SEDUCING MY ALPHA STEPBROTHER

Chapter 4 Sensual Taboo

"Knox! Elayyyna! Come downstairs for dinner!" The b***h from hell yelled from downstairs.

I wasn't stupid enough to go downstairs with Knox's scent still hanging over me. After a quick, rigorous shower and a hasty choice to ditch my old t-shirt in favor of a simple hoodie, I resigned myself to the torture that was dinner with Anderson's family.

I didn't even have the time to brush my hair and I might as well look like an alley cat at the moment.

I dragged my ass downstairs, feeling reluctant.

Anderson's family of three were sitting at the elaborate dining table, talking and laughing amongst each other.

Each of them poised, regal, powerful and beautiful. Werewolves of the highest pedigrees. I stuck out like a sore thumb with my ratty hair and dormant wolf.

Anderson was replying to a few emails on his phone as Delilah chatted away about her latest shopping spree and what family trip to take during the holidays and Knox would chime in grunts, one word answers and the occasional chuckle when the need arises. He wouldn't look up from his brand new iphone, the latest model at that, his thumbs tapping languidly on the screen as he texted one of his (f**k?)buddies.

I felt out of place, slowing down as I made my way down.

They looked so happy and perfect... None of them remembered. Not even my dad. How did he not remember? My birthday...

I mean, I should be used to it by now, but it still rips me up every single year he does this.

Maya, our cook and housekeeper breezed into the room to set the table. She noticed me standing on the stairs, staring blankly at Anderson's back.

She must have seen the rage and sadness in my eyes because her face softened in affection for me as she beamed proudly at me. "If it isn't our birthday girl!" She announced. "You've come downstairs. Just sit back and relax, chica. Your Aunt Maya baked a cake and made some new dishes for your special day. They're delicious and I can't wait for you to try them."

I turned to her with grateful tears in my eyes, "oh, Maya," I sniffed, holding back tears.

She pulled me into her warm arms and kissed the top of my head. "Alright, chica! Sit down and let me serve you."

I was grinning a watery grin as I sat at the table, far away from the others.

Their eyes were now on me and it would have been uncomfortable if I gave a f**k. Somehow, my eyes caught Knox's and a weird look washed over his face.

Anderson cleared his throat uncomfortably and shifted in his seat, letting go of Delilah's hand, he turned his gaze towards me, noticing my plain and unadorned appearance, which was probation a rare sight for him. I was usually decked out in enough makeup, chains and Jewelry to weigh down a water buffalo.

He spoke with a hint of kindness, "Today is your birthday," he said gruffly. "I was in a hurry and didn't have time to buy a gift. Tell me what you want, and I'll make it up to you later."

Of f*****g course.

Since my mother became bedridden and ultimately lost her life, I always spent my birthdays with my grandmother, and Anderson, my biological father, rarely celebrated with me. I often told myself that he didn't care about me, so it wasn't surprising that he was never there for my birthdays. Never even remembered them.

This was the first time in f*****g months that he has given me a blank check to ask for whatever I wanted. I couldn't let this opportunity go to waste.

I tapped my chin thoughtfully, ruminating over my thoughts.

Just then, a ping notification lighted up Knox's phone and my eyes brightened in realization.

"I want an iPhone," I announced.

Anderson had taken away all my electronics, including my smartphone, and replaced them with an old-fashioned device that I would never be caught dead using in public.

"No." He shot me down immediately, slurping up his Michelin star level pasta. "How about something else?"

"In that case, I don't want anything," I shrugged indifferently, knowing that Anderson couldn't really give me what I truly desired.

He looked at me and sighed. Then his gaze shifted to Knox and a fond smile touched his lips, "so, how were classes today, son?"

"Good," Knox drawled lazily, "classes are not as tasking as I thought they'd be."

"That's my son," he beamed proudly. "Your teacher only had good things to say about your performance since you resumed. I knew you'd do well at the private school. Keep it up."

Hurt and rage bubbled in my chest.

"And how about me?!" I blurted before I could stop myself. "Aren't you going to ask how school went for me?!"

Silence ensued across the table.

"And why will I do that?" Anderson asked through gritted teeth. "Your teacher already told me how you skipped all your classes today to get that ridiculous hair. You embarrass me every chance you get and you expect me to speak to you fondly. You're just like your mother. You do very little yet you expect so much in return."

Anger surged through me like a tidal wave. The weight of his words hung heavy in the air, piercing deep into my heart. My father's disappointment was palpable, and it cut me to the core.

Tears welled up in my eyes, but I fought hard to hold them back. I wouldn't let him see my vulnerability, my pain. I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms as I struggled to regain composure.

"How can you even talk like this?" I choked out, my voice trembling with a mixture of hurt and defiance. "I'm your daughter! She was your mate!"

"You're a disappointment to me, Elena. You both are."

There. It was right there, out in the open. His words echoed in my mind, amplifying my sense of inadequacy. The pain in my chest intensified, and I felt a whirlwind of emotions swirling within me. Anger, hurt, and a profound sense of betrayal battled for dominance, threatening to consume me.

I laughed without any mirth, shaking my head.

Here I was, sitted with three people. A father who couldn't stand me, a stepmother who hated my guts and a stepbrother that was obsessed with hurting me in every dark, twisted way.

Why did they hate me so much? Just because I was an omega born of an alpha, just because I couldn't be what he wanted.

Taking a deep breath, I lifted my chin and met his gaze head-on. "You may not believe in me, but I do," I declared, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "The day I let your opinion of me dictate my worth is the day I die."

There was a flicker of surprise in my father's eyes, as if he hadn't expected such a response. But it quickly faded, replaced by a stony expression.

He easily dismissed me like one would dismiss a pesky fly. "Do what you want, Elena. Just don't bring any more shame on this family."

"Well," Delilah laughed awkwardly, "let's eat now. The food is getting cold."

Besides the household staff, there were only four of us at the table, but it was filled with an abundance of food.

Suddenly feeling tired, I placed my fork down. "I'm full," I said quietly, pushing my chair back and rising to my feet.

Delilah also stood up. "Oh, El! I think I prepared a gift for you afterall, just wait a moment."

"El" was the nickname my mother always called me and Delilah liked to call me that when she was pretending to be affectionate with me.

I had said it so many times in front of our relatives, reminding everyone that my mother had given me the name El and I didn't want anybody else calling me that, to honour her passing.

Delilah simply smiled, "of course, Elena. I'll remember to not use that nickname again next time."

Yeah, sure. The day you'll stop is the day I'll go hula hooping with Santa at the north pole.

I glared at her coldly, at all of them.

Knox caught my eyes, an indecipherable expression all over his face.

Asshole.

I turned around and started to walk away when Delilah stopped me from behind. "Elena, wait. I have your grandma on the phone."

I hesitated for a moment. I didn't particularly feel like talking to anyone but grandma was the only person I had in my corner. When mum became ill, she'd tell me stories of a time when Anderson and my mother were young mates in love... And then, I came along and wrecked their bond.

Sighing, I took the phone skeptically and dialed my grandmother's number.

As soon as I heard my grandmother's familiar voice, all my grievances and sadness flooded back. "Grandma!" I tattled, "Anderson is mistreating me!"