Secret Affairs With My Step-Father

Two

PHILIPPA POV

"Where were you?" Justin’s voice cut through the bustling school building as he walked up to me. I had been trying to avoid him all day, but of course, he managed to catch up with me. Annoyed, I kept walking, but he pressed on. "I called you repeatedly after you left the party. Why didn’t you pick up?"

"I went home. I was drunk," I replied, hurrying my pace, hoping to dodge him. But that only seemed to irritate him more. He grabbed my arm, stopping me in my tracks.

"Hey, I am still talking to you. Where are you rushing off to?" His frustration was very obvious, though he quickly covered it, trying to remain calm.

"I called your roommate yesterday," he continued. "She said you weren’t home and that she was looking for you too."

I rolled my eyes, exasperated. "Honestly, I passed out somewhere drunk. It was embarrassing. The cops found me, and I had to spend the night at the station since I was too drunk to even give them my address." I took a deep breath, meeting his eyes. "It wasn’t funny at all. I shouldn’t have had so much to drink."

He seemed to believe me, nodding as he said, "Okay.”

"Here, have this," he said, shoving a shopping bag into my hand. I didn't want any more of his stupid gifts. The urge to throw it right back in his face was overwhelming, but I couldn’t. It killed me that I was too scared to break up with this asshole. The truth was, I wasn’t strong enough to handle the bullying that would come after. Justin was the only thing keeping those bullies off my back, and if I made any rash decisions, I knew I would be doomed.

Every time I looked at him, I remembered the horrible things he said about me to his friends. It broke my heart in ways I couldn’t even explain. "What is this for?" I asked, my curiosity filled with frustration. He smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.

"My mother wants to meet my girlfriend—meaning you," he said, his voice filled with fake charm. "She is introducing me to her new fiancé, so I figured you would need a dress for the occasion." He paused, then added, "I thought you would look beautiful in this, so get ready. I will pick you up tonight." With that, he placed a kiss on my forehead and walked away, leaving me standing there, fists clenched, my jaw tight with anger.

What kind of psycho was this guy? After all the disgusting things he said about me, now he wanted to parade me in front of his mother? The whole situation was beyond confusing.

After classes, I went home and told everything to my best friend and roommate, Abbey. She was furious, practically shouting, "Screw meeting his stupid mother! You sre breaking up with him right now!" I wiped the tears from my face with the back of my hand, biting down on my lower lip.

"I feel so useless, Abbey. I feel worthless," I admitted, taking a deep breath to steady myself. "How can someone be so cruel, playing with someone’s feelings like this? And the worst part is, I can’t even break up with him. At least not yet."

"Why?" Abbey asked, her frustration rising. "You should do it, now. Why the hell would you want to be with someone like that after all he said about you? This is unforgivable because why would anyone do anything like that to who they claim to care about. I reckon that you dumb his pathetic ass immediately" I could see how angry she was and I didn't blame her. I was angry too but there was sadly nothing I could do about the situation.

"You and I both know Justin isn’t someone you want as an enemy. His mother is powerful. She could have me kicked out of this school with just a snap of her fingers," I explained, wiping away more tears. "I just have to play along until I figure things out... just my luck, I guess."

I started getting ready for the night, putting on makeup and fixing my hair while Abbey watched me, her face full of pity, unable to say anything more.

I didn't mention the one-night stand I had with someone whose name I didn’t even know. Every time I tried to recall that night, it felt like my memories were being blocked, and I hated it. Minutes later, I received a text from Justin saying he was outside. I hurried to finish my makeup, slipped on my heels, and walked out to his car.

I got in and gave him a smile, but he looked displeased. “I told you I hate that color of lipstick on you. Wipe it off immediately and put on something better,” he said as he started driving. I glared at him, resisting the urge to punch him in the face. I hesitantly removed the red lipstick and replaced it with a softer shade. “And when my mother asks, don’t embarrass her by mentioning that your mother is a stripper. I would prefer to handle the conversation.” Why hadn’t I noticed this earlier? He often spoke about me like this, and for some reason, I had thought it was acceptable.

We arrived at their massive mansion, where a few maids came to greet us. As we entered the main room, I was shocked. The interior design was flawless, and the furniture was exquisitely detailed. Only the wealthiest of the wealthy could afford such luxury.

“Hello, son,” a voice called out. I turned to see one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen walking toward us. She exuded class and elegance as she embraced her son warmly. Her long black hair flowed to her waist, and she wore a sleek black dress that highlighted her figure, with minimal jewelry and makeup that spoke of serene sophistication.

I had heard of Councilwoman Ruth's beauty, but seeing her in person left me speechless. “You are very lovely,” she said with a stern yet cold expression as her eyes scanned me. “What is your name, child?”

“Philippa,” I replied, and she smiled. “It is very nice to meet you ma”m. It is a honor to be in your presence” I was her fan girl and I didn't even bother to hide it at that very moment

“hmmm” she said not so impressed by my compliments making me feel slightly embarassed before adding” Lovely name,” she said, gesturing toward the dining area. “Please, settle in. Dinner will begin soon.” We walked toward the dining area as Justin asked the lingering question, “So, where is the lucky man who is going to marry my mother?” Ruth smiled, clearly pleased with her son's compliment, and said

“He will be here any minute now. Make yourself comfortable,” Ruth said with a smile. The atmosphere in the room shifted instantly as all the maids hurried to form a straight line by the entrance, bowing their heads as if waiting for someone important. Ruth's smile widened as she announced, “How wonderful, he is already here.”

Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed through the room. Ruth rushed toward the entrance, and my eyes widened in shock as the man she was about to marry made his appearance. It was none other than Alpha Lucien of the pack. This was the first time I had seen him in person, and the media had done no justice to his appearance. He was strikingly handsome, with a perfectly sculpted physique, a strong, chiseled jaw, and a commanding presence that exude power and confidence. His every movement seemed powerful and confident, and I found myself drawn to him in a way I couldn't explain.

I had always known Ruth was beautiful, but seeing her with the Alpha was surprising. Though he wasn’t exactly young, she was definitely older than him. No one would have expected such a union, making their engagement all the more perplexing.

As Alpha lucien stunning silver eyes met mine, his expression shifted slightly, his eyes staying on me with an intensity that left me breathless. I gulped, feeling his stare on me. At that moment, my wolf, Alice, began to stir within me, and I wondered what was causing this reaction.

“You are marrying the Alpha?” Justin asked, his confusion obvious. Ruth turned to him with a loving smile and said, “Yes, son. We are definitely getting married, sooner than expected.” Justin looked shocked, and I couldn’t blame him. I was shocked too.

What was even more confusing was the way the Alpha continued to stare at me. My wolf's stirring grew stronger, and I felt a compulsion to reach out to her through our mental connection and ask “What’s going on, Alice?” I was curious. Out of nowhere, Alice’s whisper shocked me to my core.

“Alpha Lucien Silverclaw is our mate…”