Mated To My Supposed Brother

Are You Satisfied

By the time evening fell, Aria was a shell of herself.

She stood at the stove, the steam from the stew clouding her vision, when she heard the sound of voices approaching.

Elena’s bright laughter rang out, followed by the deep, low rumble of Liam’s voice.

The door opened, and they stepped inside. Liam looked tired, his tunic damp from the evening mist, while Elena looked radiant.

She immediately began fluttering around the small room, touching the books on the shelves and admiring the simple carvings Liam had made over the years.

It’s so cozy here! Elena exclaimed, turning to Aria.

You’ve done such a wonderful job taking care of him.

But I suppose now you’ll be able to focus on your own life soon, won't you?

Caleb was telling me he hopes you’ll spend more time at the Beta’s house once Liam is settled.

Aria gripped the wooden spoon so hard it snapped in her hand.

The crack sounded like a bone breaking in the quiet room as Liam’s head snapped toward her, his gaze sharp and calculating.

Aria is a devoted sister, Liam said, his voice silky and dangerous.

She always puts the needs of the family before her own desires. Don't you, Aria?

The challenge in his voice was unmistakable. He was punishing her.

He was showing her exactly how much power she had given away when she chose fear over him.

I do, Aria whispered, dropping the broken spoon into the sink. Dinner is ready.

The meal was a master-class in slow, agonizing torture.

Aria sat across from them, watching as Elena leaned into Liam, her hair brushing his shoulder as she asked him a dozen questions about his childhood.

Aria had to answer most of them, providing the history and the details that should have been her private memories.

She spoke of the time Liam saved her from a fall, of the quiet nights they spent reading by the fire, and of the way he always knew when she was sad without her saying a word.

Elena ate it up, her eyes wide with admiration. You two are so close. It’s almost like you’re the same person.

I hope Liam and I can have that kind of connection one day.

Liam didn't answer. He just looked at Aria over the rim of his cup, his eyes a cold, dark blue that seemed to see right through the wall she was trying to build.

He reached out and placed his hand on the table, and Elena immediately covered it with her own.

Aria looked down at their joined hands, her heart breaking into a thousand jagged pieces.

The jealousy was a physical heat in her throat, a primal need to scream and claw and claim what was hers. But she remained silent.

She remained the "good sister," the dutiful guide, the girl who was helping the pack's favorite warrior find his future.

As the night wore on and Elena finally prepared to leave, she hugged Aria tightly. Thank you so much for today.

I feel like I understand him so much better now. I’ll see you at the hunt tomorrow?

Aria nodded, her face a mask of exhausted neutrality.

I’ll be there.

Liam walked Elena to the door, stepping out onto the porch to say his goodbyes.

Aria stayed in the kitchen, her hands trembling as she began to clear the plates.

She could hear their whispered voices, the soft sound of Elena’s giggle, and then a long, heavy silence that made Aria’s blood run cold.

When Liam finally stepped back inside, he didn't go to his room.

He walked into the kitchen and stood by the table, watching her.

Are you satisfied, Aria? he asked, his voice a low, jagged rasp.

You wanted the world to think we are siblings. Now the Alpha thinks it. Elena thinks it. The whole pack thinks it.

Liam, I had no choice, Aria whispered, her eyes brimming with tears.

You had every choice, he countered, stepping into her space until she was backed against the sink. You chose this.

You chose to watch me sit here with her. You chose to tell her my secrets.

You chose to be the one who hands me over to another woman’s bed.

I’m trying to save your life! she cried out, her voice breaking.

My life is nothing without you, he roared, his hands slamming onto the counter on either side of her.

And if you think I am going to let that girl touch me the way you did, you are even more of a fool than I thought.

I will play the Alpha’s game because I have to. But every time I look at her, I will be thinking of you.

Every time she speaks, I will be hearing your voice.

And I will make sure you feel every second of that pain until you find the courage to tell the truth.

He pulled away from her, his face a mask of raw, agonizing fury.

He didn't say goodnight.

He just walked into his room and slammed the door, the sound echoing through the empty cottage like a final judgment.