Claimed by the Twin Alphas

Marcel I step into Wendy’s house and instantly realize something’s wrong. My nose wrinkles at the unmistakable human scent. It’s sharp, distinct and fresh. My jaw tightens. Wendy doesn’t keep human company. She has no human friend that I know of. It makes no sense to be around humans on a full moon night when our canines elongate and our nails stretch into claws. I look down at my watch. It’s almost midnight. What’s she doing? We need to do something about these bounty hunters, Healer William’s words echo in my mind. They’re combing through the city, looking for the weakest among us to kill and sell their pelts. A chill runs through me. It’s barely six hours since the healer told me about these guys. I can’t believe they’re already in my mate’s house. “Wendy?” I almost call out, but Kyle, my wolf, growls in my mind. Don’t shout. Use stealth. He’s right. I slip through the living room, heart pounding. Sweat drips down my back, making my black leather jacket stick to my flesh. The scent is stronger as I approach Wendy’s bedroom. My chest tightens with dread. I can’t lose her. Not after what happened to Lena. I push the thought off. No, I can’t relive that again. All that matters is to make sure nothing happens to Wendy. If she’s still alive, Kyle whispers. A whirlwind of emotions hit me. Why me? Why do my mates get into horrible situations? If something happens to Wendy, my reputation will take a hit in the pack. How can the pack members respect a leader who can’t protect his mates? My fingers curl into fists. I’m ready to break bones if I have to. I rush to the door and yank it open. There’s no need for stealth now. . . Everything stops. Wendy is naked on top of a man. Their bodies are tangled, and her back is arched. His hands stroke her hips. They are so engrossed they don’t hear me open the door. My mind blanks. I was ready for blood. For battle. Not this. "Wendy?!" She stops grinding the man beneath her and turns. Shame flickers across her face. “Marcel. . . I’m. . .” My gaze drops to the man. He’s average-looking. Nothing special. Nothing worth breaking our bond for. Wendy scrambles for her dress. “I can explain.” Rage surges through me like wildfire. Make sure he doesn’t leave, my wolf snarls. No one messes with an alpha and gets away with it. “No.” I grunt. “Wendy’s not worth killing for.” The human covers his crotch with his palms while scanning for an escape route. I don’t give two f***s about him. He wouldn’t be here if Wendy didn’t him in. “I, Marcel Rivers, Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack, renounce you, Wendy Warner, as my chosen mate.” “No!” Wendy shrieks. The Luna ring burns red against my knuckle. It splits, falls and clinks against the floor. I turn and leave, my insides hollow. My wolf is silent now. Maybe he’s angry I didn’t jump on the human and tear him apart. But I won’t spill blood over betrayal. Wendy’s not worth it. I step outside the house, and the air blasts against my face. It’s stinging cold, but not enough to calm the boiling rage inside me. I slide my hands into my pockets and walk down the street. What do I do now? Wendy's betrayal replays over and over in my mind like a horror film. Why did she do that? It doesn’t make sense! This is the second time I’ve lost a mate due to situations I can’t control. Lena, my first mate, lost her life in a ghastly accident. One second, she was laughing with me on the phone. The next… A crash. Screams. Silence. I wasn’t there to save her. No. I need to stop . The memories are too sharp, too deep. Like claws digging into my flesh, drawing blood. Why is the Moon Goddess punishing me? What did I do to deserve this cruel cycle of love and loss? One mate gone in flames. Another in a stranger’s arms. I clench my jaw. My fists. My heart. How am I supposed to lead a pack when I can't even hold my own life together? What will they say? An Alpha who can't protect his own mates. Twice shamed and broken. The truth is, wolves respect power. Nobody pities you. When they smell weakness, they pounce. Damn it! I exhale and head home. Midnight strikes while I’m strolling down the sidewalk. My head swells and my blond hair stretch into silver furs. The claws come next. Then the teeth. My eyes narrow and cold wind rushes into my nose. “Woooof!” I let out a primal howl, venting my anger and frustration. Yeah, that feels good. I break into a run. In this wolf form, I’m five times faster than my human self. I sweep past cars and buses and other wolves until I arrive at the off-campus house I share with my twin, Martin. In the living room, Martin is on the couch, a game pad in his hands. He looks away from the hockey game he’s playing and peers at me. His eyes narrow as he watches me regain my human form. “Did you get in a fight?” He asks, munching. “No, why?” “You’re sweating, panting. . .” “I didn’t fight anyone.” “Okay. Dad came by earlier. Said you need to see him. Urgently.” “I’m not in the mood for any visit.” William mutes the TV. “He looked serious. Won’t even tell me as much as I pressed. You should see him.” “Well, it can’t be tonight.” “Are you sure you’re okay?” I nod but don’t answer. My throat tightens. I can’t bring myself to say I caught Wendy cheating and I feel like a walking dead. “Goodnight,” I mutter, heading down the hall. In my room, I collapse onto the bed without turning on the lights. The room is dark and still. Just like I feel. I shut my eyes but sleep stays far away. Then I hear the floorboards creak with footsteps. My eyes flick open and I sit up. That sound wasn’t from the hallway. It was inside my room. My gaze sweeps around the room. Door’s shut, window’s locked. I can’t smell any intruder. I reach for the knife I keep on the bedside stool. “Marcel, it’s me.” The voice is faint, but eerily familiar. Lena? No. That’s impossible. I stumble to my feet. “Who's there?” Silence. “Marcel. . . They lied to you. I’m not dead.” “What do you mean?” A silver light sparkles in the corner of my room. For a split second, I see Lena again. Then my door flies open. Martin stands at the threshold. “Who are you talking to?” My voice comes out in a weak croak. “Nobody.” “Dude… talk to me. What’s wrong?” “Nothing. I’m fine.” “You don’t look fine.” “I said I’m fine.” “Suit yourself.” He turns and slams the door behind him. “Lena?” I call, hoping to hear the voice again. The room stays silent. I collapse on the bed and stare into emptiness. My wolf stirs, his voice cold and low. You’ve lost Wendy, but you don’t need to lose your sanity. “What? You think I’m making things up in my mind?” Kyle remains silent. I burying my face in my hands. Am I really going crazy?”