Page 15 of Marked By Alphas 2: Claimed

“You practically live here already,” Derek pointed out, and okay, he had a point. Between the regular dinners and occasional overnight stays, I probably spent more time at the manor than my cottage.

“But my stuff?—”

“We’ll get it.” Caleb was already standing. “Essential items first, then we can arrange for the rest.”

“I should help—” I started to rise, but three concerned looks stopped me.

“You’re still healing,” Marcus reminded me gently. “Let us handle this.”

“I’ll stay,” Caleb offered, but Derek grabbed his arm.

“You’re better with electronics,” he said. “Help me shut everything down properly.”

“I’ll keep our mate company,” Marcus stated, and something in his voice made heat pool in my stomach.

The dogs rearranged themselves as Derek and Caleb left—Storm and Scout following their alphas while Shadow maintained his position as my personal furry guardian.

Chapter 4

“Let’s go to the library,” Marcus suggested once we heard the SUV leave. “Now that you know what we are, there are some books about wolf shifters I’d like to show you. Things we couldn’t explain before.”

“Let me guess—not the kind you find in the bookstore’s supernatural romance section?”

His lips twitched. “Let’s just say they’re part of a very private collection.”

I started to stand, but Marcus simply scooped me up. “I can walk!”

“Of course you can,” he agreed, sounding far too pleased with himself. “But why should you when I enjoy holding you?”

“You’re impossible,” I informed him, though I couldn’t help relaxing into his arms. “All of you. Impossible, overprotective, ridiculous?—”

“Devoted,” he corrected, carrying me through the manor’s halls. “Protective. Possessive of what’s ours.”

The library was still as impressive as the first time they’d shown it to me—two stories of floor-to-ceiling shelves, leather furniture, and windows that overlooked perfectly manicured gardens. Even after several visits, the whole room still screamed ‘old money’ with just a hint of ‘ancient secrets.’

“You know,” I said as Marcus settled into what had become his favorite sofa, keeping me firmly in his lap, “I still think your family commits too hard to the wealthy wolf aesthetic. This is basically Wolf Manor Porn. Have you ever actually done calendar shoots in here? Because I bet they’d sell.”

His chest rumbled with laughter. “Would you like us to?”

“Don’t tempt me. I’ve seen how you three dress for ‘casual’ dinners.”

Shadow padded over to a spot by the fireplace—because of course there was a fireplace—while Marcus reached for a stack of ancient-looking books on the side table.

“These might help answer some of your questions,” he said, his breath warm against my ear. “About what you are, about pack bonds…”

I ran my fingers over the ancient leather binding, trying to focus on the texts instead of how right it felt to be held like this. But another worry nagged at me, one that had been growing since this morning’s call.

“Marcus?” I traced the illustration of pack bonds. “About Luke…”

“Your friend.” It wasn’t a question. Marcus’ arms tightened slightly around me.

“He’s going to want answers. Especially after this morning’s call.” I bit my lip. “Is it… is it safe to tell him? About what I am? About all of this?”

The memory of all those years Mom spent running, hiding, protecting our secret made my chest tight. She died keeping these secrets. And now Luke and his mom—who’d basically adopted me into their family after Mom’s death—they could be in danger just for knowing.

“Tell me about him,” Marcus said quietly.

“He’s my best friend. More like a brother, really. And his mom—I call her Imo, that’s aunty in Korean, she insisted—she basically adopted me after Mom died.” I twisted to look at Marcus. “She’s… different. Always talking about spirits and protection, burning sage, making these special medicinal teas that she keeps locked away.” I bit my lip. “I don’t want them hurt because of me. Because they know too much.”

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