In the Arms of the Alpha King

The Step Brother

[Elena Sinclair]

The mansion was even more impressive than I’d imagined. Tall iron gates opened to reveal a long driveway lined with perfectly manicured trees, leading up to a sprawling estate. The house itself was massive, with elegant architecture and pristine gardens that made it look like something out of a fairytale, yet with a touch of modern technology.

My mum was practically glowing with excitement as we stepped out of the car and made our way inside. “Isn’t it beautiful, Elena?” She whispered; her eyes wide as she took in the grandeur of the place.

“Yeah, it’s... something,” I replied, still feeling a bit overwhelmed.

“Admit it, something that poverty could never offer you, so appreciate your mama.”

Geez mom, I get it, you’re working hard and late; no rub, please; heard enough of that already.

“Yes ma”

“Good, now keep the good daughter act together; this is an opportunity you don’t want to let slip by, so I’m begging you, don’t embarrass me, Elena.”

The tenth time you’re telling me this today, when have I ever disgraced her or brought her shame? Having no strength to argue, I nodded, ascending the stairs as led by the chauffeur.

We were greeted by a butler and a group of staff that had gathered in the hallway, lined up in a uniform manner. They bowed deeply, speaking their greetings in unison.

My mum, as the attention seeker she is, responded demurely at the staff.

As they straightened up, a curious glance was cast our way, probably wondering who would be their new lady. I don’t blame them; mum wasn’t wearing what a decent woman should, and me, on the other hand, was elegant as a woman, so they were probably confused and contemplating between us, but they dare not utter.

“What an honor to be graced with your presence, my astonishing ladies.” Roman appeared before us, clad in an Armani suit.

We bowed in courtesy. “Pleasure is ours, my lord.”

“How was your ride, ladies?” he inquired.

“Send an Ashton Martin to parade me here; so lovely of you; felt like the Luna of the park.”

“You are the luna of my heart.”

“Awwn,” my mom cooed, dramatically placing her hands on her chest. “Falter me not, my lord. You have done me what else no one has—a perfect grand departure from the slump and an extravagant welcome to a palace.”

“You deserve best, my love,” he said as they locked lips, and I cringed at the sight, averting my gaze.

My mum deliberately moans in his lip as they continue with the act. I stood dazed, staring at their public display of affection. Having enough of it, I cleared my throat.

“Sorry for that; we got carried away.” I nodded. “I’m glad you both could make it,” he said, leaning down to kiss my mum on the cheek. He turned to me with a friendly smile. “I hope you’re getting used to the idea of living here, Elena. I know it’s a big change.”

“It’s... an adjustment,” I admitted, trying to be polite. My mum glared at me. I read it as don’t ruin this for me.

“And we appreciate it wholesomely,” I added, while he smiled.

“Right this way,” he directs us to the dining table. It was a huge and holly mother of savory delicacies. What in heaven is laid on the earth's table? Before me are different varieties of mouth-watering foods, nearly thirty in total, displayed on the table. Is this for us only, or are we excepting company? If so, then this is a ridiculous waste of food and labor, I complained.

“Appreciate what before you and dig in; I’m starving,” said Sienna, my wolf bark.

“Foodie had to make an appearance since food was involved.” I retorted.

“My son will join us soon,” he informed us as we settled in the dining room, the maid serving the foods.

Great Elena, you have a stepbrother; brace yourself for it; just hope he is not as mean as the way, book stepsiblings are, especially the g********l ones.

Just as we were about to start dinner, the door to the dining room opened, and a man walked in. “Sorry I’m late,” he said, his voice deep and unapologetic.

That voice, why does it sound so familiar, like...

I looked up, and my heart nearly stopped. There, standing in the doorway, was Alpha Dimitri—my professor, the man from last night. He froze as soon as he saw me, his expression mirroring my shock.

“Is this your son?” The words slurred out before I could stop them, shocked evident in my face as I stared wide-eyed at my professor, who walked and took his seat opposite me.

Roman nodded, oblivious to the tension that had suddenly filled the room. “Yes, this is Dimitri, my very first heir, your alpha king. He’s my pride and joy.”

I barely could hear him over the pounding of my own heart. “Your son?” I repeated, my voice barely a whisper.

“Yes, any problem with that? Do you guys know each other? My mum asked, hawking both our reactions.

I blinked, dotting and connecting the stars; his is the son; that means if our parents got married, we would become stepsibling’s. The man I slept with, only to discover his is the alpha, is not only my professor but will be my stepbrother.

I shake my head. No was on the tip of my tongue, but he beat me to it.

“She is my student,” Dimitri said devoid of emotion.

“Small world, I guess. Anyway, isn’t it great? There will be no need for a huge introduction since you guys are already acquitted. Elena is here; she is my daughter, soon to be your stepsister,” my mum dropped.

The room seemed to spin around me as I watched him try to process this new bombshell. Dimitri, he looked equally stunned as I was, but he quickly masked it, his expression turning unreadable. I could feel his eyes on me, but I couldn’t bring myself to meet his gaze. This was too much to handle. Too fast. How was this even happening?

“Elena, are you alright?” My mum asked, fake concern lacing her voice.

I forced myself to nod, managing a weak smile. “Yeah, I’m fine,” I lied, though nothing about this situation felt fine.

Inhaling and exhaling out, I managed to tear my gaze away, focusing on the table in front of me as I tried to process what this meant. How was I supposed to move on from something like this? How could I pretend that night never happened when he was going to be in my life every day, not just as my professor, but as my stepbrother?

I was overwhelmed, confused, and scared. Now, how will I handle this? Knowing how inevitable it is to face him every day, with what had happened between us, knowing it something that could never happen again?

And more than that, how was I supposed to forget?