Turning Back On My Alpha Stepbrother Mates.

Shiraz’s Pov. “What do you think you’re doing?” I shut the fridge after grabbing a bottle of champagne, popped the cork, and took a long drink. Pulling a chair closer, I sat down with one leg propped up, feeling refreshed as the liquid burned down my throat. “Mom wants us to prepare for the party,” Shiri said, sliding her chair toward the table as she flipped through her books. “She wants everyone there in an hour,” she added. “So I need to review a few things before it starts.” “What’s the party for?” I asked, pulling a cigarette and a lighter from my loose black turtleneck jacket. “It’s for Sihwa’s birthday,” Shiri replied, her red eyes briefly meeting mine before returning to her books. I lit the cigarette, adjusting my clear blue glasses as I took a drag. A warm sensation spread through me, rising to my head, while the black beanie on my hair only added to the dizzy feeling. “Sihwa’s birthday, huh?” I murmured, my eyes fixed on my brown sneakers and loose silver joggers. Sihwa. I’ve heard that name for as long as I can remember, yet I’ve never actually seen the Alpha in person. I only came across a photo of him once, back when he was much younger. After that, every trace of him seemed to vanish, as if my mother had hidden away all evidence of his existence. The only thing left was his room. It felt almost sacred, like a shrine. My mother would go there to sleep, especially on his birthday or when she was in heat. That’s all I really know. Well, that, and the fact that he’s my father. I’ve tried asking my mother about him, but she rarely speaks of him. Whenever I bring it up, she brushes me off or tells me to focus on something else. I don’t understand why she refuses to talk about him, yet still celebrates his birthday every year without him being there. All I’ve ever been told is that he’s a powerful Alpha. I even tried asking my uncles, but they always avoid the subject, pretending not to know anything. No one is willing to tell me who he truly is, or what he means as my father. They all stay silent, like it’s some kind of secret I’m not meant to know. I don’t understand why. But I’ve heard the rumors. They say he’s not just powerful, but dangerous. That he wiped out most of his own family over clan matters, and even killed my mother’s first love. I once asked my mother if it was true, but she told me not to believe such stories. Still, as the years passed, I found myself growing to hate him, maybe because everyone keeps him hidden from me, like I’m unworthy of knowing the truth. But he’s my father. Why should he be a secret? Or…does he not even know about Shiri and me? I’m honestly tired of all this. “Yes, it is,” Shiri replied. “Don’t you want to know about him? And why did he leave?” I asked casually. Shiri’s gaze lingered for a moment. “The last time I remember him, he was really excited to see me.” My heart dropped in my stomach. “You’ve met him?” She nodded. “Yes, I have.” “When? How? Why didn’t you tell me?” Shiri let out a quiet sigh. “It…never really crossed my mind to tell you.” Her expression softened as her thumb tapped lightly against the table. “It just felt terrible when he left,” she added shakily. “When I was at the mosque, I used to hear things about him. I saw some pictures through uncle Chris, he was the one who told me he was my father. I heard the rumors too.” She gave a faint smile. “I didn’t even know someone like him could exist.” She paused for a moment before continuing. Her eyes beamed with tears. “The first time I saw him, I was so excited I could barely breathe.” She quickly wiped them away before they fell. “There’s something about him, an aura. When you look at him, you just feel calm. He felt like fresh air.” Her gaze dropped to her restless fingers on the table. “I wanted to go with him, but Chris brought me back here.” “Shiri…” “I just hope he comes again someday.” He smiled, shaking her head. “I’m sorry for rambling…” “It’s okay,” I said, reaching for her arm. “I understand.” “Yeah.” She let out a small laugh as she stood up. “I’ll go see what Mom’s doing.” “Seriously? You guys are still here?” Samantha burst in. “You’re not even dressed yet.” “This is what I’m wearing,” I said quickly. “You should be talking to Shiri.” “Excuse me?” Shiri raised a brow. “This is what I’m wearing too.” “You both look so dull,” Samantha said, rolling her eyes. “Go change into something better.” “Huh?!” We both reacted. “Yes,” Samantha shot back, throwing her arms out. “Come on, this is a big party, not the kind you show up to in casual clothes.” She pointed at me. “Who even wears baggy outfits to a party?” “Shiraz Grimwolf,” I replied proudly. “Me. Who else?” I crossed my arms and leaned back, resting my legs on the table. Samantha let out an exaggerated groan. “You’re the only one making a big deal out of this,” I said with a chuckle, amused by her expression. “Mom doesn’t even care.” I shrugged. Shiri covered her mouth, trying to hide her laughter. “Shiraz, be serious. I don’t want a headache before the party even starts.” “Well, I don’t feel like being serious. Just leave me alone,” I said, rolling my eyes as I looked at her again. “And who made you the judge, anyway?” “If it wasn’t for Luna, I wouldn’t even be here.” “Then go tell her you didn’t see me.” I pushed myself up from the chair. “Who goes to a birthday party when the person being celebrated isn’t even there? That’s messed up, don’t you think?” “Shiraz,” Samantha said, her tone softening. “Don’t do this.” “Don’t do what?” I snapped. “No one ever talks about him when I ask, but the moment something involves him, suddenly I’m expected to join in. I don’t have time for that nonsense, got it?” “Shiraz—” I ignored her and walked off. I stepped outside the mansion and saw how packed the place was. With my hands in my pockets, I walked past groups of people laughing, dancing, drinking, and making out. What a wonderful event, I thought sarcastically. I glanced up at the sky and noticed the moon was nearly full. Just thinking about it being full in three days made me uneasy. I hated the pain that came with shifting during the full moon, it felt like my bones were breaking, like I was losing my mind every time I transformed. I despised the full moon and the way it affected me. It was completely messed up. And I didn’t want to be at this stupid party. It made me feel sick. Knowing that Shiri had actually met Sihwa in person only made the anger inside me burn even more. My vision blurred for a moment, like something was pulsing through me from the inside as I moved. My body started to feel unusually hot. What’s happening? A strange, almost overwhelming sensation spread through me, making my body react in ways I couldn’t control. When someone brushed past me, the feeling only intensified, my chest tightening, my stomach fluttering. No. No. No. This can’t be happening.