Mated To My Alpha Brother

Chapter 3 The Alpha and Beta's Arrival

The man's response filled me with fear as I immediately opened my eyes and swiftly move away from him. I lost my footing in the process and almost fell into the fountain. However, Atlas quickly reached out and firmly grasped my hand, preventing me from falling.

He pulled me into his arms and our eyes were fixed on each other. He noticed the fear in my eyes and couldn't understand why my reaction to his true identity was filled with such deep distress.

How can I, a tainted servant be seen flirting with the promising Beta of the Moonwalkers pack? I asked myself inwardly.

"I'm sorry, I have to leave," I said, stammering, as I loosened myself from his grip and took off.

Atlas called after me, but I had already zoomed into the puzzled garden. A few seconds later, I found myself back where I had taken off and there was Atlas, still waiting. For a moment, I forgot that I didn't know my way out of the labyrinthine garden.

"What did I do wrong?" Atlas asked, approaching me gradually, but I took the same number of steps back from him.

"You did nothing wrong. I am just a servant and cannot be seen so closely with the promising Beta of the Moonwalkers pack," I replied, bowing my head in respect as I was fully aware of my place and hoping to avoid future persecution from Ethan and Beatrice.

"A servant? But you're Ethan's sister, aren't you?" Atlas asked, closing the distance between us swiftly.

I avoided walking backward further, trying not to miss a step or stumble into the water for real this time.

In that moment, I heard my name echoing from behind, and upon recognizing the voice that called my name startled me greatly.

"Emily! What are you doing here?!" As I turned immediately, behold, it was the Alpha of the Moonwalkers Pack, Ethan, staring at me with a piercing dark gaze.

His long hard look sent shivers of fear down my spine, reminding me of the consequences that awaited me at home.

With a shaky voice, I mustered the courage to speak up. "I'm sorry, Lord Ethan," My eyes darted nervously between Ethan and Atlas, who stood beside me.

"I misplaced something earlier, and Emily here happened to find it for me," Atlas lied, attempting to cover for me after sensing the fear Ethan's presence had on me.

To my surprise, Ethan's tone softened slightly. "Thank you for your help, Emily."

That's something he had never said since the death of our parents.

Beatrice arrived in the garden seconds after, her expression changed when she saw me standing beside Atlas.

"Ethan! finally returning home after three long months?" Beatrice greeted Ethan warmly as she pulled him into a hug.

"Yeah, it feels good going back home. Time really flew by," Ethan replied.

Beatrice's eyes shifted to Atlas, and she grinned flirtingly. "I'm so excited about this, Atlas. Having you over there means we can all live under one roof again, just like old times!" She leaned in for a friendly hug with Atlas.

"Just like old times." Atlas repeated with a grin, but his eyes remained locked in my direction.

It appears that Beatrice has a crush on Atlas, but it seems like Atlas does not share the same level of affection based on his interactions with her.

After their chatting, Beatrice turned her attention back to me with a glimmer of superiority in her eyes. "Emily, you can join the others." she instructed as her words laced with authority.

"Yes, lady Beatrice," I obeyed even though my heart yearned to stay by Atlas's side.

Hours later, the contract between Ethan and the alpha of the Ironclaw pack was sealed. Atlas was officially the Beta of the Moonwalkers pack. However, what was remaining is a welcome party for him to be initiated into our pack. The Moonwalkers prepared to embark on the journey back to our pack's territory.

As we reached a quarter mile on the road, Atlas, seated in his carriage, noticed me limping along. He immediately commanded his carriage to stop and beckoned for me to join him inside.

"Emily," he called grinning, "please join me in the carriage."

I hesitated for a moment, contemplating the potential repercussions. Finally, I mustered the courage to reply, "I appreciate your offer, Atlas, but I would prefer to continue on foot." I was fully aware of the consequences of stepping into the Beta's carriage.

But Atlas insisted that I join him inside. He decided to use the weight of his newfound authority as the Beta. "Emily, as the Beta, I command you to join me inside the carriage," he said firmly.

Reluctantly, I obeyed the order of the beta. As I stepped into the carriage, I could sense the watchful gaze of Beatrice who was a short distance ahead in her own carriage. Our eyes met briefly and I shivered knowing that she would not let my actions go unnoticed.

As we arrived at the Moonwalkers castle, there was a grand welcome party to celebrate the Alpha and his Beta's arrival.

As Atlas stepped down from his carriage, Ethan's face lit up with joy. "After tonight, you will be called a Moonwalker," Ethan proclaimed with great excitement because his three months departure from his pack was not in vain

"Thank you, Ethan. I am honored to take on this role and serve this pack to the best of my abilities," Atlas replied.

Meanwhile, Beatrice driven by her own motives, she maneuvered herself to stand beside Atlas. She tried reaching out to hold his arm, but however, Atlas brushed past Beatrice without acknowledging her moves on him.

As his attention turned to the carriage, Atlas realized that I was still inside. He immediately directed his gaze towards me and spoke with a commanding yet gentle tone. "My moon goddess, it's time for you to come out."

Atlas reached out to me inside the carriage as he extended his hand to guide me out in a majestic manner. Without hesitation, I claimed Atlas's hand and gracefully stepped out of the carriage but only to be met with dreadful gazes.

"Emily?!" Ethan exclaimed in shock. "What is Emily doing in your carriage?" He asked Atlas, masking his anger towards me from Atlas.

Atlas grinned as he replied, "We're friends." My eyes widened at his response as the sudden declaration struck me hard.

Beatrice could no longer ignore the spark that seemed to ignite between Atlas and I. She felt compelled to inquire, "And when did you two become friends?"

"It's a long story, but friendship is what we share now," Atlas proclaimed confidently. His words did not sit well with Ethan, and I could sense the growing disagreement brewing in his eyes.

In that tense moment, I could no longer bear the weight of Ethan's gaze. Fear surged through me, and with a racing heart, I made the decision to retreat. But just as I took a few steps away, Atlas reached out for my hand, he held it gently but firmly. "Emily, please," he implored, his voice filled with concern and determination. "Stay with me a little longer."

His touch sent a jolt of warmth through me. Despite the turmoil surrounding us, I couldn't deny the comfort and reassurance I felt when I looked into his eyes. In that instant, I found myself unable to resist his plea.

I turned to face him, my voice barely above a whisper. "Alright, Atlas. I will stay."

A flicker of relief crossed his face and he squeezed my hand gently. Atlas never knew that three months ago I was betrothed to Ethan.

As we stood together, Beatrice and Ethan's disapproving gazes still bore into us. Their unspoken words hung heavy in the air and their silent accusations fueled my anxiety. Breathing became a struggle as I fought to contain the rising panic within me.

The welcome party was in full swing, the joyous atmosphere contrasting sharply with the tension that filled the air. Despite the celebrations around us, I couldn't shake off the weight of what awaited me.

Will Atlas, becoming the Beta of the Pack ease my sufferings, or will his presence only make things worse for me?

To be continued... A Bitter sweet Pain