Claimed by the Alpha

The Introduction

Lincoln's eyes dropped and my lips parted with anticipation after realizing he wanted a kiss. They were full, finely crafted, and in need of attention from me. His eyes flashed yellow, almost deep as the color he manifested last night. Just almost though. Except the problem was I loved the way he looked at me.

But then his lower lip was caught between his teeth before he averted his eyes from me, smiling as if he had surrendered with his desire.

“Kissing you would be a bad idea,” he said pertly, his smirk almost forming on his lips. He walked towards the cabinet and pulled out a clean bathrobe and handed me to me. “But breakfast is commendable. Do you want a heavy one?”

I nodded. It was lucky of me to be offered breakfast because I couldn't request that from Lincoln even though I'm famished. Not yet, at least. After his warming assurance, I couldn’t feel entitled. But I could say that I am fortunate to have Lincoln as my mate.

Slowly, I sat in the bed and the sheet that was covering my body slipped down, exposing all of me, making Lincoln freeze from where he stood as he stared at my bareness.

When I realized I just did, I hastily wear the robe to cover myself.

“S-Sorry...” I muttered while tying the robe's tie.

Lincoln shook his head and gave me a naughty smile. “Don't be. I’m not.”

I blushed at his remarks and touched my cheeks consciously until I fanned my hand on my face when I couldn't handle the pressure of his gaze that nearly piqued my lust. Even though the room was fully airconditioned, the heat I feel when I'm with Lincoln is so ardent.

Lincoln rose to his feet and motioned his hand. “Turn around.”

I hesitated at first but I obliged. I turned to the other side of the bed and I felt his fingers running gently on my blond hair, fixing it and then braiding it to stick together so that no locks would cover my face. It was a sweet gesture from Lincoln. His gestures have been nothing but sweet yet each never slips to surprise me.

I suppressed the feeling of looking up at him but I did it anyway. Lincoln smiled at me before he bent down, giving my lips a short peck before he smiled. He went towards the intercom and ordered breakfast in bed downstairs before he sat in bed with me. He held my hand before he met my gaze.

I stared at him and realized that his slicked-back brown hair was dangling on his forehead and it looked rather good on him in the morning. He looked more like a rugged ranch owner rather than a rich CEO who owns an expensive business.

“Your scar...” he trailed off while he played with the robe tie using his fingers. “If you don't mind me asking, did you get it from living in the street?”

My hand flew to touch my scar before my answer caught up in my throat when I remember that painful memory.

“I just recently got it actually. Three months ago. I don't have any shelter to sleep so I will shift into my wolf and I harbored a sleep in the woods. I did it every night for years and I was really grateful to wake up alive until I was...”

I couldn't continue with my story when my importunate tears asked to be tolerated. Lincoln squeezed my hands and keep his attention on me.

“I was taken advantage of the rogue ones, vandalized. Almost r-raped,” I finally uttered it, never expecting that I was able to since I can't mention that word without the pain stopping me down. “They are in the possession of alcohol and drugs, I remembered. I was pinned down by... by five men. I did my best to escape and in return for being lucky, I got it.”

Lincoln pulled me for a tight hug and patted my back. This time, I accepted it fully and even shifted into a more comfortable position to my liking.

Lincoln complied and let me settle on his lap, my head planted on his shoulder, aware of my arms getting tightened around his neck as I sobbed.

Nobody knows about what I've been through. Only me, the moon goddess, and now Lincoln. He wasn't the type of person I didn't expect to be opening up but nor would I regret that he was the first one to know. It was only right for him to confide in since he has helped me a lot and he was my mate.

“That woods, Anya. Where is it?” he inquired which made me sniffle.

I paused to think and I pulled from his hug to face him. “North Canidae, in Anda Woods.”

He smiled and then looked up at me. “I’m sorry to hear all of that. I wish I could have located you sooner.”

I shook my head to disagree. “You located me just in time, Lincoln, and I thank you for that. I owe my life to you now.”

“No, you owe your life to nobody, Anya. Don't ever think that you are indebted to me. That's not what mates do or think.”

Lincoln’s voice was soft and tender just like how he patted my back to relax me. The more I spend time with Lincoln, the more I undertake him as more than a mate, a good companion and the first confidant I have that was obviously too good for someone like me.

We stayed in our position as if we enjoy being so close to each other. For some reason, I realized that I do, not expecting Lincoln to feel the same, until we were disrupted by a heedful knock behind the door.

I hurriedly got off Lincoln's lap and sat at the edge of the bed. I don't think seeing me sitting on Lincoln's lap is a good view. Tongues will wag. His reputation cannot withstand it for sure, thinking that I was a mere stray that agreed to be immediately marked for my own sake.

I wiped my tears, and when I faced him back, Lincoln accepted the bed tray table from his butler and placed it down in between us to share.

Lincoln handed me the utensils and I accepted them with thanks. He watched me eat vigorously since I was completely famished before I speared a strip of crisp bacon using my fork and placed it near his mouth to feed him. Lincoln hadn't touched any food.

“Why don't you eat instead of just... watching me?”

“Do I make you uncomfortable?” he asked and reluctantly tilt his head toward the door. “Do you wish to eat alone? I can give you privacy if you want.”

I shook my head genuinely. “You definitely don't make me uncomfortable, Lincoln. Not at all and you never will. And I don't wish to be alone. I have been eating by myself for twenty years, I want something for a change. I want to venture that change with you...”

Lincoln looked at me for a second as if he was trying to process what I had declared. I didn't get my expected reaction so I looked down with shaking hands, nearly dropping my utensils. For a moment, I regretted saying that in front of Lincoln.

“Only if you let me, of course...” I added, then followed by a nervous laugh. “If it’s not to your liking, you don't have to comply.”

“But I do want to comply,” he punctuated which makes me wide eyed as I finally raised my head. “I am not used to eating breakfast because I am always occupied by work, but I can squeeze a breakfast with you every morning starting today in my schedule.”

I looked at Lincoln and he waved his hand near his mouth. I already get what he meant so extend my hand to feed him without saying a word. He took it in a mouthful and the crunch of the bacon didn't escape from his mouth as he chew.

Lincoln nodded and smiled before picking up his utensils. “Wow, I didn't know that breakfast is nice when you are eating with someone. I never knew I am missing this much actually. This is delightful. I can get used to it.”

I smiled in return and continue eating. Lincoln ate with me and tackled me his distillery and winery business located in West Canidae, Carmen, just an hour drive away from the house.

After an hour, we consumed all the breakfast food without anyone's knowledge which made both of us laugh after the exertion.

Lincoln's hand flew to his stomach and slumped on the soft mattress. “Wow, never had a breakfast that heavy.”

“Never eaten that heavy meal ever since,” I bit off, which make Lincoln silent in his seat.

“Now you can have that every day, Anya. Here in our bed or at the table with me,” Lincoln assured her.

“Thank you,” I said, spurning the thought of my cheeks burning red in front of Lincoln.

“Are you feeling better now? I wanted to introduce you to the pack,” Lincoln said which awaken all my senses.

I straightened up and looked at him with querying eyes. “You would introduce me? To your pack? As your mate?”

“Of course,” Lincoln answered with an appreciative tone. “As their Luna. The Crescent Pack’s Luna.”

Beat.

That wasn't what I expect to hear from Lincoln after an incredible meal. Not because I’m not in favor of the idea but because I’m not ready. Not yet anyway. I don't think I can live with their disappointment if they see me as his mate. I might disgrace him.

Thinking about the consequences made me pale. I don’t wish to embarrass Lincoln after everything he did to me.

“It will be fine, Anya They will like you,” Lincoln reassured me and held my hand, squeezing it until he intertwined our hands completely.

Lincoln's reassurance is not enough for me not to ruminate. I am aware Lincoln’s consideration is vast and not people are like that, that’s a harsh truth that I am fully aware of. Somebody will have to hate me for him, I can feel it. I may be weak in the eye of the many but my instinct is far greater than everybody possessed and it’s the reason why I survived on the unfair street of Canidae.

A few minutes later, we arrived in a ten-storey building with a huge crescent moon insignia on the front door. I don't need to be told what it was.

A packhouse.

The Crescent Moon Packhouse.

I scanned my eyes from the bottom up to the top and Lincoln guided me inside. When we entered the respected building, the members of the pack knelt down to their Alpha in unison.

“Rise,” Lincoln said using his authoritative tone.

Approximately a hundred members rose from their feet and faced their Alpha with their strong aura surrounding the whole floor, giving me cold shivers.

“Betas, Gammas, and Omegas. I brought good news. Let me introduce you all... Miss Anya, my mate and the Crescent Pack’s fated Luna.”

Lincoln motioned his hand towards me and once again, the members of the pack roared their warm greetings before they kneel on one knee.

“Moon Goddess save the Luna!” they said in chorus using their deep voices that made my mouth fell open.