Twisted Fate: My Stepson Is My Mate

a walk

Penelope

"Where do you think you are coming from?"

Uncle Bane's voice cuts through the silence like a blade.

I freeze for a split second then turn to face him.

He stands in the hallway with his arms crossed and an expression of triumph and disgust.

My mind races, seeking for the right answer given my situation. I consider lying, making up some excuse about needing fresh air or visiting the pack borders. But the look in his eyes tells me he has been waiting for this, watching for any misstep he could weaponize against me.

So, I don't give him the satisfaction of seeing me fumble.

"I went for a walk," I reply, meeting his gaze without flinching.

"A walk?" Bane laughs and I don't miss the mockery in it.

"At this hour? Dressed like that?" His eyes rake over my cloak, taking in how crumbled it looks and the dirt stains.

The insinuation is very clear.

"Do you take me for a fool, Penelope?"

"I take you for exactly what you are, Uncle." I fire back and watch as his jaw tightens before it relaxes and morphs to a cruel smile.

“ A young unmated lady sneaking out of the pack in the middle of the night. How do you think the pack members will react to that information?”

I see what he is trying to do – intimidate me into submission.

If it was me before, I would have pleaded and begged him to spare me. After all, who wants a ruined reputation while still unmated?

“What do you want?” I ask the question he is dying to hear from me. The grin on his face tells me I was right. This is what he wanted, to push me into a corner then lay out his evil plan.

“ It's simple. You accept the wedding arrangement and save yourself the humiliation once the pack finds out.

After all, we can't have a scandalous heiress tarnishing this pack's reputation."

I don't need anyone to tell me that's the real reason he has been lurking in the hallways at dawn. He probably had someone watching me, waiting for me to make a mistake.

In my past life, we didn't have this conversation.

But I remember begging, pleading with him not to send me to Alpha Graham.

All that had made no difference, he had sold me off anyway.

I remember arriving at Alpha Graham's castle broken and defeated.

But not this time.

“ This is what you wanted, right? Find something to pressure me into that marriage?” I point out. The evil smile on his face tells it all, he doesn't need to admit it out loud.

"Fine," I say, and watch his eyes widen in surprise. "If you think shipping me off to Alpha Graham solves your problems, then do it."

Uncle bane looked shocked, like he wasn't expecting me to agree so soon.

I hide my smirk and plaster and emotionless expression. If he thinks he is the only one calculating and scheming, then he is so wrong.

“ You agreed?” He asks, still in disbelief.

“ What choice do I have? You've made it clear that my place is wherever you decide to put me. I believe Alpha Graham would be so pleased to receive a willing bride.” I snort.

Uncle Bane stares at me like I have grown a second head.

He studies me for a long moment, trying to figure out my angle. But I keep my expression neutral, almost bored.

Finally, he nods slowly. "Tomorrow. You'll leave tomorrow."

I almost snort. Earlier, he said I'd leave in three days. Now, I don't get that anymore? He wants to ship me off before I change my mind?

"Perfect. That gives me time to pack." I brush past him toward my room, then pause.

“And Uncle, you should probably start thinking about what you will do when the pack members realize you are not actually the rightful Alpha. I am sure they'll be very understanding."

I don't wait for his response. I slip into my room and close the door, leaning against it as I release a shaky breath.

In my past life, I had a week to prepare myself mentally. This time, I have less than a day. But that is also fine, even better.

Because this time, I am not going there as a victim.

This time, I have a plan.

***

The journey to Crystal Lake Pack takes most of the day. Uncle Bane escorts me personally, along with Mia and a small contingent of guards. He doesn't trust me, things I will run.

If only he knew that running is the last thing on my mind.

My mother didn't come to see me off this time like she did in my past life.

Back then, I remember begging her to save me, only to tell me that as an Alpha's daughter and a woman, my role was to be married off for pack benefits. Said it was the same for her, that with time, I'd get used to it, even life happily.

But Alpha Graham was nothing compared to my father. Sure, she had been sold off but my father loved and respected her. He never gathered a harem for himself.

As we cross into Crystal Lake territory, memories assault me.

In my past life, I'd been terrified. Now, I am calculating, waiting for my perfect time to strike.

Aaron is somewhere in the Silver Coven, probably trying to forget about the strange girl who invaded his camp and then fled like a spooked rabbit. The mate bond thrums in my chest.

It's like a constant reminder of our connection. My wolf has been restless since we found our mate.

I wonder if it's driving him as crazy as it's driving me?

“Let her go. We have work to do.”

He dismissed me like I was nothing. Like I was…

I shake my head to push the memory away. Aaron can wait.

What I need to do is establish myself here. I need to survive long enough to change the events of this timeline.

When we arrive at the castle, we are escorted to the main hall where Alpha Graham waits on his throne. His cruel eyes assess me like I am some merchandise he is considering purchasing.

"So this is the Alpha's daughter," he says, his eyes glinting.

"Pretty little thing. You have done well, Beta Bane."

My uncle bows. "She is honored to join your household, Alpha Graham. I trust she will serve you well."

And there it is–serve.

I am some toy to fulfil his nasty desires

I am fuming inside, my wolf claws at me from the disrespect but I push her back.

In the past, I suppressed her. Not anymore but first, I have to appear tameable before Alpha Graham.

Alpha Graham waves a dismissive hand. "Leave us. I want to inspect my new acquisition properly."

My skin crawls, but I keep my expression neutral. Uncle Bane laughs heartily.

“ Ofcourse, Alpha. Take your time.” With that, he turns around and leaves.

The moment we are alone, Alpha Graham rises and circles me slowly. I stand perfectly still, remembering every lesson from my past life about surviving this man's attention.

"You are more compliant than I expected," he observes. "Beta Bane said you fought the engagement."

"I reconsidered," I reply evenly.

"You are a smart girl." He reaches out and I force myself not to flinch as he touches my hair.

“ You will be a fine addition to my collection.After I have broken you in properly, you will earn a place in my inner circle."

My stomach turns with disgust, but I smile. "You're too generous, Alpha."

He laughs, clearly pleased by my obedience .

"I like you already. You are much better than that shrew I married. My first mate was always so…"He trails off, like the memory irks him.

"Weak?" I say, remembering the rumors about Aaron's mother.

His expression darkens. "Troublesome. She never understood her place. But you seem to grasp the hierarchy quickly."

‘You have no idea.I learned it the hard way, and now I'm going to use every lesson to destroy you.’

That's what I want to say but I nod, playing the role of damsel perfectly.

"I'll have someone show you to your chambers," Alpha Graham says, losing interest now that he's established dominance. "We will formalize the arrangement tomorrow. Try not to cause trouble, girl. I have little patience for disobedience." The warning comes out clear and stern.

"Of course, Alpha."

He dismisses me with a wave, already calling for one of his attendants.