Bound to the Guard

Taken by His Alpha #4

by Sophie O'Dare, Lyn Forester

Kidnapped, stripped of his identity, and reduced to a number—now that Seven is free, he’ll make them pay.

His name is 07825, an unwanted Omega traded between ruthless men who despised his scent. Escape was never a dream, only a fleeting fantasy, until another captive offered him a way out. A map to freedom, but with only passage for one.

Alone, he follows the path and finds himself at Rockford Manor, home to the powerful Alphas who rule the city from the shadows. Seven owes his life to the man who helped free him, and he’s determined to deliver the message entrusted to him.

Standing by his side is Damien Rockford—older, commanding, and dangerously protective. Damien is everything Seven was taught to fear, yet the way he looks at him, as if he’s more than his scars, makes Seven feel safe for the first time in months.

Damien promises to destroy the men who hurt Seven, but first, they must return to the nightmare he escaped. As they grow closer, the pull between them becomes undeniable. But their searches tangle them in the experiments of Seven's past. If they can't uncover who's funding it all, Damien might lose more than his heart—he might lose Seven forever.

Scroll up to one-click Bound to the Guard, a contemporary Alpha/Omega romance.

Bound to the Guard is a steamy, billionaire romance with tropes of hurt-comfort gay omegaverse romance featuring a scarred Omega, a possessive Alpha protector, an age gap, and mpreg. Perfect for readers who crave emotional intensity, dark themes, and a happily-ever-after.

Genres: Omegaverse, M M Romance, LGBT, Romance, Contemporary, Paranormal

195 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2025

About the author

Sophie O'Dare is the alter ego of paranormal and sci-fi author Lyn Forester. She loves writing stories about guys falling in love with each other and all the shenanigans that go along with romance!

When Sophie isn’t writing, she enjoys curling up with a cup of coffee and her cats, when she can convince them to snuggle. Video games and reading are her go-to way to unwind after a long day, offering a perfect escape into other worlds. Between writing, gaming, and cat cuddles, Sophie’s life is fueled by creativity, relaxation, and coffee.

Visit her website to stay up-to-date on future releases and sales:

Follow her Newsletter: https://geni.us/sophie-odare-NL
Visit her website: https://geni.us/sophieodare

Reviews

[raccoon reader]

I just couldn't get into this one. I finally had to shelve it as DNF. Whenever you start a new series is a bummer to realize at book 4 that it's just not doing it for you. On to the next!

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars for Seven and Damien.

I liked this hurt/comfort story. Damien was the perfect alpha. I wasn’t the biggest fan of him in the other books but I loved him in this one. I do wish we would see his POV though. But he was so loving and patient with seven.

Seven was a sweet omega who’s been through it. I liked him as well. And I liked that he reclaimed his power toward the end and hurt those who hurt him.

The only thing that really bugged me about this book was the stuff about Jade!! So Jade is a character in all the other books (he happens to be my favorite even though he hasn’t had his own book yet) jade helps to rescue another omega who was kidnapped and in turn he was kidnapped. He is held in the same place as Seven and he helps Seven orchestrate an escape so he can go and find help. So Seven escapes with the help of Jade and runs to the Rockford manner but it literally takes this guy DAYS to even relay info about Jade and how he’s captive. I get Seven was passed out for two days but you’d think the minute he woke up he would want to relay info to help Jade since Jade literally SAVED HIS LIFE! But no, there’s no urgency in getting the info to Jades family. And all throughout the book we hardly ever hear about Jade!! He’s part of the family and he fell by the wayside. The book was more about them finding the doctor that tortured Seven instead of focusing on getting Jade back and I didn’t like that. Rescuing him was hardly ever mentioned and then we never hear about any progress on getting Jade back. That took off stars for me because it felt like he was just forgotten. Seven never even thinks about him, wondering how he is or anything and him and Damien don’t even talk about him!! I get it’s probably being done in the background but it should have been mentioned more.

I did like the twist. I was not expecting that. You will have to read the rest of the series to understand it. But it also made me not like Oliver. I felt like that was so out of character for him and he’s now on my shit list along with Caleb. I guess it’s fitting I don’t like them both since they are a couple.

Anyway I liked the rest of the story but they forgot about Jade and that made me so upset!!


NO CHEATING
NO OM DRAMA
NO THIRD ACT BREAK UP
TALK OF TRAFFICKING
MURDER

[Yukitosmom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This installment got me all up in my feelings. Seven was just so sweet and lovable.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good, I could hardly put it down to sleep. Seven’s story is so sad and depressing, but also positive and uplifting. We don’t know much about his life before we meet him as a victim, a captive omega in the trafficking trade, but we do get hints later in the book. What we need to know is that the last year of his life has been a life from hell, experimented on, sold for breeding, then finally caged, waiting to die. He is offered the chance to escape by Jade, a new captive, feisty and bold, scheming to find a way to get an omega out to let a particular corner of the world know what is happening. Even though fearful, Seven finds the courage to escape and follows the plan to what he hopes will be a safe place. Damien, one of the family members, finds him and becomes his savior, his safe place, his heart. Seven’s trauma is heart-breaking, and Damien’s care, calm patience and understanding, and his intuition on how to approach Seven and help him heal is a testament to the bond they share. With Damien’s help and guidance, Seven finds himself healing from his trauma, able to look forward to learning who he is now, and to also aid in bringing down one of the men who used him so badly.

It is easy to get drawn into Damien and Seven’s story, to ache for his pain and suffering, but to rejoice in his courage coming back from his trauma, facing his demons head on, and finding the love of his life in the process. It is a story of opposites, of ups and downs, highs and lows, despair and hope, and justice served at last, and it fits in well with the previous books in the series.

There are complicated and unexpected family connections, a family dedicated to rescuing omegas who have been trafficked and to bringing down the ring, and catching up with omegas and alphas from the previous books. Book 5 is already in the works, and I hope there will be a book 6 for Jade’s story, or at least closure on him in book 5.

If you want an action-packed book and series tied together by the omegas and their partners in the Rockford family, then I think you would enjoy this book and series. Engaging and compelling characters, great world building in the books, and alphas and omegas who are meant to be together, along with some odd quirks of fate as each omega finds his alpha in this large, complicated family.

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

[D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was heartbreaking to read how horrible Seven's life was. He was held captive for about a year and had 3 owners; the first owner was a doctor who used him as a human experiment. Scars upon scars were all over his body. When the doctor thought he was no longer useful, he was tossed aside to another 2 sicko alphas. Because of the doctor's experiment, it was running havoc on Seven's pheromones, so whenever he was in heat, no alphas were affected by it because they said he was stinky. Before he got dumped to another owner, he escaped thanks to Jade, who was also held captive.

In one year of living his life in hell, Seven was broken in body and soul; he felt unloved and unworthy and thought of himself as a defective omega. With Damien's patience and persistence and with Seven's determination to hIneal, Seven is slowly thriving and embracing his new name, identity, and freedom together with the love of his life.

In one year of living his life in hell, Seven was broken in body and soul; he felt unloved and unworthy and thought of himself as a defective omega. With Damien's patience and persistence and with Seven's determination to heal, Seven is slowly thriving and embracing his new name, identity, and freedom together with the love of his life.

I gave it 3 stars. Not that the story wasn't good, but solely because of the shitty life Seven had before he met Damien, that's all.

[Jennifer G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kidnapped from his home, sold to abusive Alphas, locked in a cage, and experimented on, 07825 has resigned himself to the torture of his life. But when Jade, a new prisoner is deposited in the cage next to him with a plan for escape, the Omega is determined to succeed. He follows the directions Jade gave him and ends up at Rockford Manor. Freedom, safety, and love are his if he can only be brave enough.

Seven (07825) and Damien. This is the story of a trafficked Omega and his protective, loving Alpha. A story beginning with cruelty and devastation and ending with hope and overcoming trauma. Each story is better than the last. Seven's PTSD and his efforts to reclaim his life are well done. His pain and fear are not glossed over but ultimately his resilience and internal bravery win out. Damien's patient gentle caring is beautiful. I love that the characters from the earlier stories all appear. The closeness of this family is enviable and at times, humorous. I appreciate the evolution of this Omega trafficking story. Each story adds a new layer that gets us closer to the center of the trafficking ring. I assume it will conclude with Jade's story and I look forward to it.

[Louisa Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved every book into his series so far and this one has blown me away.
The Rockford Alphas are something special, when they find their omegas they dedicate themselves to protecting them, loving them and lifting them up to be everything they want to be.
Seven has been through hell since he was kidnapped so when an omega called Jade gives him the opportunity and confidence to escape he takes it and runs.

Damien knows he's found his omega when he finds Seven broken at the gates of their family estate, Jade told him to go to this address and he didn't give up.

Declan gives Seven the space he needs while being there as a steady presence, ensuring he knows he's not alone, he knows he's loved and there is light at the end of the tunnel.

The way Damien is with Seven was so beautiful to read, this book is healing and I'm so glad they have their HEA.

Sophie really does write amazing characters and I can't wait to read more in this series!.

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

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a really enjoyable series so far. This book exceeded even that, as the topic of trauma, coping, and healing is such a difficult one to write realistically. Since it occurs in an A/B/O world of fated mates and heat cycles, the challenge was even greater. The story is very well-done.

Seven is an omega who has spent the past year in captivity after being kidnapped. He has been experimented on and abused, although that happens prior to this story. Now, he's made his escape, with the help of another captive, Jade, and made his way to freedom at the home of Damien Rockford and his family.

Damien is instantly drawn to the traumatized omega, but it only kicks in the need to protect and provide safety. Seven is severely frightened, but little-by-little, he begins to trust Damien. It's a long road to some semblance of recovery and Seven is also the key to tracking down the kidnappers. Along the way, he heals enough to crave a bond with his mate. This book has family support, tentative passion, and a true love.

[Sara Sigler · Rating 4 out of 5]

07825 calls himself Seven has been in captivity, tortured and experimented on for so long he didn’t remember his name and family. Jade was caught but he made a map then told him the address and gave it to Seven Jade distracted the guards so he could escape through a window that was so small that only Sven could get through. Seven had to stop and used a sharp rock to dig out the tracker in his arm and snuck on different buses to get to the address and tell them that Jade sent him. Guards wouldn’t let him in but he was so weak that he laid down on the driveway were Damien found him took Seven to their home in the clinic. Seven woke up and had to get out of there thinking he was still experimented on, Damien took him to his room to calm him. Told Sebastian how long he had been on the buses and where he changed them but got to the compound too late, then they looked up the places he had by at when sold. His brother lived there but Seven didn’t remember him that upset his brother.

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

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

'My mind races with a thousand doubts and fears, but beneath it all burns a fierce desire to live.
I may be broken, but with this map, with Jade’s sacrifice, I have a chance at a new life, to become more than a number, a test subject, a grave.
I have the chance to be free.'

I absolutely loved this book. I was completely hooked right from the start, broken-hearted at Seven's struggle to survive his imprisonment. His will fractured but not completely broken. I was rooting for him when he forced himself to be brave and make his escape after Jade's help and sacrifice. Damien was so kind, calm, and considerate with him. His presence and protection was exactly what Seven needed in that moment. He was endlessly patient with him; unconditionally accepting. I loved him immediately. These two were absolutely precious and some of my favorite scenes were Damien sweetly reassuring him, or giving Seven what he wanted but was to ashamed, shy, or fearful to say out loud. I couldn't get enough of this book. A beautiful read and my favorite book by this author. 5 stars.

[Metz874 · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review.
This is actually my first read from "Taken by his alpha" series. Of course It leaves me without knowledge about what has happend in earlier books, but you can absolutely read this as a stand alone.
This omegaverse, mpreg, age gap, hurt- comfort read was very good.
I found this book very well- written with a natural progress in the relationship between Seven and Damien. Seven comes with a lot of trauma, but Damien is the perfect alpha for him. I loved the way he cares for and protect his omega and the way he approach him. No pressure just patiently waiting for Seven to respond in his own time.
The only thing I would like to know more about is Jade, but I guess the answers to that mystery will come in the next book. I definitely will read the rest of the series in correct order.

[Emma Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound to the Guard is another phenomenal addition to Sophie O'Dare’s Taken by His Alpha series. Unlike so many predictable Omega/Alpha romances, this book is packed with raw emotion, intense action, and deep character development. Seven’s journey from captivity to freedom is heartbreaking yet empowering, and Damien is the perfect mix of strength and devotion. Their bond builds beautifully, balancing tenderness with fierce protectiveness. The suspense, the high-stakes drama, and the emotional depth make this book impossible to put down. If you love unique, gripping Omegaverse stories with real stakes, this is an absolute must-read!.

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

[Laina Gruver · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25-4.5 stars

Seven is an Omega who’s been bought, sold, and experimented on for over a year. He manages to escape his captors with the help of the newest captured Omega, Jade. Jade tells him how to escape and where to go when he’s out.

Seven finally arrives at Rockford Manor, he’s taken in by Damien, the Alpha who protects him from everyone. It takes time and a LOT of therapy for Seven to feel comfortable around others. Damien and Seven grow closer and eventually Seven is able to give details of the places he was held in an attempt to not only bring the bad guys down, but to find Jade as well.

*****
POV… first person (Seven) with the epilogue from Damien’s POV

Standalone or series… book 4 in series best read in order

Hangover… slight

Recommend… yes

Reread… yes

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. There is a tease at the beginning of what happened to Jade and how he helps Seven. However this is Phoenix's story where a young omega is kidnapped, tortured and reduced to a number. I like he rises from the ashes to claim his new name and with the help of Damien who becomes his alpha, he heals and is reborn. I like how they are striking back at those who hurt omegas. Phoenix's amazing memory gave them the clues of where to start looking. There is one family reunion already and I hope Jade will be found soon.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This hurt. The imagery of what Seven went through, just hurts! I felt this author's words. Seven, is free because of Jade's sacrifice. Damien, is the first comfortable face, the first anchor Seven encounters. This is a hard story of recovery, finding one's strength, trusting again and standing up for justice and retribution. Seven is able to remember details that help the team bring justice for the omegas, harmed, tortured, sold, abused and killed. This was emotional, but surviving, revovering, rising up reborn, that is some good writing. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Yoshio Akira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the book, especially the beginning. Could not put it down once I started reading it and can't wait for the next one in the series.
The pacing is perfect, it never drags, it's never rushed.
The main couple is a perfect match, the chemistry is so good, really well written, their bond was built in time so the ending is earned. We only get a few pages from the point of view of the alpha but even with the point of view of Seven you could feel the alpha being drawn to him like a moth to a flame almost immediately after they met. Adore both of these characters. hope we get more of them in the next books.
We get moments with other characters in the series, ties up lose ends for them as well but they never eclipse the main characters.
Won't spoil the beginning but it was perfect, can't wait for the day our other lovely omega gets his happy ending.
Will read this book again in the future as well as the others in the series, can't wait for more.

[LJ Henley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Start with book one. But this could be read as a stand alone but enjoy the journey!

I felt so hard for Seven. He’d been through so much before a character in another book helps him get away from the lab that he’s been a captive of for years. Damien knows Seven is special and his from the moment he picks him up off the side of a road. Patience, gentleness isn’t something he’s been known for in the past but when it comes to Seven he’s a gooey alpha.

This is a very traumatic story and you should read the warnings before reading. But it’s such a good story!.

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

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and I loved this one that really dwells on the after effects of the way that Omegas can be treated in this world of Sophie O’Dare’s. Each of these books has an omega who has been ill treated and this one has Seven who has even been reduced to a number. I love how strong Ms O’Dare’s omegas are and Seven is a great example of this. There is more background story as they try to find Jade and who is doing this to the omegas and I like how all of that ties the books together.

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

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been reading from this series beginning. And this one really hit me hard. And definitely had some twists and turns that I was not expecting. I was hoping that they would find Jade before the book was over. I'm assuming change book will be next. Seven/Dylan/Phoenix suffered so much that I was happy that Damien was so patient and understanding. The Oliver thing was a major twist that I was not expecting.

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

[GreenPhoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound to the Guard is a thrilling mix of loyalty, passion, and high-stakes romance. With a protective hero, a connection that refuses to be denied, and just the right balance of tension and tenderness, this story proves that sometimes, the strongest bonds are the ones we never expected. A must-read for fans of fierce devotion and slow-burning heat!.

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

[Leelah🍁♋️ Orion · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice

So good, I loved these two. Their protection of each other. The care they had for each other was amazing. I couldn’t imagine being thrown into a family like that but love that they got there. The writing was good the smexy was ok, and I hope they find Jade. Would have loved to Damian’s side. That would have made the book top notch.

For future me:
Dual POV
No diversity
No cheating or sharing
Strict roles on page

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the series that pulls you in from the start. Seven was taken years ago and now he lives in fear. When luck touches him, he is able to escape and finds himself facing those that can help and those he thought he lost.

Great addition to the series, the connection between Damien and Seven is intense, danger keeps you the edge.

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

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 of the Taken by His Alpha series and can be read as a complete standalone.

The characters were so very appealing and complex and hawt together. Plot was perfection and well paced. World building continues to impress and fascinate. Cannot wait for more. Highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

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

[Stephanie W · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one had me in all the feels. A little bit harder on me than the prior series' installments. It was really good. The pace or the characters and the overarching story plot was just right. Nothing was over done or critically missing.

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

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not see that twist coming !!! the way my jaw dropped!

I loved how sweet and patient Damien was with Seven! it was adorable! and him crawling under the bed! omg! too cute!
but these books are killing me with all the unanswered questions! it really makes it to where you have to keep reading with the hopes of getting some damn answers!

[Cynthia Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seven escapes with the help of another omega Jade. When he gets to Rockford manor the home of Jade's family, Damien finds him and helps him through his trauma. Seven helps them to try and find Jade. I really enjoyed this book.

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mostly enjoyed this, unfortunately this book falls short in all the same ways as the others in the sense that it’s lacking any real plot. I feel like nothing compares to the plot of the first one. I enjoyed it all the same and look forward to continuing the series.

[Charline Saint-Victor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely amazing—I couldn’t put it down! Just when you think you know how it ends, it takes you by surprise. I’m already eager for the next installment. I highly recommend this book and the entire series!.

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

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bound to the Guard is the fourth book in the Taken by His Alpha series and can be read as a standalone. This is a hurt/comfort, age gap read about Seven and Damien. Really enjoyed this highly emotional story and will be looking into reading more from this series.

[brenda hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in this series. I enjoyed reading this book and I can't wait to read more from this author.

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