Mated To My Alpha Stepbrother.

Chapter 10

ELAINE

I sat by the counter watching as Jeremy tried to stop Iria from tearing Ben apart.

Everyone had dispersed, scattered around the yard, and it didn't feel like a welcome party anymore.

I was still wondering what the issue with Ben was. But since no one was willing to say it, I bet it's something grave.

Even I could feel it anytime I was around Ben -the dude reeked of bad energy.

“Go!” Jeremy commanded, pointing at the exit. Ben shook his head slowly but left.

He faced Iria and took her face between his palms and I felt my insides wrenching. I diverted my face when he brought his lips to hers but found myself peeling at their little mouth love.

“You good?” Jeremy asked as he walked over to me with his hair bouncing gorgeously…

“Yeah, I'm good.” I answered and averted my gaze.

He leaned on the counter opposite me and poured himself a drink. “Hey, I'm sorry the party didn't turn out like what you expected. "It's just…” his voice trailed off.

I faced him.

“It's okay. What's the deal with Ben anyway? Everyone seems to be afraid of telling me when I ask. Is there some kind of sacred rule that forbids it?”

Jeremy chuckled. “No,” he said, and I raised my eyebrows, waiting for an explanation.

He heaved a sigh before speaking. “Well, back in the days, Ben was liked by everyone in the pack, including Iria's little brother, Gary. Gary used to hang out with Ben and one evening, he took him to the edge of the pack. I still don't get why there weren't guards watching that zone that night but…Ben and Gary got attacked by rogues. Gary died and since then everyone's been cautious about his involvement. In fact, the only reason he's still in this pack is because of Dad’s benevolence. I'm sure he'd be out of here if it were up to anyone else.” He finished, grabbed his glass and downed his drink.

“Well, I get that Iria has a reason to hate him but what about everyone else?” I asked.

“What about them?” Jeremy asked back, with creased brows.

“What reason do they have to hate Ben?”

Jeremy opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by Iria who called him.

“I'm heading out now, Mom needs some help with the kids.” Iria said, leaning on Jeremy.

“Hey, Elaine. I'm really sorry about how tonight turned out, I promise to make it up to you.” She said to me, her warm smile stinging my eyes but I managed to smile back.

“It's okay, I'll see around.”

She planted a kiss on Jeremy's beautiful lips and walked away.

I froze, watching Iria leave and glancing between Jeremy as he smiled after her. For goddess' sake, how did I not realize this immediately?

“How long?” I asked, my voice grave, without pitch.

“What?” Jeremy furrowed his eyebrows.

“How long have guys been dating?” I asked again, glaring knives at him.

“Hold on, okay. You need to explain what…”

“You know exactly what I'm asking Jeremy. How long have you been dating Iria?” I fumed.

Jeremy became speechless, his mouth hung open like a cave entrance.

I stood up, fisting my hands. “I f*****g hate you!” With that, I turned around and stormed off.

“Elaine, wait!” Jeremy called after me and only caught up at the back entrance.

“Wait!” He held my wrist and I yanked it from him, spiraling to face him. Goddess, he was so dangerously close to me.

“Let me explain,” He whispered.

“Explain what? That you had a girlfriend yet you felt it was right to screw a stranger you met at the club. And now that stranger ends up being your stepsister!” I was practically screaming but I didn't care. Tears stung my eyes but I fought to hold them back.

“Why are you saying it like that? It's not like I knew our parents would be getting married.” Jeremy said with a confused gaze.

“That doesn't explain why you had to cheat on her with me. And you're all over her like you're one honest f*****g boyfriend.” I seethed. Why am I so emotional?

“You know,” Jeremy backed up, the corner of his lips rising, “you were the one who threw yourself at me that night. If you hadn't…”

“f**k you!” I cussed and dashed in without waiting for any word from him.

What an asshole he was! Who does that?

I stormed over to my room and slammed the door shut. I hope he heard that.

Hugging my pillow, I fumed again. I could remember that night like it was presently. The way I'd been so drawn to him, it was inexplicable. The way we had the s*x…I've only had s*x once ever in my entire life apart from that night, yet I was certain it would be my best ever s*x.

But it was with my stepbrother, who was a future Alpha and who had a girlfriend. Life sure has a way of throwing twists at your face.

I should have known it wouldn't mean anything after that night. It was supposed to be a one time thing, something I shouldn't even be remembering.

Yet I was. It was replaying over and over in my head like a movie trailer on repeat.

Elaine Russell, get a hold of yourself.

But I don't know if I can. I don't know if I can control my feelings around him.

…

I didn't know when I'd drifted off to sleep. Loud knocks were what woke me up.

I rubbed my eyes and checked the alarm clock…03:12am.

The knock came again, it was persistent.

“Who's it?” I moaned softly as I slid off the bed.

My bare feet patted the floor as I made my way downstairs and approached the door.

Mindlessly, I opened it but the view that greeted me jolted me to full consciousness.

“Jeez…stepsister, you're a heavy sleeper.” Jeremy said as he looked over me like a stalking predator.

The moon wasn't at its brigh

test but it was enough to illuminate my stepbrother's very naked and very wet body.

My mouth hung open and…