The Alpha's Claim

13

When I finally left the room, I was assaulted with light. I woke up alone and took the time to shower and braid my hair. The water was cold, but with the oppressive sunlight baking down on me, it was glorious. My body didn't hurt. It was as if my shoulder had never been injured.

As my eyes adjusted to the stunning light, I saw the town in motion. I was in a room in a row of what appeared to be converted motel rooms. Damien was sitting outside my door on the ground. When he heard the door open, he lurched up.

"Naomi," he said simply. My heart warmed up a bit at his voice. "I—" he started. He looked down. "I'm so sorry. I... you make me feel things that I can't describe. The thought of you being hurt literally tears me apart." He reached for my hands and pulled me closer. "My attempt to protect you hurt you." He kissed me gently on the forehead.

He gently set his arm around me and guided me forward. "I have a few people I'd like you to meet."

We walked past a few buildings with open windows. Finally, we came up to a simple shack. Damien smirked as we walked inside. It looked like a quintessential western bar. The tables were worn and heavy. There were polished glasses behind the bar. Damien walked up to the bar, keeping me firmly under his arm. Once there, he lifted the gate and stepped behind, urging me to do the same. Off to the side was a small room. Damien grabbed the door and pulled it open.

"Thanks for knocking," a sarcastic voice echoed.

I stepped in and Damien closed the door behind me. I looked up to see a woman behind the desk. She was around thirty, with dirty blonde hair and critical eyes. I glanced from him to the woman.

"Uh..." I started.

"Naomi, meet my sister, Daria."

"That's Alpha Daria to you, brother," she said sharply. She was sitting casually, but the same power that echoed off Damien rolled off her as well.

"A female alpha?" I blurted out. "Sorry!" I exclaimed. "I just didn't know that was a thing."

She turned to me and gave me a once over. She sighed. "It's not. My husband was the alpha. Sam. He disappeared two years ago. It was my duty to take over in his absence."

I nodded slowly. "I'm sorry," I said.

She turned her attention to Damien. "I have heard reports that she has wings. She can't stay here. I can't risk my pack's lives so you can have secure access to an El—"

"Stop, Daria. My plans have changed. Naomi is my mate."

Daria's eyebrows shot up. She stood up and walked up to me. She had the same sharp jawline as Damien. She stared my dead in the eyes. They were dark green, too.

"Is my brother your mate?" she asked. I glanced back at Damien and then back at Daria.

"Yeah," I said. Daria nodded once and sat back down.

"Daria, I know we do not rest on the best terms." Daria snorted. "But I need to keep her safe. Please. Two months is all I ask." There was silence.

Daria's eyes narrowed. "Brother, I've never heard you utter the word please." Pause. "But, it's not that simple." She pressed a button on her phone. "Can you tell him to come in now?" She looked up at Damien.

He closed his eyes. "I smelled him when we drove up."

Suddenly, the door opened. My jaw dropped and I looked between the three siblings.

"Damien, your family is hot," I said suddenly. I snapped my mouth shut. Being around him made me say things. He growled and pulled me against his chest. "Sorry," I said quickly. "Am I on a lot of painkillers?" I asked. Damien ignored me.

"Brother," the man said. He looked like a darker version of Damien. His hair was shorter, shaved like he ran a trimmer through it himself.

"Little brother," Damien returned.

Damien's little brother looked at me. "I can only imagine you are the winged one everyone is talking about," he said.

"My mate's name is Naomi," Damien said sharply as I opened my mouth.

"And is Naomi a mute?" the brother asked sarcastically.

"I'm not. Not this year, at least," I said. Damien's hold tightened. I took comfort in his protection.

Daria sighed. "Damien, Daniel. Take a seat. We have a lot to discuss."

Daniel plopped down on the couch and tossed his legs across it as though he didn't have a care in the world. Damien sighed and sat down as well, guiding me to sit next to him.

"Quick question, sister. When's the betrayer leaving? I can only assume he's dropping off his girl until he kills the Wereking and then he'll come riding back victorious for her hand."

Damien's eyes flashed yellow, but I gripped his hand, hard and glared at him. "Is that your plan?"

Damien paused and then nodded. "I told you, the Wereking has done unspeakable things to gain his power."

"Like someone else I know," Daniel spat out.

"Shut up," Damien snapped. "He killed our parents for trying to rescue the gods. Have you no respect?"

Daniel jumped up. "Respect? Was it out of respect that you attacked you little brother and stole his pack? Was it respect that drove you to have your brother rejected and his ability to shift torn from him?"

Damien growled and jumped up, beginning to shift. I quickly stood between the two of them and trying to block their view. "Stop!" I screeched. I wanted my voice to be strong, but it came out desperate. "I don't know what is going on, but please stop."

Daniel grabbed my shoulder and pushed me out of the way. Before I could even crash into the desk Daria was sitting in, Damien had his brother by the neck against the wall.

I caught my breath, watching Damien's hand tighten around his brother's neck. "Don't. Touch. Her. I will kill you," he swore. Daniel's eyes were full of hate, not panic. Daniel had gone white, despite his bravery.

I lurched toward Damien and pulled his shoulder back.

"Damien, please. I'm okay," I reassured him. I pulled on his shoulder again, forcing him to look at me.

He blinked and let his brother go, pulled me against his side and returning to his seat on the couch. I went to sit beside him, but he pulled me onto his lap and latched his arms around me, pulling me against him.

"I agree with the winged chick," Daria said after a few seconds. I drew my wings back in. "Daniel, he is hoping to leave her and his beta's mate here for protection. I have agreed." Daniel began to sputter. "As alpha, my word goes. I have pledged that I would be open to innocents in this battle. I let you in. I will do the same for Naomi."

Daniel shook his head, still standing against the wall. "Fine. When are you leaving?" he asked, casting his eyes to Damien.

"If you lay a finger on her..." Damien left the threat open. "I'm leaving as soon as I can. I need to get back to Cedar."

Daniel nodded shortly. "See you later, then."

At the car, Damien pulled me in for another hug. I melted into his golden warmth, which made me sleepy. It felt like lying in the sun. He kissed my forehead. "Stay safe. I will be back for you," he promised. I nodded, confused tears in my eyes. He slid in the car and drove off.