Dark Desires! My Step Father Is My Mate

Ariana I’ve never liked surprises. Some people love them, but for me, they always feel like a trap. Walking into my mother's new pack that day was exactly that one big trap of surprises I wasn't ready for. I had my small suitcase trailing behind me, bumping against every step as I stood in front of the packhouse. Only, calling it a ‘house’ felt wrong. It was massive, like something out of a history book. The stone wall stretched high into the sky, and the wide staircase leading up to the front doors looked like it belonged to a palace, not a home. People were everywhere, moving in and out of the doors, carrying trays, papers, even laughing in little groups. Everyone looked busy. Everyone looked like they belonged here. I didn't. Then I saw her, my mother. She rushed down the stairs like a girl half her age, her face glowing with happiness. Before I could even process, she pulled me into a hug so tight I almost dropped my suitcase. “Ari!, you're here!” Her voice was warm, light in a way I hadn't heard in years. I hugged her back, though my arms felt a little stiff. “I missed you too, mum” is what I remembered of her at least. I hadn't seen her for four years now and the other years I had seen her were only on the weekends. I pulled back enough to look at her. She really did look different, softer somehow, younger. “You look happy.” She laughed, brushing her hair out of her face the way she always did when she was excited. “I am. Happier than I've been in a long time.” That part stung a little, not because I wasn't glad for her, but because I remembered all the years she hadn't been happy, Years of carrying pain after my dad betrayed her. I was young when it happened, but not too young to understand. He’d cheated on her with her best friend, and then actually married the woman, like it was nothing. My mother never recovered from that, at least, not until now. “I didn't know you married an alpha” I said carefully as she grabbed my hand and started pulling me inside. Her smile widened, but she didn't look guilty. She looked proud. “I wanted to tell you in person. He’s a good man, Ari. I know it's a lot to take in, but I hope you’ll accept him.” Like I had a choice in the matter now. An Alpha. My mom was married to an Alpha. That was not my expectation at all t. It wasn't like marrying some nice business man or neighbour. It meant power, responsibility, a whole community. This wasn't just about my mom having a new husband, it was about her being Luna of an entire pack. How was she going to handle that? I swallowed, forcing a nod. “I'm glad you're happy.” She led me through the enormous hallways, each one lined with pictures and polished furniture that looked like it belonged in a museum. The smell of cedarwood clung to the air, strong, masculine, commanding. Everything about his house screamed royalty. Finally, she stopped in front of a large room and pushed the door open. “This will be your room.” I stepped inside. The bed was huge, covered with fresh sheets that smelled like lavender. The cream coloured walls made the room feel warm, and a tall window overlooked the woods. It was…beautiful actually. “I'm sorry I missed the wedding.” I said softly, guilt twisting in my chest. “I had exams that day, and…” My mom waved me off before I could finish. “Don't apologize. You're here now, that's all that matters” She touched my arm gently. “ We're having a party tomorrow to celebrate. You’ll get to meet everyone properly. And you’ll meet Marco too. Marco, that was his name. My new step father. I forced a smile, but the word tasted strange. “I’ll be ready” I wasn't ready. I hated my father for cheating on my mother but I had always secretly wanted them to get back together not because I forgave my father but because I deserved to have a mother all of those years she wasn't around. Sure my step mother was great but the feeling that my mother had been okay with leaving me with my father when I was barely eight. Then returning when I was thirteen only to see me on the weekends alone and then leave without a word again when I was seventeen still hurt. More than she would ever know. She leaned down, kissed my forehead the way she used to when I was little. “I’ll let you rest. Get comfortable. Okay?” When she left, closing the door behind her, I sank down on the edge of the bed. My chest felt heavy, like I was carrying a hundred thoughts at once. I was happy for her. I really was. She deserved this after everything my father put her through. But still, it was strange. Growing up, it had mostly been me, her, Dad, and then dad’s new wife. Now suddenly, I was supposed to adjust to a new family, a new man, a new pack and possibly a mother that I didn't know. After unpacking a few things, I decided to take a look around. Sitting in that room made me restless, and I wanted to understand this place, which was suddenly supposed to be “home.” The packhouse was even bigger than I thought. Wide hallways, tall ceilings, and walls decorated with framed landscapes and portraits of wolves. It felt more like a museum than a home, and every step I took made me wonder how my mum fit into all of this so easily. I turned a corner too quickly and slammed right into someone. Hard and tall. “Arghhhhh.” I groaned, stepping back. “Oh. I'm so sorry” My words caught in my throat when I looked up. He was tall, broad shouldered, with dark hair peppered lightly at the sides. His eyes were a deep, steady gray that seemed to pin me in place. He looked older than me, much older, but not in a weak way. He looked strong, handsome, and commanding. And then it hit me like a punch to the chest. The pull, the spark, the invisible thread that tied mates together. My breath caught. No. This couldn't be real. He frowned slightly, studying me. “Who are you?” His voice was low, calm, but there was something in it that made my stomach twist. I opened my mouth, but all I could do was stutter. “I'm.. I'm…” My words were completely disjointed. Before I could get the words out, my mom appeared at the end of the hall. “Ari!, there you are.” She walked quickly over to us, her face bright. “I see you’ve met Marco.” “What?” My eyes twitched. What did she just say? “Where are my manners? Let me introduce myself properly.” “Marco honey, this is my daughter, Ariana. The world tilted under my feet. Marco, my mum's husband. The Alpha. The man in front me. And my mate, noooo.