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.

glancing pleadingly at Xavier who remained motionless “Please don’t fight because of me. I couldn’t bear it You’re twins. brothers for heaven’s sake” she sniffled “I would rather turn and

Always thinking about us. I stroked the top of her head, shooting Xavier a look of daggers. If Isabelle hadn’t requested it, I would have thrown down the gauntlet and started fighting with my brother. He was lucky she was so kind–hearted. I glared at him as

going on with you or what

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, but I do know that it’s going to stop, no matter what

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Chapter 12

Regan POV

step inside the door. I make dinner and leave it on the table, escaping quickly to my room, unable to find an appetite to eat. Thankfully, my father and stepmother say nothing, perhaps sensing that it’s best to leave alone or trying to keep the house

shook my head. He had been furious to discover that somebody 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

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

as I folded my arms across my chest and regarded

about” I

“he came and threatened me over your stupid hand” she gestured, her lips curling back. “When we all know that he’s never given a damn

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 amusement hidden from her, however. Xavier

anything to him” I snapped as she narrowed her eyes at me and flattened her lips in displeasure “If he came gut looking for you then that’s your problem” I declared in frustration “Maybe he’s not as stupid

to grip my long brunette hair, tightening

smart, don’t you” she growled, tugging on as my fingernails clawed at her, Isabelle yanking me so that– I fell to

though she was about to tear

said something to Xavier. He’s never accused me of anything before. He’s always believed the lies I’ve fed him. Same as 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 eyes “while I’m the poor kind

idiots for believing you, but I 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

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Chapter 12

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, coughing and spluttering, long my

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” she shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips “will be gone. I don’t care what it takes, what I have to do. I will make sure you don’t remain here where

me now. I sensed Isabelle’s eyes on me, filled with misgiving. I could feel my hand, painfully throbbing, along with the sick churning in my gut from Isabelle’s blow. As usual, my stepmother Heather 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

happens” she promised, looking at me scornfully. Not that anyone would want to be

my mouth going dry. “Isabelle you can’t force somebody to reject me I began incredulously,

think your mate is going to choose? I doubt they would keep you anyway” she added with a roll of her eyes “Oh so hope

Xavier POV

lengthening their stride as I push forward, my 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, but to my surprise, as I turn towards the

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

as I stare at her “I have important things to do, and I don’t

narrow my eyes “Regan, why are you being so churlish?”

Even at our worst, Regan has never reacted like this. She looks furious, her eyes flashing, her body trembling in indignation. She puts her hands on her hips. My eyes dart involuntarily to her hand, and

her hands up at me, causing me to

me like a bully and so has Xander. Do you expect me to believe you’ve had a sudden change of heart Xavier? Or is this some sick sort of prank you’re trying to play on me? Some way of gaining my trust so that you

and down as she tried to draw breath. I was stunned by the vehemence in her tone and the suspicion on her face, even as I had 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 wonder she was questioning my motives? Now I understood why my brother was so confused. I was confused by my actions as

my voice is hoarse “I wouldn’t…” my voice trails

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?

center of my chest “All of you would. You’re all disgusting” she hisses, “Every single one of you. You’re as bad as one another. Always teasing me, hurting me. I hate this pack” she grits her teeth as I stay silent, motionless, unable to do anything

she snapped as I winced “Did you even think about the effect it would have? How you were ruining my life for the sake of vengeance and revenge? I didn’t murder my mother, I was not

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 myself. I’ve done this to her. We’ve done this to her. This is the consequence of years of abuse and it’s no wonder she’s starting

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

Chapter 14

you can think for yourselves”

That stung She had a low opinion of both me and Xander 1 couldn’t help but glare at her my own temper provoked. by her meaningless accusations and cryptic riddles. What

about, don’t you think you

relying on other people to do it for your Alary leader relies on others instead of finding out for himmell” she snorted, “then again. I guess I’m not surprised. You and Xander have always manipulated

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 already know what was wrong”

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 right about that. Others became Alpha’s through creating their

me like that, I wouldn’t have

Regan POV

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 approached me. Instantly all I had been able to think about was Isabelle’s attack last night and her ominous warning which echoed in

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