Rejecting the Alpha Twins

Chapter 17

Regan POV

My father’s grip was tight. I fought the urge to blanch and tried my best to look innocent as he glared down at me. “Where do you think you are going?” he growled, as I tried hard not to look back at the forest where I had come from.

“Back to the house” I stammered, as he continued to observe me with a sceptical look on his face. “Luna Jennifer sent me home for the day” I added, trying to look convincing.

He scowled. “You’re meant to be doing your duties and helping the other omegas. You want me to believe that the Luna simply let you go for the day?” he scoffed, unconvinced as my spirits sank.

Great. Now what was I supposed to do? “You could mind–link he I suggested brightly “She’ll tell you that I’m telling the truth.”

It was all I had to offer. There was nothing more I could think of to get me out of this situation. I could see him wavering, trying to debate if what I said might be the truth. A startled voice rang out from the trees. A farmiliar one. It was enough to make my father halt his actions.

“Johnathon, what are you doing?” she demanded.

Luna Jennifer sounded shocked. I wondered if this was the first time she had expressly seen my father lift a hand to me or if she was simply embarrassed that he was doing it out in public for other pack members to see. My father released me relictantly, a scowl on his face.

“Did you give Regan permission to come home?” he growled at the Luna who looked taken aback.

I was stunned at how casually he spoke to Luna Jennifer. That was not the proper way for pack members, even the Beta, to show respect. If he had done that to Alpha Jackson, he would have been punished immediately. Instead of being angry though, the Luna simply looked at him with a frown. Strange. She should have put him in his place, I thought surprised and a little miffed that she hadn’t.

“Yes,” she said defiantly, lifting her chin and regarding my father with flashing eyes “Regan fell off a ladder today, and given the shock she had, I surmised she would be useless the rest of the day and instructed her to go home.”

Her tone was ice cold. She didn’t even so much as deign to glance at me. My father looked at me and then deliberately looked back at her.

“You mean you let her go for something as stupid as that?” he said in disgust, wrinkling his brow and regarding her incredulously.

Ouch. He was tearing strips off the luna but what was worse was that she was letting him. This is not how a pack worked or how one treated their leader. Was he being deliberately obtuse of did he act this way towards her all the time! It was a mystery how she didn’t immediately correct his behavior. I found myself puzzled by this strange interaction between the two of them. It was much more casual, instead of a discussion between a Luna and an inferior being. Being a Beta did not rate this much respect from somebody higher up in the hierarchy.

“Beta Johnathon Luna Jennifer drew herself up, her eyes blazing her shoulders straight and her body stiff.

She looked incensed as she raked her gaze over my father, her nose crinkling.

Finally. She was finally giving my father what for. 1 secretly celebrated, even as I knew this would most likely result in some form of punishment for me later. It was worth it to see him being put in his place.

“May I remind you that I am the Luna and Lam in charge of what goes on around here, not you” she snarled, moving so that her face was mere inches from my father’s as he went silent, perhaps sensing that he had seriously overstepped. “The next time you treat me with such disrespect, or speak to me so casually, I will not hesitate to have your tongue ripped out and

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Chapter 17

have you rendered mute” she finished in a deadly voice.

Whoosh. I let out the breath I had been holding, impressed with how easily she had silenced my father who was now cowed. My father bowed his head remorsefully. “I apologize for the rudeness Luna Jennifer. 1 was not thinking” he managed to utter as she glared at him “It will not happen again” he added swiftly.

She did not look convinced. There was still a scowl on her face as she turned and eyed me warily. “Regan what are you still doing out here?” she snapped now focussing her attention on m“I adut you home quite some time ago and was under the impression you would go straight there to rest.”

Shit. Now I was in trouble. I wracked my brain for some form of believable excuse. “I urn, thought that it would be nice to take a longer walk to steady my nerves” I stammered.

She was never going to believe that. I could see her looking at me and then glancing back in the direction of my mother’s gravesite. My mouth went dry. She looked thoughtful for a moment and then nodded slowly. Shit. She knew I was there. 1 braced myself, waiting to be outed to my father but she surprised me.

“Next time go home straight away” she advised angrily as I nodded vehemently, relieved she didn’t divulge my secret to Father and confused that she hadn’t. “You never know what you might run into on your own.”

Her eyes met my father’s, some silent form of communication. knew they weren’t mind–linking because their eyes remained clear instead of going cloudy. I sensed there was something else they were speaking to each other about. I hesitated, my eyes going between them both, as though I was looking for some sort of clue, which frustrated my father.

“What are you waiting for damnit?” my father roared, seeing me still standing there stupefied “Go home already. You can start on the laundry and dinner” he added folding his arms across his chest.

The Luna did not move. I paused but then quietly turned on my heel and began to walk in the direction of the house. She could have tattled on me to my father about the gravesite but she had chosen not to. I knew she knew I was there, but she had kept silent on the matter, and I was grateful. I still didn’t know why she had chosen to visit, but I wasn’t about to bring it. up in front of my father. I could sense their eyes on me, the Lun’s practically boring holes into me. My father’s voice began to speak, but it was so hushed that I could not hear what he was saying as he began to speak to Luna Jennifer, who leaned in close to hear him, a thoughtful expression on her face.

Heather was not in a good mood when I came home. Naturally. She scowled as I entered. “Why are you home?” she immediately demanded and then swiftly changed her mind. “You know what, I don’t want to know. Get dinner on and do the laundry. I have nothing to wear” she complained, flipping her hair over her shoulder and glaring at me “With you being at the pack house, some of the chores you do around here are starting to get neglected. You’re going to have to start staying up later if you’re going to get everything done in time” she added viciously.

“Why can’t you or Isabelle put the laundry on?” I asked, without thinking about it.

Smack. My head flung backward, and I tasted blood as her hand made direct contact with my face.

“Don’t be such a smart ass” she snarled “How dare you try and talk back to me. I’ve told you before that I won’t tolerate it You’re lucky your father wasn’t here to see it” she added glowering as I put a hand to my cheek which was now throbbing.

I swallowed hard. Part of me wanted to scream, to yell at her for being so lazy and for relying on me to do the majority of the work but I knew that wouldn’t be wise. I forced myself to stare down at the ground, sensing just how volatile Heather’s mood was.

“I’m sorry” I whispered, “I’ll go start the laundry” I added, turning around dejectedly and beginning to head to the room as she watched me, her hands on her hips.

The sound of Isabelle’s laughter coming from behind the closed door in her room only made me feel even more dejected.Sometimes I wished that I lived with another family.

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Chapter 18

Xavier Pov

It’s the night before our eighteenth birthday. Xander and I are watching the décorations being placed up, the omegas moving frantically back and forth, our arms folded across our chests. It doesn’t occur to either of us to help, not with being the Alpha and Luna’s children. We’re above all of that. My mother places a gentle hand on our shoulders as we turn to look at her. “Just think tomorrow morning, my babies are going to be eighteen” she whispers as I roll my eyes and Xander turns to hug her “I can’t believe how grown up the two of you have jen”

Her voice is shaky, her expression nostalgic

She waves towards Isabelle who comes prancing over. Isabelle ist helping with the decorations, I note, but rather watching and bossing the omegas around in a blatant overreach of her power and position. My mother, of course, makes no move to correct her behavior. I suppose she thinks that as future Luna, it well within Isabelle’s prerogative to boss the omega around, including her sister Regan, who I have not seen, I think with a frown as I try to discreetly scan the surroundings for her with no success. Maybe she’s inside the pack house?

“Xavier, Xander” Isabelle places a kiss on our cheeks and smiles sweetly at us both.

I feel repulsed, wiping the trace of her kiss away with the back of my hand as my mother shoots me a scolding glance.

“I’m so happy to see you. Look how beautiful the decorations look outside” Isabelle takes Xander’s hand but leaves mine alone, to my instant relief.

There are fairly lights everywhere, lanterns, tables set up in a marquee, centerpieces, sashes on the chairs you name it, we had it. Nothing was too good or too expensive for us. I thought I was a bit much, but then, we were expecting other Alphas to attend from other packs as well, so perhaps it was to be expected. It was not to my taste, but Xander looked impressed as he eyed it and studied the various bits and pieces.

“It’s beautiful,” he told a beaming Isabelle “I can see how much work you’ve put into it. Thank you, and thank you Mother” he added, causing my mother to also beam at him.

“Well, at least one of you appreciates my efforts” my mother grumbled good–naturedly, as Isabelle giggled at the expression on her face and playful manner.

“I appreciate it,” I said absentmindedly “I’m just not prone to sucking up like Xander is.”

of sorts with each other and continued to argue with one another. He continued to defend

tomorrow she said warmly, glancing at me warningly “but do you mind if I have a quick word with my two boys here? I have something that I would like to talk to them about in private. Alpha

with the decorations. Xander, Xavier, I will see you tomorrow at the party She smiled

and then smiled as Isabelle left before turning to the both of us, regarding us

about to

“What?” I sneered

your wolves, but you may find your

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Chapter 18

tomorrow night. in front of the entire pack, and the visiting Alphas for you to dle are Isabelle as your chosen mate. You will still have the formal ceremony later, but this

full well what she was up to. It was beyond deceitful but then again, our mother wanted Isabelle as Luna and she was determined to

cunning. “Yes, well you have always been bright Xavier. Naturally, if other alphas witness you make that statement, they will hold you to

he nods his agreement. 1, however have my doubts. The thought of having Isabelle as my mate, forever, makes me feel sick to my stomach. I can feel it churning and feel bile rising in my throat.

and pretend that I have no qualms about taking a spoilt Beta’s daughter as my mate?” I challenged, feeling

true, but that’s because Beta Johnathon and I always thought that you would make good matches with each other. It happens in packs. Sometimes a chosen mate is more desirable and has better qualities than a fated mate. Such as in this case. I do not think that it is a bad compromise for the

just it Mother. I’m starting to think that the deal we made with you, or the agreement you insist on, is more for your benefit

I stared her down, daring her to refute

to believe what I’ve just said to her. I’ve never been this defiant before, this questioning. But something about this just angers me. 1 can feel myself wanting to strike out as my hands form into fists and my nails dig into my palms, drawing blood. The pain is a good distraction as my mother slowly inhales and then lets out a large

entire pack,” she says slowly “and if you cannot see that Xavier, then

“I am simply saying that I am not entirely sure

Isabelle as anything but perfect. Isabelle could do no wrong in my mother’s eyes.

just like I had to. Her prowess in fighting, her etiquette, and her comportment are all assets as is her popularity. Nobody will question her right to

forgets all about love, aChapter

Xander POV

had been born. I had been the dutiful son my entire life, awaiting the day that I and my twin brother would be declared e Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack. Nothing could compare to that, not even turning eighteen and gaining our wolves. Xavic was about

face, trying my best to be persuasive and encouraging. “Please Xavier, don’t mess this

almost begging him by now. We were so

pockets and stare at him silently. “Why can you just think for

not a harlot I shouted, losing my composure, even at a small part of me wondered if I was trying to defend her. or if I was simply refusing to acknowledge that his words

grand

guess I never saw it clearly before, but now, I think, I want the mate that

hint of what could be expected? I could feel myself becoming intrigued even as I desperately tried to deny that what Xavier was trying to say wasn’t the way I felt about it all. But why did Regan constantly come to mind even when I tried to push it away? Why was it when I went to sleep at night, that it wasn’t Isabelle that haunted my dreams, but Regan! Even now, I can feel her soft strands of hair, see the raven blackness of it, and picture

I force my voice to remain patient, as my brother exhales and looks at me in exasperation “What if she’s an omega?

I touched her were simply aftershocks from the fall, I tried

if it was Regan, you would want her, wouldn’t you. the voice persisted as I frowned, finding it

that’s as far as my attraction to her went. Just because I felt odd sparks when I touched her, didn’t mean anything. But just picturing her in my mind’s eye was enough to cause a reaction in the lower part of

that was of lower status? It used to be that it didn’t matter because the mate bond was sacred and because it was believed that they increased your strength by

does,” I said frowning at him “but I guess as time

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Chapter 19

and that happens to be due to their

wrong” he muttered irritably.

back “No different to royalty who w only marry other royalty from different countries. Look at our pack” 1 gestured wildly at it “We’re one of the larger ones in the country, Is it any wonder that our Mother and Father want to ensure that it’s properly taken care of and that our leadership is up to their standards? They have helped grow this pack and turned it into

he? Surely, he would not stoop that low? Falling for somebody that the pack would wholeheartedly despise? There was no way we would be mates with that creature. He was being naive and childish. He needed to grow the hell up and accept that life didn’t always go the way we expected it

the mate bond, no matter how much I want to, because I think you’re being stupid” I said loudly and with heavy emphasis, “but I will fight you until you reject whoever it is,

what happens tomorrow then” he countered with a raised brow. “Perhaps fate will smile on you brother and the moon goddess will grant you her mercy and nobody will be our mate tomorrow and all will be well” he allowed, his expression hard and his lips twitching, “and if that’s the case, I will follow your lead and

not planning on rejecting her, are

Mother will have you whipped and placed in the dungeon before she will allow you to accept somebody besides Isabelle as

Regan POV

is hugging her profusely. She smirks at me as I begin to put breakfast on for everyone. “Have

the party or serving, I had been forbidden to go to the twin’s eighteenth and would be spending it at home. I tried my best not to show any emotion though as

while everybody else gets to party. Oh I can’t wait,” she told her mother excitedly

None of that was important. The fact that the wins had turned eighteen now had either escaped Isabelle’s

know they aren’t with their mate?” I said, deciding

said hotly “All of my friends are keeping a close watch for me and will text me if there’s a situation” She pats her

accepting their

sister” Heather scolded as Isabelle began to pout like a child “I have it on good authority that the twins woke

to Luna Jennifer if only to ensure that Isabelle had not been pushed aside as the potential Luna. It was almost laughable

several plates on the table. Heather sat down

to work early this morning. He’ll see you at the

your mother was quite” she paused, glancing deliberately at Heather who tightened her lips and said nothing “Large and curvy wasn’t she? You don’t want to go down that route. I mean, it’s bad enough nobody likes you, but to be fat as well..she trailed off, nibbling on the end of a piece

deliberate snub and an attempt to get me to lose control so that

had been rather generous and bosom. I was thankful for that, rather than being of the same stick–thin figure that Isabelle and the other pack girls seemed to consist of. I liked being different. Heather decided to add in her two cents

serving in the pack house, it wouldn’t do to have you looking larger than the people you are serving” she said thoughtfully “and because of your mother’s figure you are prone to

times when I truly hated my stepsister, and this was one

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Chapter 20

bit the inside of thy lip. “I thank you for your concern I bit out, “but I am

it doesn’t hurt to have some pride in your appearance, Iselle said sweetly

snarled,

in general. I wouldn’t change myself in order to make the pack change their attitude towards

sighted “Isabelle you have enough to worry about tonight. It’s going to take you hours to get ready. Your hair, your makeup, all of it must be immaculate” she chided “I have a feeling that something important is going to happen and you want to look your absolute best. Everybody is going to be watching you and the twins tonight. Don’t forget there will be important Alphas from other packs attending. Your behavior

head. “I understand Mother, don’t worry, I know exactly how to behave in public, unlike some people” she

going to need help preparing everything she fretted, nibbling on her lower lip “And if I help

had been forbidden to attend the party without adding insult to injury? Isabelle wasn’t a child, she was perfectly capable

help you” she interrupted.

and doing her, hair. “Heather, no,” I said, as my stepmother began to glower at me “Why

sob. “Mother, I won’t get done in time. I have to have help” she wailed pathetically

see right through her terrible acting. Unfortunately Heather was either naive or dumb to Isabelle’s blatant attemps to manipulate her in order to get her own way.

breaths, reminding myself to remain calm “You will help your sister. This is not a request” she snarled, in public because you are acting selfishly instead of acting like the family that you are. Do your sisterly duty”

Isabelle’s tears miraculously stopped “I will not have

sister” I snapped “and she is no family

an ominous expression on her face. I had gone too far. “Your father will hear about this later,” she said as I bowed my head “I’m not going to ask again Regan–Accompany Isabelle upstairs and do whatever she asks in order to help her. If I have to get your father home, the consequences will be far more painful than even you

flouncing her way towards the stairs as I watched her, feeling

shoulder.

she trilled as Heather raised a brow. “What are you waiting for? I have so

Xavier POV

limba failing as my bones began to slowly break, readjusting and shifting themselves. It was excruciating Nothing I had ever felt

feeling Wrangely off balance, glancing down at large

I am Hades and it’s a pleasure to finally meet you he growled.

could feel the strength we possessed coursing through our body as I glanced over to my brother who also had a large black wolf, nearly identical to my own. Not surprising given that we were both to be Alphas. My mother and father looked pleased. I didn’t wait around for permission, wanting to test out this woll form of mine, running straight for the forest, with Xander in tow. My paws thudded loudly along the ground, my body running so fast that it was a blur. We were fast and agile. I leaped over fallen tree branches with ease. I sniffed, taking in the various aromas of the forest, my mouth watering

I am certain that she is in this pack. I have been aware of her existence for the last few weeks, but you have been

not

pack house, cautiously glancing backward at Xander

we didn’t smell our mates until we were eighteen. How could

you’re eighteen to catch her scent, but there are telltale signs

Mother and Father have insisted that we reject our mate I told him as we headed back onto the

accept one that is not my fated one, given to me by the moon goddess. I have seen