The Luna he was Ashamed to Claim

CHAPTER 1. PAIGE'S POINT OF VIEW. “So you’re gonna use that nobody to make me jealous?” Ryder Griffin, my mate, snapped the second I stepped into his dorm. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said flatly, hoping he’d let it go. He didn't. He leaned in close, and my stupid heart did its usual pathetic flutter. Skin like gold,messy gray curls falling into sharp blue eyes—Ryder had the kind of face I'd never been able to resist even when I hated him. “The boy outside the library,” he continued. “He had his hands on your shoulder.” Jealousy rolled off him in waves.My heart gave another pathetic little flutter,because of course some parts of me still loved that he cared. Even if he never let me stand beside him in public. “Knox is my friend,” I said. “And besides, he’s into boys. I wasn’t trying to make you jealous or anything. He was just trying to show me something.” “Why do you even care?” I said quietly.”You have Anna,” “Because you’re mine,” Ryder pushed to his full ridiculous height. He’s well over six feet tall, with broad shoulders that seemed to fill the entire room. “You’re my mate, Paige . You belong to me,” “So you can parade Anna around at every banquet and pack gatherings but I can't even stand next to another guy?” I shot back. He stepped closer, slamming one hand against the wall beside my head, caging me in. “Don’t start with me Paige,I’ve told you before—it’s nothing personal.” “Then why don’t you claim me?” my voice cracked “Why am I still your dirty little secret? You parade Anna around like she’s already your Luna while I warm your bed every night and clean up after whatever girl you bring home. But one conversation with a boy and you lose your mind?” Ryder’s hand shot out, wrapping around my throat with just enough pressure to remind me who was really in control. “Because you’re an omega,” he snarled. “Daughter of the pack w***e. My mother would rather die than see you as Luna and the council would never allow it. But that doesn’t change the fact that this—” he other palm pressed possessively against my lower stomach, “.....is where my pups belong. Not hers.” He leaned in, crushing his mouth to mine in a brutal kiss, all teeth and raw dominance. When he pulled back, his breathing was ragged. Without another word he turned and disappeared into the bathroom. I stayed frozen, the ghost of his fingers still burning around my throat.The familiar ache bloomed in my chest heavy and humiliating.No matter how many times he did this it never got easier. I sank onto the edge of the bed. Outside, the heavy bells of Ashwood academy rang across campus,loud, insistent, and impossible to ignore. A gentle reminder of what today was: the Alpha’s Ball. I exhaled slowly, looking out the window. Students were moving across the courtyard in their best outfits, colorful and bright, paired up with their mates while the evening air grew crisp with cold. Unable to watch, I turned away. How could I watch when my own mate wouldn’t be going with me? Ryder Griffin—my fated mate and son of Alpha Karl of the Ashwood pack would be going with Anna instead. Years ago, when I turned eighteen, the mate bond had snapped into place between us during one of my cleaning routines in the pack mansion.A nobody omega, daughter of the late pack w***e suddenly tied to the future Alpha,Ryder had barely noticed me that day now he kept me hidden. He’s also warned me never to breathe a word to anyone that we were mates. After all, I was an omega,the daughter of the late, infamous pack w***e. My mother had been famous for sleeping her way through dignitaries, betas, alphas, and businessmen. She had crashed and burned, dying with the Alpha in a plane crash and leaving me to bear the consequences of her sins. Not only was I Ryder’s mate, I was also his personal maid,both at home and here at the academy. Though I was technically a student,thanks to Ryder’s benevolence. He had paid my tuition and faked an identity for me, since Ashwood Academy wasn’t open to omegas. Honestly, Ryder had done enough material things for me, but I was tired. I wanted more. I wanted my mate to claim me publicly and stop hiding me. I had known only him. My world had been reduced to the four walls of his bedroom. I was the one who arranged his things, scrubbed his desk, took care of his laundry, and picked up condoms after he was done with whatever girl he had brought back from the club. I patch up his bruises from fights he hides from the world. An alpha heir should heal fast. Ryder doesn't. His hybrid nature makes him unpredictable in ways even he doesn't understand yet. I also watch him sleep, bathe,and every other daily routine he does . I loved him through all of it—except being his dirty little secret. Ryder Griffin wasn’t perfect, but he was everything I wanted in a mate. Seconds later, Ryder stepped out of the bathroom,the towel dropping to the floor, my gaze betrayed me tracing the hard lines of his abs and the tattoos covering his perfect skin. “Get dressed.” He said. “We’re picking Anna up.” I recoiled. “No, I’m not.” He crossed the room in two strides,wet and still half naked,gripping my waist and yanking me against him.“How long are you going to stay jealous over Anna?” I tried my best not to say a word. I wasn’t going back and forth with him today. Not today. I knew my place and had learned to accept it without bickering. “We have a lot to do today.” His tone shifted into a warning. “Keep your attitude in check until the Alpha’s Ball is over. It’s nothing personal. My mother is just building alliances so she can secure me the alpha seat.” He pressed on. “Besides, I didn’t reject you. I do everything for you.” “Everything except tell anybody I’m your mate,” I cut in with a scoff. “You claim me every night, but suddenly I’m too weak for you because your mother says so?” I chuckled lightly. “Such a mama’s boy.” Before I realized it, he was in front of me, his figure looming over mine. His right pupil dilated, a warning sign I knew too well,” Don't push me Paige. I have done more for you than I’ve done for any other woman. paid your tuition, covered your tracks to get you into the academy, gave your brother a future and this is how you thank me?” His hand slid to my throat again pulling me flush against his bare chest,“We’re mates and nothing can break us. Anna will be my Luna once I become Alpha, and you’ll carry my pups in your belly. We’re bonded for life, Paige. The sooner you accept that ,the easier this will be for you.” He leaned in slowly, stealing a kiss, then smacked my ass. “Get ready. We’re going to pick Anna up together.” “I’m not—” “That wasn’t a request, Paige.”