Mated To My Alpha Stepbrother.

Chapter 8.

ELAINE

I looked out the window of my room and saw as the sun dipped below the horizon. A sigh escaped my lips. I dropped my phone by my side, feeling exhausted already.

How was I going to attend this party? I feel…uninterested all of a sudden.

After an annoying breakfast with my rockhead stepbrother, I had remained indoors for the rest of the day. I didn't even get up to have lunch since I was so locked up on my phone, chatting with my human friends.

Sigh…I missed them. I couldn't deny that, but I had accepted the fact that our friendship couldn't be like before anymore.

My phone buzzed and I saw Jeremy's text popping in. He was reminding me about the party.

I closed my eyes for a few seconds before propping myself up. I would attend the party. It might be my only chance to connect with new people, to potentially make new friends and start building a social life.

If I don't attend, I might simply end up friendless for the rest of my life.

With a deep breath, I slid off my bed and rushed into the bathroom to freshen up. After that, I took my time in finding a proper dress.

Since it was a yard party, I decided to put on black crop top, a pair of pale blue jeans and a brown jacket over the top. Feeling complete, I stepped out of my bedroom and went downstairs.

To my disapproval, I didn't meet Jeremy there. That jerk was the same person who texted me to get ready quickly.

“Jeremy! Get down here, now!” I yelled at the top of my voice. It took a few seconds but he responded.

“Just a minute!”

What was he even doing? If I remember correctly, guys don't need much time to get ready for anything. Or have the rules changed?

While waiting, I busied myself with my phone and a half eaten packet of biscuits on the table.

Luckily, I finally heard footsteps descending the stairs.

“About time, I thought you died up there.” I teased before standing up and turning around. The view that met me took my breath away for a moment.

I doubted it was Jeremy who was standing right before that moment. He had his hair ruffled which gave him a thick bad boy vibe. Not to mention the black leather jacket he was donned in and the bracelet that decorated his wrists. He was a very fine specimen of a man.

“Uhn…Elaine, you got a little drool right there…” he voice drew me to reality. He pointed at his lips as indication.

I shot him a scowl when I touched my lips and felt no saliva there.

“Very funny,” I sneered.

“Let's go,” he said and I followed him behind as we headed towards the back of the mansion.

As we stepped outside, I saw Duncan leaning on the wall with his hands in his pockets. Unlike Jeremy's rugged demeanor, he seemed calm and scholarly.

“Luna Elaine, a pleasure to meet you again,” He said with a smile and I waved my hand at him.

“Stop, come on. I think we can just agree on you calling me Elaine.” I countered. Duncan nodded.

“Alpha,” A new voice spoke and all heads went to the tall and bulky man that was bowing at Jeremy.

I furrowed my eyebrows, wondering of the reason for the gesture. He looked about the same age as Jeremy.

“How’re you doing, Mitch? This is Elaine, my stepsister.” Jeremy waved his hand at me.

“Greetings,” the bulky guy, Mitch, bowed at me also.

I raised a brow, turning to Jeremy.

“Uh.. Mitch likes to keep things formal even though he isn't the gamma yet.” Jeremy explained shortly.

“But I will be one day, just as you will be Alpha one day.” Mitch said, finally standing upright.

“True,” Duncan muttered, an awkward silence ensuing.

“So…how about we begin the set up before everyone starts to…” my voice trailed off when I descended from the short stairs and saw the whole backyard already filled with party equipment.

“Yeah…we already did that.” Duncan said from behind me. I turned to him with a tight smile. Of course they did.

“So Elaine, if you don't mind, which Pack did you and Luna Meredith hail from?” Duncan asked, leaning on the wooden railings.

“Green valley pack. It's actually a very small pack surrounded by trees and rivers, you wouldn't know it.”

“All packs are surrounded by trees and rivers. That's the point. So we don't get some stray humans stumbling into a secret civilization in the animal kingdom.” Duncan said and I couldn't help but laugh. Jeremy and even Mitch also did.

“And who told you that we might not know it? I'm the future Alpha, Elaine.” Jeremy chipped in.

“Well, do you?” I asked with a raised brow. He opened his mouth to speak but a noise from a distance cut him off.

“Jeremy!” A voice squealed, stealing our attention. Three ladies came running in towards our direction.

Good. More people.

I immediately concluded that I had spoken too soon. They were dressed in ways that I was sure I wouldn't like them. They were all metallics, heels and sequins. The typical high school popular girls vibe.

The first one, a redhead, threw her arms over Jeremy's shoulders while the others hugged them both.

“Oh I’ve missed my black Angel. So, did you miss me?” The redhead cupped Jeremy's cheeks, standing so close to him.

It instantly clicked. Girlfriend. Although Jeremy had a somewhat uncomfortable expression on his face.

“Guys, this is Elaine. Jeremy's stepsister.” Duncan was the one to introduce me. I wasn't sure they even noticed me at all up until then.

“Hey girl…” the trio paddled to me and gave me a rather over-friendly hug.

“I'm Iria, this is Mindy and that's Claudine. We're best friends. You’d love us!” The redhead said with a grin and I simply nodded.

“Well, I'm Elaine.” I said blandly.

“Oh my goodness, she's so cute, Jeremy.” Iria squirmed as she jumped over to his side again. “So…tell me about everything about Alpha school.”

“By the way, Elaine, Mindy's my sister. That information might be of use someday.” Duncan chipped in with a wink.

“So…Elaine, where are you from?”

“Heard you and your mother lived with the humans. Is that true?”

“Have you found your mate?”

My nerves grew hyperactive as the remaining two girls threw countless questions at me. I took a deep breath, knowing tonight was going to be a long one.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Iria planting a

kiss on Jeremy's lips. A subconscious frown appeared on my face, accompanied by a strange gut wrenching feeling.