REBORN AND FATED TO MY STEPBROTHER

CHAPTER 2

Chapter 2: Calling the Shots

Tessa’s point of view

I opened my eyes, darting them to and fro. Where am I? I questioned myself. I stared at the unfamiliar environment, which felt familiar in some ways. I heard voices, though they were distant. My body felt like it was not mine; my breath was heavy, and my mind was foggy. What is going on?

“Tessa?” I heard someone call my name. The voice sounded very familiar, but I couldn’t tell who the person was. I had never felt this disoriented. Everything felt strange. Could this be paradise? If so, is it supposed to feel this way?

“Tessa!” the person said again, this time yelling. My mother? The voice sounded like a female’s.

The person shook me vigorously. “Wake up, you sleepy head. You are just like your father,” she complained.

My eyes widened, and I sat up abruptly. I knew this voice; she’s the one who always compares my character to that of my dad’s.

“Mom!” I called out. I could hear my voice, and slowly I understood my environment.

My mom was sitting close to me, at my side on the bed, glaring. I was in my room, the room that I stayed in while I was with my parents. Tears filled my eyes as I looked at my mom, who wasn’t dead before I died, or did my mom die by the time that I did, on that same day? Was I dead? Well, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that I was seeing my mom again.

I hugged her, crying, “Why are you here? You were alive when I left,” I told her, then withdrew from the hug. She was looking at me strangely, like I had lost my mind.

“What about dad?” I asked, standing on the bed. “It’s been ages since I saw him. I miss him badly. I want to tell him everything I've been through. He should beg to take vengeance for me,” I pouted, walking towards the door. This must be paradise, though it’s a bit confusing since I was in my room, the same room that I lived in while I was alive.

I heard my mom crying, and I turned to her. Her eyes were full of tears. I stopped in my tracks. “I knew that you were still freaked out and did not want to accept my relationship, but this is too much,” she cried.

I looked at her, confused. “I don’t expect you to quickly accept, but please think of me and my feelings.”

“What are you saying?” I asked. I had never been this confused.

“Aren’t you acting this way because I’m marrying someone else? If not, why would you bring up the topic of your dead father?” she cried.

I took a step back. “Dead father?” I remembered the time that my mother told me she was in a relationship with someone and was going to get married to him. In my past life, I was angry that she was finally leaving my dead father for another. That was the beginning of our disagreement. When I got married, I cut all ties with her. She ended up not pushing forward with the marriage and staying in the relationship. But that was long ago. I gasped, finally realizing what had happened. I searched my body for signs of injury but found none. My heart leaped in joy; the goddess gave me another chance at life. I smiled.

My mother kept crying. I quickly went to hug her, regretting not allowing her to be as happy as she wanted. Before, I used to think that a werewolf should only love her mate. After seeing the way I died at the hands of my mate, I realized that it is not necessary that you only love them. I missed my mother a lot. I was extremely grateful for the new chance at life. I will make sure I use it well. “I want you to be happy. I support you in your decision. I'm only missing my dad.”

“I missed him too,” she withdrew from the hug. “You really mean it, that you accept?” she asked, not believing her ears.

I nodded. She kissed my cheek in happiness. "Oh, my goddess, I have to tell him that I will marry him,” she said excitedly and stood up. “I guess being mated to Ray is paying off. I can’t wait to see you officially, his mate.” She dashed off.

That’s true; I was mated to Ray, but not officially. We were still going out, knowing fully well that we were friends. With this second chance at life, I will take my vengeance on them. Bella and Ray, you both will regret messing with me. If I am not mistaken, today is supposed to be the day that I am mated to Ray officially. He will announce me as his mate, and he will mark me. I am going to give them a taste of their own medicine.

I dressed up nicely and tidied myself. I stared at my beautiful figure in the mirror. My delicate features, with porcelain skin that glowed softly under the light, My eyes shimmered with an innocence that hid the strength and thoughts within. Strands of hair cascaded in gentle waves around my face. My beautiful, short black gown exuded elegance.

I smirked. “They won’t know what hit them,” I said while looking at my reflection in the mirror. “Let’s begin," I said as I walked out of my room.

I met my mom in the sitting room. “I don’t want to push it, but I want you to meet them before the marriage, as long as you are okay with it,” she asked excitedly.

“Yeah, sure,” I said nonchalantly, and I walked out of the house. I could hear her distant giggle. I smiled.

There he was, like every day, at the usual spot, with other beta warriors challenging themselves in a fight. This was the exact place that he announced to everyone that I was his mate. I could remember how happy and surprised I was. I had thought it was because he loved me, but with my death, I could see things for how they were. I looked at Bella, who was just a distance away. This was the period when they were having issues because of his connection with me. She was jealous that I was his real mate and wanted Ray to break his bond with me. But as he said, the mate's pull was too strong, and he gave in. All those close to Ray knew of their affair in my past life, but I didn’t because of the love I had for him. It wasn't like I didn’t guess it; I just chose to ignore it, and that was the mistake I made.

I smiled subtly, keeping the aura that I had in the past, refusing any detection of a change. I intended to go ahead with mating him, but this time I’ll have the upper hand, knowing their next plan and making them fall victim to their plans. As Ray saw me, he smiled and hugged me. “My mate,” he announced. I could see the anger in Bella’s eyes. He drew closer to kiss me, but I placed my hand on his mouth, stopping him.

I knew he would kiss me and mark me in public to show I was his. His face held surprise; I had never stopped him from kissing me.

“I didn’t announce you as my mate, nor did I allow you to kiss me,” I said.

He removed the hand that stopped him, and he glared at me.

I knew I touched the spot; he hates it; he feels he is so above me, and I shouldn’t speak to him. He considers himself the only one who can call the shots in our relationship.

Well, that is about to change!