Claimed by the Alpha

The Agreement

Shock is never the right word to call my reaction after the Alpha's unanticipated claim. I am used to being snubbed and tricked all the time, I grew up to be having a severe trust issue in the street. No matter how much the Alpha's declaration seems to make my heart beam and the idea of being his mate was amiable, still, I couldn't accept what he said. It's impossible.

How can a stray like me become his mate?

That question keeps running in my mind, making me silent on my seat as I received such soft gazes from the Alpha during the entire ride. Nobody talked. Nobody dares to utter a single word. I keep stealing glances at the gorgeous Alpha and all I received was him staring at me like I'm the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen, it was absurd.

Until we arrived in a huge mansion that made me gape while slowly looking up, gazing outside behind the limousine's tinted window, unsure whether I am seeing real, hallucinating, or it was just part of my dream that I don't want to end.

And I couldn't know where to look. To the mansion that screams such great expense or to the Alpha who was gazing at me using his gentle blue eyes. I was so overwhelmed by his presence that I forget to ask his name.

I was ready to query for that matter when the Alpha suddenly get off from the limousine to open the door for me. I get off the car with my cheeks flushing crimson as I accepted his hand. I saw how the chauffeur gaped at what the Alpha did when I looked back.

I hastily withdraw my hands from the Alpha and clenched my teeth out of embarrassment. I pulled my hand not because I hated what the Alpha did but because I hate that it made me feel such sensual sensation all of a sudden that was too much for me to handle.

Why does he have to do that?

Why is he treating me so kindly and making me feel so special?

“My name is Lincoln,” he said that made me look up and met his gaze shortly. “Lincoln Walker, Alpha of the Crescent Pack and your fated mate.”

There, it start again, the warm feeling surging inside me whenever our eyes met even if it was just for seconds. I couldn't handle the pressure of his gaze so I looked away as if it didn't affect me.

Having this impeccable attraction is a mistake that I must not undertake. Besides, his name was as expensive as he is as a person. There is no way that he can be my mate. Perhaps he was only mistaken.

“Let’s go inside,” Lincoln said and motioned his hand inside like I am some kind of majestic person who needs to be well-respected or to be handled delicately.

I looked down as I followed his guidance inside the mansion. I felt so small seeing the expensive things he has at home. I even saw a gold doorknob when I walked past one of the rooms. The long stairs were enough for me to be dazed and speechless. The overall design of the house was fantastic.

Seeing how rich Lincoln has only reminded me how unfortunate I am, proving to me somehow that I don't belong here nor I can dwell on his lavish lifestyle. It was a sin to be stepping my dirty feet on his clean and glistening tiles. It’s making me uneasy.

“I think you are only mistaken when you said that I a-am your fated mate,” I finally said after keeping my opposition to his claim. “I cannot be your mate, Mr. Walker. It’s impossible. However, I will not deny that I need a job to live. So, I am willing to accept any job here in this house even if you will make me a maid or a gardener.”

Lincoln's brows shot up and he shakes his head in disagreement.

”If I have to beg, I will, Mr. Walker. Just... just don't send me back to the streets. I don't want to go back there,” I plead and didn't hesitate to kneel when Lincoln stopped me.

“No, Anya, please. Don't kneel,” he said, heaving a sigh before he held my hand gently. “Listen carefully, Anya. You are my mate. I already confirmed it. I have never been more certain in my life after I felt the wave of heat with you.”

My eyes widened after hearing his remarks. Relief and bafflement swept me off my feet at the same time as I looked up at Lincoln with my tears starting to dampen the corner of my eyes. It turns out that I am not mistaken when I thought that he have felt it for me as well.

I tried to disregard the heat that I attained from being with him during the entire ride but it never subside, even until now that I am flushing red in front of the handsome Lincoln.

At first, I thought that I am only attracted to him to feel such relish heat. Never in my life had I assumed that the moon goddess destined me to someone capable, especially to an Alpha like Lincoln Walker.

“I have never felt it towards others until I met you, Anya. You are my fated mate and please do accept my offer to mark you tonight, this full moon, otherwise it will only make us suffer both when we spurn it.”

His voice bears so much certainty that it's making me consider his offer. Looking at the begging Lincoln is the thing I didn't expect him to behave. I am only a stray, what makes him think that he must plead?

“Don't do this to me, Mr. Walker,” I said, dropping my shoulder to my side, almost faltering since he was really determined. “Don't make it so hard for me to decline.”

“Then don't. Don't decline, Anya. I don't want you to decline. I most certainly don't want to be rejected as well, so please accept my claim,” Lincoln favored gently and held my hand.

With our skin touching, it only made our situation worse. I can now feel that wave of heat urging me this time. But I remained silent so that I can resist the temptation pushing me to my edge.

“Forget what I said about marking you. If you're not ready, I don't have to force you on doing it, Anya. Just... just stay with me,” Lincoln said with his tender, persuasive voice as he squeezed my hands delicately. “We both know that after finding one's mate, one can never stray because it will put them in agony. So, stay. I am willing to wait until you are ready.”

I opened my mouth but my words choked up in my throat. It was too kind of Lincoln to say such reassuring words and I didn't know if he felt the same towards me since the wave of inclination inside me intensify.

“I am sorry if I moved too fast. If I appeared to be demanding, stubborn, and aggressive,” Lincoln said and then withdraw his hands from my hold. “Forgive me. I forgot about my manners. It’s just that I've been looking for you my whole life.”

“Oh, no, Mr. Walker. It’s fine,” I countered as soon as I can when I heard the discouraging tone of his voice. “You are not aggressive to me. Not at all. In fact, you are so gentle with me. You are the first person who treats me this way.”

Lincoln didn't respond so I raised my head to check him. I saw him looking deeply at me as if he knew my sufferings. For a moment, I felt like I am appreciated and not snubbed. Not anymore, at least. I am looking for someone who would look at me with sympathy and it happened to be Lincoln, who happens to be my mate.

“The moment I located you, I already had a feeling that I need to make you mine,” he explained softly which seems like a lullaby, pushing my harrowing away. “If you accept my claim, I will do my best to suffice what you didn't possess on the streets. You will not be abused. Not to be snubbed or criticized. I promise you that your life will be safe with me, Anya.”

I suck an ample amount of air and breath it all out. Still, I couldn't look him in the eye. “You will be discouraged if you will see my wolf form, Mr. Walker. It’s horrendous.”

He shook his head. “No, Anya. Whatever you appear to be, I will gladly accept it.”

I raised my head and meet his gaze but I immediately looked away when my cheeks stained red.

“Please, do turn around,” I said, refusing his gaze. “I will strip.”

Lincoln looked at me confused, cheeks and ears flushed red.

“To show you my wolf form so that you will not regret once you marked me,” I continue which makes him nod. “The marking is inviolable since it was infinite ownership. I'm just making it sure for your sake, Mr. Walker.”

Lincoln hesitated at first but he complies with my request eventually. He turned around and I started to strip my clothes. I crouched down to the ground and shifted, enduring the pain when my bones started to extend. When I was finally in my malnourished white wolf form, I walked toward Lincoln and scratched his leg using my dirty paws.

Slowly, he turned to face me and his reaction is the one I never expected to see. Lincoln knee on one knee and patted my head. An emotional whine escaped from my mouth by his sweet gesture, and then I yelp out of surprise when he pulled for a hug.

I froze for a moment when I felt the pleasant warmth of his arms. My dirty fur grazing on his skin, especially on his face when he buried his cheek near my neck yet hasn't shown a hint of repugnance.

“It’s not horrendous, Anya,” he said softly as he planted his cheek on my thick fur. “It’s beautiful and will even become more beautiful when you are taken care of. Allow me to do that to you.”

He pats my head once again before he finally stood up. I walked towards my clothes, shifted back to my human form, and get dressed. Lincoln faced me after a few seconds with a smile.

“If it’s okay with you, Mr. Walker, I w-w-wish for a bath and decent clothes. I will work in the house to pay for it.”

I didn't know where I took my courage to request that. But all I know is I cannot bear to not take a bath and changed my clothes into new ones.

“Oh, you are most welcome to request anything you want from now on, Anya. You don't need to work with it. As my mate, I can give you everything you desire.”

My eyes widened at his generosity. But I can't request anything without giving him something in return. However, by the look on Lincoln's face, he will insist on nothing from me that's for sure, leaving me with the only choice I have.

“Then let's do it tonight, Mr. Walker. The mating, I mean. After my bath...” I trailed on my words, scrambling for the right thing to say so that I will not sound ambiguous. “As mates.”