Chapter 3 Mate

The car ride to the main estate was quiet. My mother was the only one excited, going on about how she couldn’t wait to begin her duties as Luna. I tried my best to hide my discomfort, but ever since the wedding, I haven’t been able to think straight.

I bolted out of the room immediately after the ceremony ended, saying that I had a tummy ache, and my mom understood . But it was just an excuse to avoid him. The Alpha.

I kept telling myself that there must be some kind of mistake, I was recently mated to his son, so why would I have another mate?

My wolf was beyond restless, aching with longing, and it all just felt wrong.

The bundle of nerves in my stomach tightened as we got closer to the mansion, my heartbeat drumming in my ears.

“Sweetie, are you alright? You look pale.” My mom pressed the back of her palm against my forehead. “Are you sure you’re not still sick?”

I took her hand in mine, forcing a smile to dismiss her worries.

“I’m alright Mom.” The lie melted off my tongue like butter on toast. I was far from alright, but for her, I had to be.

We passed through the thick gates that led to the main building, resembling a palace from a fairytale. So this was where all the high-ranked pack members lived.

The building was three stories high, with stone walls, arched windows, and banners bearing the Vexley family crest; a silver wolf etched in crimson. It was  just as they looked—the men of the Vexley family. Beautiful. Intimidating. Cold.

“It’s so beautiful.” My mom gaped as we stepped out of the car.

Soon, housekeepers rolled out to help with the luggage, and trailing behind them was the Beta of the pack, Daniel Cross. Alicia’s father.

“Welcome to the main estate Luna.” He greeted, slightly bowing to my mom.

“It’s my pleasure Beta Cross.” She answered calmly, while I just stood behind her, eyeing the man with caution. I doubt anyone who raised Alicia could be a good person.

“I will escort you to your quarters, while a maid will lead the young lady to her room.” He explained, and my mom nodded in response, then she turned to hug me.

This was the first time we would be living separately. I was so preoccupied with the mating issue that I had forgotten.

I hugged her back, tightly, knowing from here on out, I was alone.

“I’ll miss you,” she said as she pulled back. “I might be Luna now, but I’m still your mom, so don’t hesitate to come to me when you need help.”

Oh If only she knew my predicament. “I will mom, take care of yourself.”

With a final goodbye, my mom was whisked away to the Alpha’s quarters, and I was ushered to my room.

“This will be your room, Miss Lira,” the maid said as she opened a door near the far end of the west wing.

It was big, even bigger than the tiny apartment I had lived in my whole life. The queen sized bed took most of the space, and the windows were tall and opened to a view of the eastern gardens.

“Thanks,” I mumbled, stepping inside.

I barely had time to grasp my new reality, before I heard the voice I’d been dreading.

“The reject seemed to have wormed her way back to me.”

My stomach dropped as I turned, meeting my ex-mate, or rather, new stepbrother.

Rowan Vexley leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, sporting his signature smug smirk. His gaze wandered the room before landing on me again, his expression shifting to mock pity.

“Did they seriously give you a private room?” he scoffed. “What—was the servant’s wing full?”

My teeth sank into my bottom lip, but I said nothing.

Rowan straightened up, glaring at me. “Remember you filthy mutt, you don’t belong here.” He sneered. “It doesn’t matter if your mom is playing Luna,”

He took a menacing step forward, backing me into a corner. “Since you’re living under my roof now,” he seethed, towering over me like a predator on prey. “I think it’s only fair you make yourself worthy of the privilege. Starting now.”

“What?” I blinked. Instinctively knowing it can’t be anything good.

“Shut up and follow me.”

Rowan roughly grabbed my wrist, dragging me along the halls till we reached what seemed like his room. It was twice the size of mine, with clothes littered on the floor and over the chairs. Alcohol bottles were piled on the table, and the air smelt like…..sex.

That was when I saw her.

Alicia.

She lay on his bed, half-covered in silk sheets with her head resting lazily on her palm.

“Oh,” she chuckled mockingly, “You brought the maid.”

“She offered,” Rowan said casually, tossing me a smirk. “Didn’t you, Lira?”

I didn’t answer, frozen still in my spot.

They keep surprising me.

“Well don’t just gawk like a fool.” Alicia mused, “Get to work.”

I lowered my gaze, my jaw clenching as I bent down to clear the alcohol bottles with trembling hands.

A new beginning on my foot. I never had that chance with these two around.

“She’s like a dog, so obedient.” Alicia giggled, and Rowan joined her on the bed.

“What more can you expect from an Omega.” He responded, and I looked away as Alicia straddled him.

Their voices blurred together, and the bed began to rock.

“Ahhh! Yes, Rowan! Fuck me harder!”

I froze. My face heated up as my stomach turned.

They were having sex.

Right there. While I was still in the room.

I tried my best to block them out, not wanting to give them the satisfaction of breaking me.

I left as soon as I was done, and they were still busy with each other.

When I reached my room, I closed the door and slid to the ground, tired of keeping up with the facade. I cried, hot tears flowing down my cheeks.

I let out a shaky breath, my hands curling into fists in my lap. I hated that it affected me. I had tried to deny it, but a little part of me always admired Rowan, and that was long before the bond brought us together.

I always watched him from afar, and maybe that was why Alicia began bullying me in the first place. When I felt he was my mate, I took it as a glimpse of hope, thinking he would cherish me, just as the bond demands, but that was crushed in the blink of an eye.

And now…..now I was mated to his father.

A knock on the door cut through my train of thought, and I rose to my feet, wiping my eyes with the sleeves of my top before opening the door. It was the maid that escorted me to my room earlier.

She bowed slightly, keeping her gaze low.

“The Alpha requests to see you, my lady.”

My heart dropped to the pit of my stomach, my grip on the doorknob tightening.

Just when I thought it wouldn’t get any worse.