Bought by the Scorpius: Monsters' Bride Market

My time is running out. The curse of the unmated is boiling in my blood, pushing me toward a feral rut that will force my own kind to execute me. Because of an ancient human ancestor, no Scorpii female can be my fated mate. The Marriage Temple has failed me, and now I'm isolated, watched, and waiting to die. Going to the human bride market is a desperate last resort. I don't expect much, but then she walks onto the stage. She's not like the others, forced by poverty to sell themselves. She's highborn, draped in silk and defiance, auctioning herself to monsters to escape an arranged marriage. I see her, and it happens. A deep, involuntary sound vibrates in my vocal cords, a sound I've never made before. Click. Click. Click. The ancient mating call. I will outbid them all. I will take her to the desert and unleash the starving beast inside me. Our mating ritual is simple: I give her a head start, she runs, and I hunt her. Welcome to the bride market! Monsters bid, you choose. This is a spin-off series to Arranged Monster Mates. We're back on Alia Terra with steamy stories told by your favorite paranormal romance authors: Eva Brandt, Lia Frost, Cara Wylde, and Ava York.