Carrie POV I was shaking to my core. The fact that I had done something that now jeopardized my happiness was terrifying. How could I have been so dumb as to sign whatever was put in front of me? I remember that moment. It is embedded in my mind. Being told to sign the wedding documents by the lawyer who was present. Adam standing over me nudging me when tears overcame me. And the smile on his face once the papers were signed. I should have known there should not have been so many documents to sign. But at the time and the threat that was being held over my life, would I have been able to refuse? I did not think so. I knew my fate had been determined that day, but I did not realize just how much had been decided. “What about your father, Carrie? Don’t you wonder what will happen to him now that his debt is not paid?” Adam smirks at me as Carleton stands between us and Adam. “Do you think I care about a man who sold me off to someone like

Carrie POV The nerves I felt were going to blow me apart. Jackson had given me a watered-down version of his discussion with Carleton. Not that he admitted that to me. I simply gathered from his tone on the phone to what he was like when he spoke to me, he was trying to ease my worry. His actions amplified it. Walking into the dining hall was causing me some anxiety as well. Everyone was staring at us. Some were smiling. Some were glaring looks from what I would assume to be women who had their sights on Jackson before I arrived. And others were neither consumed with us one way or the other. Jackson helps me to my chair to the right of him and takes his seat at the head of our table. Looking around I could see some were still looking at us curiously. Jackson takes my hand and squeezes it giving me more comfort than he would ever realize. I smile at him and nod that I am ready. Clearing his throat Jackson stands and draws everyo

Carrie POV “What?” I ask her wiping the tears from my face. Jessica looks between Mandy, and I before moving to stand and pace in the room. “What do you mean?” Mandy asks as Jessica turns to look at the both of us. “I need to leave. I cannot stay here,” she replies. “But why not?” Mandy asks getting upset. “My mate never rejected me,” she says in a rush. We both look at her stunned with what she just said. “How?” I ask but Mandy cuts me off, “Why?”. “Suffice it to say he was going to reject me, but I left before he could,” she says shocking both of us. “What happened?” I ask her trying to make sense of what she is saying. “I heard my mate talking to someone about me. He said how weak I was. How I was not what he wanted and that he had someone he was going to pick as his Chosen mate,” she replies turning away from us but not before we saw the unshed tears in her eyes. I stand and move to stand beside her putting my hand on her arm.

Carrie POV I had to admit I was nervous. I could feel the excitement in Reba as we walked with Jackson to the clearing where I would shift. I had not shifted in two years and all I could remember was the pain of that first shift when I had just turned eighteen. It had been painful then. So much so I had passed out before I got to see Reba. After that I was quickly traded by my father and then I never had the chance to shift again. Reba has not said much about the shift. Other than to say it will not be as bad as the first shift. Whatever that is supposed to mean. It did not give me a lot of comfort. “Are you okay?” Jackson asks. “Of course, why?” I reply quickly. “You have not spoken for the last ten minutes, and your breathing is strained,” he says. I can hear the gentle teasing in his voice. Shaking my head, “I am nervous,” I reply. “I will be with you the entire time,” he tells me. “I know. I just cannot help thinking about my first

Carrie POV I stare at myself in the mirror. I was not permitted to leave the immediate property to go shopping as Jackson was too concerned about the threat surrounding me. He had gowns brought in for me to try, to decide on what to wear this evening. I had landed on a gorgeous red gown that had jewels sewn into the bodice. I felt like a princess in the gown. There was slit up my right thigh which added to the sexiness of the dress. In addition, my shoulders were bare with a sweetheart neckline finishing the design of the dress. On my feet were nude heels, which showed off my perfectly polished toes as of that morning. Jackson had looked after everything so quickly. Jessica, Mandy, and I were treated to new gowns, with pedicures, manicures, make-up, and hair done. Jackson had one of his IT people trying to track my father down with no success. We were going forward with the ceremony regardless. I could not help the sense of doom I had been