Rejected by my Alpha StepBrother, Mated To His Friend

Watch your words

LYRA’S POV

“You don't have to do that.” I heard my mother say from behind. “The maids will have it taken care of.”

I was in the middle of making a cake for Rowan. Stupid, I know. Not only was it his formal ascension to the throne, but it was also his thirtieth birthday.

It was bad enough that I hadn't wished him a happy birthday for the past seven years. I couldn't show up empty-handed for his party.

That was why I was standing in the middle of the kitchen at two am, baking a cake for my stepbrother and ex-mate.

“ It's our thing.” I placed the cake in the oven. “You know it.” I said to my adoptive mother, Luna Kelly, who looked like I was her nightmare come to life.

“ Lyra.” She said in that motherly tone that nearly made me break in half.

“ Don't worry about me, mother,” I said before she could say a word. “ I will quickly finish things up over here and be out of your hair.”

My mother didn't buy my attempts at cutting our conversations short. “ I don't think you should attend this event.”

I stiffened at her words.

“ It will only hurt you.” She suffixed and I shook my head. I placed a noncommittal smile on my face as I faced her.

“Why would I be hurt by my brother's ascension to the throne, mother?” I feigned ignorance at the situation at hand. “ Besides, it's his birthday. I just want to celebrate with him after seven years."

“ Do you have a problem with that too?” I asked, baring the pain through my eyes.

Mother had a lot to say, but whatever she saw in my eyes made her swallow her words. The next few seconds were spent in silence until she turned around and left the kitchen.

The weight of her guilt was evident in her defeated shoulders. I took a deep breath and continued my job layering and icing the cake.

A few hours later, I stared at a completed handmade cake for Rowan’s thirtieth birthday and ascension to the position of Alpha.

If everything turned out well, I hoped we would become something more. I hoped with his new position as Alpha, he could do the needful and end the pain I knew we both felt from our broken union.

Time passed and soon, it was time for the party. Rowan was made the new Alpha of the Black Wood pack and in celebration of his new position, a party was held at the pack house.

I stared at my reflection on the mirror as I applied red lipstick. I wore a flattering blue gown that hugged at my curves and left nothing to the imagination.

This was my final shot.

I needed to make him see me as a mate and not his sister. With seven years between us, I was no longer the young and timid girl he used to babysit and play with.

I was a full-fledged woman with needs that only he could satisfy. I've always wanted Rowan. He was the only constant I had growing up.

I wanted to make him see his shortcomings and give him an opportunity to right his wrongs. And boy did I hope he did.

I walked out of my room in black stilettos that added a perk to my look. I stopped at the kitchen to pick up my handmade cake for the event and soon went on my way.

It was past nine pm and I was just in time for the celebration. I entered the pack house and it was filled to the brim. Alcohol filled the air as people enjoyed the party, dancing and mingling around.

For a moment, I felt all eyes on me. I looked up and sure enough, everyone was staring and some went as far as pointing towards me.

The girl who was mated to her brother.

That's what they called me. I yearned to scream that Rowan was my step-brother and we were not related by blood but I knew better.

They had all watched us grow up and play together as siblings. They'd never understand. Heck, even my parents didn't understand.

With seven years between us, I knew I didn't need everyone on my side. I only needed to convince one person and that was Rowan.

“ Lyra.” I heard a voice said from behind and I turned around to see Ace and his brother, Jack. “ I didn't know you were in town.”

A smile grew on my face as I responded. “Ace?” My eyes lit up. “You look so big! What the heck are you lifting?”

Ace was Rowan’s best friend and right hand man. We grew up together, playing in the Alpha's house.

He was Rowan’s beta.

“ Nothing he's not been lifting since he was five.” His fraternal twin brother, Jack, said with a grin. “Welcome back, Lyly.”

I frowned at his endearment, but my heart warmed at the sight of the twins. They were like brothers to me.

“Come on,” Ace urged. “ Rowan is outback.” I was led towards the other end of the room and outback by the pool before I could say a word.

I saw him first. My breath hitched at the sight of Rowan standing by the poolside, wearing a dress shirt and sharing a laugh with a beautiful lady.

Aurora.

I suddenly wanted to leave the party and return to my room. Immediately, Rowan turned back and his eyes burned on me.

I followed the twins to his side with a cake in hand, feeling silly. What was I thinking? It was our tradition to hand bake our cakes during significant milestones.

Would he still value our little tradition? Did I just make a fool of myself?

The twins greeted Rowan as usual and before I could speak, Jack introduced me with a grin. “Guess who we caught at the door, Ro?” He stepped aside, giving Rowan room to see me.

Rowan and the lady whose arm was wrapped around his waist came to full view. I felt green with envy.

“Clumsy little Lyly!” Jack joked and they all shared a laugh.

I dropped the cake by a nearby table and smiled, “ Happy birthday, Rowan.” I said in a small voice, avoiding his eyes.

“Thank you.” He said.

The next few minutes were spent with them sharing embarrassing stories of my childhood while I smiled without responding.

All the while, my eyes remained on the spot where Rowan’s arm met with Aurora’s. The daughter of the Silver Pack Alpha.

She was perfect Luna material by all standards. Seeing them standing side by side was damning. I needed to drink.

I excused myself, feeling Rowan's eyes on me the entire time as I left their company, in search of liquid courage.

I got to the bar, ready to place an order when Lilith beat me to it. “One s*x on the beach please,” My half-sister said with a faux smile.

Lilith was my father's daughter from another woman, as well as my arch nemesis. We never got along, and our useless father was the only thing we shared.

She was treated like a pearl and I was discarded and left to die in the woods. I'm sure she wished I did. They all did. She has always been jealous of my luck and never missed an opportunity to test my patience.

I have held on to my dignity for as long as I could remember, refusing to let her rattle me. Tonight wouldn't be different.

“Oh hey, sister.” She said with a faux surprise. “ I didn't see you there.”

I didn't respond. Instead, I placed an order. “One of your strongest drinks please.”

Lilith's words were taunting. “Oh dear, you must be shocked to see Aurora.” She tsked. “ Don't tell me you still have those abominable feelings for the Alpha.”

I froze at her words.

“Why sister? Are you ashamed of the fact that you seduced your brother and got sent away for it?” She said at the top of her voice, garnering attention.

There and then, I decided I've had it. There was only so much I could bear.

“Watch your words.” I said with a frown. “ I will not tolerate any disrespect from you.” Lilith scoffed. “Or what?”