The Sigma's Reluctant Mate novel Chapter 1

Zara’s POV

“Mom doesn’t get home for another two hours and Dad won’t be back until tomorrow.” I giggle into the phone at my boyfriend Liam’s excitement. “What’s the surprise?”

“If I tell you, it’s not a surprise, Z. I’ll be over in ten minutes.” He hangs up before I can press him further.

I look at the phone for a second. My boyfriend will be here in nine minutes. I sprint upstairs, change my shirt, and pull my hair out of a ponytail, fluffing it out. I hastily apply my shiny lip gloss, then stand back and look at myself in the mirror.

The doorbell chimes, making me smile. Why does he bother? He knows I don’t lock it.

“Zara, it’s me!” Liam’s voice is like honey on a biscuit. I can never get enough. After the Mating Gathering tomorrow night, I’ll hear it as often as I want.

“Coming!” I check the mirror one last time before I run downstairs, but he’s already halfway up. He’s two stairs below me, so we are the same height. I give him a big grin and let myself fall forward. He easily catches me and I wrap my arms and legs around him with a kiss that makes me hum happily.

“You look amazing, Z. Come on.” He kisses my cheek and carries me up the stairs.

“We’re going to my bedroom?!” I squeal. He’s not allowed in my bedroom if my parents aren’t home.

“Yeah, so I can show you the surprise.” He murmurs into my ear, giving it a little nibble, dissolving all my worries.

“Okay, what’s this big surprise?” I give him a peck on the lips as he sits on my bed with me straddling his lap.

“I love you so much!” He gives me a deep kiss, then pulls a bottle of whiskey from behind his back. “I paid a guy to get it for me. Come on. Let’s have a drink!”

“L-Liam, we sh-shouldn’t…” I shake my head.

“We shouldn’t, but it won’t hurt anything either.” He sits me on the bed and grabs cups off the shelf above my mini refrigerator. He opens the bottle and fills the cups halfway with amber color liquid. I give him a hesitant smile when he hands me a cup, still grinning broadly.

The sharp smell makes my eyes water. “Liam, I can’t.”

“Come on, Z. Don’t be a downer.” He rolls his eyes and takes a sip that makes him cough. “Loosen up for once.”

I take a little sip and wince at the strong, bitter taste. Liam tips the bottom of my cup a little more, making me take a bigger drink. I cough at the fire in my throat and almost drop the cup.

He refills it, then does the same to his cup and raises it. “Here’s to being fated mates.”

“Cheers?” I choke out and take another sip. It goes down easier this time. I guess it doesn’t taste as bad as I thought. After a few more sips, I relax and we laugh together, talking about our future. An hour later, my fingers and nose feel fuzzy and I can’t stop laughing. I can’t really feel my tongue in my mouth, either.

“We need music!” I get up and turn on the radio so I can dance. My favorite song by Ben Abraham is playing. “Oh! Liam! Dance with me!”

“Of course, Z. Anything to hold you.” He wraps me in his muscular arms and runs his fingers through my hair. His hazel eyes glimmer with happiness while he rocks me back and forth.

I’m a little surprised when he yanks his head away and gives me a perplexed expression. He leans in close again, takes a deep breath against the crook of my neck, and pulls back. Now his confused stare has a hint of lust in it.

“What? Whiskey turned you on that much?” I giggle, raising my eyebrows at him.

“No. Your scent changed. I can’t tell exactly what it smells like but it’s… I don’t know. It’s intoxicating, Z.” Liam pulls me closer to his chest, burying his face into my neck one more time. “Is your wolf waking up?”

“Liam, don’t be weird.” I slap his arm playfully. “I feel the same as any other day. My birthday isn’t until Sunday. She’ll wake up at the Mating Gathering tomorrow at midnight.”

“Sorry, I just don’t wanna let you go.” He kisses my neck, nipping hard with his teeth, and squeezes my waist tightly.

“Ow! Liam, you’re hurting me!” I whine, trying to push his hands off of my waist. “Stop!”

A rumbling growl comes from his chest and one of his arms slides under my shirt, making my heart thump hard with panic. His wolf’s claws dig painfully into my skin.

“Liam! Please stop! STOP!” I push my hands hard against his chest. He finally takes the hint and stands back. His eyes are pitch black and his face is elongating. Dark gray fur sprouts from his skin as he transforms. His shirt tears at the seams as his chest grows deeper. He is shifting into wolf form in my bedroom?!