Rejected by my Alpha StepBrother, Mated To His Friend

Is there a problem here?

LYRA'S POV

"Do you want to come in?" Aurora asked with a neutral expression, plastered by the door as she awaited my response.

I lost words to speak. I didn't realise that seeing her in Rowan's private home in a towel was my worst nightmare come to life.

The thought of how much they have done it...how she felt when...I swallowed hard and the mental picture of them together throughout the night danced in my head. Mocking me.

I was such a stupid girl, it was foolish to think he would keep himself for his mate - Like I had. I was a fool. My throat felt constricted and it was difficult to swallow.

It felt like chards of ice poked at the walls of my throat and my heart squeezed in pain. I returned to the day of my rejection in seconds. My heart broke all over again.

"I asked who is that, Aurora?" This time, Rowan stepped out and he was in a white towel.

His delightful chest was open for all to see and it was clear he stepped out of the shower from the water that dripped his hair.

One look at the two of them and it didn't take a genius to figure out they both showered. I stood outside the door, evidently pale and watched Rowan register my presence.

His eyes widened and he had the decency to look guilty. I was done with this s**t. I handed over the flask filled with soup to Aurora.

"Here, mother wanted to make sure he was alright." The words placed a bitter taste in my mouth. "I'll be on my way now.."

Rowan was quick to stop me. "It's not what you think, Ly." He held me by the arm. "Come in, I'll explain."

One look at him and I could tell he was in pain. The veins in his forehead were evidence of the banging headache I knew he must have.

Apparently, that was not a hindrance since he f****d her in the shower. My features worsened and I pulled away from his hold.

He had no right to call me by that nickname. It didn't make me feel special anymore. It only reminded me of the painful reality of our relationship.

A relationship we were doomed to share as siblings and nothing more. I managed a smile that didn't reach my eyes and politely turned him down.

"I'm sorry, Rowan. I have somewhere I need to be." I excused. "I'll see you around, Aurora."

"Ly...." Now he sounded desperate. "Just come in for a second. It's not how-"

I didn't spare him a second glance. Instead, I turned around and forced my feet to keep walking, despite my heart's cries, begging me to turn around, hear him out and let myself believe for one second that there could be something more between us.

I couldn't keep deceiving myself.

When I heard the door shut behind me, my heart pricked in pain. Of course, he didn't chase after me. I was only his silly little sister and ex-mate - Nothing to chase after.

I thought the day couldn't be more worse until I realised I'd sent the driver home. Tears threatened to break through my eyes but I held strong. I’d planned to spend the day in Rowan’s home and catch up a bit. Who knew things would end up so badly?

I began my journey home, battling the urge to curl up and cry. Halfway through my trek, I realised the last thing I needed was to get roped into a conversation with my parents.

My feet did their thing and soon, I was in a bar, chugging one of their strongest drinks. It didn't drive away the pain or memory of the experience.

I was on my third drink when a man dragged his stool closer and spoke to me with a mouth reeking of alcohol and bad breath.

"A beautiful girl like you shouldn't be in a bar alone," I reluctantly turned to see the face of the one who was ruining my mission to drink myself stupid.

"Not interested," I said as soon as I met his cold stoned eyes. One look at him and I could tell he was drunk, his words slurred as his eyes fixated on my chest.

Asif his blatant disrespect wasn't crime enough, he leaned closer and muttered the most ridiculous thing I've heard in a long while.

"What would it cost to have your pretty little self on my bed tonight, huh?" He smirked, revealing a broken front teeth. "We could help each other." He mused.

"I am not interested," I say in a slightly raised voice, adjusting my seat and my top.

I wore a pretty v-neck wrap top that accentuated my chest region, with hopes to catch Rowna’s eye and make him desire me as a woman.

It was all a waste.

The middle-aged man seemed to be getting the wrong memo because he stepped closer to me and grabbed me by the arm.

"You'll enjoy it." He promises with a dark look, "I could give you a preview if you like-"

"I am not interested," I gritted, trying to get out of his hold but he tightened his grip.

Nothing phased him. Instead, he seemed to enjoy the struggle. Fear gripped me as I looked around the bar, everyone seemed to be occupied in their business.

"Just the tip, okay?" He pointed towards the restroom. "We'll have a great-"

I suddenly felt a presence behind me just when I thought it was over. "Is there a problem here?" The presence was one I knew too well.

The butterflies that awaked within me at the sound of his voice. The magnificent scent was easily the best thing I'd perceived all day.

It was Jasper in the flesh. Living, breathing and angry.

The man's eyes widened in fear as soon as his eyes connected with Jasper's intimidating ones. Immediately, he let go of my arm and stepped away from me with a half-assed apology on his lips.

I stared at Jasper, somewhat grateful and anxious.

"There you are!" Jack broke our intense staredown. "Lyra, you're here!" He smiled, "You should join our table."

I was ready to decline but one look at Jasper and my words disappeared into my throat. Just like that, I was roped into the VIP section with Jack and Jasper who led us upstairs to join the others in the bar.

While we climbed the stairs of the busy bar, Jasper's fingers brushed through mine and an electrifying feeling coursed through me.

I quickly interlaced my fingers, placing them between my legs and ignoring the fiery charge of the unacknowledged mate bond we shared.

Jasper hastened his steps, getting into pace with Jack but looking out for me every now and then. We got to the VIP section and I put on a smile like I wasn't just harassed and joined the party.