Page 1 of Reclaiming Quinn
Chapter One
Six years ago
QUINN ADLERpulled the heavy lamp down from the shelf and ran a damp rag over it. Layers of grime and dust came off, darkening the water in his cleaning bucket. It felt good to get the place clean because, he hoped, it would put Master in a good mood.
“What the fuck are you doing, bitch?”
The voice held menace, a threat that if the answer wasn’t exactly what Master wanted to hear, the repercussions would be swift and brutal.
“Cleaning, Master.”
The blow landed before Quinn could move away. Not that he would have, because that would have been even worse. No, better to stand there and take the beating he obviously had coming.
“You donotcome into this room unless you have my permission. Did you ask me?”
“No, Master. I’m sorry, I—”
Another hit, this time on Quinn’s cheek. He shrank back, even though he knew he shouldn’t.
Master stood over him, fists clenched. He turned to his second-in-command. “What do you think we should do to him, Kristopher?”
The husky voice told Quinn what was coming. They were going to have him satisfy them once again.
“I think he already knows, Alpha.”
Ryker chuckled. “Do you know, boy?”
“Yes, Master,” Quinn replied as he slid his shorts down and off his legs. “Where would you like me to go?”
A knock at the door pulled Ryker’s attention away from Quinn.
“What?”
Margaret, another member of Ryker’s household, opened the door. Even without his wolf, Quinn could smell the terror rolling off her. She was a tiny thing, blonde hair and big, soulful brown eyes.
“Telephone, Master.”
“I’m busy.” He licked his lips as he looked at Quinn, which made him queasy. “Who is it?”
She swallowed hard. “Millicent told me he said he’s the Alpha of the Chicago pack, and that they saw your property recently.”
Ryker’s breath hitched, and then he shoved Quinn, who landed on the floor, face first. “Get out of here, bitch. I have work to do.” He gestured at Kristopher. “Make sure no one is in the area while I take this call.”
He leered at Margaret.
“And I want her ready for when I’m done. I’m either going to feel like celebrating or be pissed off and need someone to take it out on.”
Her tiny face morphed into a look of abject terror. As far as Quinn knew, Ryker hadn’t taken her yet. She wasn’t marked as his property, so maybe he hadn’t. Still, Quinn didn’t want to hear her crying at night, alone in her room, after Master had shared her with the pack. Quinn thought only one of them should suffer like that, and it ought not be the girl who gave him shy smiles when no one else was looking.
“Master, maybe I should be the one to—”
For a big man, Ryker could be insanely fast. He grabbed Quinn by the throat and slammed him against the wall.
“You donottalk to me unless I tell you it’s okay. I swear, it’s like you’ve forgotten your training.” He whirled around and pushed Quinn at Kristopher. “After you put her in her room, take this one back to his for a refresher course in manners.”
Kristopher’s gaze slid down Quinn’s body as he reached down and palmed his cock. “No problem, Alpha.”
Quinn was pushed from behind, only barely keeping his balance. He glanced up at Margaret, her eyes still wide with fear. She opened her mouth to say something, but Quinn shook his head and she went quiet. Kristopher slammed his hand down, getting a tight grip on her shoulder, and shoved her toward the door.
