SHARED BY THE PACK KINGS

CHAPTER 2: THE RULES OF THE PENTHOUSE

The heavy mahogany door clicked shut behind them, sealing Chloe inside a world of unimaginable luxury and absolute captivity.

Julian didn’t release his grip on her chin immediately. His stormy eyes traced the frantic pulse jumping in her throat, taking in the way her breath hitched under his close proximity. When he finally let go, his fingers trailed down her neck, leaving a path of goosebumps in their wake.

"Sit," Julian commanded smoothly, gesturing toward a sprawling, dark velvet sofa in the center of the minimalist living room.

Chloe’s legs felt like water. She did as she was told, pulling her thin silk robe tightly around herself as she sank into the cushions. The fabric did nothing to shield her from the piercing gazes of the two men towering over her.

Ethan didn’t follow her to the couch. Instead, he walked over to a sleek marble bar, pouring amber liquid into two crystal glasses. He didn't offer her any. He downed his shot in one fluid motion, his golden eyes never leaving her face. The faint scar on his jawline flexed as he spoke.

"She's small, Julian," Ethan growled, his voice low and predatory as he leaned against the bar, crossing his massive, tattooed arms. "Are you sure she won't break the first time we test her boundaries?"

Chloe flinched, her heart hammering against her ribs. "I won't break," she whispered, forcing a rare spark of defiance into her voice. "I know why I'm here. I signed the contract to save my family, and I keep my word. Just tell me what you want from me."

Julian let out a low, dangerous chuckle that vibrated right through the air. He walked over and sat down right next to her—so close that his thigh brushed against hers, sending a sudden, electric jolt straight to her core.

"What do we want?" Julian leaned in, his scent of rich cedarwood and dark rain completely engulfing her senses. He reached out, his large hand wrapping securely around her waist to pull her flush against his side. "We want your absolute surrender, Chloe. But we aren't savages. Every game has rules, and if you want to survive the next six months under our roof, you will memorize ours."

He raised his free hand, his index finger tracing the soft line of her lower lip, pulling it down slightly.

"Rule number one," Julian murmured, his voice dropping to a seductive, possessive whisper. "You do not look at another man. In this city, you belong exclusively to the pack kings. Rule number two... when we call, you answer. And rule number three..."

From across the room, Ethan closed the distance with terrifying speed, stopping right in front of the couch. He leaned down, his massive frame trapping Chloe completely as his golden eyes burned into hers.

"Rule number three, little bird," Ethan growled softly, his breath hot against her cheek as his hand slid under the collar of her robe, his rough thumb rubbing the sensitive skin of her collarbone. "When we are behind these closed doors, you belong to both of us equally. We do not compete for you. We share."

Chloe let out a soft, helpless whimper, completely overwhelmed by the intense physical heat radiating from both Alphas. Her body was betraying her, aching with a sudden, intoxicating desire she had never felt before.

Julian’s grip on her waist tightened, his eyes darkening with heavy hunger as he looked down at her parted lips. "Do you understand the rules, Chloe?"