My Stepbrother is a Werewolf?!

*** I have a secret. A dirty, dirty, terrible secret. Would you like to know my secret? It all started on the very first day of high school. For most people, this is usually the opportunity for them to create a new identity for themselves, and leave behind whatever terrible reputation they had created in middle school. But life in Crestwood High was never that simple, as I discovered from the moment I walked in. Now, for context, I was always the nerdy girl in middle school. Back then, I was the epitome of ordinary. Glasses perched on the bridge of my nose, always buried in a book during lunch breaks. My wardrobe consisted of hand-me-downs and faded jeans, far from the trendy styles that graced the hallways. The spotlight belonged to others—the popular kids with their effortless charm and social prowess. While I embraced my love for knowledge and thrived in academic pursuits, my introverted nature often relegated me to the sidelines. The lunchroom buzzed with laughter and animated conversations, but I found solace in the company of my thoughts and the worlds within the pages of novels. I was content being invisible, believing that fitting in was not meant for someone like me. Those years of self-imposed invisibility shaped me. I devoured knowledge like a hungry beast, seeking refuge in the vast realms of literature and science. My evenings were spent immersed in experiments and equations, exploring the wonders of the universe from the confines of my bedroom. But with each passing day, I yearned for something more—a connection, a place where I belonged. I dreamed of stepping out of the shadows, of being seen and recognized for the person I truly was. Amidst the ordinary and sometimes isolating experiences of middle school, there was one shining light that pierced through the shadows—Asher Coleman. In a sea of faces that barely noticed my existence, he stood out as the kindest and most genuine person I had ever encountered. Asher and I crossed paths in the hallways, our lockers adjacent to each other. While others brushed past me without a second glance, he would flash a warm smile, acknowledging my presence. Those simple gestures meant the world to me, brightening my day and reminding me that there was goodness in the world. I remember one particular incident that solidified my admiration for him. It was a rainy day, and I had forgotten my umbrella, drenched from head to toe as I trudged through the school's entrance. Feeling defeated and miserable, I sought refuge in the deserted hallway. And then, like a guardian angel, Asher appeared. Without hesitation, he offered me his own umbrella, shielding me from the rain with a gentle kindness that touched my heart. We walked together, his easy conversation and genuine interest making me forget the dreary weather. At that moment, he was not the hottest boy in school; he was simply Asher—the person who made me feel seen and valued. In a world where popularity reigned supreme, Asher's kindness was a beacon of light, illuminating the path towards empathy and understanding. He saw beyond the superficiality of social hierarchies, treating others with respect and compassion, regardless of their place on the popularity spectrum. But now, back to the aforementioned first day of high school. As the halls of Crestwood High gave way to the tumultuous landscape of high school, a seismic shift occurred, altering the very essence of Asher Coleman. Puberty, with its unpredictable touch, transformed him into a beacon of attraction that left the entire school absolutely gobsmacked. Believe me, when I tell you, nothing could have prepared me for the transformation which suddenly took place. Gone were the unassuming features that had defined Asher during our middle school days. In their place stood a jawline chiseled by the hands of angels, dark tousled hair that seemed to defy gravity, and eyes that held a magnetic allure. His once lanky frame was now built like a tank, and every step he took exuded confidence, drawing gazes from every corner of the hallway. It was as if the cosmos conspired to bestow upon him a beauty that was impossible to ignore. Whispers traveled like wildfire, voices tinged with envy and admiration as every girl could be heard asking "Is it just me, or did Asher Coleman get ten times hotter over the summer?". Asher had become the epitome of attractiveness, the boy who effortlessly turned heads and made hearts skip a beat. But amidst the awe-struck stares and fluttering hearts, something changed. Asher's newfound magnetism seemed to dull the warmth that had defined him in our earlier years. He became distant, surrounded by a harem of admirers, his attention fleeting and elusive. The kindness that once radiated from him like a gentle glow now flickered, shrouded in the haze of his newfound allure. I couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment as I observed this transformation. The boy who had once seen past my invisibility had become ensnared in the very web of popularity that had eluded me. It seemed as if our paths had diverged, leaving me behind in the shadow of his dazzling charisma. In the face of his newfound beauty, I struggled to reconcile the image of Asher that had enchanted me in the past with the person he had become. It was a bitter pill to swallow, a reminder that even the kindest hearts could succumb to the allure of external validation. Oh, and did I mention that his mom got married to my dad during the summer break? It happened one fateful evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting hues of orange and pink across the sky. I sat in the comfort of our living room, the air thick with anticipation, waiting for my dad to return from a mysterious outing with the mysterious woman he promised to tell me all about when he returned. Little did I know that his return would bring news that would reshape the very fabric of my existence. As he walked through the front door, a mix of excitement and nervousness painted his face. His eyes met mine, filled with a blend of hope and apprehension. With a deep breath, he revealed his secret, the words hanging in the air like delicate threads. "Enaya," he began, his voice wavering slightly, "I know this is a lot to take in, but ever since your mother left us, it's no secret that I've been struggling to keep it together. I've done everything I can to make things work, but a man needs a wife, and you need a mother." "Please tell me this is a joke," I begged, but it was too late. "Her name is Amelia Coleman," he said. "And... I'm going to marry her." The weight of his revelation settled upon my shoulders, threatening to crush me with a whirlwind of emotions. The room seemed to spin, my heart pounding against my chest. The words echoed in my mind—a jumble of disbelief and confusion. Amelia Coleman. The very woman whose life had intersected with mine in the most unexpected of ways. The woman who held the key to Asher's enigmatic transformation, the mother of the boy who had once been the kindest soul in my life. The magnitude of the revelation was not lost on me—it was as if a truck had been dropped on my head, and I could hardly breathe as I thought about the implications of this. Asher Coleman was going to be my stepbrother. From that point onward, my life took a dramatic turn. Our families merged, forming a new entity that defied logic and convention. The once-familiar walls of our home became a blend of memories and adjustments as Amelia and Asher moved in, their presence permeating every corner. The house seemed to expand, embracing the weight of our shared secrets and hidden truths. Even now, I can hear Asher downstairs watching a soccer game with my dad. The sound of his laughter sends shivers down my spine, and I wish that I could go downstairs, curl up in his arms and listen to his breathing. It was hard enough keeping my eyes on the floor whenever we passed each other in the hallway, or trying not to breathe in his intoxicating scent when we ate breakfast, or pretending not to be hurt whenever he saw me at school and said, "Hey, sis!" So now you know my secret. And I need you to guard it with your life. If anyone finds out, I will be destroyed. No one can know this one painful truth that haunts my thoughts every minute of every day: That I am in love with my stepbrother. ***