THE CLAIMING (The Chosen Series #1)

HOME

As we pull into Griffin's treehouse driveway, I nestle closer to his warm chest, breathing in deeply, engulfed in the scent of pine and musk that reminds me of home. Griffin is my anchor, my home, and as long as I'm with him, anywhere feels right.

"Home sweet home, Boss," Shay announces, parking the truck. "Mind if I crash here for a while? I think I'll be on the Ranch's shit list for the next few weeks," he asks, shutting off the engine and preparing to leave.

"You know where your room is," Griffin grunts, opening the rear door with me still held tightly.

"Absolutely." Shay whistles, circling around the truck to Isla's side, opening her door. He takes her hand, his much larger one enveloping hers, and gently guides her out. "Hey, Trouble, my favorite genius," he coos, flashing a dimple as he gazes at the petite girl. "Feeling like whipping up something to eat? I'm getting hangry." He ends with a playful moan, leading Isla towards the porch and up the stairs, finding the door unlocked.

"You know what a kitchen is?" Isla responds, moving slowly inside, weariness still evident in her movements.

"Yeah, but you cook better than anyone I've known. PLEASE, PRETTY PLEASE!" Shay pleads, clasping his massive hands together while comically batting his eyelashes. Isla sighs and playfully swats at him.

"Fine, you start the fires. Griffin, Ava, time for a bath. You both stink!" Isla declares before heading towards the kitchen.

"Roger that, Boss Lady," Shay salutes before heading back outside, presumably for firewood. Pausing at the door, he shouts, "Trouble's right, you two reek of sex, and it's getting me all worked up."

Griffin growls as Shay closes the door, chuckling mischievously. He pulls me closer, carrying me up the stairs and into his room.

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After a thorough cleaning—well, let's just say Griffin's attention to detail extended beyond the conventional cleansing methods, leaving me breathless once more—we dressed and headed downstairs. The aroma of perfectly cooked steaks, potatoes, and greens greeted us as we reached the table. Shay and Isla were already seated, patiently awaiting our arrival.

"It's about bloody time. I swear I almost had to take a cold shower myself after hearing about how well you cleaned Bambie," Shay grumbles, but his tone carries a playful edge that makes me blush.

"Enough, Shay," Griffin growls, though his irritation is evident rather than anger. "Bambie, as you call her, is my mate. Show her the respect she deserves."

"Fine, but next time, give a guy a heads-up before you make her purr like a little sex kitten," Shay retorts, taking a bite of his steak.

I burst into laughter. Shay's teasing reminds me so much of Erin that for a moment, it feels like she's here with us. I'll have to give her a call tomorrow. Seeing that Shay's comments don't bother me, Griffin grumbles and starts eating his meal.

"So, Ava, you gonna be my new Luna?" Shay asks between bites of steak.

"Your what?" I reply, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

"You know, Luna. The Alpha's mate?" Shay clarifies, grabbing a bread roll and tearing it into pieces.

Griffin sighs, opting to eat more rather than respond. I tug on the bond, surprised by the sensation from him. It's not unpleasant; there's a different, almost hopeful vibe I can't quite decipher. Turning to Shay, understanding more about the Ranch dynamics, I nod. Griffin should be their Alpha; they shouldn't have forced him to give up that position for his true Mate. So, if he's the Alpha, then I guess, by default, I'm his Luna.