REJECTED MATE IS CLAIMED BY THE ALPHA’S BROTHER

The wolf-shifters came to us on Monday, Though he didn't ruin his own life until two days later, he was the first shifter I had ever seen, and I didn't recognize him as one right away. He was in his human form and to a mortal with untrained eyes, his wolf identity wasn't easily discernible, he looked like an ordinary man in his late 20s. Albeit a stunning-looking one all pent-up strength and well-built muscles, the type most women's eyes would linger on however, it was his eyes dark and troubled that really attracted attention, or at least my attention. I guess I like them brooding and mysterious, I Just turned 19. I didn't know what I liked or not just yet, he walked into the shop like a man on a mission, his determination amusingly evident across his handsome features. I'd seen him pace the street a couple of times before making his grand entrance. I started at him carefully with the storm blazing behind his gaze, you'd think he was here to start a fight, but the tension emanating from him slightly abated when he noticed me though not by much. I'm here to see the magician he told me in a commanding tone, I'd like to make a wish. No s**t, I replied returning a book to a shelf with carefully crafted detachment. The book probably didn't belong there at all but I didn't know my way around the shop yet. I'd only started working there two months ago though calling it working was a bit of an overstatement it's not like I was getting paid or anything. Aren't you going to get him the shifter asked, crossing his arms. No thanks, I replied. I chose life and when our visitor's expression hardened into a displeased scowl, I added he's off today hangover. The shifter clenched his jaw debating whether or not to force his way to get what he wanted, but in the end, he slowly nodded his head after exhaling a long breath. “When should I come back” He asked, Hopefully never for your sake, I mumbled under my breath but I wasn't allowed to say that, I wasn't allowed to warn any potential client no matter how foolish they were for coming here thinking magic would better their lives somehow. “Come back tomorrow,” I said Disappointed seeing him leave without looking back to admire my beauty. Caleb for that was his name, didn't come back the following day but the one after I frowned upon seeing him again. He looked almost sheepish as he walked back into the shop, maybe he had discussed his intentions about making a wish with someone, who had warned him about the consequences or perhaps he was just embarrassed by his previous display of anger, no matter, what I led him to a back room where Adrien was busy building a house of cards as if his life depends on it. It didn't make him look particularly professional but, and this, I was quick to find out he didn't give a flying f**k about what people thought of him or not, client, I announced ushering Caleb into the room. Adrien ignored him, adding an ace of heart to his little project. Honestly running this shop wasn't my responsibility but I felt ashamed nonetheless. He was already here two days ago, I added eyeing my boss and caretaker critically. Once again I wondered why my father had asked Adrian to take care of me in the event of his death. A death which had occurred only 3 months ago, I did not know of Adrianne's existence before then and still knew nothing about what tied him to my father, to the point where he thought leaving me in his care would be a good idea, especially when one knew what the man did for a living. “I'll be with you in the second,” Adrien said. Picking up another card with utmost concentration. He was such an odd character, from the Way he looked, always disheveled as if he had just gotten out of bed, to his unsociable and reclusive manners, yet nothing was as odd as his job as a magician. I learned who granted people wishes, any wish from raising a cat from the dead, to making one become president. Adrian’s powers were practically unlimited when it came to granting wishes, an ability given to him long ago by a demon who in return requested that the washer pay a hefty price for Adrienne's services. No price, no wish. What is it you desire Adrian asked, flicking a finger at the construction, which toppled to the ground. “To become Alpha of your pack”, Caleb blinked at him in surprise, making Adrienne smirk. Don't act so surprised, becoming the alpha is usually what any shifter wants, sounds like a hassle to me but what do I know? I wasn't sure what being an alpha meant exactly, but I was quite certain it couldn't be as much of a hassle as being a magician who ruined people's lives for a living, well it's not what I want Celeb replied with a frown oh Adrienne shrugged then what would you like me to do for you. The shifter briefly hesitated but squared his shoulders in resolve, my brother just took a mate he explained with a displeased expression I would like you to break the bond. Caleb was part of an impressively large pack, it was far from the biggest or the most powerful in the country, but it had influence nonetheless. However, It hadn't always been so, it took years for his pack to make a name for itself and establish its position in the shifter community. When Caleb was young, they were small and insignificant vulnerable to other wolves, and dependent on other packs for survival. Caleb's mother had suffered the consequences of this weakness they had. They had been attacked by Rogue while Caleb's father had been away from the den, left alone to protect her children Cara had perished at the hands of Rogue wolves in front of Caleb and his older brother's eyes, this tragedy had only strengthened the two brothers strong to help their father rebuild their packs. This is why Caleb didn't understand how his brother, their future Alpha on whom the entire pack's survival rested could have chosen such a weak significant Omega wolf for his mate or, rather he did understand. Rowan was a strong willful wolf with all the qualities to lead but he was kind and too magnanimous for his own good. He was always trying to help people save the unsavable, making the world a better place so when he met Annie, the very definition of a damsel in distress. The most fragile ill-equipped wolf to ever encounter. The pack, of course, he had taken it upon himself to become her protector, it Was only a matter of time before he declared Annie his mate, for what better way for her to be protected than to mate with an alpha, as powerful as Rowan. Caleb had nothing against Annie, She was bland and perfectly insignificant but had done nothing wrong. It wasn't her fault she didn't have what It took to mate with his brother but he’d be damned if he'd let the omega ruin all that his family had built. Annie wasn't for to lead, Annie had nothing to bring to the table. Annie wasn't even particularly beautiful or lovable. Annie had to go. So you want me to break your brother's bond with his mate? Adrien resumed after Caleb finished telling us his life story. By this point, I was feeling much less sympathetic to his plight because, in my opinion, it was none of his business whom his brother wanted to marry or mate with. As they like to call it among shifters, I didn't believe it was Caleb's place to choose who his brother loved but I also knew it was none of my business to comment on what Caleb decided to wish for so I kept quiet. Yes, I want him to forget about Annie and find a better suited for the job. Caleb continued looking more and more resolute as time passed. Honestly, what a selfish prick, can you make that happen, he asked looking somewhat intrigued to course. Adrien replied, giving him a hardened look but it will cost you, I frowned in annoyance. Why did he agree to such a selfish obtuse wish, how much do you want Caleb asked. It's not money I want, I'll grant your wish and in exchange, I will take what matters most to you. I shiver just like I always do when Adrien explains what a wish costs. What matters most to you, but what is it that matters most to a person, and in Caleb's case what is it that matters most to a wolf shifter looking to protect his brother and his pack?