they would have never taken her from me.

Dante, we should send a team to gather them, Akira suggested, glancing at me.

Of course. Jasmine, will you lead them? My voice sounded slightly strangled.

She nodded and headed for the door. Luis got up, but Jalen grabbed his arm.

I didn't dismiss you, Luis, he said firmly.

Luis ripped his arm from Jalen's grasp. I won't let my mate go out there alone! he growled, his eyes growing dangerously darker by the minute.

Stop letting pussy be a distraction. We have a war to start tonight, get your head in the game! Jalen snarled.

I