The Alpha's Captive

Aspen Ridge Pack: The Alphas #3

by Luna Wilder

He doesn’t trust her, so how can she be with him?





Being a captive isn’t exactly how I thought I would celebrate my eighteenth birthday.

None of what’s happened in the last few days went according to plan.

When Mack showed up at my door a few days ago, accusing me of stealing from my work, I thought that it was some kind of terrible joke.

He meant it though, and now I’m stuck here until he realizes that I’ve been framed.

When he tells me we’re fated to be together, I think it’s just another sick prank.

Turns out he’s serious about that too though.

Now I’m not sure what to do.





There’s something about Willa that has me intrigued.

She’s not who I have pictured when I went looking for a thief.

She’s not what I had pictured when I thought of my fated mate, either.

Now I have messed things up before they’ve even begun.

Romance and love aren’t my strong suits, but I’m willing to try for Willa.

I just hope that it’s not too little too late.



These Alpha shifters are about to fall HARD!

Come to the small town of Aspen Ridge, Alaska and get ready to watch these swoon-worthy wolf and bear shifters fall in love with their fated mates!

Genres: Shapeshifters, Fantasy, Paranormal

84 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 29, 2023

About the author

Luna Wilder writes paranormal romance, specifically shifter romance. She loves writing about fated mates finding their happily ever afters.

Join her newsletter here: https://www.subscribepage.com/lunawil...

Reviews

[MerReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Safe
Dual Virgin/fated mates
No OW/OM
No cheating
No gross condom use
No separation
No OW comparison
No love No connection
Luna Wilders first shifter series before was good. You can feel the love the men have, but in this series where the common theme is the shifters either, ignore, reject or insult the woman without second thought and apologize and grovel AFTER they find out the girl they wronged is their mate.
Emma works at the ski lodge and is accused of stealing money from the safe. The alpha, Mack, accuses her without proof and then holds her captive in his cottage. She escapes of course and he scents her on her birthday.
This is the worst one, because after he scents her, he is ready to reject her if she did end up stealing the money. Quote,
“Don’t worry; I won’t claim you until I’ve figured out if you’re a criminal or not though.”
“Don’t worry,” I seethe, and he nods.
“I’m the Alpha of my pack. I can’t be tied to a thief,” he explains.
“So, we’re meant to be together because fate says so, not because you
want me, and if it turns out that I’m a thief, which I’m NOT,” I stress, “then
you’re wrong, and we won’t be together.”
“No, we would still be meant to be together; I would just reject you.”
She didn't steal it, but what if there were other circumstances where she was forced to steal (threatened by a someone), she would still be a thief and he would reject her still?? Rather than help her and fight along side her?
So this is the hero we are supposed to swoon over? Even though she is his mate, he is still thinking about rejecting her. Only after he discovers she is innocent does he grovel. He wants her to accept him before the mating moon and considers waiting until the next moon.
Mack is the worst hero LW wrote, he is cold and his head is so far up his own ass, this overgrown idiot makes me mad! He is happy he found his mate which is fine, but if it weren't for that, there is no love! He wants to get on her good side so he can finally fuck.
Meanwhile Emma had a huge crush on Mack since he is a few years older than her. After the way he treated her, he crushed her heart! The next day he explains to her how he is sorry and took finding his mate for granted, and he was an asshole for so long and she responds with, 'I need time to think'. He trudges back and feels like he is losing her.
What this story needed was his inner monologue on how strongly he feels for Emma. How attracted he feels BEFORE he discovers they are mates, and omit the part when he says he could reject her. All we get is, 'I fucked up. I need to grovel, so we can be mated'. So I don't feel the love there at all from him. He says that he felt attracted to her and never paid attention to others because he was so focused on making his parents proud. That still doesn't excuse him ready to reject her like she is nothing. I can't get past that. She asks if he will reject her again if she is accused of something and he says that he will always have her back, but a couple days ago he said he would not want to be mated with a thief. She says it's hard to believe him and I agree. Then she asks, if they are mated and he fucks up again, if she can leave him. He feels crushed and says yes, but it will kill him. GOOD!! I am glad he feels angst, and hurt, that is how he made her feel. Taste your own medicine!
They get together because of the pull of the mating heat, they fuck, HEA, the end. I read it to get to the end. I did like this though,
Quote, "I know without her saying that she’s a virgin. That thought makes
me growl, and my bear goes crazy, needing to be the only one inside of her.
We’ll only ever belong to each other." Dual virgin stories are my weakness, but this one needed more amorous inner monologue from the hero.
The next story is about Jonas and Maggie and I am more invested in this next book, and here is a quote why,
"The guy has been in love with her for years, since he was
fifteen or so, but he’ll need to wait until she’s eighteen to find out for sure.”
Hell yeah! I want the hero to be in love with the heroine, not dismiss her and then want her because they area fated and even then think about rejecting her.
I am looking forward to Jonas's book, because he has been in love with Maggie for years. THAT is the hero I want. Hopefully Luna Wilder will write a good romance so we can forget this one.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the Aspen Ridge Pack: The Alphas series each can be read as a standalone with a sexy shifter and the women who captures his undivided attention. Mack sexy as all get out alpha of the West pack of Aspen Ridge, pig headed at times, but tries to guide fairly and so when he is informed of a theft that happened at the ski resort in town naturally he has to investigate. Willa was accused of a crime she didn’t commit so when a huge man comes at her one she has crushed on all over a misunderstanding and everything she thought she felt went out the window. But the moment Mack realizes she is his mate everything changes but boy does he have some begging to do but will she even give him a chance to beg, will she even listen, will she acknowledge him as her mate or accept him, and can they find happiness?

[Coline · Rating 4 out of 5]

J’aime bien que Willa s’impose et que Mack fasse vraiment des efforts pour elle pcq il est maladroit au début.
Aussi ils sont trop mimi à être timides.

Une petite histoire toute douce.

[Whiptosticbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t love the timing of this book. I felt like there needed to be more groveling time. .

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow burn

[SpeedReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angsty, amusing and cute

• Plot 📖📖📖📖 /5
• Characters: 🫂🫂🫂🫂
• Drama/Angst: 😰😰😰
• Steam: 🔥🔥
• POV: dual
• HEA? ✔️
• Would I re-read? ✔️
• Epilogue? Not technically, but last chapter 5 years later

I love these shifter stories and this series and this story is no exception.

The MMC is kind of a pompous idiot in the beginning, but thankfully he starts to snap out of that when he realizes his captive is his mate.

The FMC is friggin’ hilarious and wily, I LOVE her. She is not putting up with ANY of the MMC’s crap and I just love her for it lol. I think she’s my favorite MC in any of this author’s books.

The only thing I didn’t love about this story? I’m confused, this couple is described in the 1st book and they know each other, but in this story, the MMC has no idea who she really is and isn’t pining for her. I just don’t love inconsistencies.

With all that said, love this story and recommend!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. The opinions above are 100% my own & 100% genuine!

[Manda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will is an intelligent, straight forward individual just getting on with her life. That is until Mack crashes into it and accuses her of stealing from her job then locks her in his house. That would be bad enough but to make matters worse she's had a long time crush on him and he doesn't listen to a thing she says.

Mack has always felt insufficient. Even though he is a big strong shifter and retired from the services his parents made him feel inadequate. So when he finds out that a large amount of money has gone missing from one of the pack businesses he goes rushing off to get answers. Turns out he should have listened more and not just jumped in. Not only is Willa innocent but she's his mate and rightly furious with him.

Another fantastic story from Aspen Ridge following the bumpy love life of a sweet, clueless but oh so earnest alpha shifter.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Alpha Makes A Mistake!

Ooh! I love a hot sizzling shifter read and this had everything I wanted for a happy fulfilling read.

Mack had made a mistake when he kidnapped Willa. She tried to tell him, he was wrong the next morning he just knew she was his fated mate and he had a lot of groveling to do!

Willa had fancied Mack for years, he never noticed her but now he was accusing her of stealing and trying to lock her in one of his rooms at his home, well this girl wasn’t having any of it! Willa was independent and escaping was her main priority.

A fun, witty read full of romance, steamy, great characters and an Alpha male who needed to work hard to win his mate after the mistake he made.

Another great read from the Alpha’s at the Aspen Ridge Pack.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Human Willa had a crush on Mack while in school. Mack was training to be pack alpha and then went into the military. A bit of a rough and focused exterior, when he finds out a major theft has taken place at the Lodge, he listens to the manager and goes to Willa for some answers. She did not do it, but thinks she knows who did. The next day he finds the culprit and deals with it. Now he has to apologize to Willa and tell her she is his mate. Major groveling and relaying information on mates come quickly. Will she finally agree or reject him. He is on pins and needles until she decides. Love the characters, storyline, chemistry and determination. Terrific ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Alpha's Captive is a short and steamy, small town, fated mates, curvy girl gets her bear shifter romance. Willa is an 18 year old smart, sassy, and defiant human curvy girl. Mack is a hunky, grumpy, ex-military, bear shifter, and Alpha of his pack. When money is taken from the lodge where Willa works, Mack takes her back to his house until he can solve the crime. He accuses Willa, but she denies it. He also realizes she is his fated mate. Willa wants nothing to do with him after he assumes she is guilty. Can Mack win her back? The couple had decent chemistry, and we do get our HEA. This was a good, short, and spicy shifter story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved The Alpha's Captive Book 3 of Aspen Ridge Pack: The Alphas. Mack really messed up when he kidnapped Willa and tried to keep her prisoner while he investigated the theft. She said she wasn’t guilty but he kept pushing. Now his mate is rejecting him and it’s his own fault. This is a sweet story and I loved the characters. She’s feisty and smart while he’s grumpy and very alpha. A match made in heaven. Now he’s got to grovel to keep his mate. Shirt and sweet story. I would definitely recommend this book and the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book number 3 of the Aspen Ridge Pack: The Alphas series and focuses on Mack and Willa. Mack is the alpha of the West pack of Aspen Ridge. When he is informed of a theft that happened at the ski resort in town and that Willa was accused of the crime, he goes to investigate. Things don’t go exactly according to plan when he goes to investigate or when Mack finds out Willa is his mate. Mack knew that he messed things up with Willa pretty bad but he refused to give up on winning his mate over. This was a great story and a great addition to the series! I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Natasha Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma is accused of stealing from the ski lodge where she works and Alpha, Mack, takes her home with him until the matter can be investigated and resolved. Emma is furious at being held captive and escapes to her friends for her birthday. Mack soon realises his mistake when he scents her as his mate on her birthday and now has to clear her name and win her over. Sweet, steamy romance with amazing chemistry, a loving, determined hero, some misunderstandings and miscommunication to work through and a wonderful HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mack is the alpha of his pack and when somebody stole from one of his companies he wants to deal with it by himself. He takes Willa captive and thinks she is the thief ,but things change when he finds out she is his fated mate a few days later. Now he messed up with his mate and now he has to fight for his woman and their HEA. Willa had a crush on Mack since school, but after he behaved like an idiot she won't roll over and be His. 😉 Instalove, fated mates ,sweet, fun to read, romantic , steamy and totally safe (fated mates-dual virgins 🥰🥰) with a sweet HEA😍😍😍😍😍 now Jonas needs to get his Maddie 😉

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mack a bear shifter is the alpha of his pack and Willa is the curvy girl who catches his eye when he goes to investigate a theft at the lodge where she works. From the moment he sees her he knows she's his fated mate but she wants nothing to do with him. This shifter romance is short, steamy, and fun and the fated mates are perfect for each other. Mack got off on the wrong foot by investigating Willa but I loved how the big, grumpy alpha was determined to win his mate over. The Alpha's Captive is book three in the series and I can't wait to read the next book. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the frist book i have read from Luna Wilder. I couldn't pit it down,looki g forward to reading more from this author. This is a short but enjoyable reading experience that will pull you into the story. The story line flows well & has likable characters. Mack is a black bear shifter who though he screwed up his chances with his mate when he accused her stealing money from her job. He had to work very hard to get her forgiveness. It is a good book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willa has had a crush on Mack since she was young. Mack is now the Alpha of the pack and needs to do what he can to protect them. When Willa is caused of theft, Mack takes actions, but is it right.

Willa knows her feeling for Mack, but she is not about to let him choose her path, but she can't avoid the pulls of the bond.

Fast read with a push pull of what is right and what the heart wants. Willa is a strong woman and keeps Mack back till she is ready to accept him.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book of the Aspen Ridge Pack: The Alphas and is about Mack and Willa.
The story isn't very long but is packed with alot which is good.. Mack messes up, and seeing the Alpha beg for forgiveness was something else cause Mack is always broody and standoffish. But we find out why when he tells Willa about his past.
My favorite part of the book is when Mack thought he had Willa captive and she kept escaping and having him run around trying to find her.
She definitely keeps him on his toes through the whole book.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Willa is accused of theft, Mack takes her to his place and holds her captive until he can figure out the facts. She adamantly denies doing anything wrong. What will happen when Mack can smell her as his mate? Will she ever forgive him for not trusting her? A supreme paranormal romance. Luna Wilder and shifters go hand in hand.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mack learns of thefts at the lodge and the manager points to the new girl. It makes sense to Mack and decides to go find her. He accuses her of stealing and drags her off to his house until finishes his investigation. When he wakes the next morning her realizes she is his mate but now she is really mad.

Can Mack convince his mate to give him another chance or will she reject him?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This romance had a wild start where our gal, Willa, is accused of theft and Mack, the alpha, imprisons her, despite her protests of innocence, in his home. Well. As you can imagine, finding out she's his fated mate after being grumpy and pigheaded, he's in for a fight and some fair groveling. I loved how feisty and intelligent Willa was. I found this an entertaining and witty read with great steam :D

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mate or Thief?

Meeting your mate after having been accused by him of thievery was not how Willa expected her life to go. Unfortunately, Mack jumps the gun before having proof of wrongdoing and when he realizes his mistake the situation between them gets complicated. He will need to grovel quite a bit before being forgiven but the ending was satisfying and well written.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LOU VERA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Une lecture sympa, amusante, rapide est épicée. Le personnage de Mack m'a un peu énervé au début, mais j'ai eu un peu de peine pour lui quand on découvre plus de chose le concernant est concernant son passé, surtout une scène dans le dernier chapitre. On trouve aussi les perso des tomes précédents est du tome à venir.
J'ai hâte de lire le prochain tome, surtout que depuis le début de la saga on entend parler de ce couple.

[Manuela · Rating 1 out of 5]

Un libro senza senso! Tutto si svolge nel giro di una settimana, volendo esagerare!
Penso sia anche impossibile da commentare! Passano da essere estranei ad innamorati in tempo record. Ma non è sicuramente l’unico problema: si parla di fiducia tra sconosciuti che non credo abbiano potuto sviluppare alcun rapporto di amicizia, figurarsi qualcosa di più importante! Lei scopre la sua natura e neppure un mezzo grido!
Ribadisco: impossibile da commentare.

[Book Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful is not enough

Mack and Willa's love story doesn't begin as usual, instead with a big misunderstanding. The crush she's had for him crashes just as fast. When everything clears, Mack has a long groveling road to go to make things right, so they can get their HEA. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Alpha it's down to Mack to investigate the theft at the town ski resort that Willa is being accused off hebtakes her captive, but when he learns she's his mate can she ever forgive her alpha captor for his destrust? Well written steamy fated mates captive desires grovel romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good fated mates romance. It was a short story with a good pace. The storyline was entertaining and I liked how Willa stood up for herself and didn’t let Mack bulldoze her. The two shared some good chemistry and I liked them together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Syd Springer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this was a really good book. I enjoyed how Willa and Mack got along and how she was always making him find her. I enjoyed the connection and chemistry between these two and how Willa didn't give into Mack after he admitted his mistake. I am looking forward to the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the irony of this storyline. The characters were fun, but also very unsure of themselves. It was pleasant that each saw the other as more than they saw themselves. Loved that they instilled confidence in the other and willing to work together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Willa us accused of theft when money came up missing at the lodge she worked at. Mack, one of the local pack alphas,goes to question her and realizes she is his mate despite being human. What will he do? Is she the theif? Will he prove her innocence or loose her forever?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.