Mine to Claim (The Shifterverse #1)

Chapter 1

Lila

My best friend yanked out her Louis Vuitton suitcase—worth more than my life—slamming it down with a bang that made the walls tremble. With her petite build, you never would have guessed she not only played volleyball, but dominated it. She could jump higher than a kangaroo and was known as the spike queen. One hit from her and she’d score. Not only was she the prettiest woman on campus with her short brown pixie cut and bubbly personality, but she was good enough to go pro. Not that she’d ever pursue it. Whenever I brought it up, she shrugged it off and claimed her life was “written in the stars”.

Whatever that meant.

“I have a date with Elijah tonight, Lila! I’ll pack now and I’ll be good to leave right after,” she half-said, half-murmured to herself. Elijah was her latest conquest. He was nothing more than a side piece, and from what I last recalled, supposed to be old news. Sleeping around was never something I could do. I’d been with my boyfriend for a year and still hadn’t slept with him. Sometimes I wish I was more like Dani in that regard. While she had plans of fitting dick and packing in one day, all I really cared about was figuring out how morally grey the main character was in Weeping for the Wendigo: A Dark Monster Romance before my date with Parker.

“If there’s one thing I know, it’s that no one can beat common sense into you, but you. So I’m not even going to bother. I don’t know why you’re going to see him. Didn’t you already drop him?” I asked, placing my bookmark gently between the pages to save my spot. She gasped, dropping the pile of clothes she’d gathered, and spun around to face me. She was already pretending to clutch her pearls.

“Hey, I’m here for a good time, not a long one.” She grinned. I threw my hands up in submission. “Besides… Elijah’s great. The sex is good too, but he’s missing a kn—something I desperately need. And who am I to deny him one last ride?” She shrugged as she sifted through the tower of clothes on her bed.

She’d been my assigned roommate freshman year. Not only is she the sweetest person I know, but she’s got a feisty temper to match. Piss her off and you’ll see a side of her many didn’t get to. It would give anyone nightmares. What further cemented our friendship was the day we had to rush out for practice. If not for my full-ride scholarship to play volleyball, I never could have afforded to attend UW. Three years later, we were practically attached at the hip. She liked to call it fate, while I called it luck.

She flitted back and forth from her closet to her bed, throwing articles of clothing into her suitcase and some onto the never-ending pile. Even though she comes from money, she’s never made me feel like anything less because of what I lacked. Money, a family, literally everything I could possibly need. I could spend the rest of my life working without a single break, and I’d never be able to make the value of her wardrobe alone. It’s hard to find someone who can accept you for who you are and not base your value off what you can or can’t bring to the table. And Dani? She couldn’t give two shits that I only had a few bucks to my name. She’s my soulmate. In a platonic, best friend way. That or I’m just used to really shitty people.

“I really wish I could take you home with me,” she huffed as she shoved socks and intimates in wherever they fit.

We were done with classes and now had two weeks off for spring break. Most students left campus to go home, Dani included. I liked to stay because my scholarship covered my dorm and meals. It was hard passing up free food. On top of that, I didn’t have anywhere to go. No family that claimed me and no home to call my own. Okay, that was a lie. I still had my aunt, but I’d rather die than visit her and whoever was slumming it at her place. I’d like to avoid whatever new creepy “uncle” she’d introduce me to.

The last time I talked about going with Dani to finally meet her family, my boyfriend, Parker, got really upset. He told me I couldn’t go. I wanted to avoid a fight, so I gave in. He lived nearby and wanted me close. And it was no secret that Dani and Parker didn’t get along. Thankfully, they only ran into each other when he came by. He’d been distant recently, and I’d decided to give him my full focus for the break. I was hoping a little bit of alone time would give us time to patch things up. I’d also been thinking I might be ready to have sex with him. I hadn’t talked to Dani about this because she hates him. I was hoping we could work through our problems and grow closer before Dani came back. It’s almost like a sixth sense, the way she’s able to tell when something’s wrong with me.

“I know, but I’m sure you already have plans when you get back. You won’t even miss me,” I teased in a way to comfort her. She sighed and gave me the “I know what you’re up to look.”

“Why yes, I do. There’s someone I’m supposed to meet up with. We linked up over Christmas break after I swiped right on Myth— I mean Tinder. Nothing’s happened between us. I try to avoid seeing anyone seriously back home, but he messaged me last night, and I’m going to explore that. He’s giving big dick energy, if you know what I mean?”

“That’s… wow. How about we be serious for a second? Is he hubby material?” If Dani was thinking of seeing someone, this was a big deal.

“I wouldn’t say that, but he’s someone I’d like to get to know.”

“More stars talk?” I teased.

“Mm… yeah. That. I mean, can you blame him?” She waved at her body, and although she came off as cocky, I knew better. It was just one of many attempts to avoid talking about her family’s weird belief system. But I wouldn’t press. I’m not that friend. If she wanted to talk about it, she’d come to me.

“I seriously cannot with you,” I groaned and rolled my eyes. “I guess it’s good to be confident. And you? Everyone knows you’re hot.” Sighing, I slumped back against the chaise she had in front of our shared window.

“Look. All I’m saying is if he has what I’m looking for, I’ll give him a chance. Maybe I’ll have a spring break fling and fall madly in love. You never know. He could be my soul mate for two weeks and I’ll come back refreshed and ready to take on my last semester.” She lifted a strapless black dress that had chunks of material missing and held it against her body.

“That looks like a piece of floss, but I’m not going to let that distract me. What have I told you? There’s no such thing as soul mates. You find someone and you choose to make it work. This thing called fate is nothing more than a myth. There is no man out there that will love you no matter what. You need to be realistic and find someone who is willing to put in the work for you. And you have to be committed to doing the same.” It was one of the few topics we disagreed on and the words lodged in my chest like splinters. I didn’t know if it was due to a sense of protectiveness I felt for her or something deeper. It could be one of my many flaws.

“Let’s not get into that. Would you help me figure out what to wear?” she whined as she threw the floss aside. Hopping off the chaise, I walked to the massive wardrobe every student got for their clothes.

“Wait. Aren’t you seeing what’s-his-face today?” she threw over her shoulder as she dug so deep into her clothes, the only visible part of her was waist down. I cackled as I attempted to clear some off of her.

“You know his name, and yes, I am, but don’t worry.” I already knew where she was going with this.

“You don’t even need to ask. I got your back, babe. Try this one,” she offered a dress after yanking herself from the void of no return. I didn’t miss the part where she completely ignored the bit about Parker.

“Mm-hmm. Not to be ungrateful, but uh, that looks like a wolf went through it and tore it up with their teeth. Where’s the rest of it? Where would I even wear this?” She flicked her hair and threw it on top of the rest.

“You’re right. That sounds ungrateful.” Just when I thought she’d agree with me. I should have known better.

“I love you, but I need my body to be covered.”

“And I’ve told you multiple times. What’s mine is yours. And the wolf shredded clothing? This is Moonlight. She’s famous back home. It’ll cling to your body and your drool-worthy curves like a hug. See if there’s anything that catches your eye.”

Ugh. Why is being a woman so hard?

I wish I could just wake up already dressed every day.

Who am I kidding?

She had cute clothes, but I grew up eating my aunt’s leftovers–I was used to taking what I could get. Designer clothes? Just another luxury I couldn’t afford.

As I rummaged, I found more clothes I wouldn’t wear, but paused when I saw it. The baby blue material was soft with white floral print. Lifting it, I held it against my body. It would fall halfway down my thighs. Hopefully, my fat ass wouldn’t raise it too much, but I loved it. It was so pretty.

Do I deserve to even want this? To have it?

“Oh. My. Goddess. That looks so good on you!” Dani was the best hype woman and I hated how easily she could make me tear up. Making her own versions of saying was her thing. Goddess. Alpha-hole. Leaving it to the stars. The list went on.

“Stop it. You’re making it weird.” My attempt to deflect her praise didn’t go unnoticed. She put her hand on her hip and leveled me with a look that tipped me off. She was about to go on another ‘love yourself’ tangent.

“Lils. I love you to death, but I will curb stomp you if you don’t start being kind to yourself.” The sheer look of wrath made me laugh out loud.

“My dad bought it for me, but I’ve never worn it. Obviously, you already know it isn’t my style, but sis… it’s as if it was custom made for you. It’s yours.” My phone dinged.

“You know I can’t just take it. Besides, it would be weird to wear something your dad specifically bought for you. I’m fine with borrowing it, but it’s coming right back to you.” She’d already given me enough. Checking the notification, I saw Parker’s name again.

“I’m not doing this with you. What’s mine is yours. Including my dad, but ew. Not like that. And my Goddess, it’s like shit-face can tell when someone’s trying to make you feel good about yourself,” Dani exclaimed, clearly irritated.

“Hey now,” I said defensively.

She sighed.

“Look, babe. I love you. Thank you and thank you daddy Grayson for the dress.”

“Fuck you’re gross!” She cringed and turned back to her wardrobe.

Tapping the notification, I unlocked my phone and read his text. He was a few minutes away and wanted me outside. I let out a breath I didn’t know I’d been holding. I don’t know what happened, but in the last few months the distance has only grown between us. Running my fingers through my loose curls, I threw my phone down and undressed. With the dress on, I walked to the wall mirror and checked my ass. Thankfully, it didn’t ride up too much. Facing forward, I pulled at the hem as I eyed myself. I always felt prettier in new clothes. It sounded superficial, but it was true.

Walking over to Dani, I wrapped my arms around her waist and whatever she was holding.

“I appreciate you. Not only did you save me a trip to town and money, but you made me look pretty.” Releasing her, I stepped back.

“You always do, bish. Is he at least picking you up this time?” she sniffed. I knew she was just being protective and I loved her for it.

“Yes, Mom,” I teased.

“And flowers?” She was pulling out her checklist. Not all of us had a loving dad like she did, but I adored that he raised her to expect only the best. You had to be loved to demand it.

I didn’t have to answer. We both know he didn’t. She no longer pretended that she didn’t like him, but her expectations for any man who wanted to be with me didn’t drop. Women were to be wined and dined. In her words, I “only deserved the best.” And Parker? He didn’t come close.

“Are you done packing yet?” Eyeballing her overflowing suitcases. I wasn’t being inconspicuous with the subject change, but this wasn’t new. Dropping to the floor on her stomach, she reached under the bed, and pulled out another brick of a suitcase. Shaking my head as she placed it flat on the bed before getting up, she flashed me her pearly whites.

“Nope, but if I pack wisely, I’ll only have to take 3. All of this,” she said as she ran her hands down her body, “takes time and lots of work. Sadly, it doesn’t come natural.”

“You’re so full of shit, but you keep telling yourself that.” Another ding from my phone alerted me to Parker being outside.

“He isn’t even coming to the door?” Her lips curled in disgust.

“If you’re gone by the time I get back, I love you and hope you enjoy your break. Try not to get kidnapped.” I held my arms open, and she stomped into the hug.

“That was one time!” she whined. I choked up as we broke apart. I was so used to her being there all the time. She was the sister I never had and this place would feel empty without her.

“Mm… if it happens once?” I started the line she chanted like a mantra.

“It’ll happen again,” she grumbled. I hummed happily, and she rolled her eyes.

“Try to relax?” She snorted at my words.

“Please. Without practice or classes to fill my time, I plan on being bent in half while I’m free of responsibilities. The clock is ticking on my freedom. I’m going to paint the city. I just wish you didn’t have T-bag to hold you down,” she sighed, but couldn’t hide the emotion in her eyes.

“You’re so ugly when you cry.” I went in for another hug and patted her on the back.

“Going to miss you, bitch,” she whined. Pulling away, she dropped to the bed.

“Ugh,” I groaned.

“I hope you guys have fun, or whatever,” she sniffled.

“You don’t mean it, but thanks,” I laughed.

She nodded and then shrugged.

“You’re right. I don’t. Not even a little bit, but I hope you have a good time. I hope he falls, hits his head on the sidewalk, and bleeds out.” My jaw dropped.

“Dani!” I gasped. She stuck out her tongue and jumped. Once again dodging my attempt at slapping her.

“You told me not to lie!” She threw over her shoulder before running out of our room.

“I said you don’t mean it. Not describe how you’d like him to die!” I yelled after her.

“Oh, trust me. That’s not how I want him to die. I can think of a few ways an alpha-hole like him can meet his end…” she mumbled from the other room.

“Weirdo,” I whispered under my breath.

“I heard that!” she yelled. I don’t know how she did; I literally whispered, but she’s always had insanely good hearing. My phone dinged as another notification popped up. Parker was impatient, and nerves swirled as I rushed out. Dani sat on the armrest of our sectional.

“Wear the wedges by the door. The black strapped ones.”

“Thanks, boo.” I blew her a kiss as I passed. Leaning against the wall, I maneuvered them on one by one. Then opened the door.

“Wrap it up! You don’t want the demon’s spawn in your life forever,” Dani called out before I could close it.

Shaking my head, I took the stairs two by two and miraculously made it with both ankles intact. Rushing the hallway before taking the side exit, I ran out to his Honda Civic. I heard Dani’s voice in my head telling me to wait so he could get out and open the door, but I brushed the thought away. Opening it, I hopped in and bit my lip shyly as I smoothed the material on my lap. When I peaked up at him, he wasn’t even looking at me. His eyes were glued to his screen.