Claimed By Two Alphas

Rodger left me to get settled, and I found myself walking the space again, slowly, like maybe it would feel smaller if I circled it long enough. But it didn't. It was too big. Too quiet. Too clean. I didn't belong in something this peaceful.

Still... I thought about asking Cindy if he wanted to share. He reminded me of the girls I used to train with... the kind who could break your nose and your spirit in the same breath, but you'd still laugh through the blood. Snarky, blunt... my kind of people. His makeup was unreal too... perfect glittery cut-crease... something I'd always wanted to try but never could.

The shower was long... hot... forgiving. I stood there until the mirror fogged and the world softened. My hair was rough, dry... like everything else about me, half-alive. But the bathroom had conditioner, and I took my time with it... combing it through, pinning it up while I shaved.

My legs were already smooth... someone had been keeping up with parts of my hygiene. Not all. Just the ones that mattered if you were unconscious and owned.

Cameron used to make his mother schedule waxes for me... everything. Every inch. But I guess that wasn't necessary while I was asleep and no longer useful.

Fucking creep.

I should've shoved him down the stairs when I had the chance... shaved his hairy balls in his coma and let the regrowth scratch him raw.

There were old sweats and t-shirts in the dresser... a bunch of men's underwear in different sizes. I threw on a pair of boxers like shorts and one of the sweatshirts. No bra... no shame. I doubted anyone here would care.

Cameron's mother would've had a heart attack. Just the thought made me grin... made the outfit feel perfect.

The third floor was loud when the elevator opened. Four guys crowded a pool table... rough types... stained construction shirts, beer in hand, laughter echoing. Way different than the glitzy crowd I saw downstairs. These guys were straight-up grit.

Along the back wall was a long kitchen island... three guys fighting over something at the stove... Rodger sitting across from them with the weariness of a man babysitting toddlers.

A blonde guy covered in glitter was laid out on a recliner near the elevator. His eyes locked on me the second I stepped out.

"Uh oh... Boss... a chick got past Cindy..." he called out, smirking. "Hey lady... if you're looking for Mickey-poo, he's in Florida laying pipe... come back next week for your stalking needs."

"Mickey skipped toon town to hit pound town with Minnie," one of the others laughed, already sizing me up.

"If it's just some pipe you need laid... I got the tools," he said, eyebrows wiggling.

I smiled, slow... sharp. "Sorry bud... my sink's not leaking for you."

"You sure...?" He stepped closer. "Want me to take a look?"

"Knock it off..." Rodger was suddenly beside me, his arm around my shoulders. "I just told her she'd be safe... don't make me a liar."

"She here for your pipe, Rodger...? Bit young, don't you think?" Glitter guy raised a brow.

"She's not here for anyone's pipe, Dave... she's here for the same reason you all are..."

Every guy froze. Even the kitchen trio stopped.

"Everyone... this is Chloe. She's family now."

Their jaws dropped... comically in sync. I couldn't help but laugh.

I helped Rodger set the table. The guys tried not to stare... failed. Dave came over and hovered while pretending to help.

Turns out he's a werebear... mated to someone named Riley... works the bar and bounces when it's busy.

The pool guys were wolves from a northern pack... ex-warriors turned playthings by their Luna. When the Alpha walked in on one of her "parties," they barely made it out alive. Now they work construction and show up on ladies' nights at the club.

Boyd was the mouthy one with the pipe jokes. He tried to sit beside me at dinner... Rodger made him move. Sat Kai beside me instead... a kitsune from Okinawa. He blushed when I smiled at him... I liked him immediately.

"So... you were a Luna...?" Boyd asked later, his fourth sloppy joe halfway to his mouth.

I told them everything... the same story I told Rodger and Cindy. Same coma. Same betrayal. Rodger clenched again... I eased his hand open and gave him a smile.

They listened... every bite paused mid-air until I finished. The tension in the room dissolved with the last spoonful of sloppy joe.

I only ate one... barely. It was hell on bread. Raw onions... beans... someone's idea of a crime against sandwiches.

"She's still a Luna if I heard right," Dave snorted. "No rejection... still theirs."

"I heard Lunas had a thing for you, Boyd..." Jamie added, grinning.

"Lunas had a thing for us..." Jamie smirked, offering me his sandwich. I declined politely... I liked my stomach where it was.

When dinner ended, I offered to help clean... Kai shut it down gently. It was his duty tonight... he took it seriously. Rodger saved him once... that loyalty ran deep.

Rodger said goodnight... promised to take me shopping in the morning, no matter how much I insisted I'd be fine. Then he left. Dave went to bartend. Kai followed.

I headed for the elevator... ready to disappear upstairs...

"Hey, little Luna..." Boyd tossed me a pool cue. "You know how to play...?"

"Maybe..." I said, testing the weight.

"Look at that smile... she's got game..." Alexi laughed.

"I want one on one," Boyd grinned. "No teams tonight. Just me and her."