Marked by Debt, Claimed for Protection

“There has to be a mistake somewhere.” I whispered.

First was Ezra's rejection and now, I was being taken as payment for my father's debt? I could feel the world spinning around me. I was slowly losing air.

“Chloe, breathe.” Talon said immediately rushing to my side.

Peyton's face burned with jealousy as she saw Talon beside me. She hated me to the bone.

“Come on. She’s faking it. She just doesn’t want to fulfill her obligations.”

Talon turned sharply, his dark eyes flashing. “Back off, Peyton,” he growled, his voice low and full of warning.

I couldn’t focus. My heart thundered in my ears, and everything felt far away. I clutched at my chest, struggling to inhale.

Kael appeared beside me, his hand gripping my shoulder gently but firmly. “Chloe. Look at me,” he said, his voice calm, steady. “You’re safe. Just breathe.”

The spinning slowed, just a little. I focused on Kael’s golden eyes as I grounded myself. There was nothing I could do.

“ You can take her today.” Jessa said interfering. “Just make sure what we agreed on…”

I could see the greed in her eyes. Jessa wasn’t worried about me, she was worried about the deal, about what she’d get in return. My hands trembled at my sides, nails digging into my palms. I wasn’t family to her. I was currency.

Talon stepped forward, his stance protective, sharp like a blade unsheathed. “We’ll honor the agreement,” he said, eyes never leaving Jessa’s. “But from this moment on, she’s under our protection. No one touches her again.”

Jessa scoffed and crossed her arms. “Fine. Take her. She’s your problem now.”

Peyton snorted, flipping her hair as if she’d won something. “Good luck. She’s literally nothing but dead weight.” She mocked.

I flinched, but Talon darted his eyes at Peyton dangerously. Even Jessa took a cautious step back.

Kael leaned in close to me. “Do you have anything you want to take with you?”

I looked around at the house. For years since my father died, this place had stopped being home to me. Peyton and Jessa made my life a living hell and mocked me whenever they had a chance

“There’s nothing here for me.” I whispered as my eyes landed on my father's picture. I couldn't help feeling betrayed by even him. “Nothing I'd want anyway.”

***************************

The mansion Jett, Talon and Kael lived in was extremely huge. It was super luxurious and elegant, the kind of place you only saw in movies or magazines. My breath caught in my throat as we pulled through the black iron gates, the car gliding up the long stone driveway. Towering trees lined both sides like silent guards, and the evening sky cast a golden glow over everything.

I had rode with Talon in his car. His car was sleek and shiny with spacious leather seats that smelled faintly of mint and something expensive I couldn’t name. I sat quietly in the passenger seat, my fingers gripping the edge of my seatbelt. Talon didn’t talk much during the drive, but his presence was calming and steady. Almost as if there was something special between us.

“ You'll be staying in the East Wing with us. That way we'll be able to reach you whenever we want.” Kael said as he opened the door to the room that I was assigned to.

My heart froze as I saw it. There was a huge pink bed in the middle of the room with pretty walls. The entire place was very beautiful unlike my former room. I stepped in fully barely able to believe it was real. The bed looked like something out of a fairy tale. Fluffy pillows, soft white sheets trimmed with lace, and a velvet headboard the color of roses. A huge chandelier hung from the ceiling and the scent of fresh flowers drifted in from the open balcony doors.

“Is this… really for me?” I asked, my voice cracking.

Kael nodded with a soft smile from behind me. “Of course. You deserve better than what you were given.”

I swallowed hard, emotion clogging my throat. No one had ever said anything like that to me before. I felt like crying but I blinked quickly, trying to hold it in.

“This is your space now,” Jett said from behind, his voice smooth and deep as he leaned against the doorway. He looked effortlessly cool in a black shirt, sleeves rolled up, tattoos peeking from beneath the fabric. “You don’t have to pretend here, Chloe. No one’s going to hurt you.”

I turned slowly, facing the three of them. Kael. Talon. Jett. They were all so different, but somehow… I felt safer than I did with Peyton and Jessa.

“But why?” I whispered, unable to stop the question from falling from my lips. “Why are you doing this for me?”

Talon stepped forward, his eyes softer than I’d ever seen them. “Because we should’ve protected you a long time ago. All three of us. We are going to help you with your acting too.”

“ And let's just say you're special.” Kael added immediately making Talon and Jett stare at him.

Their stare was suspicious and I knew something was wrong. There was something more to this.

“We'll leave you to rest. Get some rest, Chloe.” Talon said quietly before they left.

Once the door was closed, I stood in the middle of the room, frozen. My arms wrapped around myself as I stared at everything. I sat on the edge of the bed, the plush mattress sinking beneath me like a cloud. My fingers ran over the lace-trimmed sheets as I let out a shaky breath. No yelling. No insults. No forced chores or slammed doors.

I didn’t know what peace felt like until now. And it scared me. Could this really be my happy ever after? Or something worst?

**********************************

I arrived at school the next day. Things were easier because everyone was too busy focusing on Madison's birthday. Madison was the hottest girl and the most powerful she-wolf at school. Everyone including Peyton was among the girls who flocked around her.

Compared to Madison, I was just another Omega that didn't exist and I liked it.

“ Hey Chloe.” Peyton's voice suddenly made me freeze. “I'm surprised you came to school.”

I knew Peyton was here for trouble.

“ I don't want any trouble.” I whispered standing up when suddenly, Peyton put out her leg to trip me.

“You pathetic, worthless Omega,” Peyton spat. “I don’t even know why you bothered showing your face here after Ezra dumped you. Just vanish already. No one wants you around.”

“ And why can't she be here?” A voice asked making everyone turn.

Talon, Kael and Jett walked into the class making everyone stunned. Kael was dressed in his football game outfit looking handsome while Talon and Jett were in their normal outfits.

“ Who are you to decide if she should come to school or not?” Jett asked.