Page 27 of Scarred Savages
I nod, my throat tightening with apprehension.
“As you know, the agreement stipulates that you will service the pack. Sexually.”
Heat rushes to my cheeks, but I force myself to hold his gaze. “I understand.”
“However,” he continues, “that doesn’t mean you lack agency. We reject force or coercion. Everything that occurs must be with your full consent. Understood?”
“Yes,” I manage, relief loosening the knot in my gut.
“Good. So that you know, Axel was reprimanded for his behavior last night. He’ll be working double shifts in the fields for the foreseeable future.”
I suppress a smile. “Understood.”
“Also, it’s best to stay with someone else when Axel is around. He can be unpredictable.”
“What about Damien?” I ask, feeling a shiver at the thought. Axel may seem erratic, but Damien feels like a darker shadow lurking.
“Damien will stay away. There’s no need to worry about him.”
I nod.
“Now, regarding responsibilities outside the bedroom,” Alpha Hudson states, his tone shifting to a more serious note, “I expect you to contribute. Ethan and Oli manage the upkeep of the house. We all pitch in from time to time. Each of us has a role here. Damien’s my second, and Ethan here keeps us in one piece.” Hudson glances at Ethan on his chair before proceeding, “He’s our medic; herbal remedies, first aid, and the best damn cook in the pack. He ensures this madhouse stays alive and fed,so we let him run the kitchen as he pleases. Oli will assist you, and he and Ethan will guide you through the tasks.”
I blink at him. “You don’t have betas handling the cooking and cleaning?”
Hudson shakes his head. “No. We prefer doing things ourselves. Keeps us grounded.”
Ethan grins, leaning back in his chair. “Besides, I was raised by a single Korean mom who made sure I knew how to handle a kitchen. Trust me, she didn’t tolerate half-assed chores.”
A small smile tugs at my lips, the knot in my stomach loosening a little more. Manual labor, I can handle. It’s the other expectations that unsettle me.
“In terms of your interactions with the males of the pack,” Alpha Hudson continues, “I expect respect. No games, no manipulation. Should any issues arise, you come to me. Clear?”
“Crystal,” I reply, my voice steadier than I feel.
“Good. I think that covers the basics. Ethan, anything to add?”
Ethan shakes his head. “You’ve covered the main points. We can address specifics as they come up.”
Alpha Hudson nods, satisfied. “Alright then. Luna, any questions?”
I hesitate, the words sticking in my throat. “What if… what if I can’t do it? The sex stuff, I mean. What if I’m not good at it, or I freak out, or…”
Alpha Hudson’s expression softens. “Luna, we don’t expect you to be some expert. We recognize this is new territory for you. All we ask is that you attempt it. Communicate with us. If something isn’t working, voice your concerns. If you need to halt, say so. And if you’re not comfortable with something, say so too. Axel has certain preferences, and we’ve asked him to temper them for now.”
I exhale slowly. “Understood. Thank you.”
Ethan reaches over, briefly squeezing my knee. The warmth of his touch lingers far longer than it should, leaving my skin tingling where his hand was. I manage a small smile but can’t quite steady my breath.
“Alright,” Alpha Hudson states, rising from his seat. “I have matters to attend to. Ethan, please show Luna the areas of the house she’ll need to help you with.”
Ethan nods, standing as well. “On it.”
“Luna,” Alpha Hudson says before stepping out, his voice serious, “I know this isn’t the life you imagined for yourself. And I’m sorry for the circumstances that brought you here.”
I glance at him, surprised by the sincerity in his tone.
“But I want you to know you’re safe with us. We take care of our own. You’re part of our family.”
