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.

Isabelle immediately raised her head, looking frantically between us. “No” she cried, putting a hand on my chest, and 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 walk away than have you commit such a horrendous act against one another.”

She was so sweet. 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 he continued to observe the both of us, a tic in his jaw.

“Ce 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 ceremony. I’m not letting you treat Isabelle like this.”

I took her hand and walked away, ignoring 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, but I do know that it’s going to stop, no matter what I have to do to make that happen.

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Chapter 12

Regan POV

My hand is throbbing by the time I make it home. It’s painful arcradle it to my chest as I 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 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 continue to harm me where it might be visibly seen.

I stare up at the ceiling. I am still in shock at the way that Xavier handled me. The way he touched me was so gentle, so different from all the other times he had. He had been almost tender and the expression on his face. I 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 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 the room.

One glance at her 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 mine was practically nil. Unless I jumped out the window and I didn’t think that was advisable.

“What did you do?” she hissed, advancing on me as I folded my arms across my chest and regarded her warily.

what you are talking about”

her voice was accusatory “he came and threatened me over your stupid hand” she gestured, her lips curling back.

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 might

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

long brunette hair, tightening it in her fist as 1 gave

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

rasped, feeling as though she was about

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

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, you messed up, not me” I

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Chapter 12

a sigh of relief, only to double over as she slammed a hand into my

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

of 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

this pack, whoever they happen to be, rejects you. I will 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

you can’t force somebody to reject me I

from the pack, what do you think your mate is going to choose? I doubt they would keep you anyway” she added with

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

should just ignore her and pretend not to see 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

stare at her “I have important things to do, and

why

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,

her hands up at me, causing me to blink at

always treated 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

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

hoarse “I wouldn’t…” my voice trails

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

voice is loud and carries across the grounds as I wince, her finger suddenly moving to poke me hard in the center of my chest “All of you would. You’re all disgusting” she hisses, “Every

about the effect it would have? How you were ruining my life for the sake of vengeance and revenge?

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 your brother are both blind to everything that happens around you. You believe the lies that you are fed and the bullshit that goes in in this pack” she shakes her

Chapter 14

can think for yourselves”

Xander 1 couldn’t help but glare at her my own temper provoked. by her meaningless accusations and cryptic riddles. What

on in the park that I don’t know about, don’t you think you should tell me?” I growled, watching the disbelief cross her face and then

hard in the chest “instead of 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

that important to you 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

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,

I wouldn’t have hesitated to punish them or knock them

Regan POV

my hands trembling slightly. I hadn’t expected to see 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 approached me. Instantly all I had been able to think about was Isabelle’s attack last night and her ominous warning which echoed in my mind “I better not have Xavier accusing

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 care. Maybe it was time that he learned some humility. He and that equally arrogant twin brother of his. Maybe then they would know what

spot Luna Jennifer who eyes me sharply “You’re punctual”

get from the Luna, dip my head respectfully and bare my neck,

this morning?” I ask with as

dining room which is already swarming with

reaction as she glanced at me thoughtfully “Go find Richard outside, the gardener. He has a ladder you can use to reach the higher–up ones. Fetch a bucket and the other items you need from the cleaning supplies. I want everything spick and span for the twin’s birthday party and that includes the

time I find myself anywhere higher than I like, I start to feel dizzy and disorientated. I can’t tell Luna Jennifer that or attempt to refuse her direct order

“Yes, Luna Jennifer.”

have no excuse for not being able to perform this task. I grab the supplies I need from the closet and then head outdoors, finding Richard as instructed. He grabs the ladder and sets it up

as I gulp “It’s sturdy but you wouldn’t want to fall he added with a chuckle as I stared

using it, going around the house, careful and fastidious, wiping the windows

you have to do is take up your supplies and wash the windows. Just one step at a time. Slow and steady. Don’t look down I told

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Chapter 14

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Regan. Just keep looking raight ahead of you and

to next, clutching at the ladder with shaking hands, forcing one of them to let go in order to dunk the rag into the bucket of soapy water, wiping away at the window, before I grabbed the towel and wiped it dry. I was going to have to

up

above me.

further, clutching the bucket to my chest, sweal beading on my brow I was beginning to feel sick to my stomach.

Don’t look down. Just prefend that you’re on the ground, nice and safe I thought desperately,

so violently that it was a miracle the ladder remained standing and hadn’t toppled over by my movements alone. My stomach churned. I was vehemently praying to the

be nicer, even to Isabelle i told the moon goddess, closing my eyes for a moment and then reopening them. Of course, the moon goddess did not deign to answer, She never answered any of my prayers and over the years there had been many, I had begged her to take me away, asked why I must endure so much abuse, and even questioned the reason for my own existence to

almost at the top. If you can get this window done, then that means you can make your way down

Xander POV

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was out of sorts again today. He wouldn’t say why, but it was easy to discern it had something to do with that little bitch Regan again Who else would have put my brother in such a foul mood? He’d actually smashed his fist into the bedroom wall this morning in his anger. Strange. Usually out of the both of us, Xavier was more even–tempered than this. I was the one who tended to have the more volatile mood swings. Even our mother and Father have noticed

do you suppose it is?” My mother was quiet, a thoughtful expression on her face as she turned to look at me, her brow raised in question

tell them that the reason for Xavier’s strange behavior was in fact, another girl, one that was hated by the entire pack? IF I told them he was starting to have feelings towards Regan, they would no doubt lose their minds. Part of me felt a sense of loyalty towards my brother. I didn’t want to betray him, no matter how angry I was. I still thought that he would come to his senses and realize that Isabelle was the one who was meant for both of us and the right Luna for our pack. This thing with Regan was

think he’s just nervous about becoming Alpha” I answered tightly “Both of us feel like

the pressure of being a good leader, of not taking the position of Alpha for granted. Even though it was being handed to us, it didn’t mean we shouldn’t have to work

hard as a result of that. You

I loved my mother and my father dearly, but they were also remarkably obtuse when it came to what real leadership pertained to. I suspected that had a lot to do with Beta Johnathon who seemed to constantly be murmuring in their ears. I didn’t

that Xavier wants to prove we can be good leaders, despite the training we’ve received. We want to make the both of you proud”

perfect chosen mate, you are

you, Mother,” I

and see if his attitude improves. Perhaps it is simply nerves or something more. I’m sure that after his party and you have turned eighteen, things will start to

way outside. If Xavier isn’t careful, our mother and father will host some sort of intervention in an attempt to get behind why he’s having these sudden bursts of anger. If that happens then

feeling despondent. I would have liked to speak to Isabelle but a glance around the pack house on the main flou. shows she’s nowhere to be seen. As I head out the door and onto the grounds outside, I see other pack members but again no Isabelle. I can’t see Xavier either. I hesitate. I could mind–link him but in the mood he’s in, I doubt that he will be bothered to answer me. I can still sense his anger and his frustration. Sometimes being a twin and having a bond between us is like a

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