Rejected by my Alpha StepBrother, Mated To His Friend

Who is it?

LYRA'S POV

The thought of having dinner with my parents kept me from getting out of bed. After the unsuccessful conversation with my mother last night, I dreaded sitting with my parents, pretending to be a happy family and ignoring that they sent me away without a second thought.

Not to mention that Rowan was living on his own now. Sometime during my conversation with the boys last night, I heard that Rowan packed from the house as soon as I did. My little heart loved to think it was because of me.

Perhaps he couldn’t stand the thought of not having me around. He couldn’t live in the same space we once shared while I was gone. Perhaps that was the only way he could show his undying love for me.

I know that was a long stretch but the tiniest possibility of Rowan loving me half as much as I did him couldn’t be ignored, even if it was a far-fetched dream. I came back for the sole purpose of fixing things between us. I was ready to put everything on the line.

I groaned when I heard the third string of knocks on my door. The housekeeper was behind the door, informing me of my presence at the dining for breakfast.

“Coming!” I yelled from the bed. “Give me a few minutes.”

I heard her footsteps drone away and I groaned. Seven years in the human world taught me I could have my meals anywhere. Compared to the stiff rules of always having my food on the table with an audience, there were things like fast food where I usually got food to go.

Soon enough, I was freshened up and made my way downstairs. I caught the side of my father’s face, he looked a bit grumpy and was clearly about to order Margret to find me again when I stepped into view.

They were yet to begin their meals. They were waiting for me. I instantly felt a wave of embarrassment and shame. “Hello, Mother, Father.” I bowed my head in respect. “Sorry for coming late.”

My father and the former Alpha were ready to say a few words but my mother cut him off. “Take a seat, Lyra!” She pulled a seat beside her, just like she used to.

I felt a wave of nausea at the familiarity of her actions. “Come on! Sit! Breakfast will soon be cold.”

Being the good girl, I took a seat and soon, we got into a quiet breakfast until my mother suddenly spoke to the housekeeper. “Oh dear!” She seemed panicked. “Margret! Please prepare some soup and take it to the Alpha.”

“Rowan?” I asked before I could stop myself.

“Your brother.” Mother said with her lips pursed. “He’s always been a terrible drinker. My goodness, he would be a wreck after the night with the boys.”

I understood my mother’s concerns. In fact, I was a bit shocked I didn’t remember that little fact. Rowan had never been a great drinker. Not in the sense that he couldn’t hold his alcohol - he was perfect in that regard, as he was in every regard if you asked me.

However, the morning after was horrible for Rowan after a night out. His hangover was the worst and I remember nursing him the morning after he hung out with the guys. Suddenly, an idea struck me.

I rushed my food, deciding I would bring the soup to him. Within the shortest few minutes, I was up and done with breakfast. So much so my parents were dumbfounded. Another great advantage of my speed eating was that they didn’t get the opportunity to say anything to me - ridding me of the awkward conversations.

“Lyra...” Mother said when I got up, “I was hoping we could talk-”

Father silently watched me as I said, “Can we have that conversation later?” I asked with a tensed smile. I didn’t want to get into this now, and if they were honest, so did they.

“Thank you!” I said when they didn’t answer, placing two hurried kisses on their cheeks and rushing upstairs.

I heaved a deep breath when I got to my room and looked at the time. It was a few minutes past eight, if I was going to meet up with the housekeeper and convince her to let me make that trip instead, I needed to be quick.

Without a second thought, I dashed to the shower and threw on some clothes that complimented my body. I dabbed light make-up to accentuate my features, hoping I nailed the natural and pretty look.

I dashed down the stairs and headed right for the kitchen. I got there just in time to meet Margret packing up the soup. She turned to me as soon as she noticed my presence.

“Is there something you need, Ma’am?” Her words were polite and cautious.

I managed a courteous smile. “I need to speak to my brother on some important matter.” I lied through my teeth. “I believe the soup is for him, so you can direct me to his apartment and let me bring it to him.”

The struggle within Mrs Margret was obvious. Nevertheless, I refused to back down. Eventually, she let up and handed the soup over to me. “The driver is out there. He will bring you home safely.”

“Thank you,” I said and headed out of the kitchen with a smile.

Soon enough, I boarded the car and headed for Rowan’s home. We drove for a few minutes and pulled up in front of a duplex house. I stepped out of the vehicle with a smile, and my heart raced at the thought of seeing Rowan once again.

I leaned over the car and spoke to the driver. “You can leave, I will return on my own.” My words were laced with finality and though the driver seemed against it, he obeyed.

I watched the car drive away before making my way to the front porch, taking my time to drink in Rowan’s home - our home if things went according to plan. I pressed the doorbell and waited anxiously for Rowan to open the door.

Finally, the door creaked open and the smile on my face died at the sight of Aurora, hair dripping with a towel loosely wrapped around her chest.

“Who is it?” I heard the gruff voice of Rowan inside the house and my heart fell to the pit of my stomach. The morbid taste of disappointment and pain reached my constricted throat.

They spent the night...t-together?