Alexander POV..
I stared out the car window, NYC skyline approaching, as Ryan and Vinny continued their loud discussion about tonight's conquests.
My mind drifted elsewhere – to my father's shocking announcement and the girl in silver.
My thoughts raced:
"Dad's really marrying her... a woman with a daughter my age. This is humiliating.
He thinks bringing home a replacement family will fill the void Mom left when she died?
I doubt his new wife cares about him – she's probably after Blackwood wealth and status.
And the daughter... wonder what she's like. Hopefully not a annoying little sister type."
Vinny's voice cut into my thoughts, "Xander, earth to Alexander – what's wrong, man?"
I turned to him, expression neutral. "Nothing. Just Dad's epic mistake sinking in."
Ryan added, "Yeah, and your sudden exit from the club – was it the music or the mystery girl?"
My gaze locked onto Ryan's, a hint of warning in my eyes.
"The music was bad. That's all."
But Vinny persisted, "Come on, Xander – we saw her. Silver dress, stunning face... did you finally meet your match?"
My jaw clenched slightly before I replied calmly,
"No match. Just a face in the crowd."
My mind betrayed me, though – her image lingered, refusing to fade.
The car dropped us off at the private airport where my jet was waiting.
Ryan and Vinny grabbed their bags, still discussing their club conquests, while I stood apart, lost in thought.
My phone buzzed – a text from my father:
"Alexander, landing soon? Your stepmother and sister arrive tomorrow morning. Dinner at 8 PM sharp. Be presentable."
I rolled my eyes, showing the message to no one.
Vinny noticed my expression and asked, "Dad laying down the law already?"
I pocketed my phone. "Just reminding me to pretend to be civilized tomorrow night."
Ryan chuckled. "That'll be a first."
We boarded my private jet, a Gulfstream G650ER, and settled in for the short flight to New York.
As the plane took off, Vinny asked, "So, Xander, still thinking about that silver dress girl?"
I claimed the window seat, staring out at the darkness.
"Already forgotten."
But my mind betrayed me again – her piercing green eyes lingered in my memory.
The pilot's voice came over the intercom, "Estimated landing time in Teterboro Airport, New York – 20 minutes."
My thoughts shifted to tomorrow's unwanted family dinner...
The private jet touched down smoothly at Teterboro Airport.
Ryan and Vinny stretched, yawning, as we disembarked into the crisp New York night air.
"My place or yours for a nightcap?" Ryan asked, but I declined.
"Home. Need to prepare for tomorrow's family drama."
Vinny chuckled. "Meaning you need to practice your 'I'm a perfect son' face."
I shot him a dry look. "Exactly that."
My driver, James, waited with my car – a sleek black Bentley.
"Home, James. And wake me at 7 AM tomorrow. I want to be... prepared."
James nodded knowingly. "For the family gathering, sir."
During the drive, my mind rehearsed tomorrow's scenarios:
Meeting my stepmother – likely a gold digger
Dealing with my father's expectations – pretend to be interested in family bonding
The car stopped at our estate's gates. James announced, "We're home, sir."
I stepped out into the night air, gazing up at my family's mansion soon to be shared with strangers.
I stepped inside the mansion, nodding at our night butler, Thompson, who wished me a quiet "Good evening, Master Alexander."
"Just getting some rest, Thompson. Tomorrow's... festivities," I replied dryly.
He understood perfectly, responding with a discreet smile.
I headed upstairs to my wing of the mansion – my sanctuary from family drama.
My room was sleek black and gray, with city views and a private balcony.
I locked the door behind me, feeling temporary escape from tomorrow's obligations.
My phone remained silent – no more texts from Dad or unexpected numbers... yet.
I shrugged off my jacket, tossing it onto a chair, and walked over to the window.
Manhattan twinkled below – a city that never slept, like my mind tonight.
Thoughts swirled.....
Tomorrow's dinner with my stepfamily
My father's expectations for me to "behave"
My gut twisted slightly at that last thought.
I woke up with sound of the alarm blaring in my ear, so annoying..., Or was it a knock, I guess so, cause the sound came again, this time louder in my door, " master Alexander, will are asked to get you ready for today " the voice came , it Zoya the chef maid, " get in " I said my voice coming out deep than usual.
The door open and she walked in, " good.. " " just go there do what you are ask to do and get out " I said and she nod and went inside the bathroom, " your bath is ready master" she said and I scoff , " do you want to bath me then, get out of my room" I yell, the maid rush out and I hiss, dose she has to be nosey every time, her sacking latter is near,
I didn't plan on going to school today but I had to, I can't just stand my dad mopping and telling me what to do all day to please his wife, I step into the bathroom and the warm water prepared already, I got inside the bathtub, as I soak myself in, my body getting refresh, seems like I will be going to school more often than usual, because it clear I can't stand them, eating from where they didn't reap .
I stare at myself in the mirror as I sip up my jacket well not up enough, the girls need to see some hot packs at least.
I pull out my phone to give Vinny a call, it rang through but he didn't pick, guess the jerk is still sleeping, lucky him his father doesn't give a Damm about him, I dial Ryan number and he pick, " you are up early, it your step mom home yet and sister I need to check if she is pretty, I seriously need a girlfriend" he said talking like a parrot everything single time.
" Are you going to school?" I ask ignoring everything he said, " yes about to go" he said and I sight in relief, at least someone to cover off for me , once I begin sleeping in class
" Am going too" " let go with bikes, not ready for a boring ride, first to go get to grant wish " Ryan said and I smirk.
" With pleasure " I reply before hanging up, I went outside, going downstairs, everywhere was sparkling and it got me wondering if will are expecting an angel because this is just too much, I know dad like going extreme in everything but this is so too much.
***
As I sped through the school gate on my bike, the wind whipping through my hair, I felt a rush of adrenaline, this was my ecape , my freedom , the school's sprawling campus , with sleek mordern architecture and a lush greener,
As soon as I park my bike, student begin crowding, girls staring lustfully at me,well am used to it, getting this type of attention, even though sometimes it get me pissed off, just as I was about going to the lounge, another bike came speeding and almost hitting me , I didn't flinch caues I know who the motherfucker is, instead I gave him a mockery smile,
" You always disgrace yourself in making a bet but end up failing" I said and Ryan scoff, " just because I haven't bought the least, you know I would've won , it okay just take the credit for today" he said and I glare at him.
We where on our way to our lucker when I felt someone arm wrap around me, I quietly removed it , before twisting it, she yell in pain and I left her, " I warn you not to touch me, didn't I?" I ask with a cold face and she smirk annoyingly, her and her two chicken,
" Alex you don't know how I miss you , I just couldn't believe you could come to school today" Queen said with a flirtious smile and I scoff .
" Ryan can will talk please" Ruby said behind queen and Ryan glare at her, she is his ex , he got her cheating in the restroom, well I don't have time for all this drama, I left to the school library, after setting alarm , I doze off , I seriously need to sleep.
****
My alarm blared to life, piercing the quiet library air. I silenced it quickly, not wanting to disturb other students studying nearby.
Time to face reality – school was over, and my father's new family awaited at home.
I packed up my things and headed out of the library, weaving through crowded hallways filled with chatter and laughter.
Once outside, I swung my leg over my bike and kicked off the stand, feeling a familiar thrill as the wind rushed past me while I pedaled out of school grounds.
As I turned onto our estate's private road, apprehension crept in – my gut twisted into knots.
The trees lining our driveway seemed to close in around me, casting long shadows in the fading light of day.
I slowed my pace, my eyes fixed on our mansion ahead – every window ablaze with light, highlighting the overly decorative facade my father had orchestrated for his new wife and daughter's arrival.
My heart sank like a stone in my chest. They were really here.
I coasted to a stop beside the garage and killed the engine, my ears tuning into the sounds of laughter and chatter drifting from within the house.
Curiosity warred with reluctance as I pushed open the front door, stepping into the foyer's elegant silence.
The soft glow of chandeliers above seemed to mock me, illuminating the tension building inside.
I slipped off my shoes and padded silently towards the dining room, the voices growing louder – my father's booming laugh, a woman's polished tone, and...
A softer, melodious voice that sent a shiver down my spine.
My footsteps slowed, hesitant, as I reached the doorway.
And then I saw her.
The girl in silver – her hair cascading down her back like honey, her piercing green eyes sparkling as she smile at something my father said – sat at my family's dinner table.
My wolf erupted inside me, its fury, stirred violently inside me and surprise mirroring my own stunned expression.
Every muscle froze, my mind reeling... What. The .Hell.