Claimed by my Brother’s Best Friends (Alyssa) novel Chapter 74

Alyssa

When we step inside the clubhouse, I'm hit with a wave of testosterone and tension so thick, I almost choke on it. Two massive men stand at the door, their muscles bulging like they either live at the gym or spend their days breaking bones. Thankfully, they barely acknowledge me as we walk by, though I can feel their eyes lingering on my back.

The clubhouse is bigger than I imagined. To my right, there's a lounge area with sleek red couches; ahead, a bar lined with bottles of every kind of alcohol. On the wall is the Crimson Reaper's patch—the grim reaper with blood dripping down his scythe. The place feels oddly familiar, like I've been here before, but it's probably only because I've seen it in the background of old photos of my dad.

Zuri's alert in her stroller, her eyes surveying the surrounding space. Thankfully, her headphones were in my diaper bag, considering this isn't a place for kids.

The moment we walk in, the room falls silent. Everyone's eyes land on me, dissecting me, judging me like some helpless rabbit that just hopped into a den of wolves. At least, that's how I fucking feel. My throat tightens. I force myself to keep walking, the boys trailing behind me.

Then, a woman at the bar smirks, finally breaking the tense silence. "Princess, I think you've wandered into the wrong place. Arendelle's that way." She points with her thumb, and the people around her erupt into laughter.

My lips twitch, but I stay quiet. Is this the best they've got? After dealing with King, Niko, and Mason, a Frozen reference feels like child's play.

"Damn, the Bennett genes run strong. She could be Gray's twin," someone else comments, and I tense.

So they know who I am then.

What else do they know?

"What's Gray's sister doing here?" another guy at the bar asks, his voice laced with curiosity and suspicion. "I thought he said-"

"She's here under Gray's orders," Niko cuts him off, his tone cold and commanding. I shudder at the deep, sexy base in his voice. "So make her feel welcome, or it's not me you'll have to deal with it."

What the hell? Is he threatening them after he already told me they wouldn't defend me?

"We're gonna go find Gray. Mason'll stay with you," Niko whispers as he brushes past me, his voice softening just for me. "You've got this, sweet girl."

"What he said," King adds, running a finger along my spine before he follows behind him.

I nod, even though my heart thuds so hard I can barely hear anything else. My instincts are telling me to cling to Niko, to hide behind the boys, but I can't be afraid. If I'm going to prove myself, I need to stand on my own two feet.

The man sitting at the bar watches them leave before turning to me, grinning to reveal a gold tooth. "What's your name, gorgeous?"

"Alyssa," I reply, my voice steady despite the tremor creeping into my limbs.

"Nina," the bartender greets, sticking out a tattoo-covered hand. "And that's Luther." She motions to Gold Tooth.

I shake her hand, but there's an unspoken challenge in her grip.

"And who's the baby?" she asks, staring at Zuri, who is staring right back her, making baby noises.

"My daughter, Zuri."

Something warm flashes in her eyes, but they're guarded just as quickly. She purses her lips, saying sharply, "Look, I don't know how things work in your privileged little bubble, but here, we don't take care of princesses. Can you shoot?"

My stomach tightens. Shoot? I've never even held a gun. My father and Gray have always kept me away from this life, and now it's coming back to bite me in my ass.

When I don't answer, Nina snaps her fingers. "Diesel!"

A massive guy—I'm guessing Diesel—approaches with a long black case. He slams it on the counter and opens it, revealing an automatic gun.