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.”

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 mother wanted Isabelle as Luna and she was determined to

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

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. I swallow hard, watching as my

no qualms about taking

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 mate. Such as in this case. I do not think that it is

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

chase. I stared her down, daring her to refute what I had just said.

just angers me. 1 can feel myself wanting to strike out as my hands form into fists and my

slowly “and if you cannot see that Xavier, then I’m beginning to question if

“I

Isabelle as anything but perfect. Isabelle could do no wrong in my

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 lead. You can’t ask for

all about love,

Xander POV

piss off and rile our mother up? The last thing we needed was for her to take away 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

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

now. We were so close to our

“Why can you just think for yourself

small part of me wondered if I was trying to defend her. or if I was simply refusing to acknowledge that his

in the grand scheme of things.

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.

tingles 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

brother exhales and looks at me in exasperation “What if she’s an

Regan. That’s impossible. The tingles I felt when I touched her were simply aftershocks from the fall, I

wouldn’t you. the voice persisted as I

that Regan was attractive, pretty even. 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 hide it from thy brother who luckily, was too busy looking away from me to notice it. Thank god. I

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

at him “but I guess as time has gone on, more

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Chapter 19

and that happens to be due

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

could he? Surely, he would not stoop that low? Falling for somebody that the pack would wholeheartedly despise? There was no

your planning 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 stupid” I said loudly and with heavy emphasis, “but I will fight you until you reject whoever it is, if there is somebody that we are mates with, in this

it depends on 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,

sometime tomorrow, you’re not planning on rejecting her, are you?” I whispered stricken, coming to the right

and placed in the dungeon before she will allow you to accept somebody besides Isabelle as your mate” I snapped,

Regan POV

profusely. She smirks at me as I begin

would be spending it

I can’t wait,” she told

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 true mates

with their mate?” I said, deciding to aim a subtle

my friends are keeping a close watch for me and will text me if there’s a situation” She

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

began to pout like a child “I have it on good authority that the twins woke up this morning and nothing unusual occurred

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 them were going, to make sure that Isabelle was not

on the table. Heather sat down next to Isabelle

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

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 a piece of toast as I fought to keep my

to lose control so that Heather would

fat. 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

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

a breath, fighting to maintain my composure. There were times when I truly hated my stepsister, and this was one of

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Chapter 20

I bit the inside of

said sweetly “Maybe then some pack members might

snarled,

general. I wouldn’t change myself in order

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

know exactly how to behave in public, unlike some people” she

going to need help preparing everything she fretted, nibbling on

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

help you” she

did not want to spend the day, acting as Isabelle’s personal servant, fetching her things and doing her, hair. “Heather, no,” I said, as my stepmother began

time. I have to have help” she wailed pathetically as I gritted

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, staring at my stepsister who smirked at me

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

tears miraculously stopped “I will not

“and she is

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

towards the stairs

shoulder.

as Heather raised a brow. “What are you waiting

Xavier POV

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

glancing down at large black paws. My wolf spoke

it’s a pleasure to finally meet

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 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

our mate he told me 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 oblivious to every little hint

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

back towards the pack house, cautiously

smell our mates until we were eighteen. How could

with you. You might need to wait until you’re eighteen to

headed back onto the grounds, They want us to take a chosen mate instead

moon goddess. I have seen the girl they want

Xander disagrees..

He is more prone to manipulation than you are. Now

brother caught up and did 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

all” Xander mutters, glancing

says it’s not, I

Fri, Jan 10

Chapter 21

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

with me but his shoulders slump. “Aries says the

nibbles on

going against what everybody else has chosen for us, whereas I am more open and welcoming of it. I never wanted to take Isabelle as my mate and this has only cemented

she’s not present. You could go and find her suggested Hades rolling his eyes

Xander. “Do you even want to go find her? You were pretty determined

scoff at

a chosen mate” he mumbled, glancing away

but I can’t help sneering at my brother “of all the…” I trailed off at the look

face.

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 warning. “No, she won’t,” I told him “There is nobody else to take the position, not unless

fighter in the pack.

between them and Beta Johnathon? If we don’t declare Isabelle as

off.

didn’t create this

tone was unapologetic. I didn’t really

of them?” my brother suggested faintly.

me that

our fated mate so that we get to increase our strength. Everybody’s happy that way” he

Moyou