Rejecting the Alpha Twins

Chapter 11

Xander POV

“Xander, why does Xavier hate me so much?” Isabelle pouts, her big blue eyes studiously looking into mine as I glance away, unnerved by the question.

Even she’s noticed that my brother is behaving strangely, I try to laugh it off, but she looks serious as she continues to observe me. We’re both outside, watching several of the warrior doing their training, Isabelle keeping her distance, her short skirt hugging her curves and revealing her lacy underwear when she bends over too far, causing my mouth to go dry. as I swallow hard at the enticing image.

“He doesn’t hate you, he’s just irritable lately. It’s not just with you” I mutter, hoping she’ll leave it alone.

The truth is I don’t know what’s wrong with Xavier lately. It stings that he doesn’t confide in me as much as he used to, being that we are twins and all.

She raises a brow “Is it something to do with his wolf?” she asks, her lips curving downwards “Is he recognizing that I might not be his mate?” she sounds slightly panicked about the very idea of it.

I rush to reassure her. “No Isabelle. I haven’t heard my wolf yet, so I doubt he has. He’s probably just nervous about the whole shifting thing and maybe tired of discussing the birthday party” I sighed “Just give him some space and you’ll see that he’ll come around.”

At least I was hoping that’s what it was.

She touches my arm lightly. Normally I’m pleased by the contact but today, today I feel numb. Empty. Desolate. I force a smile on my face. “You still find me attractive, don’t you Xander?” she bites her pale pink lower lip, causing my eyes to dart towards them.

Did I? Isabelle was the prettiest girl in our pack. There was no denying it. Usually, I wouldn’t hesitate to express how exactly! felt about her, but today, I was reacting differently, and judging by the expression on Isabelle’s face, she could tell as well. I hesitated and then forced myself to speak the words I knew she wanted to hear more than anything.

“Of course, I still find you attractive” I give a fake smile,

“I just find it so hard lately, with how badly Regan treats me” She picks up a flower from the grass and lets it slip through ber fingers, watching it fall softly to the ground, “I guess I’m just feeling insecure” she whispers, glancing at me sideways and adopting a forlorn expression.

She sounds so vulnerable. Maybe the upcoming ceremony was messing with her as well and causing her to feel insecure. 1 tried to remind myself that Isabelle might seem tough on the exterior but that inside, she was still as soft–hearted and kind as she had always been.

“Forget about Regan” my voice is sharp, causing Isabelle to blinkat me in surprise. “When you’re Luna nobody is going to be able to make you feel anything less than what you are. Just because she’s the Beta’s biological daughter doesn’t mean she’s going to be granted leeway. You will still be in charge Isabelle” I reminded her as she gave me a twisted smile, “Regan won’t be able to do anything more to you. You’ll be safe from her.@

She opened her mouth to retort when there came a furious shout from behind us. “Isabelle‘

It was Xavier. The person we had just been discussing. He looked wild, his hair disheveled, a look of rage on his face. 1 wondered what was eating him. He looked as though he was on the verge of ripping somebody to shreds with his bare hands. Even Isabelle looked frightened as she looked at him. It was unusual for him to act this way towards her.

He stormed over.

Xavier, what’s wrong?” Isabelle whispered, glancing fearfully at me.

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Chapter 11

He narrows his eyes, I glance at him, watching as he slowly clenges his jaw, “Did you hurt Regat?” he says with gritted teeth

My mouth falls open in shock. I can’t believe he’s confronting us about that bitch Regan Isabelle’s eyes begin to shine as she shakes her head in denial, tears threatening to fall. I immediately rush to her defense. “Brother, what are you doing? Isabelle has been outside with me” I snapped “You can’t go around accusing people with no proof and especially not your chosen mate” I snarled,

He gives Isabelle a condemning look. A tear trails down her cheek. I feel awful as I put a protective hand on her shoulder. What did Xavier think he was doing? I had never felt so angry as did right then at my brother.

“I would never hurt Regan” she protests, looking to me for help Never. How could you accuse me of such a thing!” she hiccups, looking truly devastated.

“Somebody did. Her hand is red raw and burnt” Xavier shoots back, folding his arms and tilting his head “And she refuses to tell me who did it he growls.

Isabelle gives a small laugh. It’s filled with bitterness. “So, you thought that it must be me,” she said, sniffling. “The reason she couldn’t tell you who it was, was because she most likely did it to herself to gain your sympathy” she cried, throwing her hands up “I’ve told you before how cunning she is, how clever and manipulative she can be. Why can’t you believe me when I tell you she’s capable of anything?”

Her eyes are watery as she glances at me. My arms wrap around her as she begins to sob in earnest. I shoot my brother a vicious glare.

“It’s okay Isabelle” I murmur, feeling her clutch at me with desperation, her sobs wracking her body, her head pressed down against my chest as she stares down at the grass “I believe you,” I tell her, staring at Xavier defiantly.

“Damnit Xavier, how could you just come out here and shoot your mouth off like that?” I hiss as he continues to stare at Isabelle with an inscrutable expression.

I don’t like the expression on his face. He’s never looked at Isabelle so coldly before. This is a first. I feel a moment of apprehension, What if Isabelle was right? What if Xavier has gotten his wolf or started to hear it? Could they be telling him to treat Isabelle so badly? It didn’t make sense.

“Brother, perhaps you should leave before I feel inclined to fight you and sort this out between us in a different manner” I bit out.

motionless “Please don’t fight because of me. I couldn’t bear it You’re twins. brothers

gauntlet and started fighting with my brother.

the hell out of here Xavier” I snapped “You’re lucky Isabelle is here. I don’t know what’s going on with you or what is wrong with you, but you better sort yourself out before the

pointed stare of my brother which felt like it was boring holes into my back Come what may, Isabelle was destined to be Luna. Our Luna. If He didn’t see that, then I was going to have to remind him of what was at stake. I don’t know why he’s suddenly obsessed with Regan,

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Chapter 12

Regan POV

stepmother say nothing, perhaps sensing that it’s best to leave alone or trying to keep the house peaceful so that I can continue to work at the pack house, perhaps fearing that Luna Jennifer might pick up on what they are doing if they

had hurt me. It didn’t make sense. None of it did. He had never cared about me being hurt before. Not ever. In fact, he’ll helped contribute to it. So why was he acting so strangely now? Was it the stress of becoming an Alpha that was causing him to act so irrationally? ander wasn’t acting the same way so whatever it was, it wasn’t affecting the both of them. I sighed and then heard the sound of my bedroom door creaking slowly open, turning my head just in time to see a furious Isabelle storm into

eyes and the glittering hatred in them and I knew she wasn’t here to have a conversation. No way. She was furious about something, and I couldn’t comprehend what I had possibly done this time to provoke her anger. She had already but my hand. What more did she want? She narrowed her eyes at me as I sat up slowly, dread rising inside of me. She was between me and the door, so the likelihood of escaping whatever she had in

me as I

know what you are talking about” I denied, staring at her with bewilderment.

came and threatened me over your stupid hand” she gestured, her lips

her. I hadn’t said anything to Xavier, at least nothing incriminatory regarding Isabelle but it looked as though he had put two and two together anyway. I fought to keep my

and flattened her lips in displeasure “If he came gut looking for you then that’s your problem”

was practically a blur, her hand reaching out to grip my long brunette hair, tightening it in her fist as 1 gave a cry of alarm, her eyes beginning to gleam with maliciousness.

at her, Isabelle yanking me so that– I fell to the ground, uselessly batting at her hand as she pulled at my

about to tear my hair out

Xander. They both think that you’re mean and spiteful while I” she paused, yanking my head back to look up at her, tears shining in my

never said a word to Xavier” I snarled, managing to climb to my feet and face her in the eyes. “Maybe they’re getting more suspicious with the upcoming ceremony” I taunted her as she eyed me for maybe you haven’t been as discreet lately Isabelle. Either way,

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Chapter 12

the wrong thing to say. She immediately let go of my half and I breathed in a sigh of relief, only to double over as she slammed a hand into my stomach,

she said, as I stared at her, her hands going to her hips, “and I hate that we even have to live in the same house, but if you think you’re going to in this for me think again. I will be Luna, she told me, poking me in the chest as I awkwardly straightened up “and you”

and my father remained oblivious to what Isabelle was doing to the or didn’t care. I thought about striking back but the thought of being whipped again, my back still sore, caused me to hesitate. Another lashing could kill me. It would certainly prevent me from going back to the packhouse and cause the Alpha and Lana to ask questions. One would think that was a good thing but, in my case, it would only cause further problem Isabelle flipped her hair over her shoulder and then said something that chilled me to the core and caused me to stiffen in disbelief. I had never thought she would go this far or be this cruel but it was something I should have anticipated, or perhaps

personally make sure it happens” she promised, looking at me scornfully. Not that anyone would want to be mates with a murderer anyway but how do you suppose it will feel when you’re rejected

“Isabelle you can’t force somebody to reject me I

to reject you or be banished from the pack, what do you think your mate is going to choose? I doubt they would keep you anyway” she added with a roll of her eyes “Oh so

Xavier POV

chest tightening as I struggle to draw in breath. 1 feel the cold air on my body and hear the crunch of the leaves beneath my feet as I tread on them. Eburst through the trees and onto the grounds, putting my hands on my hips and gasping for air. It’s early and I don’t expect to see anyone at this time in the morning,

her. After yesterday’s incident, Xander and I almost came to blows, but something propels me to go to her. Some instinct that won’t et ine refuse and before I can even realize what I’ve done. I’ve moved and stopped in front of her, forcing her to halt her steps and peer up at me. Instead of looking pleased to see me, her smile instantly turns into a frown.

you please move” she snaps as I stare at her “I have important things to do,

“Regan, why are you being

flashing, her body trembling in indignation. She puts her hands on her hips. My eyes dart involuntarily to her hand, and I’m relieved to note that

up at me, causing me to blink at her

Xavier? Or is this some sick

to admit to myself that it wasn’t entirely unwarranted. I felt shame wash over me. Regan was right. Xander and I had treated her just like the rest of the pack had. There had been times when I had shoved her or even physically harmed her without conscience. Was it any

my voice is hoarse “I

I was in her shoes, I would be the same way. But part of me is hurt that she’s acting like this, that she sees me as nothing but a bully and a threat to her. I can feel my hand clenching into a fist and awkwardly force myself to relax it. Why am I so angry?

she hisses, “Every single one of you. You’re as bad as one another. Always teasing me, hurting me.

contempt, causing me to recoil “and your brother agreed to force me to stay. How could you?” she snapped as I winced “Did you even think about the effect it would have? How you were ruining my life for the sake

as she faces me defiantly. Her eyes are shiny, as though she’s about to break down and cry, but she steadfastly refuses to lose her composure. She flicks me another glance filled with anger. I can see so much rage as she does her best to contain it and it makes me feel ashamed of

and your brother are both blind to everything that happens around you. You believe the lies that you are fed and the

Chapter 14

of you can think for

She had a low opinion of both me and Xander 1 couldn’t help but glare at her my own temper provoked. by

park that I don’t know about, don’t you think you should tell me?” I growled,

at me. “Why don’t you try opening your eyes and see what’s really going on in this pack” she shoved me hard in the chest “instead of relying on other people to do it

when it’s handed to you on a silver platter. is it Xavier?” she gave me a bitter smile “whereas anybody else who has to work for it, would

watched in silence as she turned and stormed off towards the pack house, feeling wrong–footed. I had thought that she would confide in me, perhaps at least have a normal conversation, and instead, I had just had my ass handed to me. regardless of what my status was. Regan was correct in that I hadn’t had to work at being Alpha, as the heir, along with Xander, it was given to us automatically. The only thing expected of us was to train hard. Regan was

else had talked to me like that, I wouldn’t have hesitated to punish

Regan POV

anybody this early in the morning outside on the grounds, which now that I thought about it was ridiculous, considering that many shifters enjoyed early morning runs. I had been shocked to see Xavier side, and even more surprised when he had

for myrt hand again? I had reacted immediately, becoming defensive as he tried to engage me in what seemed like an innocent conversation. My anger grew. I was tired of all the fakeness, the pretend niceties. I didn’t know what Xavier Dominion was playing at now, but I didn’t want any part in his sick games. Whatever he was trying to do now, I wasn’t about to fall for it. I should never have let my defenses fall down yesterday. I needed to remember who and what he was. Everything he stood for. I let him have it. I told him exactly what I thought of him and this stupid pack. I lashed out and vented out the continuing frustration and resentment simmering beneath the surface. It felt good to finally unleash like that, even as I acknowledge that no doubt it will not go unpunished Xaver Dominion does not like to be talked down to. Not by anyone. I had well and truly stepped over the line, but I also did not