Between Two Brothers

Hello Mate

Irene’s POV

Clad in my pajamas, my thoughts were everywhere and my head ached. didn’t have so much of an appetite.

I sat on the bed, my eyes lurking around the room for a while, it was big but it wasn’t my style. I loved my room serene and peaceful, but the room was rather colorful and the beddings felt too hostile to my skin.

My eyes reached for the vanity table, it was too empty to be mine, I hissed. Tessa hadn’t had so much time to get my room arranged.

I pulled open the duvet and tucked myself in, thoughts about my pack and my best friend roared in my head.

“I hope your mom is found, Arie.” I itched with worry, I could no longer hold the discomfort worrying was causing so I took my phone from the bedside table and called my father, he picked on the first ring like he was eagerly awaiting my call.

“Hi, dad.”

“Hey, princess.”

“Dad, how are you? I already miss you so much.” There is no doubt that I am a daddy’s girl, I’m my father's only child and make that family.

“I’m good and I miss you too, how are you?”

His tensed voice lessened.

“I’m fine, how is Arie’s mom, has she been found?” As I asked, the door of my room flung open, revealing Ramon.

He walked into my room and I immediately covered up my body.

“Dad, I'll call you soon.” I didn't wait to get a response from my dad before hanging up. I'm sure he'd figure out something was wrong.

"You could at least knock. You know that right?" Hissing, I folded my hands akimbo, my irritation not hiding from my face.

"I'm sorry, my bad." He dramatically placed his palms on his chest as he looked at me apologetically.

"What do you want?" Impatience was laced in my voice as I began losing my cool.

"We are married, Irene!" He mouthed, trying to suppress his growl.

"We are married, yes... Can't I have my privacy?" He ignored me and started walking towards me, closing the distance between us. "Irene," he murmured, his voice low.

"You look beautiful tonight." I could feel my stomach tighten with anxiety and those words irritated me.

"I have always been beautiful." I retorted but he was still adamant.

I put a hand on his chest, stopping his approach. " Ramon, " I called out, my voice wavering." I'm not ready for this. " His expression hardened, the look in his eyes turning cold.

" What do you mean?" He asked, his voice edged with impatience.

I swallowed hard, steeling myself for the confrontation that was sure to come. " I'm not ready to share my body with you," I added my words, blunt and honest. He clenched and unclenched his jaw trying to suppress his rage.

"You're my wife!" He growled, his voice seething with anger. "You must give yourself to me."

I drew in a breath, unwilling to back down. "Duty be damned!" I retorted, my defiance rising to meet his aggression. "I'm not your possession. I won't be forced into something I'm not ready for."

"You'll regret this." His face contorted in rage as he snarled, his voice dripping with venom. "I'll not be denied what's mine." With that, he left my room.

****

I stood on the dance floor with Ramon, trying my best to mask the hatred in my eyes. My mind was racing, my heart pounding in my chest as I forced myself to play the part of the submissive mate.

One week after I and Ramon had a little argument in my room, he threw a big party, more like a welcome party for me. He had ignored me all through so I wonder what this show-off was for.

As the party continued, I retreated to my seat to watch the other dancers. Suddenly, I felt a presence close by, a particular familiar scent filled the air. My eyes roamed the entire ballroom in search of the scent I perceived. It was sweet, strong, and intoxicating.

My eyes met with a man who looked too familiar for me to ignore, his walking step radiating glory. His entire being is perceived as having a great demeanor.

As he walked to where I and Ramon were seated, heads bowed in acknowledgment. Who is this man?

He greeted Ramon and then turned to me, his voice still holding an alluring power over me.

"Brother..." He greeted and Ramon nodded.

“So nice to see you again, brother.” His eyes didn’t leave mine, they peered at mine. His dark orbs seemed too familiar, he was the same man.

The same man from the other night. ‘My Mr stranger.’

“If you don’t mind, brother. I’d like to dance with your wife.” His words didn’t cower.

“Sure.” Ramon nodded.

The man who I had just recognized as the stranger from the other night, stretched his hand to me and I gave him my hand and he took it in his.

My head was spinning, my heart beating wildly in my chest.

As we made our way to the dance floor, I could feel the already existing tension in the air. My hand in his? His touch was the same. My wolf who’s been silent since I had gotten married to Ramon began to growl in my head. She was excited to see the man again.

My heart was beating rapidly in my chest.

“Mate.” my eyes widened.

“Mate is here,” she screamed in my mind causing me to almost yank my hand off him as we danced but he seemed to know what had happened. His voice invaded my thoughts.

“Mate.” It sounded like sweet music to my ear. I loved that he called me his but how can I be mated to my husband's brother?

What in the name of the moon goddess is happening?

The music continued to play, our bodies still moving in tandem despite the uncertainty that burned between us... Knowing we can't be together.