ARIA’s POV

My body was on fire. My lips were swollen, throbbing from the brutality of his kiss. Every place he'd touched—my waist, my ass, my throat—burned like he'd branded me with his hands. The towel hung loose around me, barely covering anything, and I could still feel the ghost of his grip on my skin.

What is wrong with me?

I pressed my hands against my flushed cheeks, trying to calm down. But the ache between my legs only grew stronger, pulsing in time with my racing heartbeat. This wasn't normal. I'd never felt anything like this before—this desperate, clawing need that made me want to chase after him and beg him to finish what he'd started.

Reed had kissed me like he owned me, like he couldn't help himself. Then he'd looked at me with such disgust, called me a whore, told me I didn't belong here. The contradiction should have cooled my desire. Instead, it made me burn hotter.

No. Stop it.

I couldn't let this happen. I'd just gotten here. This was all wrong.

He was still standing there, breathing hard, his eyes raking over my barely-covered body one more time. That look—hungry and hateful all at once—sent another wave of heat through me. When he took a step forward again, his mouth claiming mine with that desperate hunger, something inside me snapped.

I shoved him hard and my hand flew across his face.

The slap echoed in the quiet room.

Reed's head jerked to the side, but when he looked back at me, there was no apology in his eyes. Only dark amusement and something else—something that looked almost like satisfaction.

Pathetic," he said, his voice cold. He reached up to touch his reddening cheek, his lips curving into a cruel smile. "Can't even commit to what you want.

Then he walked out, slamming the door behind him.

I stood there, trembling, my towel barely clinging to my body. The ache inside me hadn't gone away. If anything, it was worse now—a deep, insistent throb that made my knees weak.

Why am I still so aroused?

Heat waves rolled through me, making my thighs clench together. My pussy was slick, swollen, practically weeping with need. This felt like the heat I'd read about—the overwhelming, animalistic need that female wolves experienced. But that was impossible.

I don't have a wolf. I'm useless, remember?

My hands shook as I locked the door. I couldn't think straight. The throbbing between my legs demanded attention, and I hated myself for it. Hated that he'd reduced me to this—desperate and aching for someone who despised me.

I'd done this before, late at night when loneliness crept in. But this was different. This was desperate, urgent, almost painful. Like my body would combust if I didn't find release.

I collapsed onto the bed, the towel falling away completely. My hand slid down my stomach, fingers trembling as they found the small vibrator I'd hidden in my suitcase—the one thing I'd been too embarrassed to unpack in front of Mom.

Just this once. Just to make it stop.

The cool air on my bare skin made my nipples peak into hard, sensitive points. I touched one, rolling it between my fingers, and gasped at how tender it was. Everything felt more intense, more raw.

I brought the vibrator between my legs and the first touch against my clit made me arch off the bed.

Oh, fuck.

The pleasure was instant, electric, a bright shock that made my toes curl and my thighs tremble. I bit my lip hard, trying to stay quiet. The walls here were probably thick, but what if someone heard? What if he heard?

The thought sent a shameful thrill straight to my core, made me wetter. I imagined Reed standing outside my door, listening to every gasp, every whimper. Knowing exactly what I was doing. Knowing it was because of him.

I pressed the vibrator harder, circling my swollen clit with a frantic rhythm. My other hand cupped my breast, pinching my nipple roughly—the way I imagined he would. Not gentle. Never gentle.

Reed's face filled my mind. Those dark, cruel eyes. The way he'd gripped my throat, not squeezing but owning. The bruising hold on my ass, fingers digging in like he wanted to leave marks. His voice, rough and hateful: "You want this. Want me."

Yes. God, yes.

I slid the vibrator lower, teasing my entrance. I was so wet it slipped inside easily, and I moaned into my pillow at the stretch. It wasn't enough. Not nearly enough. I wanted something bigger, thicker. I wanted him, splitting me open, making me take every brutal inch while he called me pathetic and worthless and—

My hips bucked frantically, fucking myself with the toy while my thumb worked my clit. The dual sensation was overwhelming. My free hand clawed at the sheets, then moved back to my breast, pinching and twisting my nipple until it bordered on pain.

You look like a whore," his voice echoed in my memory.

The degradation shouldn't turn me on. It shouldn't make my pussy clench around the vibrator, shouldn't make more wetness flood between my thighs. But it did. God help me, it did.

I imagined him watching me right now. Standing at the foot of my bed with that cruel smirk, arms crossed, eyes dark with lust he refused to act on. Watching me fall apart, desperate for him. Maybe he'd finally snap, crawl over me, shove my hands away and replace the toy with his cock—

The orgasm hit me like a lightning strike.

I bit down hard on the pillow to muffle my cry as my whole body convulsed. Wave after wave of pleasure crashed through me, my pussy clamping down on the vibrator, my clit pulsing under my fingers. It was intense, overwhelming, white-hot.

But when it faded, the ache was still there. Dulled, but not gone.

I lay there panting, sweaty and trembling, staring at the ceiling. The vibrator slipped out of me, slick with my arousal. I felt empty. Hollow. Used up.

What have I become?

The shame crashed over me then, heavy and suffocating. I'd just masturbated thinking about someone who hated me. Someone who'd called me pathetic and told me I didn't belong. And not only had I gotten off on it—I'd gotten off on the cruelty itself.

I curled onto my side, pulling the sheets over my naked body. My skin still burned. Between my legs, that persistent ache hummed quietly, waiting.

This wasn't over. Whatever was happening to my body, one orgasm hadn't fixed it. If anything, it had made the hunger worse—shown me a glimpse of satisfaction only to snatch it away.

Morning came too soon. I'd barely slept, my body still humming with that strange, persistent need. Every time I'd drifted off, feverish dreams woke me—hands on my skin, lips on my throat, bodies pressing me into the mattress. I'd woken three times slick with sweat and arousal, my hand between my legs before I was fully conscious.

I got dressed carefully—jeans and an oversized hoodie that hid everything. Maybe if I made myself invisible, they'd leave me alone.

The smell of breakfast drew me downstairs. Voices drifted from the dining room, and I hesitated at the doorway.

All four Steel brothers sat at the table with Marcus and Mom. The moment I appeared, their heads turned.

Cole's eyes narrowed. Jasper smirked. Reed stared at me with an expression I couldn't read. Kai's dark gaze followed my every movement.

Aria, come sit down," Mom called cheerfully.

I can't do this.

The weight of their hostile stares pinned me in place. My chest tightened, making it hard to breathe.

I'm not hungry," I mumbled, backing away. "I'll just grab something later.

I practically ran outside, my heart pounding, desperate to escape their stares. The cool morning air hit my flushed face, but it did nothing to calm the heat still simmering under my skin.

Need a ride?

Aria’s POV

I spun around. Kai Steel stood beside a sleek black motorcycle, helmet in hand. He was the fourth brother—quieter than the others, with dark hair that fell over his eyes and an intense, brooding presence that made my pulse quicken for reasons I didn't want to examine.

Unlike his brothers at breakfast, he wasn't glaring at me with open hostility. His expression was... neutral. Almost sympathetic.

Maybe he's different. Maybe not all of them hate me.

I—" My voice came out shaky. "I don't want to be a problem.

You'll miss first period if you wait for the bus." He held out a spare helmet. "Come on. I don't bite.

Relief flooded through me so intensely my knees felt weak. "Thank you. Really, thank you so much."

I took the helmet with trembling hands and put it on, fumbling with the strap. Kai watched me struggle for a moment before reaching over to help, his fingers brushing my jaw as he secured it.

That touch—barely anything—sent a jolt of electricity through me. My breath caught. His scent hit me then: leather and something darker, smoky and masculine. Different from Reed's but just as intoxicating.

No. Not again. Not with another one.

But my body didn't listen. Heat pooled low in my belly, that same ache from last night flaring back to life. My nipples tightened against my bra, and I was grateful for the thick hoodie hiding my body's betrayal.

Kai's eyes met mine for just a second—dark, unreadable—before he turned and straddled the motorcycle.

Get on," he said simply.

I moved toward the bike, my heart hammering. This close to him, his scent was overwhelming. I could feel the heat radiating off his body even through his leather jacket. When I climbed on behind him, settling onto the seat, every nerve ending came alive with awareness.

Where do I put my hands?

Hold on," Kai said, his voice rougher than before.

I hesitantly placed my hands on his waist, and even through the leather, I could feel the solid muscle beneath. My thighs pressed against his, and that persistent ache between my legs intensified into something almost painful.

This is so wrong. He's my stepbrother. They all are.

But my body didn't care about that. It only cared about the proximity, the warmth, the solid male presence that made every cell in me scream for more.

Kai revved the engine—and suddenly jerked the motorcycle forward.

I wasn't ready. My hands slipped from his waist and I fell backward, landing hard on the driveway. Pain exploded through my tailbone and up my spine. The helmet cracked against the pavement.

What—" I gasped, breathless from the impact.

Kai looked back at me over his shoulder, and the sympathy was gone. In its place was cold amusement—the same cruel expression his brothers wore.

Did you really think I was being nice?" He killed the engine for a moment, just so I could hear him clearly. "You're pathetic. Desperate enough to climb on behind any guy who shows you a scrap of attention.

Tears stung my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. "You offered—"

I know what I did." He started the engine again, that mocking smile still on his lips. "Consider it a lesson, step-sister. We're not your friends. We're not your family. And we're sure as hell not going to help you.

He peeled out, leaving me sitting on the cold ground, my body aching in all the wrong ways—bruised from the fall, but still burning with that shameful arousal from being so close to him.

Why do they hate me so much? And why does my body still want them even after this?

I limped to the bus stop, my pride as bruised as my tailbone, my hoodie doing nothing to hide the tears that finally spilled down my cheeks.

Aria! Oh my God, there you are!

Maya grabbed my arm the moment I walked through the school doors. Her excitement was infectious, even though I felt like crawling into a hole.

Maya, not now—

Yes, now! This is important!" She pulled me aside, her eyes sparkling. "I heard something about Zane Parker.

My heart skipped. "What about him?"

He likes bold girls. Like, really bold girls who aren't afraid to tell him what they want." Maya waggled her eyebrows. "Apparently, he's into girls who can match his… energy. You know what I mean?

Heat rushed to my face. "Maya!"

I'm serious! This is your chance, Aria. You've been crushing on him forever. Just go talk to him!

I thought about the ache that still pulsed inside me, the need that hadn't gone away even after last night. Maybe Maya was right. Maybe someone like Zane could help me.

Maybe he could make this feeling go away.

Okay," I heard myself say. "I'll do it.

By lunch, I'd psyched myself up a hundred times and chickened out ninety-nine. But Maya kept pushing me forward until I stood in front of Zane's usual table.

He sat surrounded by his hockey team and half the cheerleading squad. Everyone looked up as I approached.

Don't think. Just do it.

Zane," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He glanced up, those gorgeous eyes finding mine. "Yeah?"

My mouth went dry. People were staring. I could feel dozens of eyes on me.

Bold. He likes bold.

I need to talk to you," I managed.

So talk." He leaned back in his chair, looking amused.

My heart hammered so hard I thought everyone could hear it. The words tumbled out before I could stop them.

I want to have sex with you.

The cafeteria went silent.

Zane's eyebrows shot up. "What?"

Oh God. Oh God, what did I just say?

But I'd started, and I couldn't stop now. "I'm so wet and I need someone like you to be with me. You're experienced and I thought maybe—"

Zane started laughing. Not a small chuckle, but a full, loud laugh that echoed through the cafeteria.

Wait, let me get this straight," he said, loud enough for everyone to hear. "You—Aria whatever-your-name-is—want to have sex with me because your pussy is wet?

Laughter erupted around us. My face burned.

I don't do Omegas, sweetheart," he continued, his voice dripping with mockery. "Especially inexperienced ones who probably don't even know what they're asking for. You're bold, I'll give you that. But bold and desperate aren't the same thing.

She really said that?" someone whispered behind me.

Can you believe her?

So pathetic.

The laughter grew louder. Phones came out, recording my humiliation.

Thanks for the entertainment though," Zane called after me as I turned to run. "That was the best laugh I've had all week!

I ran through the cafeteria, past the pointing fingers and cruel smiles, out into the hallway. Maya's voice called after me, but I didn't stop.

What have I done?

I'd never felt so small, so stupid, so utterly worthless.

ARIA’s POV

I sat in the corner of the empty hallway, my knees pulled to my chest. The laughter still echoed in my ears. Zane's mocking voice. The phones recording everything. The way everyone had looked at me like I was a joke.

How could I have been so stupid?

And Reed had been there. Sitting two tables away with his brothers, watching the whole thing. By now, they all knew. They probably thought I was even more pathetic than before.

Well, well, well. Look what we have here.

I looked up to see Bianca Sterling towering over me, her perfect blonde hair cascading over her shoulders. Her friends flanked her like vultures.

Before I could move, she grabbed my hair and yanked me to my feet. Pain shot through my scalp.

You disgusting bitch!" she snarled. "You actually thought you could have my man?

Let go of me!" I tried to pry her fingers away, but her grip was iron.

Zane is mine, you freak! How dare you even think about sleeping with him?

I didn't sleep with him!" The words burst out. "Not yet anyway.

Did I really just say that?

Bianca's eyes flashed with rage. "Not yet? You think you'll ever get the chance?"

She shoved me against the lockers. My back hit metal with a painful thud.

Let me tell you something, Omega," she hissed, her face inches from mine. "I already slept with Zane. Last weekend, actually. And he was incredible. Best night of my life.

Each word was designed to hurt, and it worked. Jealousy and humiliation burned through me.

He knows exactly what to do with his hands, his mouth, his—" She smiled cruelly. "But you'll never know, will you? Because you're not worthy. You're not experienced. You're just a pathetic freak who plays with herself in her room.

My blood ran cold. "What did you just say?"

Oh, did you think I forgot?" Bianca laughed. "I found your little diary last year, remember? All those dirty thoughts you write down. All those toys you use because no one wants to touch you.

No. No, no, no.

Stay away from Zane Parker," she warned, her voice dropping low. "Or I'll make sure the whole school knows your disgusting secret. Imagine everyone knowing what a desperate little slut you really are.

She pushed me to the ground. I landed hard on my knees as she walked away, her laughter echoing down the hall.

But as I stood up, brushing off my jeans, something changed inside me. Instead of feeling defeated, I felt angry.

I'll show her. I'll show all of them.

I would sleep with Zane Parker. I would make him want me so badly he'd beg for more. And then I'd walk away, leaving him just as humiliated as he'd left me.

I managed to avoid everyone when I got home. The Steel villa was big enough that I could slip upstairs unnoticed. Or so I thought.

In my room, I locked the door and collapsed on the bed. My mind raced with plans. How could I make Zane notice me? How could I make him crave me?

Maybe if I learned more about sex. Maybe if I practiced...

I reached under my bed for the small box I'd hidden there. My cheeks burned as I pulled out the toys I'd collected over the past year—the vibrator, the dildo I'd been too nervous to actually use.

I lay back on the bed, my heart pounding. Maybe if I understood my own body better, I could—

The door opened.

What the—" I scrambled up, clutching a pillow to hide what I'd been holding. "The door was locked!

Reed stood in the doorway, holding a master key. His dark eyes swept over the scene—me on the bed, the toys scattered around me, my flushed face.

Get out!" I shouted, mortification washing over me.

He stepped inside and shut the door behind him. "I came to check on something in here. Didn't expect to find... this."

Just leave, please!" I begged, trying to shove everything back in the box.

But Reed walked closer, his gaze intense. "I was at lunch today. Saw your little confession to Zane."

I wanted to disappear. "Don't—"

Do you really want to sleep with him?" Reed asked bluntly.

The question hung in the air. I couldn't meet his eyes.

That's none of your business," I whispered.

You're doing it all wrong, you know." He gestured at the toys. "If you're trying to learn about sex, this isn't going to help you seduce anyone.

My face burned hotter. "I know what I'm doing."

Do you?" He moved closer, standing at the edge of my bed. "Because from what I saw today, you know nothing about seduction. Nothing about what actually makes a man want you.

Stop it," I breathed, but my body was already responding to his proximity. That same heat from last night was building again.

It's more exciting than you think," Reed said, his voice dropping lower. "Real sex. Real pleasure. Nothing like what you're doing to yourself alone in this room.

He leaned over me, his hands bracing on either side of my body. I fell back against the pillows, trapped.

What are you doing?" I whispered.

Giving you an option." His lips brushed my ear. "I could teach you. Give you a proper sex education. That way, when you go after Zane, you'll actually know what you're doing.

Why would you—

His mouth cut off my question, claiming mine in a kiss that made my whole body ignite. His hand slid up my thigh, fingers tracing patterns that made me gasp.

Don't refuse," he murmured against my lips. "I can teach you everything. How to touch, how to move, how to make a man lose his mind wanting you.

His hands roamed over my curves, exploring every dip and swell. I knew I should push him away, but my body arched into his touch instead.

This is crazy," I panted.

Is it?" His thumb brushed over my nipple through my shirt, and I moaned. "Or is it exactly what you need?

I should say no. This is wrong. He's my stepbrother. He hates me.

But when his hand slipped under my shirt, touching bare skin, all my protests died.

We could make a deal," Reed whispered, his fingers trailing lower. "I teach you everything. You get Zane Parker. Everyone wins.

I... I..." I couldn't think straight with his hands on me like this.

Say yes, Aria." His mouth found my neck, sucking gently. "Let me show you what real pleasure feels like.

My mouth opened to answer, but then I heard it—the door opening again.

I turned my head and froze.

Cole and Jasper stood in the doorway, their eyes dark with the same hunger I saw in Reed's.

Looks like we're just in time," Cole said, closing the door behind them.

What—" I tried to sit up, but Reed held me down.

Relax," Jasper purred, moving to the other side of the bed. "You wanted to learn about sex, didn't you? Consider this... an advanced lesson.

My heart hammered wildly as all four brothers surrounded me, their hands reaching out, their eyes promising things I didn't understand but desperately craved.

What have I gotten myself into?