Chapter 2

Adeline’s POV

“No, mother, you can't get married to Alpha King Ryker!” I exclaimed, my heart beating vehemently in my chest. “There is no way I'm accepting that douchebag as a stepbrother. No freaking way.” I rambled on and on, the shock and fear, making it difficult for me to utter any coherent words.

“Sweetie,” Mother called calmly as she placed her hands on my shoulders. “You have always wanted to be a princess, haven't you?”

I sighed. “It was just a childhood dream, mother. Even if I still want to be a princess, not Alpha King Ryker's daughter, please.” I looked away from her, but she brought my face back to look at her.

She smiled softly, her emerald green eyes gleaming with curiosity. “Why? Is something wrong with the Alpha King?”

I shook my head, a frown settling on my face. “It's not the Alpha King, Mother, it's his son, Alan. That guy is a thorn in my flesh, and I can't imagine myself being his stepsister.”

“Why do you think Alan is a thorn in your flesh, sweetie? He's actually a sweetheart.” Mother said, her voice gentle but curious.

“Yeah, to everyone except me!” I threw my hands in the air, utterly frustrated. The mere thought of having him as my Stepbrother made the hair on my skin stand. Yikes!

Mother sighed. “Calm down, baby, and tell me everything.” she requested.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm down. “He's always been cruel to me, Mother. He takes great pleasure in making my life miserable. He's bullied me since high school, and it's only gotten worse in college. He's the reason I feel bad for not having a wolf, the reason I cry for not having a mate as well. He's always there, reminding me of my failures, making me feel like I'm not good enough.” Tears gathered in my eyes as I told her everything.

He was such an asshole. If I had a wolf and had gotten my mate, he would have protected me and Alan wouldn't have been able to bully me, but the moon goddess loathed me and disgraced me on my eighteenth birthday to vent her anger.

Mother's expression softened, and she pulled me into a hug. “Oh, Adeline, I'm so sorry to hear that, but maybe this is an opportunity for you to start afresh and make amends with Alan. He's a good person, I'm sure of it.”

Huh? A good person? That snake?

I pulled back, incredulous. “Good person? You don't know him, Mother. He's a monster. And now you're going to marry his father and make him my stepbrother? It's a nightmare come true.”

Mother sighed and sat down at the kitchen table, motioning for me to join her. “Adeline, I know you're upset, but please try to understand. This marriage will be good for our pack, and for our family. And who knows, maybe Alan will surprise you and become a good stepbrother.”

I shook my head, feeling a sense of despair wash over me. I knew that would never happen. Alan would never change, and now I would be stuck with him as a stepbrother. I felt like my life was over.

“I can't bear this news!” I covered my face with my palms, groaning in utter frustration.

“Sweetie,” Mother called and I sighed. “I'm doing this for you, for me, for us. I know it's shocking, but just give it a chance, okay? You never can tell what might happen. Fate always has its plans, you know, and meeting Alpha King Ryker has been one of the best things that has happened to me. You'll get along with Alan, trust me.”

I shook my head, feeling a lump form in my throat. “I don't know, Mother. I just can't imagine being related to him. He's made my life a living hell for so long.”

Mother nodded, her expression softening. “I know, baby. But sometimes people change, and sometimes circumstances bring people together in unexpected ways. Just keep an open mind, okay?” she gave my chin a soft pinch.

I nodded slowly. “I'll try,” I said, and she beamed at me, causing me to smile too. I'm happy as long as mother is happy as well. The least I could do to keep seeing this smile on her face was to support her decision.

And as for Alan, I would just have to try my best to avoid him at all cost.

Mother quickly got down to attend to the food and I left to take a shower, replaying our conversation in my head. I released a long breath and shut my eyes tight.

“It's just Alan, it's no big deal. If he bites off more that he can chew, I'll just make him vomit them all.” I balled my fists and huffed.

****

The next day, the news about my mother's wedding to the Alpha King had already traveled around. I'm not surprised. Words do travel fast when you're in a pack like Red Flames Pack.

Our pack, ruled by the Alpha King, became the most powerful pack in the region with vast territories and resources, and a strong reputation for protection and loyalty. Great warriors were birthed here, and they have a long-lasting history of victory in the battlefield with no wars lost, at least that was what my father used to tell me.

I walked through the halls, trying to avoid the curious gazes and whispers. Everyone was talking about the upcoming wedding and what they were going to wear. I just wanted to blend into the background and disappear. But that was impossible. I was the center of attraction because…

Hello, my mother is about to become Luna, and it would be hard for them to address me by ‘Princess’ now.

Somehow, I wanted to become the princess and actually see if they would have the effrontery to bully me again.

Averting my gaze to the ground, I walked to my locker to pick out the notes I'd be using today when someone suddenly slammed it close, missing my hand by a few inches.

I flared up, looking up to see who did it, and my anger only intensified when I noticed that it was the jerk. I glared at him, my fists clenched.

He had a smug smile playing on his lips, and the goddess knows I desperately wanted to slap it off his face right now.

“What the actual heck is your problem?” I snapped, puffing up my cheeks as I glared hard at him.

He folded his arms as he gave me that annoying smile of his. “Is this how to speak to your older brother?” he asked, and I raised an eyebrow. He was quiet for a while before speaking up. “Stepsister?”