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.”

Xander shot 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 us both. She sighed

“Isabelle, 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 that Isabelle would not get offended.

Instantly Isabelle looked intrigued but swiftly nodded. “Of course Luna Jennifer. I will go back to helping with the decorations. Xander, Xavier, I will see you tomorrow at the party She smiled sweetly at us all.

“Thank 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 other.

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

“What?” I sneered

“Tomorrow there will be several important Alphas 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 that you stick to the agreement and reject her as you have promised.”

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Chapter 18

She hesitated “There is something else 1 have decided must be one If you wish to be Alpha. I would like, 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 is to” she looks meaningfully at the “prevent further mistinderstandings later.”

knowing full well what she was up to. It

Naturally, if other alphas witness you make that statement, they will hold you to

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 sharper. “Xavier?” she

qualms about taking a spoilt Beta’s daughter as my mate?” I challenged, feeling frustrated and beyond exasperated.

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

that the deal we made with you, or the agreement you insist on, is

I stared her down, daring her

a moment she looks stunned. As 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.

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

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

where Isabelle was concerned. She would never see Isabelle as anything but perfect. Isabelle could do no wrong in

fighting, her etiquette, and her comportment are all assets as is her popularity. Nobody will question her right to lead.

all about love,

Xander POV

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

watching my brother’s facul expressions flit across his face, trying my best to be

was almost begging him by now. We were so close to our

put my hands in my pockets and stare at him silently. “Why can you just

was trying to defend her. or if I was simply refusing to acknowledge that his words were hitting close to the truth

in the grand scheme of things.

a small sacrifice Xander. I guess I never saw it clearly before, but now, I think, I want the mate that the moon

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

exhales and looks at me in exasperation “What

fall, I tried to reassure myself Besides, somebody of her status, which is nothing, even lower than a pathetic omega’s, due to her killing her mother, would. never be paired with somebody the likes of Xavier and me, soon

want her, wouldn’t you. the voice

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 hide it from thy brother who luckily, was too busy looking away from me to notice it. Thank god. I coughed,

hierarchy” my brother’s voice is thoughtful “When did it become undesirable to have a mate 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

guess as time has gone

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Chapter 19

desirable qualities, and that happens

he

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

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

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

will be our mate tomorrow and all will be well” he allowed, his expression hard and his lips

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

dungeon before she will allow you to accept somebody

Regan POV

Isabelle’s shriek as I pad into the kitchen, yawning widely Her face is wreathed in smiles and Heather is hugging her profusely. She smirks at me as I begin to put breakfast on for everyone. “Have

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 not to show any emotion

else gets to party. Oh I can’t wait,” she told her mother excitedly have my dress picked out, my perfume

now had either escaped Isabelle’s notice or she was confident that none of

do you know they aren’t with their mate?” I said, deciding to aim a subtle dig at her.

close watch for me and will text me if there’s a situation” She pats her pocket while I try not to snort at the

that a text is not going to do anything to prevent them from accepting their mate, but well done on being so confident

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

Heather had spoken to Luna Jennifer if only to ensure that Isabelle had not been pushed aside as the potential Luna. It was almost laughable at the lengths the two of

several plates on the table. Heather sat down next

morning. He’ll see you at

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 a piece of toast as I fought to keep

me to lose control so

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 the other pack

eyeing me carefully, “I think we should think about putting you on a specialized diet. If 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,

in a breath, 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

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Chapter 20

doubt passed on to her daughter as well. I bit the inside of thy lip. “I thank you for your concern I bit out, “but I am happy with the way

your appearance, Iselle said sweetly “Maybe then some

1 snarled, glaring at

care about this pack in general. I wouldn’t change myself in

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 will reflect on your ability to perform as the future Luna” she

understand Mother, don’t worry, I know exactly how to behave in public, unlike some people” she threw a barb at

finished yet. “You’re going to need help preparing everything

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,

help you” she

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. She

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

blatant attemps to manipulate her in order to get her own way. I seethed, staring at

calm “You will help your sister. This is not a request” she snarled, in public because you

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

sister” I snapped “and she is no family of mine.”

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

the stairs as I watched her, feeling defeated.

shoulder.

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

Xavier POV

stood outside, 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 the look in my brother’s eyes, he felt the same. There was nothing I could do, but continue to endure it, waiting until the pain faded.

off balance, glancing down at large black paws. My wolf spoke

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

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 Everything was so much

she is in this pack. I have been aware of her existence for the last few weeks,

out that I had not been able to put his little clues together.

is? I asked as we turned back towards the pack

until we were eighteen.

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

him as we headed back onto

will I accept one that is not my fated 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 tone one

Xander disagrees..

to manipulation than you are. Now that he has his wolf, that may change Hades advised sounding unconvinced.

the same. For a moment there was silence as we stood there, looking at each other. In the end, we had gone to bed and now we were up, but to my disappointment as pack members came and went, there had been no miraculous scent of our mate. Xander looked disappointed as well as we stood there, watching, waiting,

Isabelle after all” Xander mutters, glancing at me

I tell

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Chapter 21

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trust Hades. Besides, I know abelle is here, somewhere, helping out with the party, if only to show off her future role

expect him to argue with me but his shoulders

is his wolf. He nibbles on his lip. “What do we do?”

sounds almost panicked by the idea that we are going against what everybody else has chosen for us, whereas I am more open and welcoming of it. I never wanted

smell her here, then she’s not present. You could go and find her suggested Hades rolling his eyes as though he couldn’t believe

want to go find her? You were pretty

to scoff

chosen mate” he mumbled, glancing away My wolf wants his fated

not surprised but I can’t help sneering at my brother “of all the…”

face.

alright” Xander snaps “I understand your anger and your frustration. I get it. I’ve been an asshole. I didn’t understand you; I didn’t get what you were trying to say” he exhaled “but now we have a bigger problem” he exhaled loudly. “If we don’t make that announcement tonight, Mother is going to demand our titles be taken from us,” he said in

fighter in the pack.

about the relationship between them and Beta Johnathon? If we don’t

off.

this problem, they

was unapologetic. I didn’t really care

had both of them?” my brother

at him. “Don’t tell me that you’re proposing what I think you’re

get to increase our strength. Everybody’s happy

Moyou