Page 128 of Marked By Alphas 2: Claimed

Every eye turned to me expectantly. Great. Another supernatural ceremony to add to my rapidly filling paranormal social calendar.

“I’m still learning how not to set things on fire when I sneeze,” I replied, earning a choked laugh from Caleb and a warning look from Marcus. “Maybe we should table the formal blessings until I’ve mastered the basics? You know, not accidentally barbecuing important elders during ceremonial moments.”

Elder Grey’s ancient eyes twinkled with amusement. “Wise caution, young one. Though your power grows impressively, even without formal training.”

“Speaking of impressive,” Flynn Knox interjected, his voice carrying that eager-puppy quality he’d had since his father’s resignation, “my pack has prepared a ceremonial offering of our finest weapons, forged specifically for the twice-blessed one’s guard.”

“That’s… thoughtful,” I said, trying not to wince at the ‘twice-blessed one’ title that refused to die. “But I already have three very effective guards.” I gestured to the Stone brothers, who collectively straightened with primal satisfaction at being publicly acknowledged as my protectors. God, they were so easy to please sometimes. “Four, if you count Shadow,” I added, scratching behind the dog’s ears. “Though he’s more interested in steak than security.”

“Nevertheless,” Knox insisted, “it would be our honor to contribute to your protection.”

I caught Luke’s eye across the table, where he was barricaded behind a growing collection of Imo’s charm bags. He gave me a subtle eye roll that perfectly captured my feelings about this entire supernatural circus. If I survived this dinner without dying of either embarrassment or unfulfilled lust, it would be a miracle on par with the parting of the Red Sea.

“Perhaps we should discuss such matters after dinner,” Marcus suggested smoothly, his hand briefly touching mine under the table. The contact sent electricity racing up my arm, his thumb tracing a small circle on my wrist that felt far more intimate than it had any right to be.

I’d deliberately left my collar open, showing off the marks they’d left earlier. Every time I moved, I made sure to give them a glimpse of skin, a reminder of what awaited after this interminable dinner. But my little revenge plan had a serious flaw—I was torturing myself just as effectively as I was tormenting them. I swallowed hard, heat flooding my face. My skin suddenly felt too tight, too sensitive. Like I was wearing someone else’s body, except that body was horny as hell and ready to climb three specific alphas like trees.

“The hour grows late,” Alpha Rivera observed, her knowing gaze moving between me and the brothers. “Perhaps we should allow our hosts some privacy.”

Thank all the supernatural deities for Alpha Rivera and her ability to read a room. Someone give that woman a medal.

“It has been our pleasure to host you,” Marcus replied, rising to his feet with that effortless grace that still made my stomach flip. “Your continued alliance is invaluable to us.”

The formal goodbyes felt like they took approximately three centuries. Each guest seemed determined to make a final pronouncement, offer one last tribute, or extract some vague promise about future supernatural gatherings. By the time the last guest was ushered out the door, I was ready to climb out of my own skin with anticipation.

“Well,” I said as the door finally closed behind Elder Grey, “that was…”

“Interminable,” Derek finished, his voice a low growl that sent shivers down my spine.

“Excruciating,” Caleb added, suddenly much closer than he had been a moment ago.

“Necessary,” Marcus concluded, his eyes now definitely glowing crimson in the dimmed lights of the entrance hall. “But now…”

The word hung in the air between us, loaded with promise. My mouth went dry as all three brothers turned to me with identical expressions of barely leashed hunger. Holy shit, I was either about to have the best night of my life or be eaten alive. Possibly both.

“Now?” I prompted, my voice embarrassingly breathless.

Marcus stepped forward, his hand cupping my jaw with a gentleness that contrasted sharply with the predatory gleam in his eyes. “Now, little mate, we’re going to teach you exactly what happens when you tease three alpha wolves.”

Oh. Oh my.

“I did warn you,” Derek rumbled, moving to my other side with lethal grace. “Actions have consequences.”

“Especially actions involving showers and locked saunas,” Caleb added, his usual playfulness replaced by something darker, hungrier.

I swallowed hard, a delicious shiver running down my spine. “I’m not sorry,” I managed, summoning what remained of my defiance. “You deserved it after leaving me like that.”

“We did,” Marcus agreed, his thumb tracing my lower lip in a way that made my knees weak. “And you deserved every moment of that dinner, watching us while knowing exactly what was coming after.”

“So what happens now?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

The smile that curved Marcus’ lips was pure predator. “Now, little mate, we claim you. Properly. Completely.”

He took my hand, leading me toward the grand staircase. Derek and Caleb fell into step behind us, their presence like a physical weight against my back. I could feel their hunger through our bond, their need matching my own.

“The ceremonial chamber has been prepared,” Marcus explained, his voice low and intimate. “The full moon is at its peak.”

“Ceremonial chamber?” I echoed, my mind conjuring images of ancient stone altars and mysterious runes. “Is there going to be an audience or something? Because I’m not really into?—”

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