Their Claim - Claimed by the Lycans

1 Year Later

"The usual" I smile over the counter at Chelsea, the cashier and daughter of Mr. Morrison, the coffee shop owner.

I had quickly become a regular the minute my brother brought me here for my 18th birthday last year.

I somehow fell in love with this cozy, homily little place that seemed to add a dash of love in every cup of coffee.

Chelsea keys my order into the computer, takes the money and shout over to Yalia, the barista. "Anthenet. The usual."

Yalia nods, smiling over at me, before finishing up the last order she had been working on.

I wait my turn, retreating to the quiet corner of the shop.

"Mate!"

I whip my head around and my eyes instantly go wide with shock as I'm greeted by the most mesmerizing emerald green eyes. I'm completely frozen, unable to tear my eyes away as he takes slow deliberate steps toward me.

My mouth hangs open slightly and it's like my brain has temporarily shut down as I remain transfixed on him. It's like a movie in slow motion and sparks are flying everywhere.

He continues to stare at me. And then, a small smile appears on his lips. "Gosh, do you know how long I've waited to say that word?" How does he make my heart flutter like that? "And you're… beautiful." He breathes out in awe.

He stops in front of me, our eyes remaining locked on each other as he reaches down for my hand and rests it over his heart.

A shiver ripples through me, goosebumps prickling all the way up my arms and tingles of electricity twinkling at my fingertips.

I blush profusely under his gaze and a soft chuckle escapes his lips as he stares at me. "Do you feel the way my heart beats for you?"

How can he be so casual with his charm?

I'm speechless, in a trace, no thoughts coherent enough to be uttered into words. What do I do, what do I say? Helpppp.

I'm inwardly panicking, but externally, I just look like someone has hit the pause button on me.

Suddenly, his expression changes and his smile slowly fades into concern with a touch of curiosity as he eases his hold on my hand. "Tell me, am I the only one who feels this connection?" He's cautious with his question and the uncertainty in his eyes is riddled with hurt.

My heart breaks at the sight.

My neck manages to turn my head from left to right. At least something on me still functions correctly.

His smile instantly returns, broader and brighter than before. "Good, because your silence was really starting to worry me." He pauses and his eyes widen as if he'd caught himself saying something wrong. "Don’t get me wrong, I won't mind one bit if you were mute, not that I think you are, but if you are I won't mind, you'll just be a mute mate- my mute mate, and I would still-" Gosh, isn't his mouth tired?

Suddenly, he's cut short by my lips on his. The air around us is now filled with silence, but he doesn't seem to mind one bit as he's quick to respond, wrapping his arms around my waist with a gentle squeeze. He pulls me close until there's no space between our bodies and suddenly, I can't get enough of his warmth, his scent, or the way my skin crawls and burns with heat as his hands begin moving over my body in a way that's so gentle and tender, unlike his kiss that has now turned aggressive and possessive.

I was not expecting such a turn of events. His kiss makes my heart pound erratically with adrenaline, setting my whole body on fire, turning my world upside down.

I shiver and moan like an animal in heat, making him groan back into my mouth-

"Ehemm" A throat is cleared beside us. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything important, am I?"

I groan, reluctantly pulling away "Are you blind?" I snap, whipping my head around with a death glare.

"She talks." My mate chuckles, but I'm already frozen in disbelief as a familiar pair of ocean eyes mirror my shocked expression.

What the hell is he doing here?

"Griffen, I'll like for you to meet my mate." The guy beside me introduces with pride. "I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name." He leans in to whisper.

My mouth opens, and closes like a fish, my thoughts jumbled and recalcitrant. Suddenly, talking is just as much of a chore as taking my eyes off Griffen. "I-I'm Anthenet."

"Ah, a pretty name for such a pretty lady." My mate swoons with pride, all the while Griffen stands silent with an unreadable expression, however, my mate seems not to notice this awkward exchange.

"I guess I owe you one." My mate smiles, tapping Griffen on his shoulder. Then he turns to me, a bright beam on his face that makes him appear as if he's glowing. "Griffen forced me to come here with him, a whole month before the choosing ceremony, because he wanted to reconnect with some girl that he had met nearly a year ago. Like this man would go on and on about how her. He was clearly smitten, I have no idea what that girl did to his head." He chuckles "I really didn't want to come, but I guess it all worked out because now, I've met you, my mate, and I won't...." There he goes again, but it's not like I can just shut him up like I did before, especially not with Griffen boring holes into me with his stare.

I almost feel trapped, overwhelmed in their presence and my traitor heart makes it even harder for me as it beats fervently for them both.

"I-I better be going now." I mumble, wasting no time to scurry away before either of them can stop me, but I still feel the intensity of Griffen's gaze lingering on me long after I've left the coffee shop.

Shoot, my order.

Well too late now, because I'm not going back.

Shit.... I'm screwed.