Alphas claim

Chapter 1:

"Why do I always have to be the one left behind?"

The words slipped from my lips in a bitter whisper as I stood barefoot in the cramped omega quarters, the distant thrum of drums vibrating through the thin wooden walls. My heart hammered against my ribs like it wanted out. Tonight was the Moonlight Festival-the one night every unmated wolf in the pack prayed for the bond to snap into place. And here I was, Elara Voss, the wolf-less omega everyone pitied, staring at my reflection in a cracked mirror.

No wolf. No shift. No value.

I tugged the hood of my simple gray cloak tighter around my shoulders, hiding the plain linen dress that marked me as lesser. My fingers trembled. Just watch from the edges, I told myself. One night of feeling alive. No one has to know.

The decision burned in my chest as I slipped out the back door into the cool night air. Pine and wild jasmine wrapped around me, carried on the breeze from the sacred clearing. Music swelled-deep drums, flutes, laughter, and the occasional ecstatic howl as wolves danced under the full moon. My bare feet moved faster over damp grass and fallen leaves, pulse racing with every step. If they caught me, the elders would humiliate me again. But the boredom, the aching emptiness in my chest... I couldn't take it anymore.

The forest thinned, and the festival exploded into view.

Lanterns strung between ancient trees cast golden light over the clearing. A massive bonfire roared at the center, sparks dancing toward the star-filled sky. Wolves in human form spun and laughed in loose circles, bodies glistening with sweat. Others prowled the edges in wolf form, silver and black coats shining under the moonlight that bathed everything in ethereal silver. The air smelled of roasted meat, sweet wine, crushed herbs, and raw, potent desire.

I stayed in the shadows, back pressed against a thick oak, hood low. My skin tingled strangely. The moon felt heavier tonight, its light pressing down on me like a physical touch. I rubbed my arms, trying to ignore the warmth pooling low in my belly.

Then it hit.

A sharp, invisible hook yanked behind my sternum. My breath caught. The world narrowed. Across the crowded clearing, two towering figures turned toward me at the exact same second.

They were identical in height and build-broad shoulders, powerful frames that screamed Alpha-but everything else screamed difference. The one on the left had dark, messy hair and sharp, hungry eyes that burned like embers. Ryker. The other had slightly longer, lighter hair that fell across a more thoughtful face, but his gaze held an intensity that made my knees weak. Ash.

Both of them.

Their voices cut through the music like twin thunderclaps.

"Mate."

The single word left their mouths in perfect unison, deep and guttural. Power rippled outward. Their wolves roared through the pack link so loudly I felt it in my bones. The entire festival froze.

Heads turned. Eyes widened. Gasps rippled through the crowd like a shockwave.

"An omega?"

"Wolf-less... that's Elara Voss."

"Both Alphas? At the same time? The Moon has gone mad!"

My stomach dropped. Heat flooded my face, my neck, my entire body. The pull in my chest doubled-no, tripled-two separate forces crashing into me. Ryker's was fire and possession, demanding I submit right there. Ash's was deeper, warmer, like molten honey wrapping around my soul and tugging gently but relentlessly. My nipples tightened against the thin fabric of my dress. A slick warmth gathered between my thighs so suddenly I pressed them together, mortified.

This can't be happening. Not to me.

I stumbled backward. Someone dropped a cup; wine spilled like blood across the grass. Elders stared open-mouthed. A few warriors growled in disbelief.

Ryker took one powerful step forward, lips curling into a predatory smile that sent another bolt of unwanted heat through me. Ash's hand shot out to grip his brother's arm, but his eyes never left mine-dark with hunger and something softer, almost reverent.