Mated To My Step Brother

4

I had spent hours picking out the right outfit, trying to mask the body I hated, hoping tonight would be different. It was my chance to escape the endless whispers and the suffocating looks of the school. Ravi—my best friend since childhood—had convinced me to go to this party. It was a typical high school thing, one of those ‘let’s pretend we’re normal for a night’ kind of events.

I slipped on a black dress, tight enough to hug my curves but not too tight. It made me feel confident, like I could pretend to be someone else for just a little while. The heels I’d chosen were simple but gave me a boost, not just in height but in strength. Maybe tonight, for once, I could feel something that wasn’t shame.

But of course, just as I was finishing my makeup—just as I was starting to believe that maybe tonight would be different—there was a knock on my door.

“Liora,” Kalen’s voice came through, that all-too-familiar tone, like he owned the world and I was just an inconvenience. “I need to talk to you.”

I bit back a groan. I wasn’t in the mood for this. Not now, not today. But I knew if I didn’t face him, it would only get worse. Slowly, I opened the door.

Kalen stood there, his jaw clenched, his eyes cold. His expression was a mix of irritation and something else—something I couldn’t place. But that didn’t matter. I wasn’t going to let him ruin tonight.

“What do you want?” I asked, my voice more snappy than I intended.

He stepped inside without waiting for an invitation, his eyes scanning me in a way that made my skin crawl. “You look ridiculous.”

I couldn’t stop the sting of his words. I wanted to shout, to tell him to leave, but I stood there, holding my ground. He wasn’t going to win. Not today.

“You’re pathetic, you know that?” Kalen continued, his gaze never leaving mine. “You think anyone is going to look at you? You think you belong at some party with people who are actually worth something?”

I felt my chest tighten, the old anger and humiliation bubbling to the surface. But I kept my voice steady. “You have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Kalen chuckled darkly, leaning against my desk, his eyes narrowing. “I know exactly what I’m talking about. No one’s going to want you there. They’ll laugh at you the second you walk in.”

I wanted to punch him. My hands clenched into fists at my sides, but I didn’t move. Instead, I focused on the image of the door opening, of me stepping out of this room and leaving him behind.

But just as I was about to say something, Ravi’s voice came from the hallway. “Liora, you almost ready? We’re gonna be late if we don’t—”

Ravi stopped when he saw Kalen standing in my room. His eyes immediately darkened, and he glared at Kalen, his posture shifting to something protective.

“Hey,” Ravi said, his voice calm but laced with something sharp. “Is everything okay?”

Kalen turned, his smirk not wavering. “Just making sure your little friend doesn’t get any funny ideas about fitting in with people who actually matter.”

Ravi’s eyes flashed with annoyance, and he stepped into my room, standing in front of me. “Don’t you dare talk to her like that. You’re nothing but a coward hiding behind your popularity.”

Kalen’s eyes locked onto Ravi’s, the tension palpable. “You really think you can talk to me like that? What, you gonna cry about it, pretty boy?”

Ravi, always the confident one when it came to people like Kalen, didn’t flinch. “I’m not gonna cry about it. But I’ll sure as hell make sure you regret ever opening your mouth around her again.”

Kalen took a step toward Ravi, but Ravi didn’t back down, his chin raised high, a small smirk on his lips. The two of them stared each other down for a moment, and I could tell Kalen was trying to decide whether to pick a fight or walk away.

Finally, with a huff of irritation, Kalen turned on his heel and strode toward the door. “You’re wasting your time. She’s never going to fit in with people like me.”

Before he left, he glanced over his shoulder. “Don’t get too comfortable, Liora. You’ll always be the outsider. And no one’s gonna change that.”

The door slammed shut behind him, and I stood there, trying to steady my breath. Kalen's words stung. But I had Ravi now. I didn’t have to face him alone.

“Thanks,” I whispered, finally letting the relief seep into my bones. Ravi had come to my rescue, just like he always did.

Ravi turned to me with a playful grin. “Don’t mention it. I may not be able to slap some sense into him, but I can sure as hell make him feel like a prick for trying to mess with my girl.”

I rolled my eyes, but my heart warmed at his words. Ravi had always been there for me, even before I knew I needed someone. He was more than just a friend; he was the one person who truly saw me—no judgment, no expectations.

“Seriously, Ravi. You didn’t have to do that,” I said, my voice softening. “But I’m glad you did.”

He smiled, the confidence in his demeanor unwavering. “I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Besides, who else is gonna protect my best friend if not me?”

I snorted, feeling lighter than I had in days. “I thought you were too busy being the fabulous, gay superhero to worry about me.”

Ravi’s grin widened. “I am fabulous, thank you very much. And don’t forget, I’m the one making sure you have a good time tonight. You’re not going to let Kalen ruin this for you, right?”

I looked at myself in the mirror one last time, fixing the hem of my dress and checking my makeup. “No. I’m not going to let him ruin this. I’ve got you, right?”

“Exactly,” Ravi said, winking at me. “Now let’s go show them how it’s done.”

I smiled at him, letting the last of the tension slip away. I was going to this party, and for once, I was going to forget the hate Kalen had planted in me. I was going to enjoy the night, because I deserved to.