Page 34 of Doubly Claimed

Chapter 14

“Who is that?” Ginger asked Clarice, her new assistant and the first Eagle Shifter she had ever met.

“That’s Armand. He’s a Grizzly,” she said shyly while they made their way through the new faces at the Clan gathering Misha had announced to celebrate her arrival.

Ginger didn’t want to make a fuss, but Ross had agreed. In fact, the adorable man said it was a privilege to announce the finding of their third. Embarrassment made her cheeks flush pink as she endured the many stares and whispers from the strangers in the clearing behind the Clan House.

Clarice had explained that while she would help Ginger get through most of the introductions, they probably would not all be done tonight.

“I thought they said this was a small Clan?” she asked the female, who simply nodded.

“We are a small Clan, and we are special because we are made up of different types of Shifter species.”

“Yes, the guys explained that,” she murmured, and met the apparently hostile stare of a young male hovering on the edge of the woods.

“What’s his problem?” she wondered aloud.

“There you are,” Misha’s voice reached her, and she spun to face him, forgetting the youth instantly.

“Thank you, Clarice, for taking excellent care of our mate.” Ross’ smile was genuine, but brief when directed at the other woman.

Ginger waited for the uncomfortable jealousy she’d first felt when she’d seen the other female, but thankfully, it did not come. Ross was the Clan Omega. He brought calm and peace with him, being friendly was just part of his nature and she loved that about him.

Whatever was going on inside of her, it was like she understood, accepted, and encouraged it. The growly voice that had somehow been awakened by her mates was satisfied now that she had been claimed in their home. Twice, in fact, over the last twenty-four hours.

Blushing as she thought about how very thoroughly she had been claimed, Ginger stepped into Misha’s embrace. She loved the way her powerful Alpha demonstrated his claim with a hard kiss on her lips.

She might not have been prepared for the loud roar that followed, gaining everyone’s attention, but Ross was there, on her other side, and his presence made her feel safe and treasured.

“Everyone,” Misha said in a strong, clear voice that oozed power, “I present your new Alpha fem, and our mate, Ginger Freeman.”

The Clan erupted into cheers and howls, a few roars, and whistles too. Of course, Ginger was delighted by their acceptance, but her thoughts strayed back to one sullen and angry pair of eyes. She wondered if she should mention the youth, but as if the Fates had read her mind, the young man suddenly appeared.

“Ah, Bruce.” Misha smiled. “Ginger, this is my cousin, Bruce. Bruce, my mate.”

“Nice to meet you.” Ginger smiled pleasantly, but the youth glared at her.

“A normal? You turned down my sister, a perfect Sow, and you mated a normal?” the young man said angrily.

“Bruce,” growled Ross.

“No, there are laws! If she is your choice, then she can be challenged. Amy!”

Ginger turned her head and watched as a young woman stepped forward. She was tall with an athletic build and wide shoulders. Nice looking but once more she noted this woman was angry. At her, apparently.

Gulp.

“Bruce, we have been through this,” Ross interrupted. “We are a Triad and Amy is not ours. Ginger is. Stand down and accept it.”

“Never,” snarled the young Bear. “Amy! Issue the challenge!”

“I issue a challenge for the position of Alpha fem.” The female Sow lifted her chin defiantly.

Ginger heard Clarice’s gasp and her turned to see the Eagle’s eyes glowing gold in anger. What the hell was happening? She turned to her mates and was shocked at the peppering of fur that covered Misha’s arms and cheeks. His Bear was about to go ape shit on the lot of them! Ross wasn’t looking any calmer than his partner, and worry gnawed at Ginger.

“What’s a challenge?” she asked stupidly.

“That’s when I kill your sorry human carcass and get your mates,” the stranger called Amy snarled at her.