Chapter 5: Zoey

I grimaced as the antiseptic Deacon used stung the cuts as he started to bandage my arm.

"I'm so sorry. I hate that this hurts you. I just need to finish with the bandage and then you're all set."

I looked down as Deacon's voice rumbled softly next to me and gave him another soft smile.

"Thank you. You're my hero." 

On impulse, I leaned forward and kissed his cheek softly as I gently caressed his other cheek with my free hand. He looked stunned for several moments and then he gave me the most beautiful sexy smile that was absolutely panty-drenching. If these guys kept this up, my poor undies were going to have to swim out of here.

"Now that you've poleaxed and charmed my Gamma, can you answer my question on why you aren't healing? I can smell you're a shifter but there's something different." Asher's words were softened by the smile on his face.

I giggled. "Sorry, Gamma. I didn't realize it would affect you so much."

Deacon smiled and he shocked me when he leaned in and gently kissed my lips. I licked my lips, and I could taste his unique flavor, like honey with a hint of fire and spice. It was intoxicating and I really wanted another taste. 

"I am always happy to accept a kiss from you and you can touch me all you want, whenever you want, wherever you want." Deacon grinned. "And call me Deacon. Or Deke if you want."

I blushed as his knuckles grazed along my cheek as he stood and went to lean against the desk next to Asher. The Alpha gave him a dirty look which made Deacon grin even wider.

"You snooze you lose, Ash. Not my fault that you didn't think of a way to steal a kiss sooner."

I gaped at them as Jericho threw his head back and laughed. He winked at me. "Don't mind them, dear. We all know who you prefer." He gestured to himself.

"Really Jer? You're gonna go there? Don't make me take you down just to show her who's top wolf around here."

Asher poked Jericho in the ribs. I just leaned back and laughed until I had tears in my eyes. My ribs hurt and I never expected to be laughing right now. I loved how these big bad wolves became so freaking adorable! I caught my breath and I saw the happy looks on their faces from making me laugh. 

"Ok ok. That's enough boys. Plenty of me to go around." I clapped my hand over my mouth and stared wide-eyed at them over my hand. Asher snickered at the shocked look on my face.

"Oh yes, darling. There is definitely enough for us to share."

I took a deep breath as the suggestion in his voice set my pussy throbbing. "Well… umm… back to your question, Alpha. Yes, I'm a shifter… but I've never shifted. I don't have a wolf. So, I can't heal by shifting and I don't have any of a shifter's powers. I heal at the same rate as a human. And I can get hurt as easily as a human. Basically, I'm pretty much cursed to be a human with a shifter's scent, and no one knows why."

Jericho tilted his head. "How did you end up here then?"

I glanced at him and then Asher. I paused as a cramp hit my stomach and I bent forward a little. 

"Um… Mr. Monroe… Alpha… Sir. Um, since this looks like it's gonna be a long conversation, would I be able to get something to eat before I answer that? I haven't eaten since 5 AM. We were too slammed getting things ready and set up for me to eat lunch. And I was supposed to go meet everyone for dinner but… well… I'm here instead."

They all just stared at me. 

"5 AM? Jer, can you go get her some food right away? And please Zoey, call me Ash." 

Wait, what? Seriously? The Alpha…. told me to call him Ash. His nickname that I'd only heard his Beta and Gamma call him. And he gave permission to me, insignificant me, to call him that too? I pinched my arm and inhaled as it hurt. Jericho paused as he was leaving and all three stared at me confused.

"I… uh… wanted to make sure this isn't all a dream. I mean, I never expected to be in a room with the Alpha, Beta, and Gamma of Silver Moon pack, being told to call the Alpha and Gamma by nicknames, laughing, and not dying. It's just a little surreal to me."

Asher chuckled. "Yeah, I could see that. This is an unusual situation for us too. Once we hear more of your story, you can hear ours and why this is so strange to us as well."

With a nod and a wink, Jericho left to go bring me dinner before we settled into the long conversation about my past. I sighed. Yippee for me.