Mated To My Obsessive Stepbrother

Chapter 41

Chapter 41

KASMINE.

Was it wrong to feel the way I did? Absolutely.

Did I care? I did, once. But now, gazing into the eyes of the man before me, I was gradually getting to the point where I didn't care anymore as his charms wove through me like a spider's thread, gently pulling me closer.

I couldn't help but fall for his tricks.

This was all a trick, wasn't it? It had to be. The Kester I knew would never do any of this for anyone. Not in a thousand years, no matter who they were. But me? Kester Hamilton, the man who barely acknowledged anyone's existence, had taken me shopping? And he even picked out some things he liked for me? And the weirdest part? He was happy doing it!

The Moon Goddess should have told us that this was the year the world would come to an end!

"Come on We still have the night ahead of us." He said to me, his voice tinged with an uncharacteristic warmth. I couldn't help but wonder in utter curiosity what else he had planned out.

I'd never seen Kester this.... happy before. Even though his emotions were usually wrapped in layers of ice, tonight, there was something different in his eyes. A hint of warmth that seemed to soften the sharp edges of his persona. The Kester I knew would have rather gouged his eyes out than let anyone see him vulnerable.

But today, the way he smiled subtly while handing me his preferred choices at the mall warmed something in my stomach, and a part of me wanted to keep that genuine smile on him for as long as possible.

I felt a strange pride swelling in my chest, the kind I'd never felt before, knowing I was the reason behind that smile. He never showed it to anyone else.

Kester did a lot for me while we were still kids. I was an unhappy little girl when my father died, but when Mum married the Alpha, Kester became a big brother and also stepped into the role of something close to a father for me. He showered me with so much love that it was almost unnatural and divine.

He never let me cry or be sad for a second unless he wasn't home.

- Makes him happy, then I am ready to play along a little longer, at least until I find a mate and he finally

I kept reminding myself that I was in it to enjoy the thrill.

opportunity to own a man like my brother... But here I was... Owning

carried. Even though he'd told me to let the guards help,

it was from him. From the way his voice shifted to a softer tone like I mattered

at the things we'd bought. My mind was

the smell of food wafted into my nostrils, making my mouth water and my stomach tighten with hunger. Chapter

Selene... What was that?

something this mouthwatering-rich, battery warmth mingling with the deep, savory notes of slow-roasted meat, kissed by garlic and herbs, while the subtle sweetness of caramelized onions lingers in the air. It's the kind of aroma that seeps into your bones, making your

waiting for?" Kester called from over his shoulder

perceive it? Something smells really nice. You're certain mum already left?" I asked, my gaze darting to the kitchen to see

she descended the stairs, catching my attention. My gaze snapped from the kitchen to the staircase where she alighted from, and the hunger in my stomach

I froze.

the food, the warmth of the room, even Kester's soft voice- everything blurred, and suddenly, the only thing that mattered

grace, her heels clicking against the polished floor, the sound echoing louder in the silence that had settled around me. My eyes instinctively followed

impossible to look away. A deep crimson—almost too red,

woman men wanted. Beautiful, sophisticated, poised. Everything I

staring at her. His eyes softened when they landed on

her eyes locking on Kester's with a look

like she owned him. And, of course, she did. She was the one he was getting married to. She had every right

jaw, trying to silence the voice in my head that wouldn't stop screaming, "Stop. Don't think like this. You have no right to feel anything about

or compare myself with her. She was older than me, and I was Kester's little sister! I reminded myself that what Kester and I were doing was nothing more than a

some things for you, too," I said, my voice coming out too bright and too forced, attempting to sound unaffected as she wrapped her perfectly manicured bands around Kester's arm like it was her