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.”

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

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

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

for being so understanding Isabelle” My mother complimented her and then smiled as Isabelle left before turning to the both of

a feeling that whatever she was about

“What?” I sneered

several important Alphas at your event Turning eighteen is a big deal. Not only will you get your wolves, but

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Chapter 18

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 is to” she looks

other Alphas to bear witness to our declaration so that we can’t take it back,” I said, knowing full well what she was up to. It was beyond deceitful but then again, our

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

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. I swallow hard, watching as my mother’s eyes narrow and her voice becomes

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

She’s been groomed for this position, it’s 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

we made with you, or the agreement you insist on, is more for your benefit

stared

though unable 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

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

no bearing on my leadership” I snarl, while Xander stands between us, beginning to look slightly panicked. “I am simply saying that I am not entirely sure that Isabelle is as perfect as you seem to

never see Isabelle as anything but perfect. Isabelle could do no wrong in my mother’s eyes.

had to. Her prowess in fighting, her etiquette, and her comportment are all assets as

all about love, aChapter 19

Xander POV

our positions as the future Alphis, I couldn’t think of anything more humiliating than that happening 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 stupidity. I was beyond annoyed

my brother’s facul expressions flit across his face, trying my best to be persuasive and encouraging. “Please Xavier, don’t mess

begging him by now. We were so

have to do what our mother and father tell you to do Xander?” he demands heatedly as T put my hands in my pockets and stare at him silently. “Why can you just think for yourself for once? Are you telling me that you would give up everything to have that..that harlot as your mate” he snapped, curling his lip in revulsion as though Isabelle was some sort of

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 were hitting close to the

in the grand scheme of things.

Xander. I guess I never saw it clearly before, but now, I think, I want the mate that the moon goddess fully intended for me, for us to have” he amended.

I had felt as they ran through my body, Was that how it would feel to touch my mate, or was that even a 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

our true mate is Xavier I force my voice to remain patient, as 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, in an attempt to get my

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

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

But 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 my body and I shifted on my feet, awkwardly trying to

voice is thoughtful “When did it become undesirable to have a mate that was of lower status? It used to

said frowning at him “but I guess as time has gone

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Chapter 19

desirable qualities, and that happens to be due to their status.”

wrong” he muttered

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 built with their own hands

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.

much I want to, because I think you’re being stupid” I said loudly and with heavy emphasis, “but I will

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 announce

your mate sometime tomorrow, you’re not planning on rejecting her, are you?” I whispered

she will allow you to accept somebody besides Isabelle

Regan POV

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

and would be spending it at home. I tried my best not to show any emotion though as I stared at my stepsister who looked positively filled

birthday,” she said rolling her eyes “which means you’re stuck at home while everybody else gets to party. Oh I can’t wait,” she told her mother excitedly have my dress picked out,

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

mate?” I said, deciding to aim a subtle dig at her.

would know,” she 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 pocket while I try not to

from accepting their mate, but well done on

sister” Heather scolded as Isabelle began to pout like a child “I have it on good authority that the twins woke up this morning and nothing unusual occurred she reassured her daughter as I rolled

that Isabelle had not been pushed aside as the potential Luna. It was almost laughable at the lengths the two of them were going, to make sure that Isabelle was not thrust aside as the twin’s chosen mate.

plates on the table. Heather sat down next to Isabelle who glanced around perplexed. “Where’s father?”

morning. He’ll see

raked her gaze over me, her lip curled in revulsion. “You know you should really start watching your weight,” she said slyly “I mean, 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

lose control so that Heather

At least I didn’t think 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

you’re going to be 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 put weight on in certain spots” she finished, her

fighting to maintain my composure. There were times when I truly hated my stepsister, and this was one of them. I wasn’t fond of Heather either who

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Chapter 20

on to her daughter as well. I bit the inside of

your appearance, Iselle said sweetly “Maybe then some pack members might decide to

it” 1 snarled, glaring

if they ked me. I didn’t care about this pack in general. I wouldn’t change myself in order to make the pack change their attitude towards me.

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

how to behave in public, unlike some people” she threw a barb

finished yet. “You’re going to need help preparing everything she fretted, nibbling on her lower lip “And if I help you, I

had been forbidden to attend the party without adding insult to

you” she interrupted.

hair. “Heather, no,” I said, as my stepmother began to glower at me “Why should I? She has two arms and legs. She can

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

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. I seethed,

I took deep breaths, reminding myself to remain calm “You will help your sister. This is not a request” she snarled,

tears miraculously stopped “I will not

“and she is no family

not going to ask again

stood up, flouncing her way towards the stairs as I watched her,

shoulder.

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

Xavier POV

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 the look in my brother’s eyes, he felt the same. There

down at

a pleasure to finally

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 Everything was so much clearer and more focused. I ran for what seemed like hours, enjoying the feel of it, the

her existence for the

I had not been able

is? I asked as we turned back towards the pack

we didn’t smell our mates until we

something about the girl that resonates with you. You might need to wait until you’re eighteen to catch her scent, but there

I told him as we headed back onto the grounds, They

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