Bonded and Betrothed: A Paranormal Wolf Shifter Romance (Fated Pack Book One) Read online

  Bonded and Betrothed: Fated Pack Book One

  by Rachel Callahan

  Published by Rachel Callahan

  https://sites.google.com/view/rachelcallahanauthor

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Copyright © 2022 by Rachel Callahan

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without written permission of the copyright owner except for the use of quotations in a book review. For more information, address: [email protected].

  Cover by Cauldron Press

  Editing by Cassie Hurst at Inked Imagination Author Services

  Editing by CB Editing Services

  Proofreading by Locke and Key Proofreading Services

  ISBN: 978-1-7776969-5-5 (ebook)

  ISBN: 978-1-7776969-6-2 (paperback)

  Contents

  About the Book

  Dedication

  1. Chapter One

  2. Chapter Two

  3. Chapter Three

  4. Chapter Four

  5. Chapter Five

  6. Chapter Six

  7. Chapter Seven

  8. Chapter Eight

  9. Chapter Nine

  10. Chapter Ten

  11. Chapter Eleven

  12. Chapter Twelve

  13. Chapter Thirteen

  14. Chapter Fourteen

  15. Chapter Fifteen

  16. Chapter Sixteen

  17. Chapter Seventeen

  18. Chapter Eighteen

  19. Chapter Nineteen

  20. Chapter Twenty

  21. Chapter Twenty-One

  22. Chapter Twenty-Two

  23. Chapter Twenty-Three

  24. Chapter Twenty-Four

  Other Titles

  About the Author

  Acknowledgments

  About the Book

  Bonded and Betrothed is a paranormal reverse harem romance, meaning she will not choose. This book will end in a cliffhanger and is meant for those eighteen and up due to violence and sexual situations. There's also a mention of someone passing due to a drug overdose (was in the past and not detailed).

  This book is dedicated to my readers. Thank you so much for your ongoing support. I couldn't do any of this without you.

  I hope you love Skylar and her men just as much as I do.

  Chapter One

  Skylar

  A stagnant, musty scent filters in through my nostrils. Particles of dust float through the air, illuminated by the sun breaking through the stained glass windows of the church. This of all places is where that lying, manipulative bitch decided to have the ceremony. My eyes cut to the woman in question, lips twisting at the sight. Her copper hair is curled into a perfect coiffure, with a black veil draped over her face, hiding the perfect, elegant makeup beneath. She holds a lace handkerchief to her face, sobbing into the soft material. Her daughter, Pearl, is tucked against her side, her shoulders shaking lightly. Despite the fact that we’re family, I sit as far away from them as physically possible without outwardly snubbing them. Her crocodile tears are too much to handle at this moment.

  I avert my gaze, my stomach twisting at the mockery, and anger rises in my throat, choking me with her every sob. How anyone could believe her lies is beyond me. My eyes bore into the pews. I swear the heat from my gaze could burn a hole in the wood. A flash of light at the front of the room distracts me from my ire. All traces of rage flee my body at the sight of the golden urn before me. The sun glints off the shiny exterior, as though it’s some beacon of hope and joy rather than death and loss. My shoulders slump and a wave of sorrow crashes over me, despite my attempts to distract myself with the atrocities around me.

  A figure moves into the pew beside me, and my body goes rigid, muscles tensing for an attack. Instinct drives me to clasp the hilt of the silver dagger strapped to my side, but instead of launching myself at the man, I sigh in relief, my fingers slipping from the cool metal when he rests his leg against mine. I lean into his touch, accepting his offered hand, wrapping my fingers around his. I let my cold skin soak in his warmth. Monte runs his palm over the back of my black leather jacket, sliding against the smooth material and giving me a moment of comfort from the simple touch. He nods over my shoulder in a sign of respect to my step-monster.

  I glance over at her, but I’m not sure why. She’s clasping a hand to her chest in thanks for his acknowledgement, and it takes every ounce of my strength and willpower not to sneer at her. She reaches towards me, grasping my arm, and I shudder in disgust at the contact. Doing my best to hide my disdain for the woman, I pat her hand in my attempt at comfort. She apparently finds the reaction acceptable because she gives me a weak smile before removing her hand.

  “I’m impressed,” Monte whispers in my ear before choking back a laugh at my scowl. He’s aware I can’t exactly say what I want to at this moment, and his knowing smile says it all.

  “I can still stab you,” I warn, whispering softly in his ear. He shudders beside me, a devilish grin spreading over his face and goosebumps spread up his neck, raising the small hairs on the back of it. I shake my head, huffing out a breath of amusement—the sick fuck.

  My moment of levity evaporates as the priest moves across the front of the archaic church, where my eyes are drawn once again back to the golden urn. Monte’s hand clasps mine tighter, lending me his strength.

  “Receive the Lord’s blessing,” the priest starts, his booming voice projected by the microphone before him. I tune out the rest of his words, not really caring much about the religious ceremony. The whole affair was organized by Vivian, the step-monster, regardless of my father’s wishes.

  The thought causes a lump to form in my throat, and the grip I have on his hand must be cutting off his circulation. My eyes blur with tears as the rest of the attendants chorus “Amen.”

  He’s gone. Really and truly gone. I exhale a shaky breath, the unshed tears now rolling down my cheeks.

  “Godric Draven was a kind, caring man,” the priest continues, lowering his head devoutly. The statement almost causes me to snort with laughter. Sure he was to me as a child, to our family, but to others—no. To others he was a heartless, ruthless leader. To them he let his pride get in the way most of the time. Which is the reason he’s dead now.

  “Despite the unfortunate way his body has been laid to rest—”

  The words pique my interest again, seeing the man, staring at the urn before him in disgust. It was my father’s wish to be cremated, something still looked down upon by the priest apparently. I had to fight tooth and nail to have them follow his will on that point. I know it will also be a fight to spread his ashes where he wished, but I’ll do it. I’ll fight anyone, kill anyone that gets in my way.

  I take in a deep, calming breath, unwilling to let the slight go. The disrespectful fuck needs to be put in his place. Anyone who would disrespect their leader so openly on pack-owned land in a pack-owned building deserves to be handled publicly. I untangle my hand from Monte’s and perch on the edge of my seat. Narrowing my eyes on him, I let my power shift to the surface, allowing it to radiate around the room. I focus the full weight of it upon the priest, but let it trickle out to those seated around me in case anyone else has any ideas of defiance. I have to make the boundaries clear, and speaking ill of myself or my father is unacceptable. He quickly inclin
es his head, his body going rigid as my power collides with him. His Adam’s apple bobs beneath his withered skin, and his body shakes with fear. I can’t slip up, I need to exert the power within me now that he’s gone.

  I let my power grip him, forcing him to his knees, my cool controlled rage simmering just below the surface. “You will not speak ill of your Alpha,” I growl the words. “Neither your former nor your current. This is your final warning.” I sweep my gaze around the nave, encompassing everyone in my threat. One by one they bow their heads in respect, doing so before my power even touches them. I feel Monte’s presence beside me, backing me up as the pack beta should.

  My step-mother and half-sister are crouched low as well. My stomach twists at the sight. I never wanted this power, never wanted dominance over the pack in such a way. Sure, I was an alpha before my father was killed, but now I’m the Alpha. In charge of the entire pack.

  Monte nods in respect, silently communicating that I made the right move and keeping his distance now. He knows I need to continue my show of strength and any signs of comfort from him would only make me look weak.

  The priest climbs back to his feet, keeping his head lowered as a sign of respect. My fingers run along the dagger at my side, tracing the intricate design inlaid into the hilt. I take comfort in the familiar feel of the blade, letting it cool the anger boiling in my veins. It would be so easy to cut him down where he stands.

  “Alpha Godric leaves behind his wife, Vivian, and daughters Skylar, and Pearl. His daughter Skylar, our new leader and Alpha of our pack.” He sinks back down to his knees, lowering his head as far as he can with his old brittle bones. I nod, accepting his show of public respect. Moving my hand from the cool, comforting feel of my dagger, I decide to spare his life for the moment. Besides, it probably isn’t a good look to slay a priest in the middle of your father’s funeral, despite how entertaining he undoubtedly would have found it. The priest rises once more, moving back to the podium. “I would like to take a moment of silence for our fallen Alpha, and also another moment to remember his Luna, taken from us much too early in her life.” His words turn soft at the end when mentioning my mother. I stand, nodding in respect and clasping a hand over my heart, the remembrance of them both an apology for his earlier slip up. The priest’s shoulders slump in relief as I meet his gaze, silently accepting his act of contrition.

  With that handled, I allow myself back into the moment and the reason we’re all here. Tears prick my eyes, and I fight them back, not permitting myself to cry here. Later, I can do it later. Alone. I don’t let my mind linger on that word, knowing it will destroy me, and this is neither the time nor the place for that. The rest of the mourners rise from their seats too. Surprisingly, even Vivian. They all clasp their hands over their chests in solidarity. This is what my dad wanted—and the reason I allowed it despite the need for secrecy—for the pack to come together, a simple ceremony remembering his first wife and true mate. My mother.

  “I don’t understand why we can’t just spread his ashes at home.” Vivian the step-monster pouts, crossing her arms as she sits back into the leather office chair. Leaning against the large desk, I tap my foot against the hardwood floor. Monte leans against the wall, his stance is casual, yet I see the tension in his corded muscles, prepared to take on any threat that may come through that door. He suppresses a chuckle when I meet his gaze, knowing that the step-monster is getting on my very last nerve.

  The priest clears his throat, and my eyes fly to him, his mouth partway open on a word. At my glare, he thinks better of whatever he was about to say, lowering his head and backing away from the group.

  “I’ve told you this before, Vivian. His will clearly stipulates—”

  “I don’t care,” she spits out, her eyes narrowing on the lawyer.

  “You don’t care?” I ask, cocking an eyebrow at her.

  “That’s not what I meant,” she sobs, cowering back in her seat and picking up her routine again. “I loved him, just as much as you. I only want him close to me.”

  Huffing out a breath of frustration, I scrub a hand over my face, attempting to bite back the anger. Sure, Vivian isn’t my favorite person, but there was no denying she seemed to love my father.

  “You know I can’t allow that, right?” I ask warily, letting her see the emotional toll this is all taking on me.

  “I-I know,” she finally relents. For a moment there she looks as though she is about to argue some more. The lawyer breathes a sigh of relief behind me.

  “Now, on to the other details.” The lawyer hefts his briefcase up onto the desk, pulling out a thick stack of papers. “As we know, Skylar has been left the right and title to the estate and the family fortune in her new role as Alpha.”

  I nod, having already read the paperwork in full. I glance over at Vivian, who dips her head in a curt nod.

  “Alpha Godric has stipulated that Vivian and Pearl are to have monitored access to a private trust, through monthly allowance, and are allowed to continue to live in the manor.”

  My true feelings are well hidden beneath my mask. Thanks Dad, you not only left me in charge of a pack I have no clue how to run. You’ve also stuck me with a family I don’t want or need. Pearl may be my half-sister, but I never spent any real time with her, having been at boarding school when she was born. Now at twenty-six years old, I have no clue how to relate to a sister, especially one who’s only eight.

  “Regarding the pack, as you know, he has left the role of Alpha to you. Will you be keeping the standings as they are now?” he asks, pen poised at the ready. My eyes dart to Monte, his expression soft and understanding.

  “Monte will stay as Beta,” I conclude. The words feel right on my tongue. Despite never wanting to be in this position, it felt right to have Monte, my childhood best friend at my side. “However, I’ll need to review all other pack standings. Let’s not forget, my father was murdered, he did not die of natural causes. No one else’s standing will be safe until I rule out any internal adversaries.” My voice comes out hard and controlled. Like the Alpha I now need to be.

  Vivian nods in agreement, determination lighting in her light blue eyes. At least that is something we can both agree upon. I will not rest until I find my father’s murderer and watch the life fade from their eyes.

  “I’ll start setting up meetings.” The lawyer’s words pull me from my thoughts, and I push off from the desk.

  “Is that all?” I hold my breath, my patience wearing thin.

  “Yes.” The lawyer inclines his head in respect. “Everything else can wait until tomorrow.”

  Carefully, I lift my father’s urn from the desk and walk toward the door.

  “Wait,” Vivian croaks out. She shuffles up from the chair and over to me. “Can I just say goodbye, one last time?” The words sound like the most vulnerable thing I’ve heard come from her mouth in-probably forever. My throat goes dry and I glance at the urn clutched in my arms. Breathing out a sigh, I pass my father’s ashes over to her, and silently hope I’m not making a mistake that allows her the opportunity to run off with them.

  She cradles the urn to her chest, staying beside me, much to my relief. The urn bounces against her at the rapid rising and falling of her chest. Sobs escape, racking her body. She finally loses her composure and tears spill from her eyes. I move my hand to clasp her shoulder. It’s a small offering of comfort I can give at this moment while holding back my own emotions.

  “Thank you,” she whispers, passing the urn back to me. I cradle it in my arm carefully, trying not to get the wet spots left from her tears on me as they slowly slide down the curved edge.

  “I’m always here for you, Skylar. You don’t need to do this alone.” She clasps my shoulder in the same way I had with her. “I know this life isn’t what your father wanted for you, not so soon anyway, and because of that we haven’t really gotten to know each other well, but I want that to change.”

  I scan her face, attempting to see if her remarks are genuine o
r not. Despite my best efforts, I can’t see any trace of dishonesty on her face. I nod, not knowing what else to say to the nice gesture. It’s so out of character for the woman I’ve dubbed the step-monster since the day my father told me he was marrying someone new.

  “I need to do this by myself,” I admit. “Thank you—for the offer,” I spit out awkwardly, unsure of what to make of this new image of Vivian.

  Without waiting for her response, I turn on my heel, stepping out of her grip. Monte is already pulling the door open for me as I approach. His footsteps follow close behind me, and the door clicks closed after him.

  “Well, that was strange,” he chuckles, his long legs allowing him to catch up with me quickly.

  “Yeah, but I mean, it could all be for show since I’m in charge of all her finances now.” I huff out a breath of amusement. “I’ve never trusted a wolf in sheep’s clothing though. So, I guess I’ll just have to wait and see if she’s genuine or not.” I shrug, not putting too much stock in the situation. I never saw her as a mother figure in my life, and now that I’m a grown adult, I really don’t need one like her.

  “I hear ya.” He shakes his head in disbelief. “You should have seen the way she was acting before you got back in town. Stomping around, screaming at everyone. It was a nightmare.” I grimace at the picture he paints. I imagine that was definitely why the lawyer sighed a breath of relief when she didn’t put up any more of a fight against me. He most likely had to deal with her screaming and demanding all week.

  Monte leads me out the arched doorway, a black armored car already waiting for us at the doorstep.

  “Alpha Draven.” Our driver, a pack member I haven’t met yet, inclines his head to me, before opening the door for us. I thank him and climb into the back, Monte sliding into the seat after me.