I wasn't looking for a mate, but I'm keeping her now that I've found her.

My mate died, but somehow, I survived, and my body didn't get the message that I don't want to go into heat.
My brother nursed me back to health, but now I've become a bargaining chip.

A walk in the woods to enjoy my last moments of freedom before being forced to mate a new alpha almost becomes the last thing I do. The only thing more terrifying than the bear trying to kill me is the monster that prevents it from doing so.
He's different enough I don't feel like I'm betraying my lost mate when he declares he's keeping me for himself, and there's a connection I can't deny.
Why wouldn't I let him claim me as his prize?

***This story is currently available in the Monsters Before Men anthology.***