Rejected by my Alpha StepBrother, Mated To His Friend

LYRA'S POV It's been seven years since my brother rejected me as his mate. After the painful incident, my parents banished me to the human world to continue my study career and become a doctor. Everyone could tell that it was their way of hiding the shame and scandal of the abominable union. Rowan was my step-brother who I've loved since I could walk. He found me in the woods after I was abandoned by my mother as a child and took me in. I was brought home to Rowan whose family accepted me and treated me like his blood sister. So much so that when I grew into my teen years, we played side by side with his friends until I found myself irrevocably and undoubtedly in love with him. Rowan was everything. Beautiful, charming, strong and loving. Being his step-sister was the best thing that happened to me until I discovered he was my mate. Everything was supposed to fall into place after that night. We were supposed to become the sweet couple I have always envisioned us to be. I was supposed to get my happily ever after until he rejected me. Rowan rejected me a few hours after he discovered we were mates and the next morning, I was sent out of the pack to study medicine in a human college. Seven years ago and the pain remains fresh in my heart as I stared into his blue orbs at the airport. Rowan knocked the breath out of my lungs and my heart clenched in pain when he called out to me. “Lyra …” He breathed, and my eyes widened. He wasn't supposed to be here. I planned to show up at the Blackwood pack for his ascension. I couldn't miss it for anything. “R-Rowan?” I stuttered, “ How?” His gaze pierced through me, soft and thoughtful. I'd trained myself on the way back. I'd promised to make them believe that I was doing well. That I was over him. But seeing him threw all that training out the windows. Seeing my ex-mate brought back the forbidden feelings that clawed at my throat, begging to be released. Rowan took my luggage and handed it over to his guard. I didn't realize we were with company. It was hard to see anyone when he was around. “You didn't tell us you were coming home.” Rowan said and the air between us strained. “You didn't tell me.” He sounded broken. Like he expected better, but couldn't hold me on to it. “We haven't spoken in seven years.” I managed to say. His jaws flexed and he nodded. “ It was supposed to be a surprise.” I added, hoping it would alleviate the pain. It didn't. Instead, it seemed like we were back to square one. Did I make a mistake coming back? Rowan led us out of the airport. We waited for the driver to pull up front and the air between us was strained. “Congratulations on your ascension,” I said in a bid to fill the silence. We were never this awkward. I and Rowly were very close siblings who sometimes slept in the same bed. I hated what we had become. Unable to look each other in the eye or make a solid conversation. The car rolled in front of us and stopped. Rowan pulled the doors open in a gentlemanly manner and ushered me into the car. Soon enough, we were headed to our pack location. “Thank you for coming back, Ly.” My heart twisted in pain at the endearment. He always called me Ly. A nickname exclusive to him. I called him Rowly. It was our thing. But I couldn't bring myself to address him so fondly. My heart couldn't take it. Not after he gave up on us. Not after he rejected me so coldly and watched me leave. The ride was silent until we got to the pack. By the time I stepped out of the car, I was exhausted. I couldn't stand the oddness between us. I missed him. I missed him so much and he was right in front of me. Yet I could say none of it. We weren't as close anymore. The huge gap between us could not be ignored. Instead of the words that clipped my heart, I opted for mere kind words. "Thank you for picking me up." I say, "You didn't have to." Rowan nodded with his jaws tight. He could feel it too. The gap between us. I wondered if it hurt him like it did me. If he thought of me all through these years and If he regretted rejecting me. "You can go in, I'll get the luggage." He said when I stood awkwardly by the car. Nodding, I walked into the Alpha's house, getting greeted by the servants who seemed shocked to see me. It was public knowledge that I was rejected by my brother. They had been on his side. They believed it was an abomination to relate with Rowan as a mate. My parents shared that logic. I heard their voices before I saw them. "You should call Rowan. Why aren't they here yet?" Alpha Jones, my father said, sounding worried. "The main question should be why she is suddenly returning at a time like this." My mother said, sounding grim."We don't need anything that will remind the people of that disaster from before." I stepped into the sitting room and they turned quiet. "Mother. Father." I greeted with a bow. "Lyra..." Father trailed. "I didn't realize you had come." Mother stood up and we shared an awkward hug. "Where is your brother?" "Parking the car. He'll be here shortly." I answered in a prim tone. My parents nodded, unable to speak a word. They didn't want me here. I could tell from their uncomfortable disposition. My heart pricked and I wore a fake smile. "I'll be in my room." I said and walked away from their uncomfortable presence. As I retreated to my room, I heard the murmurings of my parents wondering when I would be leaving. What a great way to welcome their daughter who they hadn't seen for seven years.