Rejected by my Alpha StepBrother, Mated To His Friend

People will see

LYRA’S POV

The game soon ended, and it was time to cut the cake.

Everyone gathered inside the house to formally wish Rowan a happy birthday. My heart swelled in pride when I saw my hand-baked cake brought through the crowded area and placed on a table for the event.

My eyes naturally found Rowan who was speaking to Ace at the time. Soon enough, Jack drew their attention to the cake and killed the lights. I walked towards them with a smile that turned soar when I was pushed to the side by Aurora and some girls who swarmed around Rowan, smiling as they congratulated him.

Deciding to ignore Aurora’s rudeness, I continued my tracks with a strained smile, reminding myself that it was Rowan’s moment and I couldn’t let anything ruin it. No matter how painful.

I got to Rowan and soon realised there was no place for me around him. For as long as I remember, I have always stood beside him on birthdays and other important events.

Not just because he was my step-brother, but because we enjoyed our company so much that he didn’t wish to have it any other way. While the ladies showered their attention on him, I was relegated to the side, forgotten and sticking out like a sore thumb.

Jack led us to sing the birthday song and all through it, I felt out of place and invincible. After our little game earlier, I convinced myself that all hopes were not lost and we could repair our relationship but it seemed like it was all wishful thinking.

Rowan’s heart was far away from me as well as his attention. The startling realisation that he could do without me hit me in the face like a canon ball. While I spent seven years longing to return to his side, he carried on with his life.

I sang the birthday song with a heavy heart, deciding to slip away and let him enjoy his night afterwards. As soon as the song ended, I turned to leave but stopped in my tracks when I heard my name.

“Leaving so early, Ly?” His voice brought goosebumps on my skin.

I summoned a faux smile and turned around, unable to speak.

Rowan didn’t let up. He left the company of Aurora and her girl band and approached me with a look that caused my heart to flutter.

“You always blow the candles.” He interlocked his fingers around mine and tightened the grip. He leaned closer and muttered into my ears, “You can run away after we complete our tradition.”

He remembered.

I felt my heart burst with fondness as I stared into his comical bright eyes. Rowan and I shared a lot of traditions. One of which was that we blew out our birthday candles together.

Every time on Rowan’s birthday, I always made a wish for him. As a young girl, I was carefree and had a bucket list of wishes. One that Rowan affectionately catered to no matter how ridiculous they were.

One day, during Rowan's birthday, he let me make a wish, spoiling me silly without complaint. Despite the ridiculousness of it, I made a wish and every birthday afterwards, he let me make his wishes.

I knew today wouldn't be different.

Rowan led me towards the cake while my heart banged against my ribcage, overly aware of our enjoined hands. The harsh gaze of the people was unsettling but we managed to weave through the crowd until we got to the cake.

We naturally fell into our dynamic as he led us to blow the candles together. Jack and the others gave a round of applause and the lights went on. At that moment, I could only see Rowan. His smile was beautiful and charming.

“Make a wish, Ly.” I returned Rowan’s smile, closed my eyes and wished for the same thing I’ve wanted for as long as I could remember.

To be Rowan’s mate. Again.

The moment passed and soon, everyone was handed a slice of my cake, I eagerly waited for the one whose opinion mattered the most. Rowan made a pleasurable sound, and I laughed.

“It’s better than I remember.” He praised, “I’ve looked forward to this my entire life.” He joked and we all had a good time until he was called out for important matters.

A few minutes after Rowan left the room, I was ready to go. The entire place reeked of alcohol and people grinding their bodies together. I made my way through the swarm of people, looking for a way out when I saw Jasper slip through the front door.

I had been so occupied with Rowan that I didn’t notice his presence throughout the celebrations. My wolf yearned for him as soon as I saw him. I knew we had to do something about the madness between us.

My heart belonged to Rowan and I firmly believed that the moon goddess made a mistake pairing me with his best friend. Rowan had yet to pick a bride, which meant there were still hopes of getting together with him.

After the moments we shared, I was certain that keeping this thing with Jasper would not bode well for me in the long run. No matter how much my wolf or body thought otherwise.

I hastened my feet, eyes fixated on Jasper who was ready to leave. Just before he stepped out of the compound, I caught him by the arm and dragged him to a nearby bush.

“Who do we have here?” Jasper asked with a smirk that was infuriating and dashing. “Little Lyra.”

Sparks danced between us as the mate bond charged between us, making me overly aware of his intoxicating scent and flawless body. I let go of his hands like they burned and looked around to be sure no one could see or eavesdrop on our conversation.

“I need you to reject me,” I said only after I was sure we were alone. “You are Rowan’s friend and he is my mate,” I blabbered, tensed from his gaze.

“Was.” Jasper corrected with amusement dancing in his eyes. “Was your mate.”

I bit my tongue, hating the fact it was true. I had no real claim over Rowan, other than the fact I was fairly certain we could work out our differences. I didn’t want Jasper to be a problem when that time came.

“Doesn’t matter.” I say, “This thing between us is impossible. It’s clear we can’t be together. Reject me and we can pretend that this never happened.”

Jasper leaned closer to me with his smirk, “Now why would I do that?” His breaths were deep, as his voice. “Why would I do that when I can do this?”

He traced a lingering finger at the dip of my neck, birthing more tingles that sent shockwaves down my core. “Jasper...” I gasped, breath hitched, “What are you d-doing?”

Amusement danced in Jasper’s eyes as he stepped into my personal space. My eyes widened in alarm as I heard the distant footsteps of people. I couldn’t be caught in this manner with him.

Jasper must have read my thoughts because he stepped between my legs, stopping me from leaving and thrusting us into a more compromising position.

“People will see,” I whispered with alarm. “You can’t do this..”

“Why? Scared that your sweet Rowan would find out?” He mused, and I felt my heart cut when the footsteps grew closer. “Would it ruin your chances with him if rumours spread?”

My heart pounded in my ears and my nerves haywire. The moonlight cast the shadow of someone who looked like a man and my worst fear was confirmed when I heard Jack call out.

“Hey Jasp! Don’t tell me you’re in here with another woman!”

My heart fell to the pit of my stomach. This was it. I would never be able to wash this off. Jasper had quite the reputation and with Jack’s loud mouth, I wouldn’t be able to live this down.

And Rowan...every chance of us getting back together would be killed if Jack saw us in this position. I tried to step away from Jasper but he held me tight, turned me around and leaned so close to my lips, that one would think we were kissing.

“Oh s**t! I knew it!” I heard Jack mumble and hastily leave the bushes, muttering something about Jasper being a slut.

The atmosphere between us charged as we remained in that position for some seconds, unable to breathe or move. Jasper's eyes dilated and in that moment, I felt a strong inexplicable urge to lean in.

Our heartbeat synced as seconds felt like hours and his arms around me burned like fire. We couldn't do this. Shouldn't.

Jasper finally let me go, taking the carpet under my feet and sweeping me back to reality. Embarrassment at the intrusive thoughts I’d nurtured flooded me and before he could say a word, I rushed out of his sight.

I’d come so close to losing everything.

Meanwhile, Jasper wore an amused look that quickly turned cold. He watched Lyra leave with a taut jaw, hating how little control he had whenever she was around. The bulge in his pants was evidence.