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.”

me a scathing glance in reply. I glared at him. We were both still out of sorts with each other and continued to argue with one another. He continued to defend Isabelle while continued to have my misgivings about her. Something that was not lost on our mother as she eyed

I’m sure that you will have a wonderful time 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 business” she added hastily so

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

you for being so understanding Isabelle” My mother complimented her and then smiled as Isabelle left before turning to the both of us, regarding us silently for a moment as Xander and I glanced uneasily at each

had a feeling that whatever she was about to bring up, it wasn’t anything

“What?” I sneered

at your event Turning eighteen is a big deal. Not only will you get your wolves, but you may find your mate and it’s imperative

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Chapter 18

entire pack, and the visiting Alphas for you to dle are Isabelle as your

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

alphas witness you make that statement, they will hold you to it as the law insists. Since you have promised to do it anyway, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem should it?” she

nervous even as 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.

you prefer I lie and pretend that I have no qualms about taking a spoilt Beta’s daughter as my

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 position of future Alpha, do you?”

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 than our

to the chase. I stared her down, daring her to refute what I

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

pack,” she says slowly “and if you cannot see that Xavier, then I’m beginning to question if you are truly fit to lead.”

has no bearing on my leadership” I snarl, while Xander stands between us, beginning to look slightly panicked. “I am simply saying

She would never see Isabelle as anything but perfect.

time, Isabelle will adjust to her role as the Luna, just like I had to. Her prowess in fighting, her etiquette, and her comportment

forgets all about love, aChapter 19

Xander POV

to us. I had been practicing for this moment my entire life, from the moment I 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 to mess it all up with his

expressions flit across his face, trying my best to be persuasive and encouraging. “Please Xavier,

now. We were

pockets and stare at him silently. “Why can you just think for yourself for once? Are

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

in the grand scheme

at me in disgust “Love isn’t a small sacrifice Xander. I guess I never saw it clearly before, but now, I think, I

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

my brother exhales and looks at me in exasperation “What if she’s an omega? Are you going to still want her then?” my voice is deliberately cruel,

touched her were simply aftershocks from the fall, I tried to reassure myself Besides, somebody of her status, which is nothing, even lower than

wouldn’t you. the voice persisted

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 my body and I shifted on

have a mate that was of lower status? It used to be that it

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

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Chapter 19

happens

wrong” he muttered irritably.

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 what it is today. Can you blame them for wanting to make sure that their legacy and what they

didn’t understand where his reluctance was coming from. He couldn’t be falling in love with Regan, could 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 to He needed to accept what was important and do his duty for

Xavier? I can’t stop you from feeling the mate bond, no matter how much I want to, because I think you’re being stupid” I

our mate tomorrow

or smell your mate sometime tomorrow, you’re not planning on rejecting her, are you?” I whispered stricken, coming to the right conclusion as

placed in the dungeon before she will allow you to accept somebody besides Isabelle as

Regan POV

her profusely. She smirks at me as I begin to put breakfast on for everyone. “Have you forgotten what day it is today?” she asks snidely, putting her nose

could forget. While everybody else would either be attending 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

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

laughed. None of that was important. The fact that the wins had turned eighteen now had either escaped Isabelle’s notice or she was confident that none of them would find their

I said,

for me and will text me if there’s

confident that a text is not going to do anything to prevent them from accepting their mate, but

began to pout like a child “I have it on good authority that the twins woke

the potential Luna. It was almost laughable at the lengths the two of them were going, to make sure that

sat down next to Isabelle who glanced

early this morning. He’ll see you at the party later” Heather assured

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

get me to lose control so that Heather would punish me: I gritted

I was. I had curves, but I took after my mother who 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

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

when I truly hated my stepsister, and this was one of them. I wasn’t fond of Heather either who seemed to have

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Chapter 20

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

it doesn’t hurt to have some pride in your appearance, Iselle said sweetly “Maybe then some pack members might decide

1 snarled,

I wouldn’t change myself in order to make the pack change their attitude towards me. They could go to hell as far as

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 will reflect on your ability

“I understand Mother, don’t worry, I know exactly how to behave in public,

barbs went that one was pathetic and went right over my head. Heather wasn’t finished yet. “You’re going to need help preparing everything she fretted, nibbling on her lower lip “And if I help you, I won’t have enough time

sense what was about to happen as Heather’s eyes widened and then her head swivelled to look directly at me. I swallowed hard. Wasn’t it enough that I had been forbidden to attend the party without adding insult to injury? Isabelle wasn’t a child, she was perfectly capable of dressing herself without assistance. I opened my mouth, prepared to object, but Heather cut me short before I could so

will help you” she

the day, acting as Isabelle’s personal servant, fetching her things and doing her, hair. “Heather, no,” I said, as my stepmother began to glower at me “Why should I? She has two arms and legs.

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

Isabelle’s blatant attemps to manipulate her in

help your sister. This is not a request” she snarled, in public because you are acting selfishly

her hand on the table as Isabelle’s tears miraculously stopped “I will not have your

I snapped “and she is no family

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 can imagine” she threatened

towards the stairs as

shoulder.

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

Xavier POV

waiting for the clock to strike midnight, the moment my brother and t had been waiting for finally arrived, Pain, indescribable, shot though ine, causing me to collapse to the floor, my limba failing as my bones began to slowly break, readjusting and shifting themselves. It was excruciating Nothing I had ever felt before. By

at large black paws. My wolf spoke to

Hades and it’s a pleasure to finally meet you

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 Everything was so much clearer and more focused. I ran for what seemed like hours, enjoying the feel of it, the dirt beneath my paws, the joy of being free of being in wolf form exhilarating, Being able to speak to Hades was also exciting. I felt like myself for the first time in a long time. Was this what

of her existence for the last few weeks, but you have been oblivious to every little hint that have tried to extend to

sounded very put out that I had not been able to put his little

know who our mate is? I asked as we turned back towards the pack house, cautiously glancing backward at Xander who

smell our mates until we were

to wait until you’re eighteen to catch her scent, but there are telltale signs that we can pick

insisted that we reject our mate I told him as we headed back onto the grounds, They want us to take

one, given to me by the moon goddess. I have seen the girl they want in exchange for a fated mate and she is nothing but trouble he ackled icily, his