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.”

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 mother wanted Isabelle as Luna and she was determined to do what it took to make sure we did what she

they will hold you to it as

mate, forever, makes me feel sick to my stomach. I can feel it churning and feel bile

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

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

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

chase. I stared her down, daring her to

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

cannot see that

while Xander stands between us, beginning to look slightly panicked. “I

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

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

about love,

Xander POV

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 with him. Why couldn’t he just

watching my brother’s facul expressions flit across his face, trying my best to be persuasive and encouraging. “Please Xavier,

was almost begging him by now. We

always 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

to defend her. or if I was simply refusing to acknowledge

in the grand scheme

looking at me in disgust “Love isn’t a small sacrifice Xander. I guess I never saw it clearly before, but now, I think, I want the mate that the moon goddess fully intended

the 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 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

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

be Regan. That’s impossible. The tingles I felt 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 than a pathetic omega’s, due to her killing her

you. the voice

didn’t mean anything. But just picturing her in my mind’s eye was enough to cause a reaction

such value on status and 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

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

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Chapter 19

and that happens

wrong” he muttered irritably.

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

Even I don’t believe my own words, but I was prepared to sachlice my own desires in order to become Alpha 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

what are 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 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

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

before she will allow you to accept

Regan POV

hugging 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 in the air and acting haughty.

been forbidden to go to the twin’s eighteenth and would be spending it at home. I

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

the wins had turned eighteen now had either escaped Isabelle’s notice or she was

aren’t with their mate?” I said, deciding to aim

“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 snort

prevent them from accepting their mate, but well done on

child “I have it on good authority that the twins woke

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 them were

sat down next to Isabelle who

He’ll see you at the party later”

glancing deliberately at Heather who tightened her lips and said nothing “Large and curvy wasn’t she? You don’t want to go

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

had been rather generous and bosom. I was thankful for that, rather than being

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

this. I sucked 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 who seemed to have

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Chapter 20

her daughter as well. I bit the inside of thy lip. “I thank you for your concern

have some pride in your appearance, Iselle said sweetly “Maybe then some

1 snarled, glaring

didn’t care about the other pack members and 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. They could go to

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

don’t worry, I know exactly how to behave in public, unlike some people”

right over my head. Heather wasn’t finished yet. “You’re going to need help preparing everything she fretted, nibbling

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

help you”

the day, acting as Isabelle’s personal servant, fetching her things and doing her, hair. “Heather, no,” I said, as my stepmother began to

get done in time. I have to have help” she wailed

to manipulate her in order to get her own

your sister. This is not a request” she snarled, in public because you are acting selfishly instead of acting like the family that you are. Do your

the table as Isabelle’s tears miraculously stopped “I will not

I snapped “and she is no family

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

flouncing her way towards the stairs as

shoulder.

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

Xavier POV

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

feeling Wrangely off balance, glancing down at large black paws. My wolf spoke to me.

pleasure to finally meet you

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

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

I had not been able to put his

we turned back towards the pack house, cautiously glancing backward at Xander who was

our mates until we were eighteen. How could you

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

as we headed

nor 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

Xander disagrees..

parent’s wishes. He is more prone to manipulation than you are. Now that he has his wolf, that may change Hades

shifted back to human form, pulling on my clothes as my 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

Isabelle after all” Xander mutters, glancing at

it’s not, I

Fri, Jan 10

Chapter 21

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know abelle is here, somewhere, helping out with the party, if only to show off her future

but his shoulders slump.

He nibbles on

we are 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

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

“Do you even want to go find her? You were pretty determined to have Isabelle as

scoff at

won’t accept a chosen mate” he mumbled, glancing away My wolf wants his fated

my brother “of all the…” I trailed off

face.

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

fighter in the pack.

them and Beta Johnathon? If we don’t declare Isabelle as the chosen mate.” he

off.

our problem. We didn’t create this problem, they

I didn’t really care what happened

had both of them?” my brother suggested faintly.

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

Luna but mark our fated mate so that we get to increase our strength. Everybody’s

Moyou