Chapter 8

Derek thrusted slowly inside me, wondering why I didn't want him to mark me yet. Before he could ask, we heard the car horn outside and he stopped his movements in me. My eyes widened and he leaned forward to kiss me on the forehead.

When I saw that his d**k was still buried inside me and he wasn't making an attempt to withdraw, I held his hand and tried to stand up. He finally pulled out and I gasped slowly, our eyes still on each other.

I quickly picked up my clothes and underwear that were now strewn all over the floor. He was watching me, and it made my heart skip a beat. I was still in shock that I let him touch me. I still can't believe that I couldn't resist his c**k. Why on earth did I give in to his touches? Oh. Moon goddess!

I clutched my clothes on my breast before running out of the room, hoping to dress somewhere else. Shit! What was I even hiding? He has seen every single part of my body not once but TWICE!!

I spent a considerable amount of time in the other room, sobbing and hitting myself, probably angry about everything. Angry about the fact that he was my mate. It can't be. The Moon goddess must have made a mistake; Maybe the whole thing was fabricated?

I slid my fingers into my blonde hair before splashing water on my face. How will I be able to face him now? That dude just smashed me. When we were strangers the first time, I remembered that it was done on purpose, but now, we're going to be step siblings, and we're still smashing and making out with each other, GOSH!

My mom's words jolted me out of my daydream as I rose up and bit my lip.

“Honey! We're sorry for coming late, okay. Where are you?” My mom asked, her voice echoing In the corridor.

I wiped the tears in my eyes as quickly as I could before reaching for the door knob. She was about to go to my room but she stopped as soon as she heard the creaking sound of a door at the opposite end.

She rushed over to give me a hug, her eyes wide and anxious. She looked at the door behind me while holding my cheek. The door leading to the room I just exited.

“This is Derek's room. Wh- what are you doing there?” 

She asked and I turned back to see for myself, confusion and shock plastering all over my face.

Did I just run into his room to get dressed there? How did I not know that it was his room?

"Oh. He asked me to retrieve his textbooks because I was having trouble with a certain assignment, but I had no idea where he kept them, so I didn't see them.”

I told a fib because I didn't want to disclose the awkward fact that we were mates. If I informed her about it, I wonder how she would react.

My mom exhaled deeply before placing her two hands on my shoulder. With a warm smile, she mumbled, “Happy birthday, Isabel. I brought cake and other gifts for you. I sincerely apologize for being late. Both the rain and the traffic caused us to become stranded.”

"I understand." I bit my lip in response, and she looked intently at my face, presumably registering my dejected expression.

"Honey, are you upset with us for arriving late?"

My mom asked, cupping my cheeks.

“No! No. It's not that. I already had my first shift and I'm not really happy because you weren't there to witness it.”

When I eventually told her, she fell silent in utter disbelief. She caressed my hair and pulled me in so that I could lay my head on her chest.

"I really, really apologize, Isabel. I ought to have purchased all of these things a day earlier to your birthday. I chose to purchase them today because I wanted to keep it a surprise for you.”

“It's not your fault. I clearly understand,”

I muttered back to her before holding her hands.

“I'm curious to see what you bought!”

I exclaimed, trying to forget my worries and thoughts about everything that happened between Derek and me.

My mom caressed my cheek and said, “I'm sure you'd love it. I bought you something you've always wanted. Come with me. The others must be waiting,”

‘The others!’. ‘What others?’

Just then I remembered I have new family members now. I just remembered that Derek and his father were now a part of us. 

“Let's go!” My mom grabbed my hands and took me to the sitting room which was the biggest and largest room among all rooms in our home. Our house has been both more elegant and more roomy since Mr. Walter remodeled it.

A big cake was placed on the table, and as soon as Mr. Walter's blue eyes met mine, he grinned broadly. He stood up at once and I went over to greet him with a hug.

“Happy birthday, Isabel. I wish you more years in good health, sound mind and riches. Happy birthday once again, I'm super proud to have you as my step daughter,”

Mr Walter said, before giving me an air kiss.

I smiled back at him before settling on my seat. I watched as he pulled out a large wrapped box from a beautiful package. He gave me the box and asked me to open it. As I peeled off the wrapper, curiosity rushed through me and my heart raced. I opened the box and with wide eyes I gawked at the sight of the gift.

It was a cashmere sweater from Ohms. One of the best fashion brands in our pack. I saw fuzzy cross band plush slippers at the side and a pleated crossbody bag. My stepfather brought out a bouquet of Marguerite flowers and some expensive precious jewelry.

I smiled and hugged him at once because I loved everything. He reminded me of my father and I knew he would have bought me the exact thing if he was still alive.

When I opened the little round box my mom gave me, I discovered a double heart charm necklace and an emerald pendant.

I approached her and embraced her, feeling happy to have received something I had long desired.

“I love you mom,” I said to her and she tapped my back gently, brushing my forehead with a lot of kisses.

I released myself from the hug and turned back to settle on my seat. The first person my eye came in contact with was Derek. He smiled faintly, his emerald eyes settling on me with those cute dimples resting on his cheeks.

“Happy birthday, Isabel,” He said nicely, his voice as soft as velvety.

My eyes widened as I maintained contact with him. He just acted as if nothing happened between us a while ago. How can he just forget about everything? He's so good at acting. Damn! 

I can't even stare at him because I can clearly remember how I moaned his name. I can still remember how he thrusted in and out of me. How he cupped my tits and sucked it. How our body entwined on the bed. No. No. This can't be happening! He can't be my mate and my stepbrother. He can't.

“Why don't you blow on the candles and make a wish? I'm sure you can't wait to taste your cake,”

My mom interrupted and with a forced smile, I leaned forward, my eyes on the four candles with dancing fires on each of them.

Derek's emerald eyes met mine again and I averted my eyes at once and directed my gaze back to the candles.

I shut my eyes and blew out the fire at once. I heard claps and cheers from my mom and step dad.

“Tell me, honey. What did you wish for? I'll definitely put it in prayer for you because I want it to come into reality,”

My mom said and held my cheek, directing my gaze to her.

Every time I celebrate my birthday, she frequently inquires about my wishes.

With a faint smile, I said, “I wished for a happy home and. I - I also want to find my real mate.”

“Oh.” My mom gaped and covered her mouth with her palms.

“That's so sweet. And yes, you now have your first shift which means you are close to recognizing your mate. I pray the Moon goddess finds you someone special and deserving of you,”

My mom expressed as she brought me closer to her, making me lean on her breast as she caressed my soft blonde hair.

Derek gulped down the lump in his throat as my eyes locked with his. His expression was not pleased, and I have no doubt that he is wondering why I asked for a real mate. He's probably wondering if I'm not wishing for him to be my mate. He knew I wasn't comfortable with him being my mate and now he looks unhappy because he thought that I might reject him.

“I can't wait to see your mate, Isabel.”

My mom mumbled before giving me a kiss on the head..

“I'll be right back,” I heard Derek say as he got on his feet and made his way to probably his room.

My eyes followed him and my heart sank heavily in my tummy because I knew my statement made him worried and sad.

Moon goddess, you have to help me. What do I do at this stage? Should I reject Derek? My mom is eager to see my mate and she mustn't know that it's Derek.