“Is there anything you need? Anything we can get for you?”
I shake my head. “Not right now, but I’ll need… um, female supplies soon.” My cheeks heat up despite myself.
“No problem,” Hudson says without missing a beat. “You can go with Oli. Get whatever you need.” He pauses, eyeing my near-empty duffel on the floor. “And clothes, Luna. You traveled extremely light.”
“It’s fine,” I say quickly. “I don’t need much.”
Hudson’s brow furrows. “I would have thought the institute would’ve provided more for their charges.”
I let out a dry laugh. “They supplied the basics, and the ceremonial gowns had to be returned. Most of my clothes were from the lost and found box or things left behind by other females.”
Something dark flashes across his face. “That’s unacceptable.”
I shrug. “I managed.”
“Well, you don’t have to just ‘manage’ anymore, whatever you need: clothing, toiletries, anything. We’ll get it for you.”
“I can’t pay you back,” I remind him. “That’s kind of why I’m here in the first place.”
“This isn’t about the debt, Luna. This is about taking care of the pack.”
“I don’t need charity,” I say, straightening my spine. “I could find a part-time job in town. Help pay for my things.”
“A job?”
“Yes, a job. You know, a place where you work and get paid?” I cross my arms over my chest. “I’m not completely useless.”
“Luna, that’s not—”
“Look, I know what I am,” I cut him off. “I’m a rejected female. I can’t shift, my legs are covered in scars, and I smell wrong. You paid way too much for damaged goods.”
Hudson steps fully into the room now, his brow furrowed. “Is that what you think?”
I shrug.
“Luna.” The alpha gently grabs my chin, and our eyes meet. His large calloused thumb grazes my jaw. My breath hitches despite myself.
“You’re not damaged goods. You are beautiful. Never think otherwise.” The intensity of his eyes makes it impossible to look away. “Those scars? They tell a story of survival. Of strength.”
I scoff, but he shakes his head.
“I mean it. We all have scars here, Luna. Some are just more visible than others. Each one of us carries something. Pain. Loss. Regret.”
“Is that supposed to make me feel better?”
“It’s supposed to make you understand that you fit here.” His gaze is steady, unwavering. “The guys are happy you’re here. You bring something to this house we’ve been missing.”
“A vagina?” I deadpan.
Hudson laughs, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. “Life. Energy. A challenge.” He smiles. “Well, except for Damien, but he’s a stubborn ass most days. He’ll come around.”
“I wouldn’t count on it.”
“I would.” Alpha Hudson stands, heading back towards the door. “He’s fighting his demons. Just like we all are.”
I nod, even though I’m not entirely convinced.
“Good. Now, let’s go to the kitchen. Dinner should be ready by now. Still, you might want to prepare yourself because sometimes Oli cooks when Ethan is busy with patients, and it can get experimental.”
