The Alpha's Caged Mate

"Turn to the left," my mother instructed her reflection.

"The lighting captures the pearls beautifully," the saleswoman praised, adjusting the massive hem.

"It is still missing something," my mother mused, tapping her chin. "Elara, what do you think?"

"I think you have tried on six dresses," I replied, holding a heavy pile of discarded gowns against my chest.

"This is my mating ceremony. It must be flawless."

"It looks fine."

"Fine is not the standard for an Alpha's mate. Put those away before you wrinkle them."

"I am going to the back room now."

"Make sure you button the collars. And do not drop the satin one."

"I will be careful."

"Hurry up. I need you to hold my phone."

"Yes, Mother."

I turned away from the blinding lights of the main floor and slipped behind the heavy, crimson velvet curtain of the VIP dressing room.

The muffled chatter of the boutique faded slightly. I dropped the pile of silk onto a small padded bench and started sorting the hangers, endlessly grateful for the temporary isolation.

The velvet fabric rustled behind me.

I turned, expecting the saleswoman to bring another gown.

Kaelen stepped into the cramped space.

Before I could utter a single syllable, he lunged.

His large hand clamped over my mouth. The rough calluses scraped my lips.

He slammed me backward against the mirrored wall. The impact knocked the air from my lungs in a violent rush.

"Quiet," he commanded, his voice barely a whisper against my ear.

I shoved at his chest. Solid muscle met my palms.

He stepped entirely into my space, trapping my legs with his own.

"Kaelen?" my mother called out from the main floor.

My eyes blew wide. I stared up at the golden irises locking onto mine.

"I am here, Evelyn," Kaelen answered.

His tone was perfectly even. The volume was normal, carrying easily through the thick velvet barrier separating us.

"Did you bring the security detail schedule?" she asked.

"It is in my car," he replied. "I will give it to you before I leave."

"Wonderful. Did your father send you?"

"He wanted to ensure you were well taken care of."

"He is too sweet. Come tell me what you think of this train."

"Give me just a moment. Taking a phone call."

"Is it important?"

"Just a minor border issue," he lied smoothly, staring right into my panicked eyes.

"Do you need to leave?"

"I have it entirely under control."

Tears pooled in my eyes, blurring his sharp jawline.

My chest heaved frantically against his forearm, begging for oxygen. I could not breathe through my nose fast enough.

His palm remained an iron seal over my lower face.

I dragged my right hand up between our bodies.

My fingernails found the back of his hand. I dug them in, pressing until the skin gave way.

I dragged my nails downward. Four distinct red marks flared across his tanned flesh.

He did not flinch.

Instead, a dark, dangerous smirk touched the corner of his mouth.

"Does the ivory suit my complexion, Kaelen?" my mother shouted.

"Ivory is flawless on you," he called back.

He lowered his face.

His teeth scraped against my jaw. I squeezed my eyes shut, a hot tear spilling over my cheek.

"I was considering the champagne silk," my mother continued.

"The ivory creates a better contrast."

"You have such a good eye for these things."

"I notice the details, Evelyn."

"Elara?" my mother asked loudly. "Where did you go?"

Kaelen bit down on my chin, forcing my head to tilt up.

"She is organizing the racks," Kaelen answered for me.

"Elara, come out here!"

I twisted my hips, trying to dislodge him. He drove his knee between my thighs, pinning me flush against the glass. The cold mirror bit into my spine. The heat of his body scorched my front.

"She cannot hear you over the music in the store," he lied effortlessly.

"She takes forever to do the simplest tasks. Elara, answer me!"

I couldn't. Kaelen's hand was a vice.

"Leave her be," Kaelen told my mother. "Let her work."

"She rests too much. I want her to see this bodice."

"I will look at the bodice, Evelyn."

Kaelen's mouth trailed lower. His nose bumped my jaw.

He opened his jaws wider and sank his canines into the sensitive flesh right above my collarbone.

A muffled, pathetic whimper died against his palm.

He ground his teeth into the muscle, bruising the skin deeply.

A sharp, stinging pain radiated down my shoulder. The metallic scent of a bruised capillary filled the tiny space.

"It feels a bit restrictive around the ribs," my mother complained.

"Beauty requires a little restriction," he murmured against my throat.

He released my collarbone. He left a dark, angry red circle marking my skin.

I glared at him, a hysterical giggle bubbling in my throat, completely trapped by his hand. I was suffocating, crying, and laughing all at once.

Kaelen's eyebrows twitched at the bizarre sound vibrating against his palm.

He leaned back a fraction of an inch, his thumb stroking my wet cheek.

"I suppose you are right," my mother laughed. "I think I need a different veil."

"What kind?" Kaelen asked, never breaking eye contact with me.

"Something longer. Maybe lace?"

"Lace would command attention."

"Do you think it will clash with the pearls?"

"Not if the pattern is subtle."

"You are so helpful, Kaelen."

"I aim to please."

"Are you sure you aren't too busy with that phone call?"

"The dispute is already settling down," he said.

"Well, get off the phone. I really want your honest opinion on the bodice."

"I am giving it."

"No, you have to see it up close."

"I can see it perfectly well from here."

"It feels a bit tight. Look."

Her footsteps echoed on the hardwood floor.

My heart slammed against my ribs like a trapped bird.

The floorboards creaked just on the other side of the velvet barrier. She was right there.

I kicked his shin.

He shifted his weight, pinning my knee to the wall with his thigh.

"I think it fits perfectly," Kaelen said.

"Let me show you," my mother insisted.

Her shadow fell across the tiny gap at the bottom of the curtain.

The brass rings scraped against the metal rod.

A manicured hand grabbed the edge of the crimson velvet.