The Werewolf’s Bride: The Pack Rules #1 Read Online Free PDF Page B

sagebrush. The Jeep’s wheels made short work of the desert’s obstacles. “Grey never discussed Neela with me, but I have no doubt he realized mating with her would not benefit the Shadows. Neela is quick to judge and has little mercy—necessary qualities for an enforcer. But to lead the pack, one should have patience and empathy. She has neither.”
    Aunt Lila reached over and patted my leg. “You are a good match for Grey. I know your life isn’t what you expected. You were on your way to a typical human life, becoming a nurse, starting to date, learning who you really wanted to be.”
    “Yes,” I said softly. I felt some wisps of regret that the life I’d begun three years ago would not be mine. I had wanted very much to be a practicing nurse, to heal and comfort those in need. I was still angry with Carolyn—not because I’d assumed the role meant for her. No, my fury existed because she’d picked herself over her own family. She gave in to bitter selfishness instead of love for others, family, community, duty.
    Duty.
    Love.
    Honor.
    Those were the reasons why I sat in the Jeep, clutching the sides of my seat as we jounced the final mile to my destiny. That I already had an enemy before I’d even become part of the pack increased my anxiety tenfold. Well, then. I’d just have to get over it, wouldn’t I? I was chosen. I’d figure out how to deal with my new role in the Shadow pack—one werewolf at a time.
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    “ Y OU’LL BE THE last to join the others in the circle,” said Aunt Lila. “And the first chosen.” She pointed to a jagged crevice a few feet away. Unlike the massive carved public entrance that was further down, this access point appeared to be a natural, super-sized crack in the towering red stone cliffs.
    We had parked among the rows of trucks and SUVs that lined a dead-end canyon. I’d followed Aunt Lila and Neela had followed me. Now, we three stared ahead into the sun-poisoned passage, no doubt each of us thinking different thoughts about what waited beyond.
    I shifted, nervous. More sand snuck into my shoes. High heels were impractical in the desert terrain, so I had chosen a pair of nude flats to go with my simple green dress. The dress was made from a soft, shimmery material my mother had found online. She’d ordered it when Carolyn and I had turned eighteen. Of course, she’d made the original dress for my sister. We’d been about the same height—I was an inch taller—and we’d had the same willowy shape. Over the last month, my mother had made adjustments for me, all the while clucking about how I was “wasting away.” I suppose I harbored so much anxiety about the Choosing I didn’t have room for food. The closer it got to the ceremony, the more it seemed my stomach filled with twisty knots of dread.
    I pressed my hand against my midsection, nausea roiling. It was one thing to be with the alpha alone in a bedroom —and quite another to be on display as he officially wed me in front of my family and an entire pack of werewolves.
    “You gonna throw up, princess?” asked Neela. “Do it here, if you are. You will not embarrass the alpha or the pack by losing your shit at the ceremony.”
    “Belle is fine,” said Aunt Lila in a soothing, but firm tone. “Your parents will be here soon. We’ll go ahead so you can have some privacy.”
    “She doesn’t get privacy.” Neela put her hands on her hips and nodded toward the passageway. “You go, and I’ll stay right here.”
    “Grey has made his wishes known.” Aunt Lila canted her head to Neela. “Belle is to be alone with her parents. If you require clarification about his instructions, I’m happy to call him.” She withdrew her cell phone from the side of her purse.
    “I know what Grey wants,” Neela managed between gritted teeth, “you don’t have to remind me.”
    “Apparently, I do.” Aunt Lila waved her hand—a gesture that said, you first .
    Neela tossed me a look of such hatred, I flinched. I