Anya stared at the door to Kaelan Vex's bedroom suite, rage fighting against the unsettling pull of the bond.
"I won't do it," she declared. "I need my own space."
Kaelan sighed, impatient. "I don't care what you need. The Alpha Command is: You will sleep in this room, Mate."
The Command hit her like an electric current. She fought the wave of sickening compliance, jaw aching from grinding her teeth. "I... will... not," she gasped.
Kaelan's blue eyes narrowed. "You will obey me, human," he hissed, taking a heavy step toward her. The air pressure dropped; the scent of dominant pine thickened.
Just as Anya felt her legs involuntarily twitch toward the door, a sudden, urgent alarm blared from Kaelan's comm unit: URGENT ALPHA ALERT: Sector 7 Perimeter Breach.
Kaelan swore, a low, guttural sound of frustration. The Alpha Command instantly dropped as his attention snapped to the threat.
"The rules stand," he bit out, his glare promising retribution. He snatched a rifle. "Don't move from this room until I return. That is an order."
He strode out, the heavy door sealing shut behind him. Anya stood shaking, alone in his private suite. Her chance for escape or reconnaissance was now.