Page 23 of Mine to Claim

Dani came to mind and I sat up. Gasping from the pain, a hand wrapped around my arm and pulled me back. Almost as if refusing to let me escape to reality. I was powerless as I fell back into his embrace, meeting red eyes that were no longer glowing, and he stared down at me with amusement.

“I thought you were asleep,” I whispered.

“No, I figured you needed a moment to yourself. Were you going to make a break for it?” he murmured, his voice thick with sleep. The rays highlighted his frame—mussed sex hair, a hint of a dimple in his smirk, and a sharp jaw. He had a look in his eyes, like he was preparing for something.

“I wasn’t running away. As surprising as the events of last night are, I regret nothing,” I said honestly. His finger found my hair, brushing it back before trailing down the curve of my throat. His gaze darkened as it paused on the mark he’d left.

“Good. I have no plans on letting you go.” My heart thudded at his words. I was desperate for this man. Goddess, I wanted to believe him. Sliding my hand up his chest, I took a deep breath.

“We have to tell Dani,” I whispered. His eyes danced as he cupped my cheek, thumb grazing my jaw.

“She knows. The whole pack does.” I sucked in a sharp breath and shuddered.

“Does she hate me?” I whispered.

“Never. It’s me she’s angry with.” My lips parted, my brows jumped. Looking out the window, I saw the forest swaying in the breeze as the lake beyond glinted like glass.

“When Dani picked me up on the side of the road and brought me through the veil, I thought my world had been flipped on its axis. Little did I know that was just the beginning. One moment, I’m watching you being intimate with someone else, and in the blink of an eye, I’m running down the aisle to you. Everything moved so quickly, but I have no qualms about it. You’re my love written in the stars. Waking up, wrapped in your arms, marked is not where I expected to find myself, but I welcome it. It feels so right and I want it.”

“I swear on the Goddess, I’ll never hurt you, never stray. I’m sorry it was shitty before, but you’re here now, and you’re safe. This is new for me too, but I’m not taking it lightly. You were made for me.” He pressed a kiss to my forehead and my heart swooned.

“It’s going to take me time to figure out what my life is going to look like now. Where do I stand in this world? How do I fit? Will your people accept me?” I stumbled over my worries as he caressed my cheek.

“You stand at my side. You fit perfectly. They will accept you because I’ve claimed you. Being Luna is something you will learn. There’s time.” A comfortable silence filled the room. Being this close to him, his heartbeat thumped against me, the heat of his skin—everything about this moment felt safe. His fingers traced slow circles along my spine, sending shivers through me.

“There’s no rush and no standard. I’m happy to have you here with me. The rest will fall into place.” His shared truth was a relief. My throat tightened, and I blinked fast to stop the tears from falling. It hadn’t been long since I was staying with Dani because I had no place to go, my heart breaking because the man who was supposed to love me harmed me, and I felt so ugly. In the short amount of time I’d been with Grayson he’d shown me that he was patient and comforted me in a way my boyfriend of a year never had. My stomach rumbled loudly, and I died of embarrassment. Covering my face in shame, I was lifted in his arms and placed on the edge of the bed.

“What’re you doing?” I groaned.

“We both heard your demand. Or would you prefer to go downstairs like this?” His gaze darkened as it trailed down my exposed flesh as his shirt hit my knees. “I love it, but I don’t want anyone else seeing what’s mine.”

“I am not going downstairs like this. I think everyone saw enough last night,” I squeaked. He smirked.

“I had a few things brought from your room,” he said. And then he did the sweetest thing. He lay a few outfits on the bed. Once I’d chosen a black skirt and an oversized pullover, I removed his shirt and dressed. There were stolen touches from where the skirt stopped on my thigh to pulling my hair out from under the material. I felt his need to be near me in the silence as he patiently helped me, in the light kiss on my hair, and in the way his hand rested possessively on my hip.

“We need to go right now, or we’re not leaving this room,” he promised. My lips parted and I blushed as he led me to the door. As soon as he opened it, I froze because on the other side stood Dani. Dressed in a velvet romper, her hair was clipped back, her neck on display as she sported a fresh mark. Two twinkling stars where Jace claimed her. Speaking of, he stood behind her. His head dipped as he greeted… me. And then Grayson. She reached out, and hugged me.

“This is all so weird, but honestly? I’m glad it’s you.” Her voice was genuine and made me tear up. I hugged her back tightly.

“I was worried. I didn’t know what you were going to say,” I sobbed.

“Don’t be. Are you okay?” she whispered against my hair.

“Yes… it’s overwhelming, but right.” She nodded at my words.

“We’ll catch up… I love you, but keep the dad details to a minimum. You can fill me in on the rest,” she whispered as we broke apart. I giggled as she cringed. Dani’s presence—warm and unapologetically her—was the final piece of reassurance I needed.

“So you and Jace?” I asked. She nodded, holding back tears of her own.

“Finally. I’ve known him for years. I think deep down I knew, but wasn’t ready. Going into last night, I was ready. He was going to take me as his mate no matter what. The Goddess doesn’t make mistakes, but I’m so happy it turned out he was my other half,” she said firmly. Grayson groaned behind me and Jace coughed. She looked at her dad and I moved so she could hug him.

“I’m happy for you,” she whispered.

“Me too. Congratulations on finding your mate, baby,” he murmured. Then she pulled away and looped her arm with mine. We turned and made our way down the hallway as the guys followed.

“You may be mates, but don’t think this gets you out of girls’ night. We are not letting these marks hold us back from living our best life,” she boasted, daring the guys to say anything.

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” I swore. We ignored the grumbling at our backs as we stopped at the stairs. Jace stepped forward and walked down with Dani. I turned to Grayson, his arm extended, and I stepped into his embrace.

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