Page 211 of Claim Me
And maybe it’s just me, but I catch something else between Winter and Sariel, something different in the way they glance at each other, a more intense energy, like whatever happenedout there shifted things from employer and employee into something more.
It wouldn’t be that strange, not after something dramatic like that. Going through trauma together can definitely bring people closer.
Sariel embraces Blue tightly, even lifting him off the ground, clearly overwhelmed with joy at seeing him. Throughout all of this, I make a deliberate effort to stay in the background, reminding myself I’m just Blue’s bodyguard, nothing more.
The truth is, it’s easier, safer, but as I watch everyone cheering, united in the moment, the idea of standing beside Blue openly, of claiming that place in front of them, starts to flicker at the edges of my thoughts.
For the first time, seeing the friendly smiles all around and feeling the warmth of a celebration shared by both families, I begin to wonder if maybe one day stepping forward will be possible for me too.
At one point, I catch Blue’s gaze, and he… gives me a small wink. I immediately grin back beneath my mesh mask.
???
That evening, after I shower and get into bed, I notice yet another text message from Marlow:"Hi, you’re awfully quiet lately. Is everything okay?"
I intend to reply, but then Blue walks in with his phone in hand.
He looks up at me and says, "It seems the new head of the local mafia is now… Ennio Ferro. I have to admit, that’s unexpected. He’s an omega, and that structure has always been heavily alpha-driven."
I snap my head up in surprise.
"Oh, wow. That might actually be a good change, I know Ennio personally. Back when I was fighting in underground clubs he used to show up all the time, talk to the fighters, and I spoke with him a few times. He’s nothing like Rocco, who was completely unhinged."
"What is he like?"
"Reserved, but stable, and mostly a businessman. Not that different from you. A strong omega, very smart. From what I heard he graduated with multiple majors, mostly business-related: investment, development. He already helped the Ferros gain a strong footing in real estate development investments in the city…"
Blue watches me with slightly narrowed eyes.
"Did you find him attractive? He seems like your type, ‘strong and smart omega’…"
I snort, even though I register the fact that Blue seems to be kinda possessive over me already, which is… a good sign, right?
Then I answer, cocking my head, "Maybe in that regard, but he's not my type physically. Way too strong and tall. Like all Ferros, he once fought in underground cages. He was a champion in the omega division and… for two years straight in the beta division! Which is a rare case."
Blue raises his eyebrows.
"That is indeed uncommon. Well, he’s an interesting choice for a capo. Also… he knows how to invest well. He had enough money to build his own skyscraper…"
"Well, he was the only son of the late Tito Ferro, the heir to the capo throne, so he inherited way more in personal wealth than even Anzo."
"Hm. I didn’t realize you knew him personally, but that’s useful information. We might cross paths someday," Blue says with a slight smirk as he sits down on the bed.
He’s wearing a thin tank top and boxers, and every now and then he scratches absently at the side of his neck.
My gaze drifts there without thinking much about it, to the pale line of his throat, and then something catches my attention.
I shift closer fast enough that he looks up, surprised.
I lean in, staring at his neck.
The place where there used to be that slight hollow, where his glands were removed, looks… different now, leveled with the rest of his skin.
"Blue… I’ve noticed you scratching there a lot. Do you think… the regeneration process might have started?"
I expect him to approach it like something to analyze, but his reaction throws me off.
He swallows and looks away, like the topic is unpleasant or at least highly uncomfortable.
