The Stripper Luna

You know, things aren’t what they used to be in the world of supernatural characters. Before, everyone in my pack strove for dignity and pride, and our leaders had the pack's best interests at heart. But slowly, it became all about what you had to offer. My packmates were doing what they could to survive. You had to make your own purpose. But what was my purpose?

I wasn’t good at anything but causing trouble. Elders and kids were the only ones who didn’t have to do their part because they were either too young or too old. Being members of the Kangston pack meant that we had a name to uphold. The pack was known for being successful because everyone thought we had all agreed to be where we are. Instead, they said we needed to find a career by a certain date or they'd chose for us. There was only one thing that I was known for, and that was my killer curves. Curves that could kill and also carry a pup when needed. Imagine that being your only calling. So I did what I knew best: I opened up a strip club where I would also dance. When people found out, there was an outrage. A town meeting was called to try to close me down. But the Alpha thought it was a glorious idea. It would make the pack leaders a lot of money when I paid my dues. If anything, I think he enjoyed it more than anyone.

He was a single man, so every chance he got, he would come to my club just so he could feel my waist as I danced on him. I knew that if I wanted to be part of something, I had to use what I had. And you know, I loved it. Being desired and wanted. After 28 years, I had stopped wondering if my mate was out there looking for me. In this day and age, people never waited anymore, and I was no exception. I even let my Alpha have me a few times. I thought it was crazy to remain celibate until you found your mate. As women, we had desires, especially once our time of the month finally ended. Our hormones were crazy.

Alpha Jack was attractive and single, so why not? Not to mention we were good friends, our arrangement having brought us closer. There were no feelings attached, and we had fun. We could hang out and just enjoy each other’s company. Deep down, I think we had both developed some feelings, but neither of us was in deep enough for a broken heart should our mate appear. The best part about Jack was he never saw me as disgusting or a slut because of what I did for a living. He said he respected it because I was comfortable with my body and was good at it. Plus, it made him money.

It was 5 in the afternoon, and it was time to open my club to get the night started. I walked to the front door and put the key in. My girls were already waiting for me to open it.

“Athena, I swear, if you don’t open that door faster, I will break it down. It is freezing!” Layla demanded. It was a colder night than most, even for a wolf. I finally pushed the door open and was almost run over. I couldn’t help but laugh as everyone scrambled in. The club didn’t open for about another hour, but most liked to get here early so they could pick a good song. If you got here later, then you had to dance to whatever you got.

My girls were really well taken care of. Most men were even respectful, except for the occasional youngin who got really drunk. I made my way over to my office to get everything prepared.

“Hey Athena, how are you?” Jack had walked in and was now sitting in the chair across from me.

“Good, just getting payroll in order. Why are you here so early? I can’t serve you right now.” He laughed at my comment, which made me look up.

“I just wanted to ask if there was any chance you could reserve a last-minute VIP area for next week. I know we're supposed to ask months in advance, but it’s important.” I looked at him disapprovingly. He knew the rules, but then again, he was the Alpha. I stopped what I was doing, stood up, and walked over to my calendar hanging on the wall.

“I have two birthday parties that day. It’s really packed. How many people are you going to have?” I looked at him, and he had the sweetest guilty look on his face.

“My brothers are coming down for my sister’s birthday. I want all of them to relax because lately, they’ve been very busy with their packs.” I stood there thinking about what I could do.

“All 16 brothers are coming?” I asked, shocked. He answered with a nod. I let out a sigh because he was my Alpha and I couldn’t say no. “I'll close the club that day to everyone who's not a VIP and put you upstairs with complimentary dancers.” He rose from his seat, planting a kiss on my cheek.

“Thank you. I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important.” I rolled my eyes.

“Don’t think for a second that you're getting out of tipping my girls or me. You may be my Alpha, but we've all got bills to pay.” He placed his hands on my waist and a kiss on my lips.

“Who knows, maybe I'll rent you for the rest of the night.” I slapped his chest, which caused him to laugh out loud.

“I have a lot of work to do, so unless you want to start working here, you should go,” I demanded. He started pouting before kissing me again and heading for the door.

It took me a few hours to finally finish what I had to, and all I wanted was to dance the stress away. I stood and reached for my locker to open it, pulling out my lacy underwear, which hugged my ass, and my see-through top. Then the door opened.

“Hey Athena, are you busy?” I turned around to see that Kenzie, one of the dancers, was behind me.

“I'm about to go on, but I can spare a few minutes. What’s up?” I walked to my chair so I could sit as I put my platforms on. “I'd hate to put you in an awkward position, but I have a friend who ran away from her pack after some violence and is seeking refuge. Since she's not from this pack, she can’t get a regular job, and I was hoping you’d give her a chance. I'll teach her everything, and she'll have to audition for you like everyone else. Please, you’re her last hope.” I let out a heavy sigh. She really was putting me in a bad position. Packs should never interfere in other packs' business. But I understood that this might be her last hope and didn't want her to be subjected to more pain.

“You do realize my entire club could be shut down and I could get into a lot of trouble if the Alpha finds out?” I looked at her, which caused her to look at me in guilt.

“I know you're the Alpha’s favorite. Can you talk to him? I just want to help her.” I buckled the last strap on my platforms and stood up.

“You’re lucky he owes me one, and I'm getting ready to dance. I'll tell you my final answer later.” I grabbed my money bag and locked the door behind us. Nothing like being the Alpha’s pet.

Walking out to the dance floor, I saw that it was packed and there was a line to get inside. This was why I opened up such a club. Unmated males and even some mated males couldn’t help themselves. I walked over to the VIP table to find Jack there. It was like he knew I was coming because he lifted the girl from his lap as he waited for me to come over. I climbed on his lap and leaned down to kiss him.

“Uh oh, you kissed me first, that means you want something.” I had never felt so guilty, but he was right. I did want to butter him up.

“I think this requires an actual dance and a drink on the house before I ask you.” I rose from his lap, extending my hand to him to help him up. I Interlaced his fingers in mine and walked up to the upstairs VIP area before shoving him down on the couch. I dropped down, showing him my backside as I began to come up swaying my hips.

“This must be a big favor because you’re acting very aggressive right now,” he joked. I climbed onto his lap.

“It really is. I have to make you vulnerable to have a hope of getting a yes.” I nibbled on his ear, causing him to groan.

“You know you can just ask. There isn’t much I wouldn’t do for you. You do a lot for me.” I finally relaxed as we made eye contact. “There's this wolf from a bad pack. Can you take her in? She'll work for me.” I see his face fall. “I know it’s a lot to ask, but we can do something nice for her and she'll help me out. Please, it’s just a white lie.” He leaned his head back with a groan.

“Athena, really? You know that if they find out, I'll have to punish you since you aren’t a high rank.” I bit on my lip knowing he was right. “I'll allow it, but if someone starts getting suspicious, she has to leave. Okay?” I nod my head and wrap my arms around him. “Now, I don’t usually take bribes, but I think I'll make an exception this time.”

He stood up with me in his arms, causing me to playfully yell, and walked me down to my office, where I opened the door. His mouth immediately connected with mine, and he pressed me against the wall, closing the gap between us. I lifted his shirt over his head, exposing his ripped abs. He was undeniably hot, and it was hard to resist. I went to take my top off, but he stopped me.

“Keep it on, I like it.” Complying, I pressed my lips back on his, and he tore off my bottoms, leaving me bare. He began rubbing my now wet core, which was aching to be filled by him. I felt him shift under me as he pulled down his pants and inserted his member in me, causing me to gasp. As his thrusts got rougher, I began sucking on his neck, leaving behind the love marks that he loved so much. His hands were digging into my ass as he slammed in and out of me; he wasn’t holding anything back. That beautiful Alpha rage left me completely in a trance.

“God, Athena, I love you,” slipped out of his mouth as he finished inside me.

It was like he suddenly realized what he said, stopping us both in our tracks. “What did you say?” I questioned. We both were in a trace, not knowing how to get out of this awkward encounter. I let myself down from his grasp and walked over to my desk, still naked, trying to gather myself. “We're not mates, Jack. You know this can’t happen. You can’t love me. Please, don’t love me.” I looked at him as he pulled his bottoms up and pushed his nervous hand through his hair.

“I’m sorry. I’ve felt like this for a while, but the fact that we're not mates is why I didn’t say anything. Sometimes, I think it's bullshit that we can form such strong feelings for each other when we're destined for other people. But it’s been so long. When do we stop waiting and choose for ourselves?”

Honestly, he wasn’t wrong. Some people don’t find their mate until they were close to death. The Goddess often seemed to be absent. “I can’t be the only one who feels this way. Please tell me it’s not just me.”

I looked at him, trying to find the words to say but failing completely. I reached into my locker and pulled out my clothes. “One year,” slipped from my mouth. I met his eyes again. “If our mates still haven't shown up one year from now, then we choose each other.” The smile on his face said it all. “I do think, though, that we should put some space between us, try to stop these feelings, in case it does happen. I think finding our mates while knowing we have strong feelings for each other won’t help anyone.” He walked over to me before placing a passionate kiss on my lips.

“I agree, but it’ll be so hard. I'm leaving now. Don’t fall in love with me,” he joked. He opened the door before looking back. “I hope you don’t find him.” With that, he left. The air was so pregnant I felt myself slowly slipping.

Jack:

It took everything in me to not fall for her. But it was rare to meet someone you connected with on such a personal level. There were a million reasons for me not to fall for her, but even my wolf agreed that she was my soulmate. It was the late-night movie nights. She did this thing where she throws her popcorn up and tries to catch it. But she fails most of the time. And, when she's drunk, her cheeks turn a pink color and her eyes glaze over. When we have pack retreats, she engages with everyone and her personality shines. She isn’t a sweet girl, but she's accepting. But because she's a stripper, no one sees it. I told myself that this was just a fling, but try telling my heart that. I dread the day her mate comes because then I'll lose her. But I would lose her either way. She has a personality that is rare to find, yet I found her. Why couldn’t she be my mate?

When she mentioned the one-year deal, my heart ached. This was going to be the hardest year. I hated that everything was chosen for us. Why couldn’t we choose instead of some absent goddess picking for us? She's been AWOL for a while. Has she forsaken us? All I know is that once this year passes, I won't waste any time. She wants me as much as I want her. I don’t think I could handle her being with someone else. She isn’t some damsel in distress with dead parents. She has great parents who work and love her. She has a little five-year-old sister. She's no secret weapon. She's just a regular woman who's independent and a hustler. I usually come here just so I can spend time with this beautiful person. Not being able to see her as often will be for the best, but I was going to hate it.