Love, Hate and Hockey Skates

“Rise and shine, baby girl," Miles called out in a sing-song tone. I felt a peck on my left cheek before he gave another to my right cheek.

“Stop it, Miles.” I turned my back to him and raised the blanket so high it covered my hair.

“Even if I tell you Mitch made your favourite breakfast?” He asked in a low tone.

“Don't tempt me with food. I still need to sleep. I'm still feeling jet-lagged.” That was the prize I paid for flying through countries to return to my hometown; the pack I grew up in.

Had it not been for the death of our father — my stepfather — I wouldn't have returned. For that, I was grateful. Had he not died, I wouldn't have known that my step-brothers were now single.

Their cheating mate finally dumped them after she cheated on them with their ex-best friend.

“Oh, my goddess! There's a mouse under your duvet!” He yelled.

“What!” I shrieked at the top of my lungs as I jumped down from the bed, with my heart beating so loud in my chest. “Where is the mouse? Kill it!” I squealed, clinging to him as if my life depended on it. “Kill it, Miles!”

“Oh, my.” He laughed. “You've not gotten over your fear of those scurry creatures.” He chuckled, sounding pleased with himself.

“You tricked me!” I scowled at him. “You dare trick me?” I got down from his body with a murderous glare on my face. “I will show you what I'm capable —"

Before I could complete my words, he carried me up. “It's time to have breakfast, baby girl!” He yelled.

“Let me go! I'm no longer a baby!” I tried to wriggle out of his grip, but he held on tight. His hold didn't budge, not even when I pinched him.

“You are still our baby, Summer.” He pecked me on my forehead. “You will always remain our baby.”

His words warmed my heart, but only for the moment. Though I wanted to believe there was more to his remarks, I know he was only saying that because I was their step-sister.

That was the only reason they treated me like a doll. They only ever loved their mate. I was just a dumb step-sister whom they looked out for because I was human.

“Let me go, your caveman!” I yelled at him.

“Not in your dreams.” He carried me down the stairs, and towards the dining. “I managed to wake our sleeping beauty," he said as he placed me on the chair and turned to his brothers.

My step-brothers looked so alike that you wouldn't be able to tell them apart if you didn't know them. Their blue eyes were always dark as if they were hiding something, but I loved the mysterious vibe it gave.

They love tying their long black hair up in a ponytail. Most times, I always console myself with the thoughts that they did it for me because I once told them I love men with long hair.

However, when they found their stupid mate, they cut their hair without a second thought. But now, they have grown it back.

“How is our darling?” Mike asked as he pecked me on my left cheek. “Slept well?” He raised a brow.

“Why will I when you guys keep snoring all night?” I complained, pouting.

I had to crane my head up to look at him. At 6'4 (1.93 m), my step-brothers were quite tall. Most times, I felt like a kid when I was between them.

“Do we snore?” Mitch turned off the gas stove and walked towards us.

With their chests exposed by the singlets they were putting on, it felt difficult for me to breathe.

“Of course you did.” I swallowed as I tried not to show them how nervous I was by their proximity.

“Oh?” Mitch leaned down. “Who was it that always cried for us to allow her to sleep with us?” His face was so near that I had to push him.

“You are lying! I've never begged to sleep with you guys.” I folded my arms.

“Is that true?” They exchanged glances. “Seems like our baby is trying to deny all the times she slept with us.”

Miles turned to Mike. “Is she trying to deny us, so she won't take responsibility for sleeping with us?” He shivered.

“Exactly!” Mike pursed his lips. “After taking our innocence, she wishes to deny it. Oh, our chastity!” He moaned.

“What the hell are you guys going on about?” I rose from the chair and folded my arms. “Which chastity, you man whores.”

They laughed.

“Our baby is still the same.” Mitch pinched my cheeks. “Isn't she adorable, brothers?” He chuckled.

“Of course,” the others agreed with a nod of their heads.

“Suit yourselves.” I angrily matched over to my chair, which was opposite the one Miles sat me on.

“Is she angry?” Mike gave me a look before he turned to his brothers.

“Give her some peaches. She won't feel sad after that.” Miles chuckled. “Or we can just get some rats, and she will willingly rush into our arms.”

I watched them discuss with a frown on my face. Though my brothers were still the same way as they had always been, I felt there was something different about them.

Even if I couldn't pinpoint what exactly that was, I could tell there was something wrong with them. Not only had they gotten extra clingy since I returned, but it seemed they were getting more touchy.

Though it makes my plans to seduce them easier for me, I sensed they were only doing this because they missed me. It could be their way of trying to make me stay back here since intended to return to where I came back from, after my visit.

Unknown to them, I only planned to return when I still thought they were living with their mate. Now that I know that my step-brothers are as single as the next-door single man, I wasn't planning on leaving the pack.

Even if they demand for me to leave, I won't leave until I've gotten them where I want them to be. I might not be their mate, but there is one thing I was certain of.

My stepbrothers are mine. And I would make them mine. Even if it means I get to tie them to the bed, I would do what it takes, to make them mine.

I won't repeat the mistakes I made three years ago. I won't give them up anymore.

They are mine. And I will fight for their love. I won't let another take what rightfully is mine.