KASMINE'S POV.
I would never be able to survive in this house. Kester was no longer the big brother I used to know. He'd become cold and distant. His presence scared me.
I barely survived his presence in the kitchen earlier. The way he looked at me as if I was some kind of... I don't know... A prostitute?
I know he had warned me several times about wearing such clothes, but I was in his house, and there was no one else there. His guards were stationed outside the house and with the way Kester was, I knew they'd never dare enter into the house without his permission.
Maybe he should tell me if he also doesn't want me wearing them around his house. I'd just stick to wearing them right here in my room because these are the only kind of clothes I feel comfortable in whenever I am at home.
We barely exchanged pleasantries when he excused himself and went into his room. I wasn't wrong. His room was the one just beside mine.
I was ready to sleep, but the hotness of the room was becoming unbearable. I had thought I'd be able to ignore it, as the air conditioner wasn't on. The remote control was broken.
I didn't want anything that would make me face Kester tonight, but I guess I don't have a choice.
Adjusting my nightgown, which stopped mid-thigh, I grabbed the remote control and headed to his room.
I took in a shuddering sigh as I knocked gently on the door, but there was no response. I knocked again, but there was no response. I twisted the doorknob, and surprisingly, the door wasn't locked.
Could he be asleep? Well, he had to wake up and help me fix this. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to sleep.
When I entered his room, a small gasp left my lips as I closed the door behind me.
His room was large. His neatly arranged king-sized bed beckoned on me to have a feel, but I resisted the urge to lay on it.
The ambience of the room... Everything mirrored Kester's personality. It was beautiful. Although it was dark, all the bright lights were turned off except for two dim lights, which slightly illuminated the room.
Wait.
I almost got carried away, forgetting why I was there. The bed which I had just admired was empty. Meaning he wasn't sleeping.
"Kester?" I called in a whisper but got no response.
Perhaps he was downstairs. I turned to leave, but something caught my attention. It was a portrait.
A portrait of a naked woman.
I couldn't get a good view of it because of the slight darkness of the room, but... It looked like a portrait of...
Wait. Is that a portrait of me?
No. It couldn't be. Kester couldn't have a portrait of me naked in his room.
Just as I was about to go forward to get a closer look, I heard the familiar, deep, baritone voice from behind.
"You need something?" He asked, and I turned around immediately, chest heaving frantically. My gaze rested on him... My eyes snapped wide with terror at the sight before me.
Water droplets trickled down his broad chest. His short dark hair fell over the side of his face, stopping just above his brows.
The faint hint of his body wash hit me immediately, and I didn't need to be told that he had just come out of the bathroom.
My pulse quickened even more.
His white towel, which hung loosely around his waist, was on the verge of slipping out, pulling attention to his ripped abdomen and the path leading down the V of his lower region...
Goddess.
My mouth went dry. My skin got so heated up that my blood boiled until I was left with nothing but vapors.
I turned tomato-red with embarrassment. I didn't know he was in the bathroom.
This would be the first time I'd ever stand this close to a naked man. Of course... I've never been allowed to keep a boyfriend. I was a total virgin. Didn't know a thing about being around a man.
He looked at me like I had invaded his private space, and, yes, I had. Otherwise, I wouldn't be standing face-to-face with my half-naked stepbrother in his own room.
"I - I am sorry, Kester..." I stuttered, my eyes stinging with tears of embarrassment. "I'll just..." The words didn't come out as I gestured toward the door, about to leave, when he stopped me.
"Mine?" He called me, and I paused, "You need something?" He asked again; this time, his voice was softer than the first.
Years ago, I'd blush and giggle whenever he called me the pet name he had carved out of my name, 'Mine.'
I'd playfully tell him he was pronouncing it all wrong as the 'Mine' at the end of my name didn't sound like the possessive pronoun 'Mine', which he had decided to call me.
He'd shrug and say it didn't matter, that I was his sister, after all, and that I belonged to him.
Mine became his pet name for me. But for the past three years, I felt rather disturbed than flattered whenever he called me that.
It sounded... Personal?
"Yes. Uhm. The AC remote is broken. I was hoping you'd help me fix it." I said when I cleared my throat, forcing my voice to remain steady.
"Let me see," He seemed not to know the storm raging inside me at our proximity.
I stretched out my trembling hand, handing the remote to him.
He received it from me, examined it carefully, and walked toward his closet, "You've been in your room all day. Why is that?" he asked casually, his back still turned on me as he pulled something out from the drawer in his closet.
"Nothing. I've been uh... I've been getting prepared for my first day at work," I lied.
He was quiet for a moment before he spoke again, "What kind of preparations?"
"Nothing much. Just... Girly stuff," I replied, peeping to see what he was doing. I was eager to leave his presence.
"Okay. Here you go," He handed the remote to me, "The battery was dead. It should work now," he added.
"Thank you," I said, "Good night." I turned to leave, but he stopped me.
"Mine?" He called, and I felt that odd sense of disturbance at the name, but I brushed it off and turned to face him. He slowly closed the distance between us, and for reasons I couldn't tell, I felt my skin burning under the scrutiny of his unreadable stare.
He came to a stop before me. I could feel his body heat radiating off him, making me further aware of my surroundings.
He placed both his hands on my shoulders, and I lifted my eyes to look him in his face, but I couldn't hold his intense gaze for more than three seconds before looking away and swallowing a dry lump in my throat.
What is he doing? Why is he so close to me? Why isn't he saying anything?
I could swear he heard the rapid beating of my heart.
"You don't always have to be this tensed around me. I don't bite. I am still your big brother, Kasmine," he said almost in a whisper, "You've become so distant, and I don't like it. This is your house. Feel free. Watch movies, cook, and come into my room anytime you want. Be you."
I was at a loss for words. What was I meant to say? How should I respond to this? I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out.
"Do I scare you?" He asked as if sensing my thoughts, and I nodded frantically, looking up at him.
"You do. You've changed, Kes. You killed that man..." I licked my dry lips, "I don't know you anymore."
He scoffed in slight amusement, "I am sorry. All I want is to keep you safe. That man had bad intentions toward you. I am an Alpha. I sensed it," He shrugged, letting go of my shoulders, "As for your posting, I just thought we could use the opportunity to spend more time together. You know? I've missed my little sister. I know you were mad when you found out," he smiled, his green eyes lighting up in a way I hadn't noticed in a long time.
My brother had one of the most beautiful smiles I've ever seen. He was so perfectly made that it should be illegal.
Sometimes, I wished he wasn't my brother. I swear I would have willingly thrown myself at him by now.
"You should have said so," I said with an eye roll, feeling more at ease now.
"I know how stubborn you can be. You wouldn't blame me," he casually strode to his bed, the muscles on his back flexing with each movement he made.
The night got better, and as it did, I began to doubt my judgment of my stepbrother. I had been the one misunderstanding him all along. He hadn't changed. He was still the sweet, big brother I used to know.
KASMINE.I decided to prepare breakfast for us to eat. It was a weekend, and Kester said he'd be home all day. I thought it wise to prepare his favorite meal."Breakfast is served," I said with a grin when he came down the stairs.He was casually dressed in a way I hadn't seen him in a long time. Whenever he visited home, he was always formally dressed, as expected, as the Alpha.Seeing him in his grey sweatpants and black singlet made me remember those days when he still lived with us back at home.He looked gorgeous, I must say.His short, black hair was neatly combed with just a few careless strands falling just above the crease of his brows.His lick-worthy Adam's apple bobbed when his pink lips curved into a small smile."Mine," He called, and I couldn't help the warmth that spread across my cheeks at the way he called me - so intentional, so personal."You know you'll have to stop calling me that soon, right?" I teased, knowing he hated to hear that.A small frown appeared on hi
KESTER.It took all the self-control I could muster to stay away from the house all weekend. I could have done something I might end up regretting.Whatever unholy feelings I was developing for Kasmine were beginning to get out of hand, and I didn't know for how much longer I could hold back.I returned home just this morning to get ready for work.I stood in front of Kasmine's door, contemplating whether to knock or not. I was, no doubt, ashamed of what had happened on Saturday. She felt my hard cock, and it was super embarrassing.But, fuck it. Now wasn't the time for regrets. It was getting late, and we had to leave for the office.Just as I was about to knock, the door pulled open, revealing my little sister - my obsession.I froze.She stood there, framed by the soft morning light spilling into the hallway. Her rich, brown hair cascaded over her shoulders in loose waves, a few strands catching the sunlight.She looked... stunning. No, beyond stunning. Her blouse, a soft cream colo
KASMINE."Mum... I don't want to be here anymore. Please?" I said to my mum for the hundredth time since the day I arrived.I thought I could work things out with my brother and be freer around him, but I was wrong. He's been worse than he used to be with his overprotectiveness."Come on, honey. You'll be fine. Besides, you'll be coming home tomorrow, won't you? I know you miss me, your friends..." Mum said, trailing off again, probably talking to someone else in the background. It's been a habit of hers that I detested. She always wanted to handle too many things at the same time."See you tomorrow, mum," I hung up the call even before she could respond.My mum was never available. How would she know what I was going through? We couldn't even as much as connect through a simple conversation, how much more build a connection where she'd know how I truly felt on the inside about certain things I was going through?I had no one to talk to except...Speak of the devil, and she appears!W
KESTER.This woman had made it a point of duty to torment my life. If only she knew how much I hated having her around. I had barely spoken to her since she showed up at my office yesterday unannounced.This whole marriage arrangement between my parents and hers would be the worst thing that'll ever happen to her - not me, because I can never love her. No matter how hard she tried."Do we really have to go?" Her silky voice sounded from behind me. She walked toward me and placed her slender hands around my waist from behind, "I came to spend some quality time with you.""I never asked you to come, June," I pulled her hands off me, "But since you are here, get dressed and let's go. I have important matters to attend to in the pack."I locked my luggage and headed to my mirror, adjusting my hair.She was quiet for a while before speaking again, "Okay. I'll get to spend some time with your mum, too."Was that meant to console her? That's her business.From the corner of my eye, I saw som
KASMINE.My brother couldn't have meant all he said to me in my room. He must have said those things to get me further scared of having anything to do with any man until I have my mate.All through the drive to the pack, I sat quietly in the car, replaying his words in my head. Thankfully, he was in another vehicle with June. He always traveled with his driver and a small convoy for security reasons.He was becoming even more protective."27th, Kasmine. 27th of August..." I kept reassuring myself every day since my life became a misery."I'm already running late, mum. It's almost ten," I said to my mum when we arrived at the packhouse.I didn't miss the subtle glare Kester shut my way, but I ignored him."You'll be back in time to have lunch before you leave, right?" She asked, patting my head lovingly as she planted a small kiss on my forehead.I narrowed my brows. What was she talking about?"I'll be staying the weekend, mum. Remember?" I stated with an eye roll."No, you're not," I
KASMINE.I was terrified. The silence in the car was unbearable.I sat stiffly in the back seat, my hands clenched into fists on my lap as I stared out of the window.Kester was seated beside me, leaning back with his hands casually resting on his thighs, his jaw tight, and his expression carved from stone.He hadn't said a word to me since he saw me with Jake. In fact, as soon as I saw him, he quietly walked away.I least expected him in my school. I never knew he had something important to take care of there. I wouldn't have sat down in plain sight with Jake.He had sent June home, and the poor girl couldn't even complain. She took it in good fate, promising to return next weekend.Sometimes I wonder what she was still doing with a douchebag like my brother.His silence was worse than anger, and it made my skin crawl. I dared a glance at him out of the corner of my eye, hoping for some clue as to what he was thinking, but his face betrayed nothing.The driver navigated the convoy th
KESTER.If only she knew. Poor Kasmine. She just sold her soul to the devil by telling me she'd do whatever I wanted her to do.Now, I was looking for the perfect 'favor' to ask of her.Under the guise of handling paperwork, I stayed rooted to my spot, my eyes fixed on her. She didn't know I was watching, and I liked it that way. The glass panel between us offered a perfect view of her, yet it wasn't enough to bridge the space I ached to close.Kasmine sat at her desk, her attention absorbed by the monitor. She brushed a strand of hair away from her face, the gesture so small and unassuming, yet it sent an ache through me. That hair, dark and soft, had once rested against my shoulder when she fell asleep in the car as kids. How could something so simple haunt me like this now?Her lips moved as she murmured something under her breath, likely annoyed at whatever task she was handling. The sight made my chest tighten.Gods, she was exquisite. A picture of innocence wrapped in temptation
KASMINE."I am so sorry. I..." I said, heaving a sigh of frustration.The phone felt slippery in my hand as I clutched it tightly, careful to keep my voice low. My heart pounded with an anxious rhythm that almost left me breathless."Kasmine... I know it's not your fault, but how many more apologies will you have to offer?" He questioned."I'm trying, Jake," I whispered, pressing my palm against my mouth to muffle the words. "I don't know how to make him see reason. Kester is—he's suffocating me." My voice cracked, and I bit down hard on my lip to stifle a sob.On the other end, Jake's silence lingered for a beat too long before he finally spoke. "Mine, you have to fight for yourself. You deserve your own life. He can't keep dictating everything you do." His voice was so gentle that it made my chest ache more.He chose to call me 'Mine'. From Jake, the name felt sweet, almost natural, as if the name belonged to me and not to his control. But from Kester… it was different. Every time h
KESTER.The long-awaited meeting had finally ended, yet my mind was nowhere near at ease.June had begged me to spend the night in their pack, but I refused. I needed to go home. Needed to see her. Even if from a distance. Even if I didn't speak to her.I just needed Kasmine.My life, which was once so neatly arranged, so ruthlessly in my hands, was quickly spiraling out of control, and I, the master of control, almost had no control over it.I clenched my jaw and redialed.The fucker finally picked up after what felt like the hundredth call."You could pass for a certified asshole, you know that, right?" I snapped the moment Norlan answered.He just laughed, "Yeah… I recognize that tone. Dude's pissed."Norlan's laugh grated on my nerves."Go on," he drawled. "Spit it out. What's got your panties in a twist?"I exhaled sharply. "I picked a date."A beat of silence followed. Then, "For what? Your funeral?"I didn't answer. He was sharp. He'd figure it out.Another pause, and then a lo
KESTER.The thought of not talking to Kasmine for two days plagued me. I could barely live a normal life. But I had to stay away from her before I'd do something we both would regret.I didn't want to hurt her. So, this was for the best.I made an Inquiry from the hospital and found out that she was truly there – my curiosity had got the better part of me, but that was as far as I let my curiosity take me. I refused to ask what she went there for. I'd want her to tell me herself.A part of me felt I wouldn't like what her reason would be. But I still wanted to know."Babe?" I heard a voice whisper to me while soft fingers grazed my thigh, pulling me back to the reality displayed in front of me.It was June.I had zoned out again. Fuck.I was there with them, but my attention was with someone else. Mine.I lifted my gaze, and the dimly lit dining hall of the Mellors' estate came back into focus, the heavy scent of roasted meat and aged wine pressing against me.Across the long table, A
KASMINE.I sat in front of the mirror, staring at my gorgeous reflection.I looked stunning tonight. Except it was for the wrong man.My little black dress hugged my curves in the right proportion. The fabric stretched over the swell of my hips, traced the dip of my waist, and framed my breasts with a deep V-cut that ran deeper than the turmoil I felt inside me, exposing my cleavages, which were full and firm.Mum had made sure every detail was perfect, down to how my hair had been styled.She made sure to tell the maids the exact hairstyle I should wear that would compliment my light makeup and dress style.They had gathered my curls into a loose updo, full and elegant as if the strands had been caught mid-motion and pinned in place by the wind itself.Soft tendrils slipped free, lazily framing my face, their curls brushing against my skin in delicate spirals. At the nape of my neck, wisps of hair teased my bare shoulders, adding softness to the otherwise sultry look.It looked effor
KASMINE.The tension in the car when we left the hospital was too suffocating that I was surprised I didn't end up dead before we arrived the pack.It's been two days now, and I have not seen Kester or heard from him. He made sure of that.Today was Friday, and I was a mess of emotions. I was equal parts happy, worried, and nervous.Happy because I'd get to see Jake at school today. I called him yesterday using Mum's phone, and we spoke at length. Hearing his voice was like taking a breath after drowning.Thankfully, Kester hadn't bugged Mum's phone; neither was he anywhere around to see me making the calls.I explained everything that had happened to Jake, and as always, he understood. Gods, he was so understanding.But as much as I was eager to see him, I was worried. Because Kester had assigned Gery—one of his most loyal guards—to follow me everywhere. I didn't need anyone to tell me why. But whatever happens, I'd see Jake in school today. Nothing was going to stop me.Jake wanted
KESTER."Step away from her, Kex."My voice came out steady, but the restraint behind it felt like a noose tightening around my throat. Every muscle in my body coiled, ready to snap, but I held firm.I already had too much blood on my hands.I didn't want to add Kex's to it.But then he smirked.That smirk.Like he wasn't standing in front of death itself. Like he didn't give a damn that I could rip him apart where he stood.The arrogant bastard.I felt like ripping his face in half for even as much as smiling around Kasmine."You don't have to beat yourself up, Kester," he said, sounding so casual and unbothered. He shifted his weight, hands slipping into his pockets like we were discussing soccer. "We were just..." His gaze slid back to Kasmine, and something about the way he looked at her made my blood burn.His eyes dragged over her body, and my fingers curled into fists."Getting to know each other. Isn't that right, beauty?" he finished, and then, as if he wasn't already toeing
KASMINE.It all happened so fast.One moment, I was standing outside the hospital, pacing around impatiently and looking at my watch. The next, a man was standing in front of me—so suddenly, so quietly, I hadn't even noticed his approach.A chill slithered down my spine.I took a step back, instinct prickling at the base of my skull. He was tall and lean but built, his dark sleeves blending too well with the dimming afternoon light. And his eyes—hazel, cold, unreadable—fixed on me with a gaze that made my stomach clench.Beneath the golden light of the sun, I caught the way his jaw tensed—strong, sculpted, like it had been carved from stone.Something about him felt wrong. Not in an obvious, aggressive way. But in the quiet, insidious kind that made my pulse quicken for all the wrong reasons.He had a dark aura that was both compelling and disturbing.Everything seemed a bit within my control until he spoke and called my name. Time seemed to stand still."Hello, Kasmine," He said, pla
KESTER.I exhaled slowly. "So let me get this straight. This pathetic excuse of a stepsister not only has support from other Alphas, but her mate is one of the big names on the list?"My father didn't answer, but his silence said enough.It was all coming together. Alpha Wes and Kex were acquaintances. And Wes was rumored to have gotten his mate just recently. I didn't know it was Karina all along.So, Kex wasn't the only one who wanted to see my company crumble. Karina was pulling strings behind the curtains.Fuck.Who would have thought?I was beginning to see more reasons why I should take the Alpha King position. I swear to fuck, I was tempted. Because that would be the only way I'd shut these bastards up for good.I clenched my jaw, shoving my hands deeper into my pockets. "So let me guess," I said in a tight, mocking voice, "You knew this whole time, didn't you?"Still, nothing."Of course you did." I scoffed, shaking my head. "How does it feel, old man?" I asked, my voice dripp
KASMINE."Excuse me, ma'am," I called out, stepping back up to the desk.She exhaled, rolling her eyes like I was the biggest inconvenience of her day. "Yes, Kasmine," she drawled, her voice laced with exhaustion. "What now?"I dropped the file on the desk between us. "These records aren't… sufficient." I tapped the thin folder with my fingertips, keeping my voice steady even as irritation licked at my nerves. "Some vital information seems to be missing. Is there a mix-up somewhere?"She didn't even pretend to care. Her eyes flicked to the file, then back to me, her expression blank with careful disinterest."This is all there is on Kester Hamilton's records," she said flatly. "I'm sorry."The apology was false, lacking any real sincerity. It only fueled the slow burn of frustration rising in my chest.I leaned in slightly. "I'd like to speak to someone else. A doctor. Someone who was actually in charge of his case."I was also losing my patience. I didn't know what game she was playi
KASMINE.I stood before the Leropita Psychiatric Hospital for over five minutes, unable to make a decision whether I wanted to go in or not.The building seemed too cold and clinical, with its pale grey walls and tall glass windows that reflected nothing but the dull, overcast sky. It smelled like rain was coming, the wind carrying the sharp smell of damp pavement and antiseptic.My fingers curled tightly around the strap of my handbag.Would they even let me access Kester's files?Would I find what I was looking for?My hands suddenly became clammy, and my heart picked up speed as I stared at the entrance of the hospital.It was a bit too quiet, too.Of course, not many people experience mental issues every single day. At least, so I thought.I exhaled, shoving the doubt aside.I clutched my handbag closely, the strap sitting tightly on my shoulder as I entered the premises.The lobby was cleaner than I expected, almost disturbingly pristine. The walls were white, the floors polished