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You had a secret crush on your super hot roommate. You were sure he’d never find out. Until tonight…you woke up on him licking your pu&&i...🔞🔞 -------------------------------------------------------- Jessica's Pov “Mhmm…” I let out a soft m0an, my fingers kneading my br3asts as waves of pl3asure rippled through me. The rose vibrator hummed relentlessly against my c1it, drawing stars across my vision, but in my fevered imagination, it wasn’t silicone—it was Aaron’s mouth, his t0ngue teasing me with a wicked precision only he could dream up. Heavens, the thought of him, my roommate, my eternal crush, had me teetering on the edge. “Yes,” I hissed, cranking up the speed, my hips bucking involuntarily. I was so close, stars bursting behind my eyelids, when—damn it—the jingle of keys shattered the silence, followed by the unmistakable creak of the front door. No. No, no, no. Not again. This was the second time this week he’d ruined my org@sm. I flicked off the toy with a frustrated groan and shoved it under my pillow, my chest rising and falling like I’d just hauled up a flight of stairs. Sweat beaded on my forehead, even though the room was cool from the slightly open window, and blasting air conditioner. I froze, my eyes glued to the ceiling as I listened to his heavy footsteps thud closer. Our bedroom door creaked open, and I slammed my eyes shut, my heart slamming against my ribs. Please don’t smell it, I begged silently. The air was thick with my scent, musky and unapologetic. Could he? Guys were supposed to have that sixth sense, right? And worse…..what if he’d heard me m0aning his name earlier? That would be mortifying. “Quit faking it, Jess. I know you’re wide awake.” His voice rolled over me like dark honey, deep enough to drown in, vibrating through the quiet room and straight to my already throbbing pussi. I stayed perfectly still, holding my breath, hoping he’d buy it and leave. The silence dragged on, and I figured he’d given up, stalked off to the bathroom or the kitchen. I cracked one eye open to peek, and there he was, his gorgeous face hovering inches from mine, those honey-brown eyes sparkling with an infuriating mix of mischief and mockery. A squeak escaped me, half-yelp, half-laugh, and I slapped my palms over my burning cheeks. “Jesus, Aaron! Personal space much?” He chuckled, low and rough, pulling back just enough to loom instead of invade. “Why are you still awake? I thought you had that big test tomorrow.” He straightened up, his tone casual, like he hadn’t just scared the life out of me. I sat up slowly, pulling my knees to my chest and wrapping my arms around them, trying to hide how flustered I was. He turned away then, thank God, yanking off his jersey in one smooth pull. Sweat glistened on his inked muscles, the tattoos flexing as he moved—dragons and symbols that told stories I was dying to trace with my fingers. I heard my pussi purr, and I pressed my knees tight to prevent the juices from coating my bed. Down, girl. Not now. I’ve been in love with Aaron Tyrone for what feels like forever. It’s been my quiet curse since we were kids scraping knees in the neighborhood. He was the villain in my story back then—my next-door bully, the one everyone whispered about like he was cursed. “Bad news,” they’d say, crossing the street to avoid him. But my bruised little heart? It latched on anyway, because it was the only attention I ever got from anyone. At home, I was invisible. My dad poured all his love into my step-siblings, and my stepmom never missed a chance to remind me I was “bad luck” because Mom died giving birth to me. I was the shadow girl, overlooked and forgotten. And yeah, Aaron was hot—even at twelve, with that jaw already cutting edges, dark hair flopping over his forehead until he’d shove it back, revealing those endless brown eyes that could pin you in place. Straight nose, lips made for sin—I’d replayed kissing them in a million stolen dreams. He bullied me, sure, but he’d muscle in like a guard dog if anyone else tried: “Back off, she’s mine to mess with.” Toxic as hell. I knew it, I should have bolted. But that possessiveness? It hooked me deep, and damn if I didn’t crave the burn. How we ended up roommates? Pure desperation. College dorms filled up before I could snag a spot, and apartments were insanely pricey. Where was I supposed to get the cash? Dad? Puh-lease. I had no friends—thanks to my locked-away childhood that made Rapunzel look free-spirited, and sharing with a stranger sounded like a nightmare. Aaron lived near campus, so I swallowed my pride and asked him for help. He grumbled, but he said yes. Turns out, under that mean streak, he’s not entirely heartless. Living with him, though? Torture. Sleeping just feet away from temptation every night pushed me over the edge. I deflowered myself with toys just to cope, imagining it was him. How do you sleep next to fire and not get scorched? “Are you even listening to me? What’s got you spacing out?” He snapped his fingers in front of my face, jolting me back. “Huh?” I blinked, my gaze locking onto his eyes. They were warm as bourbon, sucking me under like quicksand. I could drown happily there. He huffed, and raked a hand through his tousled hair, leaving it even messier. Sexy bedhead on steroids. I thought. “I said, I need you to come somewhere with me this weekend.” “A date?” The words tumbled out before I could stop them, my heart leaping stupidly. His face crumpled—surprise? Irritation?—and he barked a laugh that didn’t reach his eyes. “In your dreams, maybe.” The words landed like a gut punch, but I played it off, rolling my eyes with a snort. “Ouch. Way to crush a girl’s ego at midnight.” Inside, though? It hollowed me out, but I’d take scraps over nothing. “My grandpa’s throwing this big family dinner. Everyone’s gonna be there.” He leaned against the dresser, arms crossed, looking effortlessly sexy in just his shorts. I arched a brow, folding my arms to match him. “And I’m invited because…?” “I want you there.” His tone was firm, almost commanding, but that didn’t make it any less vague. I rolled my eyes. “That’s not exactly a reason, Ronnie.” He scowled, his jaw tightening. “Do you really love getting on my nerves? I’ve told you a million times to stop calling me that.” I snickered, shrugging. “You get on mine all the time. Fair’s fair.” He glared, those heated eyes boring into me, and I felt my cheeks flush. I cleared my throat to break the tension. “For real, though, why me? Why drag your roommate to a family thing?” My voice came out softer than I intended, almost vulnerable. “Fiona and Eric will be there.” His voice flatlined, face a blank slate, but I caught the glimpse of an old wound reopening. Ah. His ex and his cousin. Fiona cheated on him with Eric, shattering Aaron in ways he never admitted. I never got what he saw in her—beyond her mean-girl vibe, she wasn’t even that pretty. Maybe it was her big, unhinged boobs. Or maybe he just liked the thrill of the chase. Or… right, her family’s money. But no, Aaron wasn’t that shallow. At least, I wanted to believe he wasn’t. His family, the Tyrones were loaded, hockey royalty in the US, though Aaron bucked tradition by choosing basketball over the family sport. That choice pissed off his stoic grandpa, creating this massive rift, but Aaron didn’t budge. He chased his dreams with that fierce determination I secretly admired. “So, you up for it?” he asked, one perfect brow arched in challenge. I swallowed, piecing it together. The fake girlfriend act. “You want to use me as a rebound?” The words slipped out, laced with hurt I couldn’t hide. He tilted his head, scanning me slow, like he was weighing my soul. “Yeah. Just for the weekend.” It felt like a knife twist in my chest, but I nodded anyway, forcing a smile. God, I wanted to grab his shirt, beg, Make it real—just once. But desperate girls get doors slammed, so I bit it back. “Okay,” I whispered. A smirk tugged his lips, and he reached out, ruffling my hair like I was his pesky little sister. “Perfect. We’ll hit the stores tomorrow, I can’t have my ‘girl’ rolling up in those tragic hoodies and sweats. Time for an upgrade.” He turned and vanished into the bathroom, the door clicking shut behind him. Alone, the dam broke. Tears streamed down my face, hot and silent. Why did loving him have to hurt so damn much? Chapter 2 Jessica's POV “Take a break, we’ll reassemble in thirty,” Aaron’s smooth, commanding voice echoed across the court, cutting through the squeak of sneakers and the thud of basketballs. The college players scattered like leaves in a gust, grabbing towels and water, their chatter filling the gym. Aaron stayed rooted in the center, chugging from the bottle I’d slipped into his gym bag that morning. He is such a stubborn ass. Earlier this morning, he’d grumbled about not needing it when I offered, but there he was, guzzling it down like it was liquid gold. Lucky for him, my love made me a fool who’d bend over backward, even if he didn’t deserve it half the time. I watched from the library’s massive window, perched on a stool with a forgotten textbook in my lap. The view overlooked the court perfectly, and I couldn’t tear my eyes away from how he owned the space—barking orders, demonstrating shots with effortless sexiness. Students hung on his every word, launching balls toward the hoop like disciples following a prophet. Aaron coached part-time at Arcadia Hills College, a gig that always puzzled me until I pieced it together: he wanted to nurture the next generation, help them chase dreams like he was chasing his. Soon, he’d ditch Florida for LA, signing with some top-tier team, and damn if I wasn’t rooting for him harder than anyone. I’d be glued to every game, cheering from afar. Weird, right? Anyone sane would call me deranged because I was wishing the moon for the guy who’d tormented me since we were kids, chipping away at my confidence like it was his hobby. But love doesn’t play by rules, especially not mine. Maybe I lost a screw when Mom died; her spirit taking a chunk of my sanity with her. Loving Aaron was my beautiful madness. “How does it feel sharing an apartment with him?” The question yanked me from my reverie, and I yelped, flailing like a cartoon character. My stool wobbled, and my forehead bumped the glass with a comedic thump. I clutched the thick curtains for balance, only for them to billow uselessly as I nearly face-planted. “Oops! I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you!” I rubbed the budding ache on my head and spun to face Debbie, the campus’s favorite punching bag for laughs. If I was awkward in high school (and okay, maybe still a tad now), Debbie was the queen of geeks: frizzy dirty blonde hair escaping a messy ponytail, braces flashing with every word, coke-bottle glasses magnifying her wide eyes, acne-scarred skin, and that lanky height that made her tower over everyone like a giraffe in sneakers. But strip away the world’s cruel beauty checklist, she was stunning in her own way: kind eyes, a warm vibe that peeked through if you bothered to look. Society’s beauty standards were just a rigged game anyway. Superficial and impossible. I managed a small smile, trying to shake off the embarrassment. “Hey, Debbie.” She shyly mirrored it, her fingers twisting together, weight shifting from foot to foot like she was debating running away. “How’d you know I live with him?” I asked, keeping my tone light. She let out a nervous giggle, relaxing a fraction, probably sensing I wasn’t the judging type. “It’s not exactly a secret…” She trailed off, squinting as she fished for my name. “Jessica,” I supplied softly. “Sorry.” She scratched the back of her neck, cheeks flushing. “So, are you guys, like… do you two, you know…” Her words fizzled out, but the implication hung there, awkward and prying. I raised a brow, not thrilled. “Don’t you think that’s a weird thing to ask a stranger?” Deep down, though, a twisted part of me wished it were true—that we were more than roommates, more than this endless push-pull. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.” The air thickened with her discomfort, and I didn’t want to marinate in it. Who knows what she’d blurt next? Maybe ask if we took a shit together or something equally mortifying. “Thanks for saying hi, Debbie. See you around.” I flashed another quick smile, grabbed my bag from the nearby chair, and slipped past her, escaping the library stuffy air. Outside, I yanked my hood up, shielding my face, and kept my head down as I hustled across campus. I was lost in a swirl of thoughts, eager to hole up in the apartment and lose myself in a book’s pages, forgetting the world for a bit. Then, out of nowhere, a firm grip snagged my arm. I barely had time to gasp before I was hauled sideways, yanked into a cramped, dimly lit space that smelled of chalk and old mops—a janitor’s closet? The door slammed shut, and my back hit the wall with a thud, knocking the breath from my lungs. My heart sprinted, faster than a ticking second hand, pounding in my ears. My eyes squeezed shut in panic. When I pried them open, Aaron’s honey-brown gaze locked onto mine, pinning me harder than any wall ever could. He was dangerously close, one ripped arm braced above my head, his body heat radiating through the thin air between us. His scent—sweat mixed with his cologne, flooded my senses, turning my brain to mush. “What the hell, Aaron?” I stammered, voice shaky, staring up at him like a deer in headlights. He didn’t answer right away, just held my gaze, leaning in until our breaths mingled, faces so close I could count his lashes. My mind raced: Is this it? The The kiss I’d fantasized about a million times? Had he finally woken up, seen me as more than the girl next bed? But no, of course not. He pulled back slightly, a teasing glint in his eyes. “So, how’d the test go? You were buried in books all week.” Disappointment sank like a stone in my gut, but I gulped it down, and rolled my eyes to mask the sting. “Aw, thanks for the concern. But we both know that’s not why you kidnapped me into a closet. And if anyone saw? They’d get the wrong idea. Hotshot basketball coach sneaking off with the hoodie girl? Headline news.” He chuckled, that deep, rumbling sound that unleashed a swarm of butterflies in my stomach, fluttering wildly. “Don’t play coy, Jess. You’d eat up those rumors like candy. Hell, you’re probably praying they turn real.” My pulse skyrocketed, throat tightening as I struggled to swallow. The way he said it, so cocky, like he had me figured out. “Don’t flatter yourself, that’s not true.” I shot back, the lie tasting bitter because yeah, it was killing me how much I wanted exactly that. “Yeah, keep telling yourself that.” His whisper brushed my ear, his eyes holding mine with an intensity that screamed certainty. It hit me then: Does he know about how I feel towards him? All the teasing, the “harmless” bullying—maybe it’s because he senses my feelings, toys with them like a cat with a mouse. That would be the ultimate humiliation, worse than any childhood taunt. I shoved against his chest, and spun around to leave, but he caught my wrist, yanking me back until I collided with his solid frame. His arm banded around my waist, firm and warm, holding me captive. My hands flattened on his chest, feeling the steady drum of his heart under taut muscle, while mine roared in my ears. The closet shrank around us, walls closing in, air charged and suffocating. “You weren’t at the court today. Why?” His voice dropped, eyes searching mine like he was digging for buried treasure. I hesitated, caught in his gaze. “I had some research to do in the library,” I murmured, so softly that if we weren’t this close, the words would’ve dissolved into nothing. He leaned in again, closer, my lips parting on instinct, breath hitching. But instead of the kiss, he tugged my hood off, letting my hair tumble free. “I’ve told you to stop hiding under that thing, Jess. Why so stubborn?” I blinked, the spell shattering, and pushed him away, harder this time, creating precious space. “It’s my choice, Aaron. You don’t get a say in how I dress. You’re not my boyfriend.” He arched a brow, that infuriating smirk curling his lips. “Oh? Pretty sure I asked you to play the part just the other night. Jealous type might disagree.” I rolled my eyes. Honestly, knowing Aaron had turned eye-rolling into my default response, more frequent than breathing. “Fake girlfriend, genius.” I plastered on a sarcastic grin. “And FYI, your proposal sucked. No flowers, no charm…. zero effort. Ugh!” He smiled, biting his lower lip, a move that drove me crazy. “FYI? Seriously, Jess? What is this, 2025?” he teased, his tone playful and laced with laughter. We stared, the tension crackling like static, until hallway chatter and footsteps filtered through the door, bursting the bubble. “See you later, Aaron,” I whispered, turning to slip out. “I’ll be crashing at Jason’s tonight,” he called after me. “Don’t bother making dinner for two. Oh, and I left my card, buy whatever you want for the trip tomorrow.” I whipped my head around, but he was already facing away, tugging his Jersey off. I stared a beat longer, then left. My heart echoed in my chest with every hurried step, and I wondered—would I ever catch my breath around him? Chapter 3 Jessica's POV “Jess, seriously, what the fvck is taking you so long? Are you trying to wash away your sins under the shower?” Aaron’s growl rumbled through the bathroom door, thick with exasperation, like I’d been in here for hours instead of twenty minutes. I ignored him, rolling my eyes at the steam-fogged mirror. Well, technically, I was scrubbing away every last bit of grime down there, just in case… you know, we got sloppy drunk at this family reunion blowout, or some sneaky cousin spiked our drinks with an aphrodisiac, and boom—things heated up fast. Ridiculous, right? My brain was a romance novel on steroids these days. I shook my head at myself, my cheeks burning, but damn if I didn’t secretly root for that wild plot twist to happen. “What has become of me?” I mumbled under my breath, the hot spray pounding my skin like a reprimand for my overactive imagination. “Jess, if you don’t come out in the next thirty seconds, I swear I’ll storm in and haul you out myself,” he threatened again, his voice edging into that deep, commanding tone that always made my toes curl. What the hell was his deal? We had a full hour and a half before we needed to leave. Or was there a broadcast of a traffic apocalypse I know nothing off? I wiped between my pussi with the special towel I kept just for it, then stepped back under the cascade to rinse off the last suds. Satisfied everything was clean, I turned off the water and padded to the full-length mirror, fogged at the edges but clear enough. I scrutinized my legs, and ran a hand over the smooth skin to check for stubble, then… yeah, everything else down there. Smooth as silk. I moved on to inspect my armpits when his countdown kicked in. “…18, 17, 16, 15…” Panic spiked through me. I darted around the spacious bathroom, dripping water everywhere, hunting for my towel. It wasn’t on the rack. Shit—had I forgotten to bring one in? Asking Aaron now would just piss him off more. I yanked open the cabinet, but I found it empty, the spares usually there weren’t. I’d meant to grab them from the laundry room yesterday. Damn it. I had one last option, but it was risky as hell. “…5, 4, 3…” I snatched his large white towel from the hook, the one that smelled intoxicatingly like him—fresh cologne mixed with that unique Aaron musk, and wrapped it snugly around my body. It dwarfed me, soft against my skin. His countdown hit zero, and the doorknob rattled aggressively. I unlocked it just in time, and he shoved the door open, standing there like a bouncer at a club with his arms crossed over his broad chest. His eyes raked over me, slow and appraising, finally settling on my heaving chest where the towel clung a bit too tightly. He was already dressed to kill: a simple black T-shirt hugging his muscles, beige pants that looked effortlessly stylish, hair styled just right with those long strands pushed back. He had his stud earrings in today, glinting under the light, and a silver cross pendant dangling against his collarbone. I couldn’t help it, I drank him in, my soul feasting on his appearance despite the tension. But I snapped out of it first. “My eyes are up here, Ronnie,” I teased, arching a brow. “And why the hell were you counting down like we’re in boot camp? We still have, like, an hour and a half left.” I glanced at the clock on my nightstand for emphasis, water dripping from my hair onto the floor. He didn’t speak, just kept staring, his gaze intense and unblinking, like he was memorizing me. What was running through that head of his? “Why are you using my towel, Jess?” he finally asked, his voice low and neutral. I shifted, clutching it tighter. “I forgot mine, and the spares are still in the laundry. If I’d asked you to grab one, you’d have bitched about me not finishing my shower.” I scowled, mumbling the explanation. He didn’t respond, just eyed me up and down again, his expression unreadable. It bugged me not knowing if he was judging, annoyed, or… something else. I brushed past him, heading for the closet to get dressed, when his words stopped me cold. “Make sure you wash it when you’re done.” I whipped around, searching his eyes for a hint—disgust? Teasing? But they gave away nothing, blank as a fresh canvas. Did he think I was dirty? That sharing his stuff grossed him out? Or was it teasing, his subtle bully mode? I decided not to overthink it, pushing the door open and stepping into the walk-in closet before he could see the sting in my eyes. Inside, alone with the rows of clothes, a single tear escaped, trailing hot down my cheek. Is love supposed to hurt like this? Sharp and constant, like a thorn you can’t pull out? I wouldn’t know; I’d never felt real love or affection growing up. No hugs from Dad, no kind words from my stepmom. Just neglect and shadows. So maybe this was normal. Maybe it was all I deserved. I wiped my eyes roughly and took a deep, steadying breath. I’d survived four years of this push-pull with Aaron, hell, longer if you counted our childhood. I could handle eight more months. I dried off quickly, slathered on my favorite lotion to soothe my skin, then slipped into the sleeveless chocolate-brown dress I’d picked out. It hugged my curves like a second skin, the fabric clinging to my wide hips and rode up to reveal my thick thighs, the ones I always hid under baggy pants. Uncomfortable didn’t seem fit to describe the dress; I felt exposed, and vulnerable. But it was the only thing that seemed appropriate for meeting his fancy family, and I’d stuck to a budget. Aaron could afford extravagance, but overspending on his dime felt wrong. He was already doing so much—letting me crash here rent-free for years, covering bills without a word. Gratitude didn’t cover it; he’d saved me from the streets. Staring at my reflection, I sighed. Once I had real money, surgery for reduction was top of the list. Doing my makeup was next, but I was hopeless at it. Eyeliners and gloss were my limits. Hopefully, Aaron wouldn’t rag on me for looking plain. I stepped out, and the door clicked shut behind me. He was lounging on his bed by the window, scrolling through his phone, the evening sunlight haloing him like some brooding god. The sound drew his head up, and his eyes swept over me, slow and thorough. I fidgeted, tugging the hem, bracing for the hip/thigh roast—his go-to tease. “I, uh… this was the only outfit I liked. It was affordable and fit okay. Sorry, I’ll change or throw a jacket over it,” I rambled, turning back toward the closet. His hand caught my wrist, spinning me into his chest with a gentle tug. I stumbled into his chest, the solid warmth of him stealing my breath. Our eyes locked, the intensity making my pulse race, and he reached up, brushing a damp strand of hair from my face. My whole body ignited, heat blooming despite the blasting AC. “It’s beautiful,” he said softly. “You look gorgeous in it.” My heart leaped into my throat—or maybe straight out of my ass, who knows? It was pounding so hard I could barely think straight. This was the first ever direct compliment from Aaron, no sarcasm, no backhanded jab disguised as teasing. And the kicker? I could hear the sincerity threading through his tone, warm and real, like he actually meant it. Not the bully from our past, not the roommate who poked at my insecurities for fun. This was something new, vulnerable almost, and it terrified me as much as it thrilled me. “Huh?” I blinked, dumbstruck. He released me slowly, held my wrist and guided me to the vanity table. “Sit.” The command was simple, but it sent a thrill through me, turning my legs to jelly. I obeyed without a word, sinking onto the vanity stool, my legs still a bit shaky from his compliment and the way his touch lingered. He rummaged in a nearby chest drawer, and pulled out a sleek black box. Curiosity gnawed at me as I watched. He unlocked it with a soft click, revealing an array of makeup: palettes from brands like Dior and MAC, liners, shadows, lipsticks—all high-end stuff that probably cost more than my monthly diner tips. My jaw dropped a little. “When did you get into makeup, Aaron?” I blurted, eyeing the contents. A small smile tugged at his lips. “When I got stuck with a roommate who couldn’t even nail a basic lip combo.” He was mocking me, but playfully. My mind flashed back to a particular awkward day; the company picnic my boss at the diner had hosted. I’d tried to make an effort, to look a little less tired and plain. But after several failed attempts, I’d given up and settled for a simple gloss. Aaron had been right there in the living room, hunched over his laptop with headphones clamped on, totally zoned out. Or so I’d thought. “How did you even know about that?” I asked, surprised. He rolled his eyes, his smirk deepening. “Four years sharing this place, Jess. Even the damn furniture knows your strengths, and your epic fails. Now shut up and let me work.” He selected a lip liner, his warm fingers sliding under my chin to tilt my face up toward the light. Did he really buy all this, and learn how to use it just for me? The thoughts of that made my heart thundered so loudly I swore the neighbors could hear it through the thin walls. His breath fanned my skin as he leaned in, focused on drawing precise lines on my lips. Every cell in my body screamed to reach up, grab his neck, and close the gap between us—pull him into the kiss I’d fantasized about a thousand times. And God, the way he looked focused wasn’t helping: brows furrowed in concentration, jaw clenched, those honey-brown eyes locked on my lips with an intensity that made the hair on my skin to stand at attention. Aaron was going to be the death of me someday, I was sure of it. And the crazy part? I’d thank him. Chapter 4 Jessica’s Pov “How much longer, Aaron?” I hissed, annoyance creeping into my voice. We’d been on this endless stretch of highway for nearly two hours now, and he’d conveniently forgotten to mention the drive would feel like a cross-country marathon. “If you ask me that one more time, Jess, I’ll pull over and leave you on the side of the road,” he snapped back, his eyes glued to the asphalt ahead. I bit back a retort, stealing a glance at him instead. He looked good—too good—like he’d stepped out of one of those brooding hero ads. The way the late afternoon sun slanted through the windshield, highlighting the sharp line of his jaw. I wished I could just blurt out what was really swirling in my head: ‘Stop being such an ass and tell me you feel this pull too, or at least turn on some music to drown out the silence.’ But nope. I just huffed dramatically and turned away, fixing my gaze on the rolling hills blurring past. The city had vanished in the rearview long ago, replaced by lazy suburban sprawl—farmhouses with wraparound porches, vast cattle ranches where cows grazed around. The fading sun painted everything in a flaming orange glow that screamed old-school Texas—peaceful, nostalgic, like we’d tumbled into a ’90s Western. It was almost soothing, if not for the tension coiling between us. “Can we roll down the windows?” I asked, still not looking at him, my voice softer now, laced with the fatigue. I half-expected him to ignore me or grumble about the wind messing up his hair, but he didn’t. The AC hummed to a stop, and he cracked the windows, even sliding open the sunroof. A rush of cool evening air flooded in, tangy with earth and wildflowers. I propped my chin on the door rest, letting my eyelids flutter shut as the breeze tangled my hair and soothed the itch under my skin. For a moment, it was perfect; just the whoosh of wind, the hum of tires on pavement, and a fleeting illusion of eternal peace. I didn’t mean to doze off. The view was too pretty to waste, but exhaustion from the day’s activities caught up to me. One minute I was tracing lazy cloud shapes; the next, everything faded to black. Aaron’s Pov “Jess, pull your head in, we’re hitting a bumpy stretch,” I said, keeping my eyes locked on the winding road ahead, the gravel already crunching under the tires. There was no response. Not a twitch, not even a sarcastic eye-roll from the passenger seat, and It pissed me off. Why was she so damn stubborn? Always pushing back, always testing the edges of my patience like it was a game only she knew the rules to. “Jess,” I growled, the word coming out sharper than I meant, infused with that frustration she somehow always dragged out of me. Still nothing. I blew out a frustrated breath, and eased off the gas, hitting the brakes until the car rolled to a dusty stop on the shoulder. The engine ticked softly in the sudden quiet as I twisted in my seat, ready to scold her—tell her she was impossible, infuriating, a walking headache. But then I saw her: Her head was lolled against the door, lips parted in the softest breath, lashes fanned out like dark wings on her cheeks. She was out cold, asleep against the door like the world had paused just for her nap. How the hell was that even possible? Head bobbing with every bump, wind whipping her hair into a frenzy, and she crashes out like it’s a damn hammock on a beach. Every damn day, Jessica Reid proved why she was wired different, unique in ways that snuck up and punched me in the gut. I’d thought I had her mapped after living with her under the same roof, but nope, she’d unlock another facet, like today, dozing off mid-ride as if defying physics was her superpower. I reached over, my hand wrapping gently around her soft arm, and tugged her back from the door. She stirred with a sleepy mumble, something incoherent about “cookies” or “monsters,” her head lolling to the side before settling against the headrest. She remained knocked out. Classic Jess: she could crash anywhere when exhaustion hit, even if it was the ninth circle of hell. She was stubborn in sleep, too. Cursing softly, I killed the engine and hopped out, the cooling evening air nipping at my skin, carrying the earthy smell of fields and pines. I circled to her side, popping the door open with a quiet creak. She didn’t budge, so I slid one arm under her knees, the other behind her back, and lifted her like she weighed nothing. God, she fit against me perfectly, her body molding to my chest as she nestled in with a contented sigh, mumbling nonsense again. Her scent wrapped around me, a soft mix of vanilla lotion and sun-warmed skin, and for a second, I just stood there, holding her in the fading light, the world narrowing to the steady rise and fall of her breath. Shaking off my thoughts, I juggled the back door open with my elbow, then eased her onto the wide leather seat, laying her down as gently as I could. The dress she’d fought so hard to downplay rode up in the shift, revealing those smooth, beautiful thighs—golden in the sunset glow, curves that begged to be traced. I should’ve looked away. Hell, I tried to—force my eyes back to the road, the dashboard, anything. But I couldn’t. She was a vision to behold, even unconscious. It’s been four years of this torture: overlooking the treasure sleeping mere feet from my bed, sharing breaths in the dark. I’d tried to tune it out, but failed miserably. Her scent lingering in the mornings, that faint vanilla trail pulling me from sleep. The little giggles turning into snorts when she got lost in one of her novels, curled up on the couch like a cat in a sunbeam. The way she cared without fanfare: slipping those water bottle into my gym bag, cooking meals that warmed more than my stomach, sneaking to the court bleachers to watch from the shadows, her face lighting up when I nailed a shot. I saw it all. Jessica had turned into my obsession, a subject I’d majored in secretly—like prepping for a final where acing it meant decoding her soul. Every detail about her is engraved in me: my soul, my brain, my blood, my damn marrow. From the freckles dusting her nose, the way her laugh crinkled her eyes, how her fingers twisted in her lap when she was nervous. Her soulful blue eyes, lighting up like summer skies whenever I brought home something small—a coffee from her favorite spot, a dog-eared book I pretended to “find” at the store. She was grateful for crumbs. I hear her muffled sobs some nights, probably stressing over “owing” me, cries she thought didn’t reach my ears. But I didn’t want repayment. Never had. And I couldn’t explain why, not even to myself. Sometimes I wonder if she knows how much I notice. When I caught Fiona riding my cousin that night, I swore I was done. No more love, no more emotional crap. Women were for the night, nothing deeper. But life? That bitch loved her jokes. The universe dropped the one girl I’d spent years teasing, tormenting, right back at my doorstep, wide-eyed and desperate for a roof over her head. Jess had never been ugly. Christ, she was the kind of beautiful that could eclipse any beauty standard, the sort that lodged in your chest and stayed, generation after generation: full lips begging kisses, eyes holding oceans, a body sculpted for worship. Too bad she buried it all under hoodies and baggy pants, armor against the world… and against assholes like me, who’d helped forge her insecurities. I can’t justify what I did back then. I was a punk kid, a full-blown jerk who got off on the power trip of making eyes water, thinking it made me tough. Jess was collateral, an easy target for my cruel entertainment. Sometimes, late at night, I’d replay it all: the teasing, the laughter, the way she looked hurt but tried to smile anyway. And I’d hate myself for it. If I could crank back the clock, and erase those scars I’d left, I would. I’d tell her then what I barely admit now: You’re stunning, Jess. That body of yours? It’s a masterpiece. Hips I’d kill to grip during a slow dance, thighs I’d bury my face in until you forgot your own name, an ass that haunts my dreams like the perfect pillow after a long day on the court. What I feel for Jess, I don’t know. It’s an infatuation, raw and unnamed—not love, not hate, just this magnetic pull that defies labels. I crave her presence like oxygen, the way she makes the house feel like home, and her existence that lit up the corners of my world I didn’t know were dark. I want to keep her smiling for real, make her feel safe and worthy, make her understand that she deserves the world. But I’m held back by my own fears of hurting her. I notice how her eyes go soft when she’s around me, that crush growing quiet but strong, a secret she protects fiercely. Maybe it’s even deeper than a crush now. And if I encourage it, build it up, only to let it crash? I’d break her heart completely. Her family doesn’t give a damn about her, and that’s a big reason I quit being mean to her years ago, once I saw how deep it cut through her already empty life. Jessica needs real love, the kind that floods in full, from someone whole, not cracked like me. Fiona’s betrayal still has hooks in me, old pieces I can’t shake loose. My heart’s a total mess—twisted up in ways I can’t even sort out or explain without sounding like a loser. But one thing’s crystal clear: I’d protect Jess with everything I’ve got, even my life. In eight months, she’ll wrap college, launch into whatever wild dream she’s chasing (journalism, probably—exposing truths like she unearths mine without trying). She’ll move from this apartment, from me, and good for her. Maybe she’ll find someone who looks at her the way she wish I could. Until then, we’ll keep up this little game; the fake dating, the teasing, the banter that makes everything feel less complicated than it is. Let fate roll the dice, I’m dying to see where it lands. I pressed a soft kiss to the back of her palm, her skin warm and soft against my lips, then eased it down to rest on her stomach. I got back behind the wheel, opened a bottle of water she’d thoughtfully packed for us, and took a long gulp before starting the engine again. I pulled back onto the road, the manor just thirty minutes out now. Whatever waited there—family interrogations, Fiona’s taunting smile… I’d face it. For her. For us, even if it was pretend.

At my sister's engagement banquet, my brother-in-law slid his hand under my dress. He said to me through the mate-link, "Baby, don't moan in front of your sister." He slid slowly inside me. Then my sister suddenly asked, "What's the matter? Why is you hand holding the fork trembling?" ......................................... 1 Evie's pov The bed was wet beneath me, soaked by the juices that flowed from between my thighs. A grunt, one so husky brushed against my ear as he moved in and out of me. "Don't tell Kimberly," Alpha Ryan groaned as he pushes his cock deeper until the tip brushed a tender spot. I shudder beneath him. Kimberly was his future Luna. She was also my sister. I looked up at him beneath my lashes. "Don't tell my sister you slipped inside the wrong one?" ____ * hours prior * "Everything must be perfect for my darling Kimberly," mom sighed as she pushes a white daisy flower into the glass flower vase. Her crystal green eyes lift to catch me staring and her lips curl back into a sneer. I rip my gaze away quickly, my heart pounding as I continue to peel the potatoes. "You better not embarrass us tonight Evie," she sneers under her breath. "You're already so useless, I don't want you tainting Kimberly's day." I lowered my head in shame, tears stinging my eyes as my throat burned. "I won't mom." "Don't call me that!" She snaps. "Call me beta Margaret! Don't call me mom! I refuse to be called such by the shame of the pack." Lucy, an old maid here, who was also helping me peel the potatoes for Kim's big day, reaches over and lightly squeezes my hand. It wasn't the first time mom was so harsh with me but her words always pierce me deeply and painfully. Tonight would be Kim's birthday, her eighteenth to be exact. It so happens that it would also be my birthday. Just that no one cared about it being my birthday too. I was used to it. Used to being the one who was the shame of the family. The one who never got her wolf. The one no one cares about. I was used to it. "I wonder if Alpha Ryan will claim her tonight," one of the helpers who was in the kitchen preparing food for Kim's birthday party tonight exclaimed with a sigh of awe. I lift my gaze to catch sight of mom's gleaming eyes when she replied in a sweet chirpy tone. "I bet he would! It's already written in stone that they'd be mated. He has to mate with the strongest female in the pack which happens to be Kimberly." Some of the helpers voiced out their agreements while some like me....stayed silent. Mom was right, it was already written in stone that Kim would be Alpha Ryan's mate. She was the strongest female in the pack and according to our leaders, alpha Ryan must mate with the strongest female in our pack. It wouldn't matter if she was truly his destined mate or not. He had to mate the strongest and that he was fixed to do. "My sweet Kimberly," she clapped her hands in happiness. "Makes us so proud every single day....." her eyes caught mine once more and her face morphed back into the sneer she had reserved for me. "Unlike wolfless Evie over here." I flinched, my head lowering until my sandy brown hair cloaks around my face as if protecting me from my mother's gaze. "Anyway, I'm going to bring these pretty flowers for Kimberly. After you're done here Evie, Kimberly's room needs to be cleaned," her tone was dry, lacking any emotion before she leaves with the pretty flowers. As her presence disappears from my own, I could finally let out a sigh and breathe. Tonight at midnight would also be my birthday but here I was preparing the food with the others for my twin sister's party tonight. "Are you okay deary?" Lucy's grey eyes scanned my face as the lines around her eyes wrinkle when she frowns. I nod, swallowing hard. "I've been told worse," I murmur softly. "It's not like I shouldn't be used to it by now." Lucy's frown deepens and she gives me a sympathetic pat on my shoulder. I hated those pity looks. I let out a breath and continued to peel the potatoes when I heard heels clicking closer. I had no wolf like the rest of them but I didn't need the enhanced senses to know that it was my sister coming over. So I was not surprised when I see bright red heels with a beautiful blonde wearing them. She had blue eyes like dad while I had green like mom's. She was also taller than me and her face was sharper unlike me who had chubby cheeks. We were not identical twins. "Evie," she plaster on a fake smile as she swipes her blonde hair behind her shoulder. I raised an eyebrow. "Kim?" "I need you to go get something at Hannah's for me. I need it before noon," her lips plastered on a smile but I saw right through her. "I forgot the necklace Alpha Ryan gave me last year for my birthday in her room." She walks into the room more, her presence intimidating. "So I need you to go fetch like the good dog you are," she snorted and my heart clenched painfully. I nod. "Will do." Lucy gently pries the potato and the peeler away from my hands. "I'll do it, don't worry," with a gentle smile Lucy continues to peel the potatoes while I wash my hands. "I'll ask dad if I can borrow the car to go. It's too much of a long walk and- I started but Kimberly cut me off with a sneer. "You stink Evie, dad won't let your sweat go on his seats. You better walk." I turn to look at her, my nails biting into my flesh as my tongue burned to say the words I really wanted to say to her. A smirk painted on her face. Hannah's house is like an hour walk from here. I wasn't like them who could shift into a wolf and get there in minutes. "But- "I need the necklace before noon," she spat, her eyes narrowing. "You better hurry up before I tell dad and mom that you're upsetting me. Don't want them knowing you're making me sad, right?" I bit my tongue and with a shaky sigh, I nod. "Fine." "Try to not be slow," with those final words she's gone. Lucy gives me a look that is a mix of pity and rage. I forced a smile. "I'll be fine," I said and grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. I'll need it if I have to walk all the way to Hannah's. It's not like anyone would offer me a ride. I slipped out of the house and breathed in the cool air. The chatter and clinking in the kitchen fading behind me as I start to walk away from the house. However, it is replaced by the sound of distant laughter as the pack members set up for Kim's party tonight. As I walk , a sudden sound of tires screeching fills the air. I stopped and watch in awe as a red Lamborghini pulls up the driveway. I know who that expensive shiny red car belongs to. The door to the Lamborghini opens smoothly and he steps out. Tall, about six feet three, black shaggy hair, dark mysterious eyes and red lips that were made for kissing. He was easily the most handsome guy I have ever seen. Alpha Ryan. For the first time today a real smile graces on my lips when our eyes clash. He tilted his head, a teasing smirk curling up his lip as he said huskily. "Hey munchkin," I beamed as I ran over to him. Alpha Ryan was not only going to be my sister's mate, but he had also been my best friend for years. 2 Evie's pov He laughs softly when I reach him, his arms wide so I can fall into them like usual. Once I do, he snuggles me in and I breathe in his scent of pine. His scent always relaxes me. "You still run like you're about to fall," he jokes as he ruffles my hair like he used to when we were kids. He's just two years older than me and Kim. "I do not," I whine but my voice gets muffled on his chest. We pull away and grin at each other. "Where are you heading to so early?" I hesitated a bit to tell him because I knew he'd be upset. "Hannah's. Kim forgot the necklace you gifted her last year there. She really needs it before noon." His smirk falters and the skin between his eyebrows line into a frown. " Why couldn't she go take it back herself or have Hannah bring it over? And are you," his eyes drop to my feet. "Walking?" He didn't sound the least bit pleased and when I nod, his expression darkened. " Get in the car Evie, I'll drive you there myself," he grumble. Uh oh. He used my name. Which means he's annoyed. My bottom lip rolled between my teeth as I start to chew on the flesh nervously. My parents and Kimberly hated that Ryan and I were close. They hated it even more when my wolf didn't show up. Which meant the alpha was hanging out with the weakling of the pack. That kind of thing is frowned upon. I was their embarrassment. They've said it themselves that they wished I wasn't born. They wished that I didn't share a womb with my oh so precious sister. That I didn't deserve to breathe the same air as perfect Kimberly. I was weak. In every aspect except for studies which I excelled in more than anyone in this pack. But what good did it do when Kimberly always switched our papers and ended up with the praises? I was useless to them all. But Ryan never looked at me differently. He never seemed to care that I was the weakling of the pack despite my parents being the betas. I looked behind me nervously. I could still see our house from here and Kim or any one of my parents could see me get into his car. They'd give me hell when I get back and he leaves. They never dared to treat me badly when he's around. Though he noticed something was off a few times when Kim bosses me around. They never physically hurt me in fear Ryan would see and know. Only verbally abuse me. Break me down until I feel little beneath their feet. "No, that's okay," I return my gaze back to his and forced a smile. "I can walk. Besides I'm sweaty from being in the kitchen for so long and I need the little walk to clear my head," His eyes flickered behind me, following where my glance had once been. His jaw flexed and his shoulders grow stiff. He was becoming more annoyed. "Get in the car Evie," his voice left no room for argument but I didn't want to cause any trouble for Kim tonight. I shook my head and side stepped him as I utter over my shoulder. "It's fine Ryan. I can walk- A squeal leaves my throat when I'm suddenly lifted up and placed over his broad shoulder. With my head on his back and my feet dangling, I gasp when his arm grasp my thigh to hold me steady. Heat flushes on my skin. The touch was supposed to be innocent but his fingers.....they were so close to my inner thighs and it didn't help that I wore a dress today. If he shifts his fingers just a little higher, they would brush against my clit. The thought had me clenching and my cheeks burn. Oh no. Ryan was off limits. He was always off limits. Not only was he going to be Kim's mate, but he would never be with someone so weak like me. "Ryan put me down!" I shriek low as I didn't want to draw in attention. "I will, in my seat," he grumbles and strides toward his car. In a few seconds I was seated. He leans over to buckle me and my breath hitches. His scent. The way his warmth brushes against me. My heart pounds and my cheek flushes. I hope he didn't pick up the scent of my arousal. I clenched my thighs together to hopefully stop myself from getting turned on even further. "Next time be a good girl and listen to me, Evie," he pulls away slightly to look at me and I hold my breath when our eyes clash. He doesn't look away and I can't either. "Because bad girls get punished." His voice is hoarse now, darker with something swimming in the tone. It causes my thighs to press together more as a tingling sensation throbs between my legs. 3 Evie's pov My breath catches when his words sink in. Bad girls get punished..... The sound of it sent a shiver down my spine, one that felt so good. His face is so close, his breath so warm brushing against my nose and lips. On their own my lips parted, as if searching for a breath, searching for...words. His scent is richer when he's this close to me, so strong that I can somehow taste it in my lungs. Pine. And something stronger. Wilder. A hum starts in my stomach, light and fluttery. Ryan's eyes flicker down to my lips and though his eyes were already dark, something shadowed across them to make the mysterious color darken even further. The look that crosses his gaze made me shudder. Perhaps I was imagining it. Perhaps I saw wrong. Perhaps there was nothing to see at all. But I could swear I saw that look of hunger and desire flash in his gaze. While they trapped me in a trance I can't help but think that he was about to kiss me. I could swear he was inching forward. Little by little. Breath by breath. He's so close. But then his eyes flickered away from my lips to glare at the seat belt over my shoulder. He exhales a breath sharply and pulls back. "You make it very hard to keep my word, Evie," he grumble under his breath before pulling away completely and closing the door. I stayed silent, my brows drawn into a furrow of confusion as I follow his movements. Once he entered the car, he buckled but kept his gaze forward as if afraid to look at me. What did he mean by that? I made it hard for him to keep his word? What word was he referring to? "What do you mean by what you just said?" I question softly. It wasn't really the best idea to question an alpha but Ryan was my best friend and one of the few that cared about me. I don't think he'd mind. He shook his head and starts the car. "Buckle up," he grunted even though he had already made sure that I am. My brows furrowed even more. " before I forget why I shouldn't- He stops himself and shakes his head again as if trying to talk himself into not doing something. The silence between us grows heavy as we drive off. The wind outside sings softly but all I can hear is the beating of my heart in my ear. I steal a glance at him then, catching the way his jaw flexed, hard. What catches my attention the most is how even though his gaze is ahead, his fingers gripped the steering wheel tightly until his knuckles were white. He was troubled. But by what? Was it me? Did I do something wrong? The silence stretched on until we almost got to Hannah's but then he breaks it. "Stop staring at me like that." His words made my eyes widen in surprise and I quickly looked away, only now realizing that I've been staring at him the entire way. "I- staring at you like how?" I flushed, almost blabbering. "Like you want me to do what we both know we want," his voice is a husky soft tone, one that made a shiver rush down my spine. As we pull up into Hannah's driveway, Ryan, turns to me. I can't help it, I am drawn to his stare. For a few humming seconds we just stay there staring at each other. His jaw clenched. "Go get that necklace before I change my mind," his gaze darken and my eyes widen. I opened my mouth to speak but he shook his head. "Don't ask any more questions munchkin, trust me you don't want the answer to them." I nod slowly, half turned to him as I unbuckled myself. Something tells me that I should heed his warning and not ask him any further questions. "I'll be right back." I tell him as I open the door and step into the crisp air. I walk towards Hannah's house, each step feeling dreadful the closer I got there. Hannah was Kimberly's best friend and she equally hated my guts. I lift my hand to knock on the door but it swings open before I could. Hannah stands there with a mocking grin on her freckled face. "Hey Evie, was expecting you since Kim mind linked me that you'd be coming and all." I know this was her way of trying to mock me for not having a wolf. She and Kim always seem to target that soft spot. She tilted her head and her eyes casted where Ryan was waiting for me. "I see alpha Ryan is still doing charity," she snorts low and opens the door further. "You'll have to come up to my room to help me look for it. I can't seem to find it," she said, her eyes twinkling oddly. I hesitated. The back of my neck prickled as I watch Hannah's grin widen. It was way too wide to be innocent and it never reached her eyes. "I can wait here while you look for it," I stated. Hannah snorted. "Don't tell me you're scared of my house Evie," Not scared of the house just scared of you. I had a feeling she had something up her sleeves but I knew if I didn't go in she'd tell Kim and Kim would give me hell at home. So with a sigh I stepped into her house and forced my feet to move. With a victory grin Hannah spin on her heels and I followed her up the stairs. Upstairs, Hannah's room is exactly how I remembered it. Pink walls, stuff teddies on her bed messily and too many pictures of her and Kim smiling widely. My heart clenched every time I see them because she got the side of Kim I could only wish for. "Check over there," she pointed aimlessly by her bed. I nod and went to look over there. After a few minutes of searching and finding nothing, Hannah suddenly exclaimed in a fake chirpy tone. "I found it!" I straightened myself and then turn to her. The necklace glistens brightly in her hand. She's smiling but it doesn't quite reach her eyes. And when she stretches her hand out to give it to me I understood why. Because as soon as I grab the necklace, Hannah tugs on it harshly and the pretty necklace snaps. Hannah fake gasps, her eyes widening. "Oh Evie! What did you do!" 4 Evie's pov The sound of the necklace snapping sounded way too loud in the quiet room. My eyes widen in horror as the delicate chain falls between us on the floor with a faint clink. "I-what? You pulled it- "Don't you dare blame this on me you wolf-less bitch!" She sneered under her breath harshly and steps closer until the stench of her sweet perfume assaults my nose. "Kim is going to have a fit when she finds out you broke her necklace that Ryan her future mate," she stresses on future mate, her expression turning from fake pity to something dark. "Gifted her." "But I- "Oh save it Evie. No one will believe you, not even Ryan who you follow around like puppy," she snorts and turns around, flipping her copper colored hair over her shoulder. "I bet he can't wait to get rid of you when he finally mates your sister. I know he's tired of having a charity case follow him around like a lost puppy," she giggles and walks over to the window where she can see see Ryan seated in his car, waiting for me. "Poor Ryan, has to babysit a leech," she fakes a sigh and whips around, her eyes glazing over with hatred. "It must be exhausting for him to pretend to care about someone so worthless." Her words hit me like a physical blow right on my chest, hard and painful. My throat tightens yet I don't look away because that's what girls like Hannah and Kim want to see. They want to see me break. And I refuse to break in front of them or anyone. This was the only way I could show that I am not weak as they claim I am. I bend down slowly, my fingers grabbing the broken chain off the floor. "You don't know anything Hannah. Not about me or about Ryan," I mumble and straighten. "Oh?" She arched a brow in mockery as her lips twist into a cruel smirk. "I think I know enough actually Evie," she takes a step forward and I clutch the broken chain tighter. "I know that you don't belong here. You don't belong to be one of us. No wolf. No strength. Just weak. No future. Just...." Her lips twisted into a cruel smirk even more. "Nothing." My chest aches. "I wonder how long alpha will put up with you after he finds out you broke his precious mate's necklace," she snorts and rolls her eyes. "You better get going then," she shoos me away. "Don't want to have your future Luna waiting." There was no point in going back and forth with her. She'd just have more bad stuff to say to me. Biting the inside of my cheek, I turn around and walked away, keeping my back straight as though her words didn't affect me even though deep down they did. Each step I took felt like her words were weighing me down, dragging me to the bottom. By the time I reach the door my eyes were misty. I stopped, swallowed and forced the tears back. I didn't need Ryan to be worried about me. I took a couple breaths before I stepped outside. I welcomed the air, pulling it into my lungs. Ryan is still in the car, one hand resting in the steering wheel while his gaze roams forward. But then as if sensing me, he turns and our eyes clash like they always do. His brows furrowed. Uh oh. Did he notice I was upset? I faked a smile, which gets harder to do when I don't feel happy at all. It also sucks that Ryan knew me like the back of his hand and I was sure he knew that smile was fake. "Was about to head in there to see what's taking so long," he uttered when I am drawing closer. "Sorry about that," I apologized as I opened the car door and settle inside. "Hannah couldn't find the necklace." Ryan doesn't look convinced and studies my face. "Did she do or tell you anything?" His jaw locks and I nervously buckled myself in. I shook my head. "Nope. Don't worry about it." "Evie," he stressed. "If she made you upset in any way you can tell me. I'll deal with her." My heart slams against my ribcage. Oh Ryan that's what I am scared of and don't want. I don't need Hannah or Kim to tell me I'm making Ryan fight my battles. I don't want to be the damsel in distress. "You shouldn't worry about me so much Ryan. Especially after tonight when you claim my sister," I said softly but judging by the uncomfortable silence that zaps in the air after my words, I knew I had upset him. His knuckles are pale white as he clenches the steering wheel brutally. His jaw clenched once, then twice before his eyes flashed red. His wolf. I stiffen. My words may have upset him even more than I realized they would. "What does that mean Evie?" His tone is hoarse and filled with frustration. I looked away, my eyes staring at Hannah's house only to see her staring at us through the window of her room. Her words came crawling back. She was right. After tonight I would be nothing. Especially to Ryan. Things would change. "Just saying the truth Ryan," I whispered and tore my eyes away from Hannah. "Things will change after tonight. You'll be happily mated to my sister and I'll just be....nobody to you and everyone." A growl, dangerous and low rumbles in the confines of the car. "Don't say shit like that Evie, you know you mean a lot to me," he growled His words make my chest ache even more. Not because I didn't believe him but because I do. I really do. But it aches more now because I know that soon these words will no longer be said to me but her. Kim. His mate. His Luna. To avoid turning this into an argument I just nod and Ryan lets it go thankfully. The drive back home was awfully quiet and uncomfortable. Not a word was said and honestly it was for the better. Once we pulled up, Kim was already outside with a bright smile on her stained red lips. "Ryan baby!" She squeaked and I winced. She rushes over, her heels clicking rapidly against the driveway. My hand tighten around the broken chain in my hold and turned my expression neutral. Her arms were around him before he could get out properly and I fumble with the seatbelt. Her perfume flooded the air around him, sweet with a tang of rotten honey. I looked away and got out the car. "That's so sweet of you to drive Evie all the way to Hannah's. I told her dad would give her the car but she insisted that she'd walk," she chirped. I didn't have to look to know she was pressed against him, her perfectly manicured fingers brushing over his chest like she was already marking her territory. The thought made my heart ache. "Evie did you get it?" I looked up to catch her gaze. She looked at me in triumphed, her eyes gleaming as though she had just won the lottery. Ryan peels away from her, his expression blank and unreadable. "I did," I said and opened my palm to show her the broken necklace. It was better to show her now than later. She faked shock, her lips parting as she gasped dramatically. "My necklace! Evie you broke it!" I swallowed and shook my head. "It wasn't me, Hanna- "It was a gift from Ryan, Evie," her eyes filled with tears that I knew were all part of her act. "How could you- "She said it wasn't her," Ryan cuts in, his jaw flexing as his eyes flashed with irritation. "If you liked it so much I'll buy another. No need to blame it on Evie." My heart skips a beat. He was always so protective of me. How long more can he be? The thought saddened me. The tears in Kim's eyes seem to freeze all of sudden, her face morphing into one of irritation. "You always let her get away with everything. Does she matter more than your own mate's tears Ryan?" My heart stops and my throat tightens. Why would she ask such a- "Yes. She does." Ryan's voice is firm and unshaking as his dark eyes cats over to stare at me. 5 Evie's pov The world seems to stop and for a heartbeat, I couldn't seem to remember how to breathe. Kim's face twists in disbelief, her eyes shadowing with anger and hurt. Her hand, which had been clutching Ryan's arm, drop to her side like she had been scorched. My stomach flips. "How how could you say that- Kim started, her tone icy but Ryan cuts in. "Kimberly we are not mates yet and in fact we don't know if we are. We aren't even together," She gasped, flinching back like every word that came out of his mouth was a physical blow to her chest. "I am only mating to you because it is my duty Kimberly," I winced. Ouch. Even I felt bad for Kimberly. "Evie and I have been best friends for years. Of course she matters to me most," he raised an eyebrow as if daring her to spite him. But she doesn't, only flares her nostrils and with a humph, pries the broken necklace from my hold and stomps back inside the house without another word. For a second both Ryan and I didn't move. My heart was still racing, not just from what he said but how he said it. "Ryan..." I drawled. Kimberly is going to kill me when he leaves. He's never been so harsh with her. Sure he gets irritated by her but he could always control his frustration. However today it seem Ryan was done pretending to be polite. He glances at me, his eyes softer now. " I couldn't let her talk to you like that." I fiddled with the ends of my dress as I flush under the blazing sun. "You," I looked away and licked my lower lip. "You didn't have to defend me Ryan. Kimberly is going to be your ma- He snorted and turn to me fully, his eyes string into mine deeply. "You don't get it do you, Evie?" I stayed silent, confused. He sighs and locks his eyes with mine and then they drop to my mouth. I hold my breath. "You really have no idea Evie what you really mean to me." I sucked in a sharp breath and watch his eyes soften so tenderly. "I should go now. I am afraid of what I might do if I stay any longer." My brows furrowed. "But- Ryan shakes his head as if trying to get out of a trance. "I'm needed back home. Tonight is a full moon after all," his eyes leave my lips to stare back into my eyes. "Can't wait to see you all dolled up munchkin." Heat crawls up my neck and settles in my cheeks. Ryan had gifted me a pretty coral pink dress I would wear tonight. I had it steamed and ready in my room. I try to force out a small laugh but it comes out shaky. "You probably won't even notice me," I joked. But he didn't laugh and his jaw tightened. The laughter dies out on my tongue. "Out of everyone in the room, I will always notice you first. You always stand out to me Evie," My heart stuttered in my chest and my throat runs dry. His words....did he know what they do to me? Before I could find my voice, Ryan exhaled lowly and rubbed the back of his neck. "You should head inside, get some rest before tonight," I nodded faintly. "Yea," He started to turn away to enter his car but pauses. "Evie?" "Hm?" I acknowledge him as the flush still burned on my cheeks. "Can't wait to see you in that dress," with a crooked smirk he enters the car and I watch him drive off after a few seconds. Now alone, I stiffen as the air changes. Ryan wasn't here to protect me anymore and I was very certain a certain dragon was waiting for me inside. With a sigh, I turn around and head for the house. Once I got in, I walked upstairs and walk toward my room as I plan to look for my cleaning clothes. Mom did say I would have to clean. But as I open my door, what welcomed me made me freeze in my place. There on my bed, is now my torn dress Ryan gifted me clutched viciously by my sister who had an evil smirk on her face. "Only thought I'd return the favor sister," she snarls low and throws the dress to the floor like it disgusted her. "Don't worry I have a pretty dress for you to wear since you don't own anything pretty," she smirks and reveals a dirty cream dress that she had hidden behind her. My heart dropped. My once pretty dress was now ruined. "Kimberly- She stands up and I stop as she strides over, a sneer on her face. "If you don't wear it tonight I will make sure when I turn Luna, you will be banished from the pack." I stuttered as my breath hitches. "Ryan would never let you- "I'd be Ryan's mate by then you dumb bitch. Do you think he'd not listen to me? I'd be Luna. His equal," she tilts her head and the smirk widen. " You think him, the entire pack will go against me....their Luna?" I froze. She was right. Even though Ryan made it clear that he'd defend me, he could not do it forever. Not when he got his mate and Luna. Especially when the Luna happens to be my sister. I cast my gaze down. "I can't wait for when I'm Luna," she snorts, her heels clicking louder as she draws near. Then she grips my chin between her fingers and pinched, hard. "I'll make your life a living hell." I swallowed and she dropped her hold on my chin and with disgusted look on her face, she brushed her fingers down my clothes like she had touched something yuck. "I got you something that suits you, don't you think?" She sneered and looked at the dirty dress she gave me. "Filthy just like you." With those final words Kimberly leaves me all alone in my room. As the door shuts behind her I ran to my torn dress and hug it to my chest. I hated her. I hated this family. - The party was already in full swing when I was finally done with cleaning the house and helping the cooks prepare some meals. The laughter, the cheers......drifted through the open windows. Ryan wasn't here yet. If he was I'd know. Just like he said he'd spot me in any room....I'd spot him too. Just a few minutes until midnight..... My eighteenth. I still had my cleaning clothes on which was some jean shorts and a huge oversized shirt. It was now dirty and wet from all the chores I had to do today. I stood by the window in my room that overlooked the backyard. I watch them from the shadow of my room, hidden behind the lace curtain as the moonlight bathe the area in silvery light. Everyone look so happy, laughing, drinking....celebrating...her. Kimberly looked radiant as she glowed under the fairy lights. She looked so perfect. So proud. So powerful. Like a Luna. My chest ached. It should've been my night too but here I was covered in flour, soap stains and smelling like dishwater instead of my vanilla perfume. My throat tightened as my eyes caught sight of him finally. Ryan...among the crowd. He looked handsome, his hair slicked back, his dark mysterious eyes looking around for someone or something. My heart sped up. In a few minutes Kimberly would turn eighteen which made it the age for him to finally claim her as his. It wouldn't matter if they were mates or not, it was written in stone that they had to lead together. Tonight is my eighteenth too....which meant there was a possibility that I would find my mate. But could wolf less werewolf like me even have the possibility of a mate? As the countdown began, my heart sped with every number. "Five!" They shout happily as Kimberly stood in the middle like she was some kind of queen. I guess she was. Well she would be. "Three!" Ryan's jaw clenched as his gaze swept among every head. What was he looking for? "Two!" And then as if feeling my eyes on him, he lifts his gaze finally. Our eyes clash and I gasp, stumbling back a little when I felt it. No. It cannot be.... "One!" And then I heard it, a loud growl. He felt it too. He knew it too. We were....mates.

Your childhood bully grew up hot. Now he wants you to fake his girlfriend.🔞🔞 Jessica's Pov “Mhmm…” I let out a soft m0an, my fingers kneading my br3asts as waves of pl3asure rippled through me. The rose vibrator hummed relentlessly against my c1it, drawing stars across my vision, but in my fevered imagination, it wasn’t silicone—it was Aaron’s mouth, his t0ngue teasing me with a wicked precision only he could dream up. Heavens, the thought of him, my roommate, my eternal crush, had me teetering on the edge. “Yes,” I hissed, cranking up the speed, my hips bucking involuntarily. I was so close, stars bursting behind my eyelids, when—damn it—the jingle of keys shattered the silence, followed by the unmistakable creak of the front door. No. No, no, no. Not again. This was the second time this week he’d ruined my org@sm. I flicked off the toy with a frustrated groan and shoved it under my pillow, my chest rising and falling like I’d just hauled up a flight of stairs. Sweat beaded on my forehead, even though the room was cool from the slightly open window, and blasting air conditioner. I froze, my eyes glued to the ceiling as I listened to his heavy footsteps thud closer. Our bedroom door creaked open, and I slammed my eyes shut, my heart slamming against my ribs. Please don’t smell it, I begged silently. The air was thick with my scent, musky and unapologetic. Could he? Guys were supposed to have that sixth sense, right? And worse…..what if he’d heard me m0aning his name earlier? That would be mortifying. “Quit faking it, Jess. I know you’re wide awake.” His voice rolled over me like dark honey, deep enough to drown in, vibrating through the quiet room and straight to my already throbbing pussi. I stayed perfectly still, holding my breath, hoping he’d buy it and leave. The silence dragged on, and I figured he’d given up, stalked off to the bathroom or the kitchen. I cracked one eye open to peek, and there he was, his gorgeous face hovering inches from mine, those honey-brown eyes sparkling with an infuriating mix of mischief and mockery. A squeak escaped me, half-yelp, half-laugh, and I slapped my palms over my burning cheeks. “Jesus, Aaron! Personal space much?” He chuckled, low and rough, pulling back just enough to loom instead of invade. “Why are you still awake? I thought you had that big test tomorrow.” He straightened up, his tone casual, like he hadn’t just scared the life out of me. I sat up slowly, pulling my knees to my chest and wrapping my arms around them, trying to hide how flustered I was. He turned away then, thank God, yanking off his jersey in one smooth pull. Sweat glistened on his inked muscles, the tattoos flexing as he moved—dragons and symbols that told stories I was dying to trace with my fingers. I heard my pussi purr, and I pressed my knees tight to prevent the juices from coating my bed. Down, girl. Not now. I’ve been in love with Aaron Tyrone for what feels like forever. It’s been my quiet curse since we were kids scraping knees in the neighborhood. He was the villain in my story back then—my next-door bully, the one everyone whispered about like he was cursed. “Bad news,” they’d say, crossing the street to avoid him. But my bruised little heart? It latched on anyway, because it was the only attention I ever got from anyone. At home, I was invisible. My dad poured all his love into my step-siblings, and my stepmom never missed a chance to remind me I was “bad luck” because Mom died giving birth to me. I was the shadow girl, overlooked and forgotten. And yeah, Aaron was hot—even at twelve, with that jaw already cutting edges, dark hair flopping over his forehead until he’d shove it back, revealing those endless brown eyes that could pin you in place. Straight nose, lips made for sin—I’d replayed kissing them in a million stolen dreams. He bullied me, sure, but he’d muscle in like a guard dog if anyone else tried: “Back off, she’s mine to mess with.” Toxic as hell. I knew it, I should have bolted. But that possessiveness? It hooked me deep, and damn if I didn’t crave the burn. How we ended up roommates? Pure desperation. College dorms filled up before I could snag a spot, and apartments were insanely pricey. Where was I supposed to get the cash? Dad? Puh-lease. I had no friends—thanks to my locked-away childhood that made Rapunzel look free-spirited, and sharing with a stranger sounded like a nightmare. Aaron lived near campus, so I swallowed my pride and asked him for help. He grumbled, but he said yes. Turns out, under that mean streak, he’s not entirely heartless. Living with him, though? Torture. Sleeping just feet away from temptation every night pushed me over the edge. I deflowered myself with toys just to cope, imagining it was him. How do you sleep next to fire and not get scorched? “Are you even listening to me? What’s got you spacing out?” He snapped his fingers in front of my face, jolting me back. “Huh?” I blinked, my gaze locking onto his eyes. They were warm as bourbon, sucking me under like quicksand. I could drown happily there. He huffed, and raked a hand through his tousled hair, leaving it even messier. Sexy bedhead on steroids. I thought. “I said, I need you to come somewhere with me this weekend.” “A date?” The words tumbled out before I could stop them, my heart leaping stupidly. His face crumpled—surprise? Irritation?—and he barked a laugh that didn’t reach his eyes. “In your dreams, maybe.” The words landed like a gut punch, but I played it off, rolling my eyes with a snort. “Ouch. Way to crush a girl’s ego at midnight.” Inside, though? It hollowed me out, but I’d take scraps over nothing. “My grandpa’s throwing this big family dinner. Everyone’s gonna be there.” He leaned against the dresser, arms crossed, looking effortlessly sexy in just his shorts. I arched a brow, folding my arms to match him. “And I’m invited because…?” “I want you there.” His tone was firm, almost commanding, but that didn’t make it any less vague. I rolled my eyes. “That’s not exactly a reason, Ronnie.” He scowled, his jaw tightening. “Do you really love getting on my nerves? I’ve told you a million times to stop calling me that.” I snickered, shrugging. “You get on mine all the time. Fair’s fair.” He glared, those heated eyes boring into me, and I felt my cheeks flush. I cleared my throat to break the tension. “For real, though, why me? Why drag your roommate to a family thing?” My voice came out softer than I intended, almost vulnerable. “Fiona and Eric will be there.” His voice flatlined, face a blank slate, but I caught the glimpse of an old wound reopening. Ah. His ex and his cousin. Fiona cheated on him with Eric, shattering Aaron in ways he never admitted. I never got what he saw in her—beyond her mean-girl vibe, she wasn’t even that pretty. Maybe it was her big, unhinged boobs. Or maybe he just liked the thrill of the chase. Or… right, her family’s money. But no, Aaron wasn’t that shallow. At least, I wanted to believe he wasn’t. His family, the Tyrones were loaded, hockey royalty in the US, though Aaron bucked tradition by choosing basketball over the family sport. That choice pissed off his stoic grandpa, creating this massive rift, but Aaron didn’t budge. He chased his dreams with that fierce determination I secretly admired. “So, you up for it?” he asked, one perfect brow arched in challenge. I swallowed, piecing it together. The fake girlfriend act. “You want to use me as a rebound?” The words slipped out, laced with hurt I couldn’t hide. He tilted his head, scanning me slow, like he was weighing my soul. “Yeah. Just for the weekend.” It felt like a knife twist in my chest, but I nodded anyway, forcing a smile. God, I wanted to grab his shirt, beg, Make it real—just once. But desperate girls get doors slammed, so I bit it back. “Okay,” I whispered. A smirk tugged his lips, and he reached out, ruffling my hair like I was his pesky little sister. “Perfect. We’ll hit the stores tomorrow, I can’t have my ‘girl’ rolling up in those tragic hoodies and sweats. Time for an upgrade.” He turned and vanished into the bathroom, the door clicking shut behind him. Alone, the dam broke. Tears streamed down my face, hot and silent. Why did loving him have to hurt so damn much? Chapter 2 Jessica's POV “Take a break, we’ll reassemble in thirty,” Aaron’s smooth, commanding voice echoed across the court, cutting through the squeak of sneakers and the thud of basketballs. The college players scattered like leaves in a gust, grabbing towels and water, their chatter filling the gym. Aaron stayed rooted in the center, chugging from the bottle I’d slipped into his gym bag that morning. He is such a stubborn ass. Earlier this morning, he’d grumbled about not needing it when I offered, but there he was, guzzling it down like it was liquid gold. Lucky for him, my love made me a fool who’d bend over backward, even if he didn’t deserve it half the time. I watched from the library’s massive window, perched on a stool with a forgotten textbook in my lap. The view overlooked the court perfectly, and I couldn’t tear my eyes away from how he owned the space—barking orders, demonstrating shots with effortless sexiness. Students hung on his every word, launching balls toward the hoop like disciples following a prophet. Aaron coached part-time at Arcadia Hills College, a gig that always puzzled me until I pieced it together: he wanted to nurture the next generation, help them chase dreams like he was chasing his. Soon, he’d ditch Florida for LA, signing with some top-tier team, and damn if I wasn’t rooting for him harder than anyone. I’d be glued to every game, cheering from afar. Weird, right? Anyone sane would call me deranged because I was wishing the moon for the guy who’d tormented me since we were kids, chipping away at my confidence like it was his hobby. But love doesn’t play by rules, especially not mine. Maybe I lost a screw when Mom died; her spirit taking a chunk of my sanity with her. Loving Aaron was my beautiful madness. “How does it feel sharing an apartment with him?” The question yanked me from my reverie, and I yelped, flailing like a cartoon character. My stool wobbled, and my forehead bumped the glass with a comedic thump. I clutched the thick curtains for balance, only for them to billow uselessly as I nearly face-planted. “Oops! I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you!” I rubbed the budding ache on my head and spun to face Debbie, the campus’s favorite punching bag for laughs. If I was awkward in high school (and okay, maybe still a tad now), Debbie was the queen of geeks: frizzy dirty blonde hair escaping a messy ponytail, braces flashing with every word, coke-bottle glasses magnifying her wide eyes, acne-scarred skin, and that lanky height that made her tower over everyone like a giraffe in sneakers. But strip away the world’s cruel beauty checklist, she was stunning in her own way: kind eyes, a warm vibe that peeked through if you bothered to look. Society’s beauty standards were just a rigged game anyway. Superficial and impossible. I managed a small smile, trying to shake off the embarrassment. “Hey, Debbie.” She shyly mirrored it, her fingers twisting together, weight shifting from foot to foot like she was debating running away. “How’d you know I live with him?” I asked, keeping my tone light. She let out a nervous giggle, relaxing a fraction, probably sensing I wasn’t the judging type. “It’s not exactly a secret…” She trailed off, squinting as she fished for my name. “Jessica,” I supplied softly. “Sorry.” She scratched the back of her neck, cheeks flushing. “So, are you guys, like… do you two, you know…” Her words fizzled out, but the implication hung there, awkward and prying. I raised a brow, not thrilled. “Don’t you think that’s a weird thing to ask a stranger?” Deep down, though, a twisted part of me wished it were true—that we were more than roommates, more than this endless push-pull. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.” The air thickened with her discomfort, and I didn’t want to marinate in it. Who knows what she’d blurt next? Maybe ask if we took a shit together or something equally mortifying. “Thanks for saying hi, Debbie. See you around.” I flashed another quick smile, grabbed my bag from the nearby chair, and slipped past her, escaping the library stuffy air. Outside, I yanked my hood up, shielding my face, and kept my head down as I hustled across campus. I was lost in a swirl of thoughts, eager to hole up in the apartment and lose myself in a book’s pages, forgetting the world for a bit. Then, out of nowhere, a firm grip snagged my arm. I barely had time to gasp before I was hauled sideways, yanked into a cramped, dimly lit space that smelled of chalk and old mops—a janitor’s closet? The door slammed shut, and my back hit the wall with a thud, knocking the breath from my lungs. My heart sprinted, faster than a ticking second hand, pounding in my ears. My eyes squeezed shut in panic. When I pried them open, Aaron’s honey-brown gaze locked onto mine, pinning me harder than any wall ever could. He was dangerously close, one ripped arm braced above my head, his body heat radiating through the thin air between us. His scent—sweat mixed with his cologne, flooded my senses, turning my brain to mush. “What the hell, Aaron?” I stammered, voice shaky, staring up at him like a deer in headlights. He didn’t answer right away, just held my gaze, leaning in until our breaths mingled, faces so close I could count his lashes. My mind raced: Is this it? The The kiss I’d fantasized about a million times? Had he finally woken up, seen me as more than the girl next bed? But no, of course not. He pulled back slightly, a teasing glint in his eyes. “So, how’d the test go? You were buried in books all week.” Disappointment sank like a stone in my gut, but I gulped it down, and rolled my eyes to mask the sting. “Aw, thanks for the concern. But we both know that’s not why you kidnapped me into a closet. And if anyone saw? They’d get the wrong idea. Hotshot basketball coach sneaking off with the hoodie girl? Headline news.” He chuckled, that deep, rumbling sound that unleashed a swarm of butterflies in my stomach, fluttering wildly. “Don’t play coy, Jess. You’d eat up those rumors like candy. Hell, you’re probably praying they turn real.” My pulse skyrocketed, throat tightening as I struggled to swallow. The way he said it, so cocky, like he had me figured out. “Don’t flatter yourself, that’s not true.” I shot back, the lie tasting bitter because yeah, it was killing me how much I wanted exactly that. “Yeah, keep telling yourself that.” His whisper brushed my ear, his eyes holding mine with an intensity that screamed certainty. It hit me then: Does he know about how I feel towards him? All the teasing, the “harmless” bullying—maybe it’s because he senses my feelings, toys with them like a cat with a mouse. That would be the ultimate humiliation, worse than any childhood taunt. I shoved against his chest, and spun around to leave, but he caught my wrist, yanking me back until I collided with his solid frame. His arm banded around my waist, firm and warm, holding me captive. My hands flattened on his chest, feeling the steady drum of his heart under taut muscle, while mine roared in my ears. The closet shrank around us, walls closing in, air charged and suffocating. “You weren’t at the court today. Why?” His voice dropped, eyes searching mine like he was digging for buried treasure. I hesitated, caught in his gaze. “I had some research to do in the library,” I murmured, so softly that if we weren’t this close, the words would’ve dissolved into nothing. He leaned in again, closer, my lips parting on instinct, breath hitching. But instead of the kiss, he tugged my hood off, letting my hair tumble free. “I’ve told you to stop hiding under that thing, Jess. Why so stubborn?” I blinked, the spell shattering, and pushed him away, harder this time, creating precious space. “It’s my choice, Aaron. You don’t get a say in how I dress. You’re not my boyfriend.” He arched a brow, that infuriating smirk curling his lips. “Oh? Pretty sure I asked you to play the part just the other night. Jealous type might disagree.” I rolled my eyes. Honestly, knowing Aaron had turned eye-rolling into my default response, more frequent than breathing. “Fake girlfriend, genius.” I plastered on a sarcastic grin. “And FYI, your proposal sucked. No flowers, no charm…. zero effort. Ugh!” He smiled, biting his lower lip, a move that drove me crazy. “FYI? Seriously, Jess? What is this, 2025?” he teased, his tone playful and laced with laughter. We stared, the tension crackling like static, until hallway chatter and footsteps filtered through the door, bursting the bubble. “See you later, Aaron,” I whispered, turning to slip out. “I’ll be crashing at Jason’s tonight,” he called after me. “Don’t bother making dinner for two. Oh, and I left my card, buy whatever you want for the trip tomorrow.” I whipped my head around, but he was already facing away, tugging his Jersey off. I stared a beat longer, then left. My heart echoed in my chest with every hurried step, and I wondered—would I ever catch my breath around him? Chapter 3 Jessica's POV “Jess, seriously, what the fvck is taking you so long? Are you trying to wash away your sins under the shower?” Aaron’s growl rumbled through the bathroom door, thick with exasperation, like I’d been in here for hours instead of twenty minutes. I ignored him, rolling my eyes at the steam-fogged mirror. Well, technically, I was scrubbing away every last bit of grime down there, just in case… you know, we got sloppy drunk at this family reunion blowout, or some sneaky cousin spiked our drinks with an aphrodisiac, and boom—things heated up fast. Ridiculous, right? My brain was a romance novel on steroids these days. I shook my head at myself, my cheeks burning, but damn if I didn’t secretly root for that wild plot twist to happen. “What has become of me?” I mumbled under my breath, the hot spray pounding my skin like a reprimand for my overactive imagination. “Jess, if you don’t come out in the next thirty seconds, I swear I’ll storm in and haul you out myself,” he threatened again, his voice edging into that deep, commanding tone that always made my toes curl. What the hell was his deal? We had a full hour and a half before we needed to leave. Or was there a broadcast of a traffic apocalypse I know nothing off? I wiped between my pussi with the special towel I kept just for it, then stepped back under the cascade to rinse off the last suds. Satisfied everything was clean, I turned off the water and padded to the full-length mirror, fogged at the edges but clear enough. I scrutinized my legs, and ran a hand over the smooth skin to check for stubble, then… yeah, everything else down there. Smooth as silk. I moved on to inspect my armpits when his countdown kicked in. “…18, 17, 16, 15…” Panic spiked through me. I darted around the spacious bathroom, dripping water everywhere, hunting for my towel. It wasn’t on the rack. Shit—had I forgotten to bring one in? Asking Aaron now would just piss him off more. I yanked open the cabinet, but I found it empty, the spares usually there weren’t. I’d meant to grab them from the laundry room yesterday. Damn it. I had one last option, but it was risky as hell. “…5, 4, 3…” I snatched his large white towel from the hook, the one that smelled intoxicatingly like him—fresh cologne mixed with that unique Aaron musk, and wrapped it snugly around my body. It dwarfed me, soft against my skin. His countdown hit zero, and the doorknob rattled aggressively. I unlocked it just in time, and he shoved the door open, standing there like a bouncer at a club with his arms crossed over his broad chest. His eyes raked over me, slow and appraising, finally settling on my heaving chest where the towel clung a bit too tightly. He was already dressed to kill: a simple black T-shirt hugging his muscles, beige pants that looked effortlessly stylish, hair styled just right with those long strands pushed back. He had his stud earrings in today, glinting under the light, and a silver cross pendant dangling against his collarbone. I couldn’t help it, I drank him in, my soul feasting on his appearance despite the tension. But I snapped out of it first. “My eyes are up here, Ronnie,” I teased, arching a brow. “And why the hell were you counting down like we’re in boot camp? We still have, like, an hour and a half left.” I glanced at the clock on my nightstand for emphasis, water dripping from my hair onto the floor. He didn’t speak, just kept staring, his gaze intense and unblinking, like he was memorizing me. What was running through that head of his? “Why are you using my towel, Jess?” he finally asked, his voice low and neutral. I shifted, clutching it tighter. “I forgot mine, and the spares are still in the laundry. If I’d asked you to grab one, you’d have bitched about me not finishing my shower.” I scowled, mumbling the explanation. He didn’t respond, just eyed me up and down again, his expression unreadable. It bugged me not knowing if he was judging, annoyed, or… something else. I brushed past him, heading for the closet to get dressed, when his words stopped me cold. “Make sure you wash it when you’re done.” I whipped around, searching his eyes for a hint—disgust? Teasing? But they gave away nothing, blank as a fresh canvas. Did he think I was dirty? That sharing his stuff grossed him out? Or was it teasing, his subtle bully mode? I decided not to overthink it, pushing the door open and stepping into the walk-in closet before he could see the sting in my eyes. Inside, alone with the rows of clothes, a single tear escaped, trailing hot down my cheek. Is love supposed to hurt like this? Sharp and constant, like a thorn you can’t pull out? I wouldn’t know; I’d never felt real love or affection growing up. No hugs from Dad, no kind words from my stepmom. Just neglect and shadows. So maybe this was normal. Maybe it was all I deserved. I wiped my eyes roughly and took a deep, steadying breath. I’d survived four years of this push-pull with Aaron, hell, longer if you counted our childhood. I could handle eight more months. I dried off quickly, slathered on my favorite lotion to soothe my skin, then slipped into the sleeveless chocolate-brown dress I’d picked out. It hugged my curves like a second skin, the fabric clinging to my wide hips and rode up to reveal my thick thighs, the ones I always hid under baggy pants. Uncomfortable didn’t seem fit to describe the dress; I felt exposed, and vulnerable. But it was the only thing that seemed appropriate for meeting his fancy family, and I’d stuck to a budget. Aaron could afford extravagance, but overspending on his dime felt wrong. He was already doing so much—letting me crash here rent-free for years, covering bills without a word. Gratitude didn’t cover it; he’d saved me from the streets. Staring at my reflection, I sighed. Once I had real money, surgery for reduction was top of the list. Doing my makeup was next, but I was hopeless at it. Eyeliners and gloss were my limits. Hopefully, Aaron wouldn’t rag on me for looking plain. I stepped out, and the door clicked shut behind me. He was lounging on his bed by the window, scrolling through his phone, the evening sunlight haloing him like some brooding god. The sound drew his head up, and his eyes swept over me, slow and thorough. I fidgeted, tugging the hem, bracing for the hip/thigh roast—his go-to tease. “I, uh… this was the only outfit I liked. It was affordable and fit okay. Sorry, I’ll change or throw a jacket over it,” I rambled, turning back toward the closet. His hand caught my wrist, spinning me into his chest with a gentle tug. I stumbled into his chest, the solid warmth of him stealing my breath. Our eyes locked, the intensity making my pulse race, and he reached up, brushing a damp strand of hair from my face. My whole body ignited, heat blooming despite the blasting AC. “It’s beautiful,” he said softly. “You look gorgeous in it.” My heart leaped into my throat—or maybe straight out of my ass, who knows? It was pounding so hard I could barely think straight. This was the first ever direct compliment from Aaron, no sarcasm, no backhanded jab disguised as teasing. And the kicker? I could hear the sincerity threading through his tone, warm and real, like he actually meant it. Not the bully from our past, not the roommate who poked at my insecurities for fun. This was something new, vulnerable almost, and it terrified me as much as it thrilled me. “Huh?” I blinked, dumbstruck. He released me slowly, held my wrist and guided me to the vanity table. “Sit.” The command was simple, but it sent a thrill through me, turning my legs to jelly. I obeyed without a word, sinking onto the vanity stool, my legs still a bit shaky from his compliment and the way his touch lingered. He rummaged in a nearby chest drawer, and pulled out a sleek black box. Curiosity gnawed at me as I watched. He unlocked it with a soft click, revealing an array of makeup: palettes from brands like Dior and MAC, liners, shadows, lipsticks—all high-end stuff that probably cost more than my monthly diner tips. My jaw dropped a little. “When did you get into makeup, Aaron?” I blurted, eyeing the contents. A small smile tugged at his lips. “When I got stuck with a roommate who couldn’t even nail a basic lip combo.” He was mocking me, but playfully. My mind flashed back to a particular awkward day; the company picnic my boss at the diner had hosted. I’d tried to make an effort, to look a little less tired and plain. But after several failed attempts, I’d given up and settled for a simple gloss. Aaron had been right there in the living room, hunched over his laptop with headphones clamped on, totally zoned out. Or so I’d thought. “How did you even know about that?” I asked, surprised. He rolled his eyes, his smirk deepening. “Four years sharing this place, Jess. Even the damn furniture knows your strengths, and your epic fails. Now shut up and let me work.” He selected a lip liner, his warm fingers sliding under my chin to tilt my face up toward the light. Did he really buy all this, and learn how to use it just for me? The thoughts of that made my heart thundered so loudly I swore the neighbors could hear it through the thin walls. His breath fanned my skin as he leaned in, focused on drawing precise lines on my lips. Every cell in my body screamed to reach up, grab his neck, and close the gap between us—pull him into the kiss I’d fantasized about a thousand times. And God, the way he looked focused wasn’t helping: brows furrowed in concentration, jaw clenched, those honey-brown eyes locked on my lips with an intensity that made the hair on my skin to stand at attention. Aaron was going to be the death of me someday, I was sure of it. And the crazy part? I’d thank him. Chapter 4 Jessica’s Pov “How much longer, Aaron?” I hissed, annoyance creeping into my voice. We’d been on this endless stretch of highway for nearly two hours now, and he’d conveniently forgotten to mention the drive would feel like a cross-country marathon. “If you ask me that one more time, Jess, I’ll pull over and leave you on the side of the road,” he snapped back, his eyes glued to the asphalt ahead. I bit back a retort, stealing a glance at him instead. He looked good—too good—like he’d stepped out of one of those brooding hero ads. The way the late afternoon sun slanted through the windshield, highlighting the sharp line of his jaw. I wished I could just blurt out what was really swirling in my head: ‘Stop being such an ass and tell me you feel this pull too, or at least turn on some music to drown out the silence.’ But nope. I just huffed dramatically and turned away, fixing my gaze on the rolling hills blurring past. The city had vanished in the rearview long ago, replaced by lazy suburban sprawl—farmhouses with wraparound porches, vast cattle ranches where cows grazed around. The fading sun painted everything in a flaming orange glow that screamed old-school Texas—peaceful, nostalgic, like we’d tumbled into a ’90s Western. It was almost soothing, if not for the tension coiling between us. “Can we roll down the windows?” I asked, still not looking at him, my voice softer now, laced with the fatigue. I half-expected him to ignore me or grumble about the wind messing up his hair, but he didn’t. The AC hummed to a stop, and he cracked the windows, even sliding open the sunroof. A rush of cool evening air flooded in, tangy with earth and wildflowers. I propped my chin on the door rest, letting my eyelids flutter shut as the breeze tangled my hair and soothed the itch under my skin. For a moment, it was perfect; just the whoosh of wind, the hum of tires on pavement, and a fleeting illusion of eternal peace. I didn’t mean to doze off. The view was too pretty to waste, but exhaustion from the day’s activities caught up to me. One minute I was tracing lazy cloud shapes; the next, everything faded to black. Aaron’s Pov “Jess, pull your head in, we’re hitting a bumpy stretch,” I said, keeping my eyes locked on the winding road ahead, the gravel already crunching under the tires. There was no response. Not a twitch, not even a sarcastic eye-roll from the passenger seat, and It pissed me off. Why was she so damn stubborn? Always pushing back, always testing the edges of my patience like it was a game only she knew the rules to. “Jess,” I growled, the word coming out sharper than I meant, infused with that frustration she somehow always dragged out of me. Still nothing. I blew out a frustrated breath, and eased off the gas, hitting the brakes until the car rolled to a dusty stop on the shoulder. The engine ticked softly in the sudden quiet as I twisted in my seat, ready to scold her—tell her she was impossible, infuriating, a walking headache. But then I saw her: Her head was lolled against the door, lips parted in the softest breath, lashes fanned out like dark wings on her cheeks. She was out cold, asleep against the door like the world had paused just for her nap. How the hell was that even possible? Head bobbing with every bump, wind whipping her hair into a frenzy, and she crashes out like it’s a damn hammock on a beach. Every damn day, Jessica Reid proved why she was wired different, unique in ways that snuck up and punched me in the gut. I’d thought I had her mapped after living with her under the same roof, but nope, she’d unlock another facet, like today, dozing off mid-ride as if defying physics was her superpower. I reached over, my hand wrapping gently around her soft arm, and tugged her back from the door. She stirred with a sleepy mumble, something incoherent about “cookies” or “monsters,” her head lolling to the side before settling against the headrest. She remained knocked out. Classic Jess: she could crash anywhere when exhaustion hit, even if it was the ninth circle of hell. She was stubborn in sleep, too. Cursing softly, I killed the engine and hopped out, the cooling evening air nipping at my skin, carrying the earthy smell of fields and pines. I circled to her side, popping the door open with a quiet creak. She didn’t budge, so I slid one arm under her knees, the other behind her back, and lifted her like she weighed nothing. God, she fit against me perfectly, her body molding to my chest as she nestled in with a contented sigh, mumbling nonsense again. Her scent wrapped around me, a soft mix of vanilla lotion and sun-warmed skin, and for a second, I just stood there, holding her in the fading light, the world narrowing to the steady rise and fall of her breath. Shaking off my thoughts, I juggled the back door open with my elbow, then eased her onto the wide leather seat, laying her down as gently as I could. The dress she’d fought so hard to downplay rode up in the shift, revealing those smooth, beautiful thighs—golden in the sunset glow, curves that begged to be traced. I should’ve looked away. Hell, I tried to—force my eyes back to the road, the dashboard, anything. But I couldn’t. She was a vision to behold, even unconscious. It’s been four years of this torture: overlooking the treasure sleeping mere feet from my bed, sharing breaths in the dark. I’d tried to tune it out, but failed miserably. Her scent lingering in the mornings, that faint vanilla trail pulling me from sleep. The little giggles turning into snorts when she got lost in one of her novels, curled up on the couch like a cat in a sunbeam. The way she cared without fanfare: slipping those water bottle into my gym bag, cooking meals that warmed more than my stomach, sneaking to the court bleachers to watch from the shadows, her face lighting up when I nailed a shot. I saw it all. Jessica had turned into my obsession, a subject I’d majored in secretly—like prepping for a final where acing it meant decoding her soul. Every detail about her is engraved in me: my soul, my brain, my blood, my damn marrow. From the freckles dusting her nose, the way her laugh crinkled her eyes, how her fingers twisted in her lap when she was nervous. Her soulful blue eyes, lighting up like summer skies whenever I brought home something small—a coffee from her favorite spot, a dog-eared book I pretended to “find” at the store. She was grateful for crumbs. I hear her muffled sobs some nights, probably stressing over “owing” me, cries she thought didn’t reach my ears. But I didn’t want repayment. Never had. And I couldn’t explain why, not even to myself. Sometimes I wonder if she knows how much I notice. When I caught Fiona riding my cousin that night, I swore I was done. No more love, no more emotional crap. Women were for the night, nothing deeper. But life? That bitch loved her jokes. The universe dropped the one girl I’d spent years teasing, tormenting, right back at my doorstep, wide-eyed and desperate for a roof over her head. Jess had never been ugly. Christ, she was the kind of beautiful that could eclipse any beauty standard, the sort that lodged in your chest and stayed, generation after generation: full lips begging kisses, eyes holding oceans, a body sculpted for worship. Too bad she buried it all under hoodies and baggy pants, armor against the world… and against assholes like me, who’d helped forge her insecurities. I can’t justify what I did back then. I was a punk kid, a full-blown jerk who got off on the power trip of making eyes water, thinking it made me tough. Jess was collateral, an easy target for my cruel entertainment. Sometimes, late at night, I’d replay it all: the teasing, the laughter, the way she looked hurt but tried to smile anyway. And I’d hate myself for it. If I could crank back the clock, and erase those scars I’d left, I would. I’d tell her then what I barely admit now: You’re stunning, Jess. That body of yours? It’s a masterpiece. Hips I’d kill to grip during a slow dance, thighs I’d bury my face in until you forgot your own name, an ass that haunts my dreams like the perfect pillow after a long day on the court. What I feel for Jess, I don’t know. It’s an infatuation, raw and unnamed—not love, not hate, just this magnetic pull that defies labels. I crave her presence like oxygen, the way she makes the house feel like home, and her existence that lit up the corners of my world I didn’t know were dark. I want to keep her smiling for real, make her feel safe and worthy, make her understand that she deserves the world. But I’m held back by my own fears of hurting her. I notice how her eyes go soft when she’s around me, that crush growing quiet but strong, a secret she protects fiercely. Maybe it’s even deeper than a crush now. And if I encourage it, build it up, only to let it crash? I’d break her heart completely. Her family doesn’t give a damn about her, and that’s a big reason I quit being mean to her years ago, once I saw how deep it cut through her already empty life. Jessica needs real love, the kind that floods in full, from someone whole, not cracked like me. Fiona’s betrayal still has hooks in me, old pieces I can’t shake loose. My heart’s a total mess—twisted up in ways I can’t even sort out or explain without sounding like a loser. But one thing’s crystal clear: I’d protect Jess with everything I’ve got, even my life. In eight months, she’ll wrap college, launch into whatever wild dream she’s chasing (journalism, probably—exposing truths like she unearths mine without trying). She’ll move from this apartment, from me, and good for her. Maybe she’ll find someone who looks at her the way she wish I could. Until then, we’ll keep up this little game; the fake dating, the teasing, the banter that makes everything feel less complicated than it is. Let fate roll the dice, I’m dying to see where it lands. I pressed a soft kiss to the back of her palm, her skin warm and soft against my lips, then eased it down to rest on her stomach. I got back behind the wheel, opened a bottle of water she’d thoughtfully packed for us, and took a long gulp before starting the engine again. I pulled back onto the road, the manor just thirty minutes out now. Whatever waited there—family interrogations, Fiona’s taunting smile… I’d face it. For her. For us, even if it was pretend. ---------------- There are limited chapters to put here, click “learn more” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)

At my sister's engagement banquet, my brother-in-law slid his hand under my dress. He said to me through the mate-link, "Baby, don't moan in front of your sister." He slid slowly inside me. Then my sister suddenly asked, "What's the matter? Why is you hand holding the fork trembling?" ......................................... 1 Evie's pov The bed was wet beneath me, soaked by the juices that flowed from between my thighs. A grunt, one so husky brushed against my ear as he moved in and out of me. "Don't tell Kimberly," Alpha Ryan groaned as he pushes his cock deeper until the tip brushed a tender spot. I shudder beneath him. Kimberly was his future Luna. She was also my sister. I looked up at him beneath my lashes. "Don't tell my sister you slipped inside the wrong one?" ____ * hours prior * "Everything must be perfect for my darling Kimberly," mom sighed as she pushes a white daisy flower into the glass flower vase. Her crystal green eyes lift to catch me staring and her lips curl back into a sneer. I rip my gaze away quickly, my heart pounding as I continue to peel the potatoes. "You better not embarrass us tonight Evie," she sneers under her breath. "You're already so useless, I don't want you tainting Kimberly's day." I lowered my head in shame, tears stinging my eyes as my throat burned. "I won't mom." "Don't call me that!" She snaps. "Call me beta Margaret! Don't call me mom! I refuse to be called such by the shame of the pack." Lucy, an old maid here, who was also helping me peel the potatoes for Kim's big day, reaches over and lightly squeezes my hand. It wasn't the first time mom was so harsh with me but her words always pierce me deeply and painfully. Tonight would be Kim's birthday, her eighteenth to be exact. It so happens that it would also be my birthday. Just that no one cared about it being my birthday too. I was used to it. Used to being the one who was the shame of the family. The one who never got her wolf. The one no one cares about. I was used to it. "I wonder if Alpha Ryan will claim her tonight," one of the helpers who was in the kitchen preparing food for Kim's birthday party tonight exclaimed with a sigh of awe. I lift my gaze to catch sight of mom's gleaming eyes when she replied in a sweet chirpy tone. "I bet he would! It's already written in stone that they'd be mated. He has to mate with the strongest female in the pack which happens to be Kimberly." Some of the helpers voiced out their agreements while some like me....stayed silent. Mom was right, it was already written in stone that Kim would be Alpha Ryan's mate. She was the strongest female in the pack and according to our leaders, alpha Ryan must mate with the strongest female in our pack. It wouldn't matter if she was truly his destined mate or not. He had to mate the strongest and that he was fixed to do. "My sweet Kimberly," she clapped her hands in happiness. "Makes us so proud every single day....." her eyes caught mine once more and her face morphed back into the sneer she had reserved for me. "Unlike wolfless Evie over here." I flinched, my head lowering until my sandy brown hair cloaks around my face as if protecting me from my mother's gaze. "Anyway, I'm going to bring these pretty flowers for Kimberly. After you're done here Evie, Kimberly's room needs to be cleaned," her tone was dry, lacking any emotion before she leaves with the pretty flowers. As her presence disappears from my own, I could finally let out a sigh and breathe. Tonight at midnight would also be my birthday but here I was preparing the food with the others for my twin sister's party tonight. "Are you okay deary?" Lucy's grey eyes scanned my face as the lines around her eyes wrinkle when she frowns. I nod, swallowing hard. "I've been told worse," I murmur softly. "It's not like I shouldn't be used to it by now." Lucy's frown deepens and she gives me a sympathetic pat on my shoulder. I hated those pity looks. I let out a breath and continued to peel the potatoes when I heard heels clicking closer. I had no wolf like the rest of them but I didn't need the enhanced senses to know that it was my sister coming over. So I was not surprised when I see bright red heels with a beautiful blonde wearing them. She had blue eyes like dad while I had green like mom's. She was also taller than me and her face was sharper unlike me who had chubby cheeks. We were not identical twins. "Evie," she plaster on a fake smile as she swipes her blonde hair behind her shoulder. I raised an eyebrow. "Kim?" "I need you to go get something at Hannah's for me. I need it before noon," her lips plastered on a smile but I saw right through her. "I forgot the necklace Alpha Ryan gave me last year for my birthday in her room." She walks into the room more, her presence intimidating. "So I need you to go fetch like the good dog you are," she snorted and my heart clenched painfully. I nod. "Will do." Lucy gently pries the potato and the peeler away from my hands. "I'll do it, don't worry," with a gentle smile Lucy continues to peel the potatoes while I wash my hands. "I'll ask dad if I can borrow the car to go. It's too much of a long walk and- I started but Kimberly cut me off with a sneer. "You stink Evie, dad won't let your sweat go on his seats. You better walk." I turn to look at her, my nails biting into my flesh as my tongue burned to say the words I really wanted to say to her. A smirk painted on her face. Hannah's house is like an hour walk from here. I wasn't like them who could shift into a wolf and get there in minutes. "But- "I need the necklace before noon," she spat, her eyes narrowing. "You better hurry up before I tell dad and mom that you're upsetting me. Don't want them knowing you're making me sad, right?" I bit my tongue and with a shaky sigh, I nod. "Fine." "Try to not be slow," with those final words she's gone. Lucy gives me a look that is a mix of pity and rage. I forced a smile. "I'll be fine," I said and grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. I'll need it if I have to walk all the way to Hannah's. It's not like anyone would offer me a ride. I slipped out of the house and breathed in the cool air. The chatter and clinking in the kitchen fading behind me as I start to walk away from the house. However, it is replaced by the sound of distant laughter as the pack members set up for Kim's party tonight. As I walk , a sudden sound of tires screeching fills the air. I stopped and watch in awe as a red Lamborghini pulls up the driveway. I know who that expensive shiny red car belongs to. The door to the Lamborghini opens smoothly and he steps out. Tall, about six feet three, black shaggy hair, dark mysterious eyes and red lips that were made for kissing. He was easily the most handsome guy I have ever seen. Alpha Ryan. For the first time today a real smile graces on my lips when our eyes clash. He tilted his head, a teasing smirk curling up his lip as he said huskily. "Hey munchkin," I beamed as I ran over to him. Alpha Ryan was not only going to be my sister's mate, but he had also been my best friend for years. 2 Evie's pov He laughs softly when I reach him, his arms wide so I can fall into them like usual. Once I do, he snuggles me in and I breathe in his scent of pine. His scent always relaxes me. "You still run like you're about to fall," he jokes as he ruffles my hair like he used to when we were kids. He's just two years older than me and Kim. "I do not," I whine but my voice gets muffled on his chest. We pull away and grin at each other. "Where are you heading to so early?" I hesitated a bit to tell him because I knew he'd be upset. "Hannah's. Kim forgot the necklace you gifted her last year there. She really needs it before noon." His smirk falters and the skin between his eyebrows line into a frown. " Why couldn't she go take it back herself or have Hannah bring it over? And are you," his eyes drop to my feet. "Walking?" He didn't sound the least bit pleased and when I nod, his expression darkened. " Get in the car Evie, I'll drive you there myself," he grumble. Uh oh. He used my name. Which means he's annoyed. My bottom lip rolled between my teeth as I start to chew on the flesh nervously. My parents and Kimberly hated that Ryan and I were close. They hated it even more when my wolf didn't show up. Which meant the alpha was hanging out with the weakling of the pack. That kind of thing is frowned upon. I was their embarrassment. They've said it themselves that they wished I wasn't born. They wished that I didn't share a womb with my oh so precious sister. That I didn't deserve to breathe the same air as perfect Kimberly. I was weak. In every aspect except for studies which I excelled in more than anyone in this pack. But what good did it do when Kimberly always switched our papers and ended up with the praises? I was useless to them all. But Ryan never looked at me differently. He never seemed to care that I was the weakling of the pack despite my parents being the betas. I looked behind me nervously. I could still see our house from here and Kim or any one of my parents could see me get into his car. They'd give me hell when I get back and he leaves. They never dared to treat me badly when he's around. Though he noticed something was off a few times when Kim bosses me around. They never physically hurt me in fear Ryan would see and know. Only verbally abuse me. Break me down until I feel little beneath their feet. "No, that's okay," I return my gaze back to his and forced a smile. "I can walk. Besides I'm sweaty from being in the kitchen for so long and I need the little walk to clear my head," His eyes flickered behind me, following where my glance had once been. His jaw flexed and his shoulders grow stiff. He was becoming more annoyed. "Get in the car Evie," his voice left no room for argument but I didn't want to cause any trouble for Kim tonight. I shook my head and side stepped him as I utter over my shoulder. "It's fine Ryan. I can walk- A squeal leaves my throat when I'm suddenly lifted up and placed over his broad shoulder. With my head on his back and my feet dangling, I gasp when his arm grasp my thigh to hold me steady. Heat flushes on my skin. The touch was supposed to be innocent but his fingers.....they were so close to my inner thighs and it didn't help that I wore a dress today. If he shifts his fingers just a little higher, they would brush against my clit. The thought had me clenching and my cheeks burn. Oh no. Ryan was off limits. He was always off limits. Not only was he going to be Kim's mate, but he would never be with someone so weak like me. "Ryan put me down!" I shriek low as I didn't want to draw in attention. "I will, in my seat," he grumbles and strides toward his car. In a few seconds I was seated. He leans over to buckle me and my breath hitches. His scent. The way his warmth brushes against me. My heart pounds and my cheek flushes. I hope he didn't pick up the scent of my arousal. I clenched my thighs together to hopefully stop myself from getting turned on even further. "Next time be a good girl and listen to me, Evie," he pulls away slightly to look at me and I hold my breath when our eyes clash. He doesn't look away and I can't either. "Because bad girls get punished." His voice is hoarse now, darker with something swimming in the tone. It causes my thighs to press together more as a tingling sensation throbs between my legs. 3 Evie's pov My breath catches when his words sink in. Bad girls get punished..... The sound of it sent a shiver down my spine, one that felt so good. His face is so close, his breath so warm brushing against my nose and lips. On their own my lips parted, as if searching for a breath, searching for...words. His scent is richer when he's this close to me, so strong that I can somehow taste it in my lungs. Pine. And something stronger. Wilder. A hum starts in my stomach, light and fluttery. Ryan's eyes flicker down to my lips and though his eyes were already dark, something shadowed across them to make the mysterious color darken even further. The look that crosses his gaze made me shudder. Perhaps I was imagining it. Perhaps I saw wrong. Perhaps there was nothing to see at all. But I could swear I saw that look of hunger and desire flash in his gaze. While they trapped me in a trance I can't help but think that he was about to kiss me. I could swear he was inching forward. Little by little. Breath by breath. He's so close. But then his eyes flickered away from my lips to glare at the seat belt over my shoulder. He exhales a breath sharply and pulls back. "You make it very hard to keep my word, Evie," he grumble under his breath before pulling away completely and closing the door. I stayed silent, my brows drawn into a furrow of confusion as I follow his movements. Once he entered the car, he buckled but kept his gaze forward as if afraid to look at me. What did he mean by that? I made it hard for him to keep his word? What word was he referring to? "What do you mean by what you just said?" I question softly. It wasn't really the best idea to question an alpha but Ryan was my best friend and one of the few that cared about me. I don't think he'd mind. He shook his head and starts the car. "Buckle up," he grunted even though he had already made sure that I am. My brows furrowed even more. " before I forget why I shouldn't- He stops himself and shakes his head again as if trying to talk himself into not doing something. The silence between us grows heavy as we drive off. The wind outside sings softly but all I can hear is the beating of my heart in my ear. I steal a glance at him then, catching the way his jaw flexed, hard. What catches my attention the most is how even though his gaze is ahead, his fingers gripped the steering wheel tightly until his knuckles were white. He was troubled. But by what? Was it me? Did I do something wrong? The silence stretched on until we almost got to Hannah's but then he breaks it. "Stop staring at me like that." His words made my eyes widen in surprise and I quickly looked away, only now realizing that I've been staring at him the entire way. "I- staring at you like how?" I flushed, almost blabbering. "Like you want me to do what we both know we want," his voice is a husky soft tone, one that made a shiver rush down my spine. As we pull up into Hannah's driveway, Ryan, turns to me. I can't help it, I am drawn to his stare. For a few humming seconds we just stay there staring at each other. His jaw clenched. "Go get that necklace before I change my mind," his gaze darken and my eyes widen. I opened my mouth to speak but he shook his head. "Don't ask any more questions munchkin, trust me you don't want the answer to them." I nod slowly, half turned to him as I unbuckled myself. Something tells me that I should heed his warning and not ask him any further questions. "I'll be right back." I tell him as I open the door and step into the crisp air. I walk towards Hannah's house, each step feeling dreadful the closer I got there. Hannah was Kimberly's best friend and she equally hated my guts. I lift my hand to knock on the door but it swings open before I could. Hannah stands there with a mocking grin on her freckled face. "Hey Evie, was expecting you since Kim mind linked me that you'd be coming and all." I know this was her way of trying to mock me for not having a wolf. She and Kim always seem to target that soft spot. She tilted her head and her eyes casted where Ryan was waiting for me. "I see alpha Ryan is still doing charity," she snorts low and opens the door further. "You'll have to come up to my room to help me look for it. I can't seem to find it," she said, her eyes twinkling oddly. I hesitated. The back of my neck prickled as I watch Hannah's grin widen. It was way too wide to be innocent and it never reached her eyes. "I can wait here while you look for it," I stated. Hannah snorted. "Don't tell me you're scared of my house Evie," Not scared of the house just scared of you. I had a feeling she had something up her sleeves but I knew if I didn't go in she'd tell Kim and Kim would give me hell at home. So with a sigh I stepped into her house and forced my feet to move. With a victory grin Hannah spin on her heels and I followed her up the stairs. Upstairs, Hannah's room is exactly how I remembered it. Pink walls, stuff teddies on her bed messily and too many pictures of her and Kim smiling widely. My heart clenched every time I see them because she got the side of Kim I could only wish for. "Check over there," she pointed aimlessly by her bed. I nod and went to look over there. After a few minutes of searching and finding nothing, Hannah suddenly exclaimed in a fake chirpy tone. "I found it!" I straightened myself and then turn to her. The necklace glistens brightly in her hand. She's smiling but it doesn't quite reach her eyes. And when she stretches her hand out to give it to me I understood why. Because as soon as I grab the necklace, Hannah tugs on it harshly and the pretty necklace snaps. Hannah fake gasps, her eyes widening. "Oh Evie! What did you do!" 4 Evie's pov The sound of the necklace snapping sounded way too loud in the quiet room. My eyes widen in horror as the delicate chain falls between us on the floor with a faint clink. "I-what? You pulled it- "Don't you dare blame this on me you wolf-less bitch!" She sneered under her breath harshly and steps closer until the stench of her sweet perfume assaults my nose. "Kim is going to have a fit when she finds out you broke her necklace that Ryan her future mate," she stresses on future mate, her expression turning from fake pity to something dark. "Gifted her." "But I- "Oh save it Evie. No one will believe you, not even Ryan who you follow around like puppy," she snorts and turns around, flipping her copper colored hair over her shoulder. "I bet he can't wait to get rid of you when he finally mates your sister. I know he's tired of having a charity case follow him around like a lost puppy," she giggles and walks over to the window where she can see see Ryan seated in his car, waiting for me. "Poor Ryan, has to babysit a leech," she fakes a sigh and whips around, her eyes glazing over with hatred. "It must be exhausting for him to pretend to care about someone so worthless." Her words hit me like a physical blow right on my chest, hard and painful. My throat tightens yet I don't look away because that's what girls like Hannah and Kim want to see. They want to see me break. And I refuse to break in front of them or anyone. This was the only way I could show that I am not weak as they claim I am. I bend down slowly, my fingers grabbing the broken chain off the floor. "You don't know anything Hannah. Not about me or about Ryan," I mumble and straighten. "Oh?" She arched a brow in mockery as her lips twist into a cruel smirk. "I think I know enough actually Evie," she takes a step forward and I clutch the broken chain tighter. "I know that you don't belong here. You don't belong to be one of us. No wolf. No strength. Just weak. No future. Just...." Her lips twisted into a cruel smirk even more. "Nothing." My chest aches. "I wonder how long alpha will put up with you after he finds out you broke his precious mate's necklace," she snorts and rolls her eyes. "You better get going then," she shoos me away. "Don't want to have your future Luna waiting." There was no point in going back and forth with her. She'd just have more bad stuff to say to me. Biting the inside of my cheek, I turn around and walked away, keeping my back straight as though her words didn't affect me even though deep down they did. Each step I took felt like her words were weighing me down, dragging me to the bottom. By the time I reach the door my eyes were misty. I stopped, swallowed and forced the tears back. I didn't need Ryan to be worried about me. I took a couple breaths before I stepped outside. I welcomed the air, pulling it into my lungs. Ryan is still in the car, one hand resting in the steering wheel while his gaze roams forward. But then as if sensing me, he turns and our eyes clash like they always do. His brows furrowed. Uh oh. Did he notice I was upset? I faked a smile, which gets harder to do when I don't feel happy at all. It also sucks that Ryan knew me like the back of his hand and I was sure he knew that smile was fake. "Was about to head in there to see what's taking so long," he uttered when I am drawing closer. "Sorry about that," I apologized as I opened the car door and settle inside. "Hannah couldn't find the necklace." Ryan doesn't look convinced and studies my face. "Did she do or tell you anything?" His jaw locks and I nervously buckled myself in. I shook my head. "Nope. Don't worry about it." "Evie," he stressed. "If she made you upset in any way you can tell me. I'll deal with her." My heart slams against my ribcage. Oh Ryan that's what I am scared of and don't want. I don't need Hannah or Kim to tell me I'm making Ryan fight my battles. I don't want to be the damsel in distress. "You shouldn't worry about me so much Ryan. Especially after tonight when you claim my sister," I said softly but judging by the uncomfortable silence that zaps in the air after my words, I knew I had upset him. His knuckles are pale white as he clenches the steering wheel brutally. His jaw clenched once, then twice before his eyes flashed red. His wolf. I stiffen. My words may have upset him even more than I realized they would. "What does that mean Evie?" His tone is hoarse and filled with frustration. I looked away, my eyes staring at Hannah's house only to see her staring at us through the window of her room. Her words came crawling back. She was right. After tonight I would be nothing. Especially to Ryan. Things would change. "Just saying the truth Ryan," I whispered and tore my eyes away from Hannah. "Things will change after tonight. You'll be happily mated to my sister and I'll just be....nobody to you and everyone." A growl, dangerous and low rumbles in the confines of the car. "Don't say shit like that Evie, you know you mean a lot to me," he growled His words make my chest ache even more. Not because I didn't believe him but because I do. I really do. But it aches more now because I know that soon these words will no longer be said to me but her. Kim. His mate. His Luna. To avoid turning this into an argument I just nod and Ryan lets it go thankfully. The drive back home was awfully quiet and uncomfortable. Not a word was said and honestly it was for the better. Once we pulled up, Kim was already outside with a bright smile on her stained red lips. "Ryan baby!" She squeaked and I winced. She rushes over, her heels clicking rapidly against the driveway. My hand tighten around the broken chain in my hold and turned my expression neutral. Her arms were around him before he could get out properly and I fumble with the seatbelt. Her perfume flooded the air around him, sweet with a tang of rotten honey. I looked away and got out the car. "That's so sweet of you to drive Evie all the way to Hannah's. I told her dad would give her the car but she insisted that she'd walk," she chirped. I didn't have to look to know she was pressed against him, her perfectly manicured fingers brushing over his chest like she was already marking her territory. The thought made my heart ache. "Evie did you get it?" I looked up to catch her gaze. She looked at me in triumphed, her eyes gleaming as though she had just won the lottery. Ryan peels away from her, his expression blank and unreadable. "I did," I said and opened my palm to show her the broken necklace. It was better to show her now than later. She faked shock, her lips parting as she gasped dramatically. "My necklace! Evie you broke it!" I swallowed and shook my head. "It wasn't me, Hanna- "It was a gift from Ryan, Evie," her eyes filled with tears that I knew were all part of her act. "How could you- "She said it wasn't her," Ryan cuts in, his jaw flexing as his eyes flashed with irritation. "If you liked it so much I'll buy another. No need to blame it on Evie." My heart skips a beat. He was always so protective of me. How long more can he be? The thought saddened me. The tears in Kim's eyes seem to freeze all of sudden, her face morphing into one of irritation. "You always let her get away with everything. Does she matter more than your own mate's tears Ryan?" My heart stops and my throat tightens. Why would she ask such a- "Yes. She does." Ryan's voice is firm and unshaking as his dark eyes cats over to stare at me. 5 Evie's pov The world seems to stop and for a heartbeat, I couldn't seem to remember how to breathe. Kim's face twists in disbelief, her eyes shadowing with anger and hurt. Her hand, which had been clutching Ryan's arm, drop to her side like she had been scorched. My stomach flips. "How how could you say that- Kim started, her tone icy but Ryan cuts in. "Kimberly we are not mates yet and in fact we don't know if we are. We aren't even together," She gasped, flinching back like every word that came out of his mouth was a physical blow to her chest. "I am only mating to you because it is my duty Kimberly," I winced. Ouch. Even I felt bad for Kimberly. "Evie and I have been best friends for years. Of course she matters to me most," he raised an eyebrow as if daring her to spite him. But she doesn't, only flares her nostrils and with a humph, pries the broken necklace from my hold and stomps back inside the house without another word. For a second both Ryan and I didn't move. My heart was still racing, not just from what he said but how he said it. "Ryan..." I drawled. Kimberly is going to kill me when he leaves. He's never been so harsh with her. Sure he gets irritated by her but he could always control his frustration. However today it seem Ryan was done pretending to be polite. He glances at me, his eyes softer now. " I couldn't let her talk to you like that." I fiddled with the ends of my dress as I flush under the blazing sun. "You," I looked away and licked my lower lip. "You didn't have to defend me Ryan. Kimberly is going to be your ma- He snorted and turn to me fully, his eyes string into mine deeply. "You don't get it do you, Evie?" I stayed silent, confused. He sighs and locks his eyes with mine and then they drop to my mouth. I hold my breath. "You really have no idea Evie what you really mean to me." I sucked in a sharp breath and watch his eyes soften so tenderly. "I should go now. I am afraid of what I might do if I stay any longer." My brows furrowed. "But- Ryan shakes his head as if trying to get out of a trance. "I'm needed back home. Tonight is a full moon after all," his eyes leave my lips to stare back into my eyes. "Can't wait to see you all dolled up munchkin." Heat crawls up my neck and settles in my cheeks. Ryan had gifted me a pretty coral pink dress I would wear tonight. I had it steamed and ready in my room. I try to force out a small laugh but it comes out shaky. "You probably won't even notice me," I joked. But he didn't laugh and his jaw tightened. The laughter dies out on my tongue. "Out of everyone in the room, I will always notice you first. You always stand out to me Evie," My heart stuttered in my chest and my throat runs dry. His words....did he know what they do to me? Before I could find my voice, Ryan exhaled lowly and rubbed the back of his neck. "You should head inside, get some rest before tonight," I nodded faintly. "Yea," He started to turn away to enter his car but pauses. "Evie?" "Hm?" I acknowledge him as the flush still burned on my cheeks. "Can't wait to see you in that dress," with a crooked smirk he enters the car and I watch him drive off after a few seconds. Now alone, I stiffen as the air changes. Ryan wasn't here to protect me anymore and I was very certain a certain dragon was waiting for me inside. With a sigh, I turn around and head for the house. Once I got in, I walked upstairs and walk toward my room as I plan to look for my cleaning clothes. Mom did say I would have to clean. But as I open my door, what welcomed me made me freeze in my place. There on my bed, is now my torn dress Ryan gifted me clutched viciously by my sister who had an evil smirk on her face. "Only thought I'd return the favor sister," she snarls low and throws the dress to the floor like it disgusted her. "Don't worry I have a pretty dress for you to wear since you don't own anything pretty," she smirks and reveals a dirty cream dress that she had hidden behind her. My heart dropped. My once pretty dress was now ruined. "Kimberly- She stands up and I stop as she strides over, a sneer on her face. "If you don't wear it tonight I will make sure when I turn Luna, you will be banished from the pack." I stuttered as my breath hitches. "Ryan would never let you- "I'd be Ryan's mate by then you dumb bitch. Do you think he'd not listen to me? I'd be Luna. His equal," she tilts her head and the smirk widen. " You think him, the entire pack will go against me....their Luna?" I froze. She was right. Even though Ryan made it clear that he'd defend me, he could not do it forever. Not when he got his mate and Luna. Especially when the Luna happens to be my sister. I cast my gaze down. "I can't wait for when I'm Luna," she snorts, her heels clicking louder as she draws near. Then she grips my chin between her fingers and pinched, hard. "I'll make your life a living hell." I swallowed and she dropped her hold on my chin and with disgusted look on her face, she brushed her fingers down my clothes like she had touched something yuck. "I got you something that suits you, don't you think?" She sneered and looked at the dirty dress she gave me. "Filthy just like you." With those final words Kimberly leaves me all alone in my room. As the door shuts behind her I ran to my torn dress and hug it to my chest. I hated her. I hated this family. - The party was already in full swing when I was finally done with cleaning the house and helping the cooks prepare some meals. The laughter, the cheers......drifted through the open windows. Ryan wasn't here yet. If he was I'd know. Just like he said he'd spot me in any room....I'd spot him too. Just a few minutes until midnight..... My eighteenth. I still had my cleaning clothes on which was some jean shorts and a huge oversized shirt. It was now dirty and wet from all the chores I had to do today. I stood by the window in my room that overlooked the backyard. I watch them from the shadow of my room, hidden behind the lace curtain as the moonlight bathe the area in silvery light. Everyone look so happy, laughing, drinking....celebrating...her. Kimberly looked radiant as she glowed under the fairy lights. She looked so perfect. So proud. So powerful. Like a Luna. My chest ached. It should've been my night too but here I was covered in flour, soap stains and smelling like dishwater instead of my vanilla perfume. My throat tightened as my eyes caught sight of him finally. Ryan...among the crowd. He looked handsome, his hair slicked back, his dark mysterious eyes looking around for someone or something. My heart sped up. In a few minutes Kimberly would turn eighteen which made it the age for him to finally claim her as his. It wouldn't matter if they were mates or not, it was written in stone that they had to lead together. Tonight is my eighteenth too....which meant there was a possibility that I would find my mate. But could wolf less werewolf like me even have the possibility of a mate? As the countdown began, my heart sped with every number. "Five!" They shout happily as Kimberly stood in the middle like she was some kind of queen. I guess she was. Well she would be. "Three!" Ryan's jaw clenched as his gaze swept among every head. What was he looking for? "Two!" And then as if feeling my eyes on him, he lifts his gaze finally. Our eyes clash and I gasp, stumbling back a little when I felt it. No. It cannot be.... "One!" And then I heard it, a loud growl. He felt it too. He knew it too. We were....mates.