Not only yours

Amia

Andrius gave no explanation about his visit and I wasn’t sure what to make of this. I had no problem meeting his best friend. I mean, he had to be if he’d chosen him as his right-hand man, right? What confused me was Andrius letting him in despite what I’m wearing, or the lack of clothing I was wearing, and despite where we were. This is supposed to be our room. At that realization goosebumps spread down my arms. The math wasn’t mathing and I was starting to wonder if his friend was more than a friend.

That would complicate things.

Every hair stood on end as his beta stepped into the room. My eyes dropped to the tactical boots and then my brows raised as they swept up, up, up the army green pants to the thoroughly filled out black t-shirt. He was dressed like a soldier, not a beta. At least, not the way I envisioned a beta to dress, but all thought disappeared as he the rest of him appeared. My lips parted as our gaze locked.

Holy hell.

Baby blues burned holes into mine. There was a pull I couldn’t describe.

“Confirmed,” Andrius growled.

The Beta nodded, his Adams apple bobbing as he held my gaze. I was thankful for it, but I didn’t move to cover myself. I don’t know who this woman was, who I was at this moment. Somehow, I knew without a doubt that he wasn’t going to look.

“Now leave,” Andrius ordered.

“No.” My voice was stern.

Andrius chuffs.

“… Your Beta recognizes you as his Luna. I’m assuming you feel the start of the bond?” Andrius asked.

“Bond? My Beta?” I repeated.

“I don’t like it, but yes.”

“Still not explaining,” I said pointedly.

“Luna’s have… special bonds with the Beta. He will guard and protect you from today onward. You are his priority. Even before me.” Andrius sighed. “I’ve known about this, I just never thought it would irritate me as much as it does, but this is good. He’ll put you first. Always.”

“Just because?” I asked.

“No. Had I taken someone else as my ma…” Andrius’ words cut off when I glared at him. “Chosen mates don’t get the bond. Only when it’s… the right one.”

“The right one? But you’re the one who made him Beta.”

“I did, and I don’t regret it. He’s my best friend. I trust him with my life, and yours. When it’s official, it’ll click into place,” Andrius said begrudgingly.

“This happens with all Lunas?” Intrigued, I took a step toward him. When he did the same, Andrius was by my side. Blue eyes darted to Andrius’. A knowing smile spread across his lips.

“Yeah,” Andrius answered.

“She’s not only yours now,” he teased.

A deep growl filled the room.

“Don’t push me. There’s only one man I share her with, and that isn’t you.”

“But it’s so much fun when I do,” the beta joked.

I giggled and both men focused on me.

“What other man? I don’t smell him here.”

“Are you going to introduce yourself, or should I do that for you?” Andrius ignored his questions. His tone sounded bored, but the way his body tensed beside me was proof he was anything but.

The stranger who didn’t feel like one cut through the distance. When he was in front of me, I had to crane my neck to look at him. Just like with Andrius. I didn’t have to do that for long because in the next second, he dropped as he took a knee. I was caught off guard, but didn’t move. I watched as the mountain of a man bowed and stared into blue pools that resembled a sea I’d never seen before. He took a deep breath and stared at me like he’d waited his whole life for me.

“Luna. My name is Duke.” Lifting his arm, he opened his hand and offered me his open palm. I took it, and his fingers instantly wrapped around it. His head dipped until his lips pressed to my knuckles. With a hiss from Andrius, he lowered his head and press his forehead to my hand. “I’ll be honest. I lost hope of ever seeing you. I failed you, but I’m so happy you’re here. We don’t know each other well, but I’m your brother, your bodyguard, your friend. I won’t fail you again. With Alpha Andrius as witness, I swear my loyalty to you.”

“Aren’t you moving too fast here? You’re getting ahead of yourself.” Andrius was a ball of vibrating fury. I’d try to reassure him, but Duke still had my hand.

“I don’t need her to be sworn in to know, and I don’t need her to promise me anything.”

“I don’t really get what’s going on,” I said honestly.

“There. You’ve met her. Now you can leave.”

“As rude as Andrius is being right now, I could use some clothes,” I laughed.

Duke nodded before he stood to his feet. Releasing my hand, he stared at me expectantly. But not in an uncomfortable, weird way. No, in a patient, take your time kind of way. If that even makes sense.

“Oh, right. I’m Amia. Just… Amia. How about we meet downstairs?” I offered.

“Sounds good. Just let me know.” The last sentence was directed to Andrius.

“I’ll think about it. You’ve met her. Now you can leave.”

Duke kisses his teeth, but doesn’t argue. His blue eyes find mine and he winks at me. My smile widened as he headed for the door.

“And Duke?” Andrius called after him.

The Beta stopped and peered over his shoulder.

“You ever kiss any part of her again and I’ll take your lips,” Andrius growled.

“I’m quivering in my boots,” Duke taunted. Before Andrius could respond, he was gone. The door slammed shut behind him.

“He told you,” I laughed.

“I can already tell the two of you together are going to be a handful. Throw Danny in the mix…” He shook his head.

“I can’t wait! Hmm… well, if I’m to meet everyone, I’m going to need clothes.”