Page 103 of Feral Alphas

Luka jerks to a halt as he spots me, gaze flicking to the safety line of tape to check I’m outside of Mufasa’s reach, which I am. “What are you doing?”

“Playing Uno with Mufasa. Well, I’m playing with myself and he’s watching, really. The omegas at the old center taught me how to play and I saw the deck in your hall cupboard a few days ago.”

A pained look crosses his face, and I hope I didn’t upset him. Then he yawns and flashes me a sleepy smile. “Can I play the next round?”

My heart leaps. I’m not in trouble? “Of course!” I beam at him, and he chuckles. He pads into the kitchen and puts the kettle on, as well as a pot with rolled oats, cinnamon, and blueberries. He’ll add protein powder into Colt’s bowl once it’s ready. Luka truly is a man of habit, and even his glances at the clock as he sits down beside me are familiar.

He leans in and kisses my cheek. “It’s nice waking up with you in the house.”

I grin. “Colt not up yet?”

“No, I think we wore him out last night.” He flashes me a conspiratorial wink. “Actually, I turned his alarm off, since he never gets to sleep in. But don’t tell him it was me.”

I giggle and deal out a new round. “You have to play with your cards face up so Mufasa can learn.”

He nods and lays them out in front of his knees. “So, what’s the theory?”

When I’m not sure what he means, he indicates the cards and Mufasa, and I brighten. “Oh! I was reading Kye’s handbook for rehabilitating feral alphas, and it said to give them mental stimulation and opportunities to learn, and to let them get used to the sound of your voice.”

Luka nods and puts out a blue seven. “I see. This covers all three bases.”

I organize my cards into their colors. “I know most people think they’re beyond saving, but they just need an opportunity, I’m sure.”

Luka puts his hand on my arm, stopping my next turn. “Listen to me, Rose. You’re their omega. If anyone in the world has a chance at helping them, it’s you, so listen to your heart and try everything you want to try.” He releases me. “Except putting yourself in danger.”

I chuckle and have my turn. “Look, Mufasa. It’s blue, so you should play your blue Draw Two.”

“Now hang on a minute!” Luka says with mock alarm. “He’s still got a blue four.”

I cover a giggle. “You only say that because you have a reverse yet to use.”

Luka grins but ignores me. “Come on, Mufasa. Sit down and choose a card.” He leans across the line to tap the two cards with his finger.

“Hey! Why do you get to break the rules?” I pout.

Luka pokes his tongue at me. “Because I’m unkillable.”

I snort. He’s not as strong looking as Colt, but I have experienced his absolute stamina and wiry strength several times already, and there’s that odd sense of hidden power I get from him that I can’t explain.

“Well, you’re right, it’s Mufasa’s choice, but since I’m his teacher, I’ll have to choose. But Mufasa, do you want to sit down?” I pat the ground next to me. “Sit.”

Only his gray eyes move as I play the Draw Two just to hear Luka’s fake grumbling.

“I don’t really like the name Mufasa.” I admit quietly. “The kennel bosses named them all after animals from the movie like they weren’t people.”

“Yeah, I get that. Colt gave me the name Luka when I came to live with him.” Luka rests his elbow on his thigh and leans his chin on his fist. “Do you want to give the ferals new names? It might be fitting since they’re getting a fresh start, and who better to name them than their omega?” My eyes widen and he reaches over to stroke my cheek. “What would you call this one?”

We play a few rounds in silence while I think. “Zane. I’d call him Zane.”

“That has a nice ring to it. Any particular reason?”

I roll my bottom lip between my teeth. “Don’t laugh, okay?”

“Sure. Cross my heart.”

I chuckle at his solemn promise. “Of all the men in the kennel, he seemed the most sane to me. He didn’t howl and froth like the others, he simply watched me. And then he tried to protect me, like he already knew we were a scent match.”

Luka throws me a look I can’t interpret and then drags me into his lap, and I laugh as cards scatter everywhere. “That sounds like a great meaning behind a name. We’ll tell the other guys when they get up.” The look in his eyes darkens with intensity. “But now I have you here—” He cups my face and kisses me soundly.

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