Claimed by My Best Friend's Alpha Dad

Lina's POV

I stepped into the Lockwood estate's grand ballroom, pulse racing. Tonight was Alpha Victor's birthday celebration-the entire manor ablaze with lights, packed with guests. But I barely registered the lavish decorations or the buzz of conversation swirling around me.

Then champagne splashed across my chest.

The cold, sticky liquid ran down my hair and dress. Susanna Laurent's amber wolf-eyes gleamed with malice as she offered a sweet apology, then added just loud enough for everyone nearby to hear:

"Though honestly, you shouldn't be here anyway."

The room froze for a single heartbeat.

Then came the laughter.

"A packless orphan at the victory celebration? Bold move."

"If the Lockwoods hadn't taken her in, she'd probably be dead in a ditch somewhere."

"She can't actually think she belongs here, can she?"

Their voices crashed over me like waves, each one poisonous.

I said nothing.

I just stared down at the spreading stain on my dress-the dress I'd worked two weeks to afford-and slowly curled my hands into fists until my nails bit into my palms. The pain kept me grounded.

But it still hurt less than their words.

I should have been used to it by now-from the day the Lockwood pack took me in, these whispers had never stopped. The girl whose parents were slaughtered by silver-blade hunters. The girl without a wolf.

These labels had defined me whether they spoke them aloud or not.

None of it should matter. I still had Jasper. I needed to find him. I needed to escape this suffocating atmosphere.

Tonight, Jasper promised to make us public.

Jasper is Alpha Victor's only son and heir to the Lockwood Pack. He's handsome, powerful, and gentle-the dream man of most she-wolves in the pack, but he has a secret.

He's been secretly dating me. Lila Ward, just a wolfless orphan.

Ever since Luna Elena adopted me, he's always been gentle and caring, telling me not to feel inferior because of my bloodline.

Three months ago, he accepted my confession and promised he would make our relationship public when the time was right.

For ninety days, we'd been sneaking around-stolen kisses in empty hallways, messages sent only when no one was watching. He told me we needed to wait for the perfect moment, that our bond required protection, that he didn't want me facing the pack's judgment. I believed him. I'd always believed him.

Tonight, that moment had finally arrived.

The ballroom had several exits. I slipped through one gratefully, searching the corridors. Maybe he was waiting in his room?

After a few minutes, I heard his familiar voice coming from behind a half-open door.

Then I heard it clearly.

Laughter. Moaning.

My world stopped spinning. No. This couldn't be happening...

My feet moved on their own, carrying me toward that room. Each step felt like walking to my execution.

"Oh god, Jasper... yes, just like that... harder..."

The door hung half-open, like a cruel invitation to witness my own destruction.

I saw them. Jasper's cock buried inside Sophie's pussy. Sophie moaning, drowning in pleasure.

No. No, no, no, no.

"Your cunt's dripping wet, Sophie," Jasper grunted.

Sophie Laurent. Heir to the Stoneheart Pack.

Sophie laughed. "Better than your pathetic little sister, I bet. Poor Lina probably doesn't even know how to satisfy a real man."

The air was ripped from my lungs. I couldn't breathe, couldn't think-only feel the agony tearing through my chest.

"Don't mention her," Jasper's voice rasped. "Not while we're doing this."

"Why not?" Sophie's fingers traced possessive circles down his spine, her tone lazy. "Soon enough she'll understand her place. An Omega like her could never satisfy you anyway."

Each word landed like a hammer blow. I stumbled backward, gasping. My shoulder hit the wall with a sound like a gunshot.

"What was that?" Sophie hissed.

My foot caught the door and it slammed against the wall with a bang.

"What the hell?"

They saw me,jerked apart. Jasper nearly tumbled off the couch, scrambling for his shirt. Sophie merely sat up, not even bothering to cover herself.

"Lina!" Jasper went pale. "I can explain-"

"Explain?" My voice shook. "Explain why you're fucking Sophie?"

"This isn't what it looks like-"

"This is exactly what it looks like!" Tears streamed down my face. "You lying, cheating bastard!"

Sophie stretched lazily before reaching for her clothes. "Oh, sweetheart. You didn't actually think he'd choose you, did you?" She tilted her head with mocking pity. "How adorable."

"Sophie, stop," Jasper warned. But his voice was weak.

"Stop what? Telling her the truth?" Sophie rose slowly. "That we're already engaged? That you were just playing with her?"

The world tilted. "You're lying."

"Am I?" Sophie moved to the window, arranging her hair. "Why don't you ask Jasper? I'm sure he'll tell you. Maybe even mention our engagement announcement next week."

"Lina, listen-" Jasper had finally gotten his shirt on. "This doesn't change anything between us. We can still-"

"Still what?" I lunged at him. He caught my wrist.

"You need to calm down," he said. His grip was tight, bruises already forming. "Think about your position. You don't want to make this worse."

I stared into his eyes-eyes that had whispered promises days ago, now cold and calculating.

"Let go," I said quietly.

"Lina-"

"Let go of me!"

I wrenched free and ran.

I moved soundlessly back to the ballroom, my steps mechanical. That's when I saw them-Luna Elena and Alpha Victor standing near the grand staircase.

"Lina?" Luna Elena's expression shifted to concern as she approached. "Dear, you look upset. Have you been crying?"

"It's nothing," I managed, though my voice cracked. "I'm fine."

Luna Elena's brow furrowed. She reached into her evening clutch and pulled out an elegant card-gold-embossed with delicate filigree around the edges.

"I've been meaning to give you this," she said, extending the invitation toward me. "Jasper and Sophie's engagement party next week. We'd like you to attend, as Jasper's sister. It's an important occasion for the family."

I stared at the card like it was a weapon aimed at my heart.

"You knew," I said. Not a question. A statement. "You've always known about Jasper and Sophie."

Luna Elena and Alpha Victor exchanged a glance. That look told me everything.

"Yes," Alpha Victor said finally, his voice measured. "We knew. This is an alliance between two packs, Lina. It's crucial for Lockwood Pack's future."

My hands hung at my sides, nails digging crescents into my palms. "And what do you expect from me? My blessing?"

"Of course," Luna Elena said, her tone gentle but firm. "You're part of this family, Lina. We hope you'll understand this is for the greater good-"

"Sorry, Luna Elena. I'm not feeling well."

I fled from there in embarrassment, running blindly as tears blurred my vision.

I don't know how long I ran. Ten minutes? An hour? When I finally stopped, I found myself in the town center.

Few people were out-just scattered pedestrians and occasional passing cars. I leaned against a wall, hands on my knees, gasping for air.

"Lina!" A familiar voice snapped me back to reality.

I turned to see Chloe running toward me, hair streaming behind her.

"I saw you bolt from the ballroom," she said breathlessly, stopping before me. "God, your face... what happened?"

"Worse than you can imagine," I said, my voice raw. My knees weakened and I nearly collapsed into her arms.

Chloe steadied me, her grip strong and sure. "Tell me," she said, concern flooding her voice. "What the hell happened?"

I took a shaky breath and everything poured out. I told her about the scene I'd witnessed-Jasper and Sophie tangled together, their cruel words. I told her about the engagement, about Luna Elena's comments, about my foolishness and heartbreak.

The words came in broken sobs, but I got it all out.

When I finally finished, Chloe held me tight.

"That bastard," she growled, fury in her voice. "How dare he do this to you?"

She pulled back, hands on my shoulders, looking directly into my eyes.

"Listen, Lina. You know what you need? Someone who actually appreciates you. Not these fake assholes, not people who just use you."

"I don't need anyone," I said quietly.

"No?" Chloe raised an eyebrow. "Then why are you still crying over him?"

I opened my mouth but couldn't speak.

Chloe sighed, then a mysterious smile crossed her face."You need a new Mate." she said. "Someone who truly respects you and cherishes you."

"Chloe-"

"Tomorrow night. 9 PM. Le Bernardin bar. I want to see the sexiest Lina in the world!"

I looked at Chloe's determined eyes, remembering all the humiliation I'd endured today, and felt an unprecedented surge of courage. "Fine. Let all those awful guys go to hell!"

Lina's POV

I washed the champagne from my hair three times, but the smell of that ballroom still clung to me. Jasper's lies. Sophie's laugh. Luna Elena's invitation.

By the time I looked at myself in the mirror, my eyes were swollen, but something inside me had gone strangely calm.

If they wanted me to be the pathetic orphan in the corner, fine. Tonight, I would become someone they would never recognize.

Tonight I was going out to have fun. I stood in front of my closet, feeling reckless and determined.

I pulled out a black dress I'd bought months ago but never had the courage to wear. It hugged every curve, leaving little to the imagination. No underwear-tonight called for bold choices.

Stiletto heels made my legs look endless. Blood red lipstick replaced my usual soft pink gloss.

The woman in the mirror was a stranger-confident, dangerous, nothing like the girl who'd cried over Jasper.

I grabbed my purse, tossing in the basics plus a condom I'd impulsively bought earlier.

Jasper thought I was beneath him? Fine. Someone else would think differently.

The bar was exactly as Chloe had described-pulsing music, flashing lights, and packed with bodies moving to the beat. I pushed through the crowd toward the VIP section where Chloe had booked us a table.

When I reached the roped-off area and gave Chloe's name to the hostess, she led me to a private booth overlooking the dance floor.

But instead of finding Chloe waiting for me, there was a man sitting in our reserved booth.

The man was devastatingly attractive, mature, broad-shouldered, and impossible not to stare at. Where the hell was Chloe? And who was this mysterious stranger occupying our table?

I approached the booth hesitantly, my heart racing. "Excuse me," I said, trying to sound confident despite my nerves. "Are you... did Chloe send you? I'm Lina."

"Yeah."The man's eyes traveled slowly over me, his gaze intense and appreciative. There was something magnetic about the way he looked at me, making my heart race.

"Chloe won't be joining us tonight," he said, his voice deep and smooth. "She's... indisposed."

"Indisposed?" I slid into the booth across from him, confusion creeping into my voice. "What do you mean? She's the one who set this up."

He leaned back against the plush booth, completely at ease while I felt increasingly unsettled. "Let's just say your friend had a change of plans. But don't worry-I'm more than happy to keep you company tonight."

The way he said it made my pulse quicken, though I couldn't tell if it was from excitement or alarm. There was something about this man that screamed power and control, and I found myself oddly captivated by it.

"I don't even know your name," I said, trying to regain some composure.

A slow smile spread across his lips. "Adrian," he said simply.

The name rang a bell somewhere in my mind, but I pushed the thought away. Tonight wasn't about thinking.

He signaled the waitress, ordering top-shelf whiskey for himself and another cocktail for me. Throughout our conversation, I found myself leaning forward, drawn to him like a moth to flame. Every time our fingers accidentally brushed reaching for our drinks, electricity sparked between us.

"Chloe explained the... arrangement, didn't she?" I asked, tracing the rim of my cocktail glass.

His eyes darkened as they followed the movement of my finger. "She did. And I have to say, I was very interested."

Heat bloomed in my cheeks. "Tell me honestly, how do you find me?"

His gaze swept over me with undisguised hunger. "Absolutely captivating."

When his leg pressed against mine beneath the table, I didn't move away. The contact sent a thrill up my spine, settling low in my belly with a warm pulse of desire.

"And I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to take you home with me tonight."

"You probably have she-wolves lining up to fuck you," I whispered, trying to maintain some semblance of control. "Don't toy with me."

"I don't waste words," he said, reaching across to tilt my chin up, forcing me to look at him.

His eyes flashed with something primal. "Trust me, Lina. You are very much wanted."

The intensity of his gaze made my breath catch. For weeks, I'd felt unwanted, discarded. But the hunger in Adrian's eyes was unmistakable.

I felt my pussy clench again, another flood of wetness soaking through my panties. I reached for my wine glass, taking a long sip to hide my reaction.

"I should go," I managed to say, my voice embarrassingly husky. "It's getting late."

"Let me drive you home," he offered.

"I can call a ride," I protested weakly.

"I insist," Adrian said, his hand coming to rest at the small of my back-a touch that sent a shock of electricity up my spine. "Unless you'd prefer not to spend any more time in my company?"

Our eyes locked in silent challenge. I knew I should leave, knew this was moving too fast, but the heat between my legs and the empty ache in my chest demanded satisfaction.

I surrendered with a slight nod.

In the back of the car, the tension between us grew heavier with each passing minute.

The leather seats creaked as Adrian shifted closer, his powerful thigh pressing firmly against mine. I could feel the heat radiating from his body, smell the intoxicating blend of his cologne and raw masculinity.

"Are you afraid of me?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous.

I met his gaze, pulse hammering. "No."

His lips curved into a predatory smile. "Then why are you sitting so far away?"

Before I could respond, he moved with Alpha speed, pulling me onto his lap in one fluid motion. I gasped as I felt the hard planes of his chest against my back, the unmistakable ridge of his erection pressing against my ass. My pussy throbbed in response, soaking my panties as his hands circled my waist.

"Feel what you do to me," he growled, one hand sliding up to cup my breast through my dress while the other gripped my hip, grinding me against his hardness. "I've barely touched you and I'm already rock hard."

My cunt clenched at his crude words, wetness pooling between my thighs. I arched my back instinctively, pressing against him.

"I can feel how much you want me," I whispered breathlessly.

"I bet you're soaked for me, too," he whispered, his breath hot against my ear. "I can smell your arousal from here. Your sweet little cunt dripping for me."

I should have been offended by his bluntness, but instead, I felt another rush of wetness between my legs. God, he was right-I was embarrassingly wet, my body betraying how desperately I wanted him.

"My hotel is nearby," he said, his voice rough. "But I need to hear you say it, Lina. Is this what you want?"

In answer, I pulled him back to me, pressing my lips against his ear.

"Yes," I whispered. "I want this. I want you."

The rest of the night blurred into sensations: the cool sheets of his hotel room bed, the heat of his skin against mine, the way he whispered my name like a prayer. For those hours, there was no pain, no rejection, no loneliness-just the two of us, finding solace in each other's bodies.

With Adrian, I felt wanted. Desired. For one night, that was enough.

Morning came with golden sunlight streaming through curtains we'd forgotten to close. I woke slowly, aware of a warm, solid body beside me, a strong arm draped possessively around my waist.

For a moment, I allowed myself to enjoy it-this feeling of safety, of belonging. Adrian's chest rose and fell in the steady rhythm of sleep, his face softer in repose, making him look younger, less severe.

As memories of the night before flooded back, I felt a flush spread across my cheeks. I'd never been so uninhibited, so... demanding. Something about Adrian had unleashed a side of me I hadn't known existed.

As if sensing my thoughts, his eyes opened, instantly alert. No gradual waking for an Alpha, I supposed.

"Good morning," he murmured, his voice rough with sleep as he pulled me closer. "Sleep well?"

I nodded, suddenly shy in the harsh light of day. "Very well."

His fingers traced lazy patterns on my bare shoulder. "Any regrets?"

I considered the question seriously before shaking my head. "No. Last night was... exactly what I needed."

He smiled, a genuine smile that transformed his face. "Good."

We lay in comfortable silence for a few minutes before I gathered my courage to ask the question that had been nagging at me since I'd woken up.

"How do you know Chloe?" I asked, curious about their connection. "I mean, you seem a bit... mature for her usual circle of friends."

Adrian's expression shifted, a hint of something unreadable crossing his features before he smiled. "Chloe is my daughter," he said.

Lina's POV

The words hit me like a bucket of ice water. I froze, certain I'd misheard him.

"Your... daughter?" I repeated numbly.

Oh God. I'd slept with my best friend's father.

Not just any father-an Alpha. The Alpha of the most powerful pack in North America.

Panic rose in me like a tidal wave as the full implications hit. I'd spent the night with Adrian Storm. I'd done things with Adrian Storm that made my face burn just thinking about them.

"I have to go," I gasped, scrambling away from him and nearly falling off the bed in my haste. "This was a mistake-a huge mistake."

Adrian sat up, the sheet pooling around his waist, his expression hardening. "Lina, calm down."

"Calm down?" I repeated, my voice rising as I frantically searched for my clothes. "You're Chloe's father! And you didn't think to mention that before we-before-"

"I assumed you knew," he said, watching me with those penetrating eyes. "She didn't tell you I was the one meeting you?"

"Well, she didn't!" I snapped, pulling my dress over my head with shaking hands. The horrifying realization hit me-Chloe must have just wanted her father to talk to me, to offer comfort after my breakup.

God, what had I done? I had slept with my best friend's father! The shame burned through me. I needed to get out of here before this became any more humiliating.

"I need to leave," I said, shoving my feet into my heels. "This can't happen again. Ever."

Adrian moved quickly, catching my arm before I could reach the door. His grip was gentle but firm, his expression serious as he turned me to face him.

"Lina, wait. Just hear me out before you leave."

I crossed my arms over my chest. "What could you possibly say that would make this situation any less mortifying?"

"I need a Luna," he stated plainly, his gray eyes holding mine. "The Council has been pressuring me to take a mate for years, and the neighboring packs are pushing their eligible daughters my way. I've been holding them off, but I'm running out of time."

I blinked, caught off guard by the abrupt change of subject. "And this concerns me how, exactly?"

"Chloe has rejected every woman I've considered," he continued, running a hand through his dark hair. "She's protective-stubborn as hell, actually. But she adores you."

Realization dawned slowly. "So what, last night was some kind of... interview?"

"No." His response was immediate and emphatic. "Last night was unexpected-for both of us, I think. But it showed me something I've been missing." He stepped closer, his voice dropping lower. "I need someone who Chloe trusts, someone who won't hurt her. And you need protection from Jasper and his family."

I flinched at the mention of Jasper's name. "I don't need protecting."

"Don't you?" Adrian's expression softened slightly. "Alpha Victor still controls your pack registration.If Alpha Victor discovers what's been going on between you and Jasper, what if they pressure you into a political marriage? What if you're forced to wed some disreputable wolf?"

My stomach twisted. He wasn't wrong. Meanwhile Jasper had a possessive streak that belied his charming exterior. Even though he'd chosen Sophie, I doubted he'd let me go easily.

"What exactly are you suggesting?" I asked warily.

"A marriage of convenience." His gaze was unwavering. "You become my Luna, gaining my protection and status. I get a mate who my daughter already approves of, and the political alliance pressure eases."

I let out a surprised laugh, the sound sharp and disbelieving. "You're serious? We barely know each other!"

"We know enough." His voice was steady, certain. "I know you're loyal, kind, and stronger than you give yourself credit for. You know I can protect you and that I treat my obligations seriously."

"And what about..." I gestured vaguely between us, heat rising to my cheeks at the memory of his mouth on my skin.

A hint of a smile curved his lips. "That part certainly works well, doesn't it?"

I turned away, trying to think clearly despite the chaos in my mind. Part of me wanted to run-this was insane, impulsive, reckless. But another part whispered that maybe, just maybe, this crazy proposal was exactly what I needed.

"It would be temporary," I said finally, facing him again. "Until we both decide otherwise."

Adrian's expression didn't change, but something flickered in his eyes-satisfaction, perhaps. "I'll have the agreement drawn up today. Nothing happens without your explicit consent, Lina. This is your choice."

Two hours later, I found myself staring at a neatly typed contract. The terms were straightforward: a marriage of mutual benefit, with provisions for dissolution should either party wish it, confidentiality clauses, and clear boundaries.

My hand trembled slightly as I signed my name, Adrian's strong, steady signature already in place beside the blank where mine would go.

"Are you sure about this?" I asked him, pen hovering over the paper.

His eyes held mine. "Completely."

With a deep breath, I signed.

The county clerk's office was quiet when we arrived, just a few other couples waiting for their turn. Adrian's hand rested lightly at the small of my back as we approached the counter, his touch reassuring rather than possessive.

"Name?" the clerk asked, barely glancing up from her computer.

"Adrian Storm and Lina Ward," Adrian replied, sliding our IDs across the counter.

The clerk's head snapped up, eyes widening as she recognized the name. "Alpha Storm! I-of course, sir, right away."

What followed was a blur of paperwork, questions, and signatures. The officiant finally said, "By the power vested in me by the state, I now pronounce you husband and wife."

Adrian's kiss was brief but tender, his thumb brushing my cheek as he pulled away. Just like that, I was married. To my best friend's father. To the Alpha of the Storm Pack.

"I need to go," Adrian said as we stepped outside, genuine regret in his voice. "Pack emergency-can't be avoided. Will you be okay? I can have someone drive you home."

"I'll be fine," I assured him, still feeling slightly dazed. "Go. I need some time to... process anyway."

He studied me for a moment, as if ensuring I truly was alright, before nodding. "I'll call you later." His hand squeezed mine briefly before he turned and strode toward his waiting car.

I stood there, watching as his sleek black SUV pulled away from the curb. What had I just done?