BLAIR'S POV

"Another glass, please."

I slammed the glass cup on the bar top, sniffling as tears dropped to my clothes. The bartender gave me a pitiful look before pouring me another shot of vodka. 

I shouldn't be crying in a bar but it was the only place I could drown my sorrows.

I couldn't go back to my room, not yet. It would be too suffocating and I didn't want to be that girl. The one who curled up in bed and cried while the ones who betrayed me carried on like nothing happened. 

I caught them. They were the ones who should be miserable. Not me. 

The alcohol burned its way down as I gulped it, but it wasn't enough. It didn't drown out the betrayal, didn't erase the image of Jaxon and Harper together, with his body pressed against hers as he thrust into her.

I could still see them and hear their moans. Maybe if I kept drinking, it would finally stop. 

I slammed my empty glass down on the counter and signaled the bartender. "Another." 

He hesitated, giving me that look, the one that said 'maybe you've had enough.' 

But I hadn't. 

Not even close.

"Please," I said again and the bartender just sighed before pouring another drink. 

"You should take it easy, miss." He said, then turned away.

I wiped my tears quickly, not wanting anyone else to see them, then grabbed the glass and downed it in one gulp.

I tried to focus on the slow music playing but I couldn't get my mind off the image of them fucking.

Four years!

I loved Jaxon for four years, thinking he was the perfect mate. But he betrayed me and not with just anyone but with my best friend!

Harper and I had grown up together. I could still remember how we met, how we became close and how we stayed friends for so many years.

But now... this. How could she lie to me for eight months? Had she always liked Jaxon? Was she jealous of me?

I just couldn't wrap my head around why she would hurt me this badly.

My phone started to ring, buzzing against the sticky bar counter. I didn't even need to check the screen to know who it was. Jaxon. 

It was the twelfth time he was calling. 

I scoffed, grabbing my drink and finishing what was left. I didn't want to talk to him. There was nothing to talk about.

After some minutes, my phone started to ring again. I picked it up to turn it off, only to see the name.

Mum.

I sighed.

There was no way I could answer the call. She was probably calling to remind me of our schedule and to ask me to come with Jaxon tomorrow.

How would I tell her that Jaxon and I had broken up? That our family was no longer connected to the Alpha of the pack? And her daughter has denied her father's greatest wish?

How?

Taking another sip, I ignored my phone and fixed my eyes on all the bottles staring at me and slowly nodded.

"You're going to get drums," my wolf warned. "It'll weaken you."

I ignored her because that was the point. 

Tonight, I was done being the naive, good girl. 

If Jaxon thought I was a prude, I was going to prove him wrong. I was going to lose my virginity tonight-to a complete stranger, to someone hot, someone who'd make me forget we were ever mates.

I raised my empty glass for the umpteenth time. "Another one, please." 

Before the bartender could respond, a deep voice came from behind me. "Rough night?" 

I scoffed, already assuming it was another guy trying to hit on me. I had lost count of how many had tried tonight. They were all drunk desperate men looking for a one-night stand.

But none of them were good enough for me to lose my virginity.

I turned, fully prepared to tell whoever it was to go away, but then froze when I saw him, unable to say even a word.

The guy standing in front of me wasn't just hot. He was breathtaking. 

My wolf stirred and growled.

His pair of beautiful blue eyes were staring back at me, making my heart race.

He had the perfect jawline, his dark hair was messy and his shoulders... they were broad, making him effortlessly confident.

He was a Lycan and I could tell from his features and aura. His eyes zeroed on me and goosebumps masked my skin. 

I swallowed hard, suddenly aware of how dry my throat felt. "Yeah," I murmured. "Bad night." 

He casually slid onto the stool beside me. "That makes two of us," he said and ordered a shot.

I let out a soft chuckle, my voice sounding different and a little funny.

Shit. I was already drunk. 

He tilted his head slightly as he continued to stare at me. "What happened?" 

I grabbed my drink and took a long sip before answering. "I got cheated on," I answered, trying not to sound bitter. "With my best friend." 

He exhaled sharply. "That's rough." 

I shrugged, trying to play it cool. "What about you?" 

He hesitated, like he wasn't sure if he wanted to tell me. But then he sighed, rubbing his jaw. "My dad's making me move in with my step-sister. Apparently, it's my job to babysit her so we had a big fight about it." 

His tone was filled with irritation, and I found myself smiling.

"Sounds like you're really about to have fun." I leaned in slightly, my pulse kicking up. "Don't worry, I totally get you."

His lips curled up in a smirk as he picked up his drink, taking it in one go. "Oh, trust me. You don't." 

I didn't know whether it was the alcohol, the heartbreak, or the fact that this guy was dangerously hot in the best way possible but suddenly, I didn't want to think. 

I just wanted to feel. 

And I was pretty sure this stranger could make me forget everything. 

Shaking my head and pushing away the thought, I let out a heavy sigh, looking down at my own glass. "Still better than being called a prude." 

His gaze sharpened. "He called you a prude?" 

I nodded, a bitter laugh escaping me. "Yeah. That's why I'm here. To get drunk and-" I hesitated for half a second before deciding I didn't care anymore. "-lose my virginity." 

His brows lifted slightly, but he didn't look surprised. Just... curious. 

"Do you think it'll be worth it?" he asked.

I lifted one shoulder in a shrug. "As long as it's with a hot guy." Then I pointed right at him. "Someone like you." 

His expression didn't change, but I noticed the way his eyes slowly raked over me, assessing, perhaps considering. 

Then he leaned in, his face just inches from mine. I quickly became aware of his sharp masculine scent and I bit down on my lips to stop myself from reacting.

"I don't fuck virgins," he murmured. 

I didn't pull away. Instead, I leaned closer, resting a hand on the sharp line of his jaw. His skin was warm and his eyes darkened from the touch.

"Not even a heartbroken virgin?" I whispered. 

His answer came without hesitation. "No." 

My heart pounded. The rejection should have stung, but instead, my lips parted, and before I could stop myself, I blurted out, "Kiss me." 

He instantly narrowed his eyes at me, his gaze quickly shifting to my lips. 

Goddess. Why did I say that? 

I tried to backtrack, but my mouth was moving faster than my brain at this point. "Just... kiss-" 

His lips crashed against mine before I could finish. 

It felt like I was suddenly swept off my feet.

He kissed me slowly and gently, and it felt nothing like what I used to have with Jaxon. It sent shivers through my nerves, shivers that made my whole body tremble. He tasted like Brandy with a hint of sweetness and I pulled him closer, needing more of him.

But then, he pulled away, leaving me breathless and dizzy. 

He slowly searched for my face and I flushed, my chest rising and falling. "Is that enough to make you feel better?" he asked in a low, teasing voice.

I ran my fingers through my hair, exhaled and shook my head.

For years, I thought something was wrong with me. I never felt anything when Jaxon kissed me. No spark, no excitement. 

But this guy? He had ignited something inside me.

Something dangerous. 

I didn't care if it was the alcohol but I wanted more. "Not enough." I whispered.

Immediately I responded, he growled and cupped my face, his fingers sliding into my hair. Then he kissed me again. 

And this time, I kissed him back with all the desire inside me.

BLAIR'S POV

I stirred awake, squinting my eyes at the sun rays coming through the window. A yawn escaped my lips as my body stretched against the bed.

Wait!

This bed felt different.

My eyes snapped open, and I bolted upright, the bedsheet slipping down my bare shoulders. I looked down, and my eyes widened when I saw that I was naked!

I sucked in a sharp breath and pulled the covers up to my chest, my gaze darting around the unfamiliar room.

And soon, I spotted my clothes scattered on the floor.

Oh, my goddess, I thought, panicking.

How did I get here? What did I do?

My heart pounded as bits of memories flashed through my mind.

I remembered the bar. The drinks. That guy, the one with piercing blue eyes and a gorgeous smile.

I remembered kissing him. I remembered wanting him. But the rest? I couldn't remember the details. I couldn't remember how I even got here.

Shit!

Did I really do it? Did I actually have sex with a complete stranger?

Embarrassment flooded me, and I closed my eyes, wishing this was a dream. When I opened them, I was still in the same room, and I threw my head back, cursing the shots I had taken.

So, I lost my virginity to him, and I didn't even know his name?

And now, he was gone without a trace.

I had been so desperate to prove something to Jaxon, and that made me throw away something I once thought was special. And for what?

To prove that I was not a prude?

I felt ridiculous just thinking about it. Why did I have to get so drunk?

Before I could answer the question, a small paper at the bedside caught my eyes.

I stared at it for a while before reaching for it with shaky fingers.

"You're no longer a prude. – K"

That was all that was written on it.

I stared at the note, not sure what to think. So, he had left this and his name started with K.

I flushed.

What if he was a student? What if I ran into him again?

Would I even recognize him?

I pushed my tangled hair back, exhaling shakily as I grabbed my phone from the nightstand. My screen lit up, and I saw that it was 9:30 AM.

Goddess!

I needed to get out of here.

I hurriedly got out of the bed, my heart pounding as I scrambled to gather my clothes. My hands shook as I put on my jeans, barely able to focus on buttoning them up.

"This can't be happening," I muttered.

I had completely forgotten that I was supposed to meet my mom, her mate, who was going to be my stepdad, and new stepbrother today.

The meeting was by 10 AM, but here I was in the campus inn.

I needed to get home. Fast.

Without a second thought, I rushed out of the inn. The bartender from last night was still there and I felt so embarrassed as I ran out.

By the time I made it back to my apartment building, I was breathless.

I barely spared myself a glance in the mirror before jumping into the shower, scrubbing my skin hard as if I could wash away the bad decisions of the past twelve hours.

Fifteen minutes later, I was dressed in fresh clothes, my hair pulled into a messy ponytail. 

And in another five minutes, I was already in a taxi, speeding toward home.

As I leaned back against the seat, I exhaled heavily.

I thought about my new family, especially my stepbrother. This was actually the first time I was thinking about him or what he could be like because my whole life had been consumed by Jaxon until yesterday.

I had no idea what to expect from my stepbrother. I didn't even know his name or what he looked like.

My mom had met his father two months ago during one of her medical outreach programs. He was a Lycan King, and apparently, fate had worked its magic-he imprinted on her instantly.

According to mom, it had all been so sudden, but I didn't necessarily hate the idea of her being with someone again.

My dad died ten years ago, and ever since, it had just been the two of us. So, if this man made her happy, then fine. I was happy for them.

But I assumed she would eventually move into his pack. That would have made sense. What didn't make sense was his son suddenly moving in with us.

Why?

I sighed, staring out the window as I wondered what kind of person my stepbrother was. Was he a stuck-up, entitled Lycan prince? Or worse-someone like Jaxon?

I barely had time to think about it before the taxi pulled up to the house.

I stepped out, adjusting my bag over my shoulder, and walked inside.

"Hi, Mom," I greeted, spotting her in the living room.

She looked up with a warm smile. "Blair." She pulled me into a tight hug.

"Sorry I'm late," I murmured. "I had... a few things to do."

"That's fine, sweetheart," she assured me. "We haven't been waiting long."

I turned to my stepdad, who stood beside her, watching me with a calm expression.

"Hi, Robert." I gave him a polite hug.

"Good to see you, Blair." His voice was deep but kind.

Then my mom turned toward the staircase.

"Kade! Come downstairs. Blair's here."

"Give me a minute," a masculine voice shouted back.

I paused.

That voice was familiar.

I knew that voice somehow.

My heart started to pound as heavy footsteps descended the staircase.

Slowly, and with a coil in my stomach, I turned to meet my step-brother.

And there he was.

Standing at the top of the stairs, staring down at me with those familiar blue eyes, was the last person I ever expected to see again.

K!

The guy from last night.

BLAIR'S POV

It felt like the sitting room was suddenly shrinking and then it began to spin. The furniture, the TV and even my mother blurred into nothing as I stared at him.

That face.

No. No. No.

This could not be happening.

I tried to swallow but it felt harder than anything. I couldn't even breathe properly and I was sure everyone could hear my heart beating so loudly.

Why was it him?

I pinched myself, desperate to wake up from my dream. I must still be sleeping because this could not be my reality.

The pain I felt in my hand after I pinched myself made me realize that this was real. I was here, with my mother and the boy I lost my virginity to.

Last night, he had kissed me, and we had sex. And now, he was standing there, about to be introduced as my new step-brother.

My lips opened to talk but no sounds came out. I looked like a fool, my mouth opening and closing out of shock.

Immediately, I looked away, biting down on the insides of my lips. There was no way this was happening to me.

Oh, my Goddess, I thought, taking a step back.

What have I done?

What kind of chaos have I brought into my life?

"Kade, this is Blair, my daughter." My mom's voice cut through my thoughts. She smiled, completely oblivious to the horror I was feeling inside. "Blair, this is Kade, Robert's son."

I couldn't breathe and her introduction was making everything worse. I had slept with my stepbrother! I lost my virginity to him. It was better to die than for me to keep standing here.

Kade took a step forward and I slowly looked up at him, his expression unreadable as he extended a hand toward me.

"It's nice to meet you, Blair."

Nice to meet me? Was he kidding?

My fingers twitched as I hesitantly placed my hand in his, and the second our skin touched, the memories I couldn't recall came flashing back.

I suddenly remembered his hands on my body last night. I remembered his lips on mine and the way he made me feel things I'd never felt before.

I gasped, withdrawing my hand instantly like he had burned me with a hot iron.

I barely registered myself mumbling a response. I wasn't even sure if words had actually left my mouth because my ears were ringing too loudly.

Meanwhile, Kade looked completely unaffected. Calm. Like he didn't even recognize me.

Like we hadn't just slept together.

What the hell was going on?

My head snapped toward my mom as she smiled. "We have something to share with you both."

Oh Goddess. Let it be that he was not moving in with us anymore. Let it be that I didn't have to see him again.

"Robert and I decided that I should officially move to his pack," she announced. "I know it's sudden, but it's best for us."

My stomach dropped and goosebumps immediately masked my skin. She was moving? Would they leave with him?

I could only blink, and when I finally found my voice, I decided to ask.

"When are you leaving?" I asked, my voice coming out smaller than I intended.

"Tomorrow."

Tomorrow?! My heart skipped.

She said it so casually, like she wasn't about to pack up and possibly leave me alone with the stepbrother I'd just unknowingly slept with.

"You and Kade will join us during breaks," she added.

That didn't make me feel any better.

Robert nodded in agreement. "I'm sure the arrangement is not so inconvenient, is it?"

I forced myself to shake my head, but inside, I was screaming.

I was fucked.

As if the situation couldn't get worse, my mom turned to me with an almost pleading look. "Blair, honey, I was thinking... maybe you and Kade could be roommates for a while. He's still having issues with accommodations, and it might take some time to get it sorted."

My mouth fell open.

Roommates? With Kade? The same guy I was just naked with last night?

Before I could speak, Kade shifted beside me, clearing his throat. "Actually, I can stay here. I have a car, and this place isn't so far from school."

Yes. Perfect. Do that, I thought. Stay away from me. I couldn't possibly be roommates with him.

But his father waved a dismissive hand. "No. Staying with Blair is better. She can help you adjust." He said.

No, please.

Kade's jaw ticked. "I can adjust just fine on my own. I don't need to move in with her."

"It's not up for debate," Robert snapped and the room fell silent. It was obvious they had talked about him moving in with me and that was why he was in a bad mood last night.

Oh, he had even told me about it.

I was the step-sister he was supposed to babysit.

How couldn't I have pieced together the details? 

How could I have not suspected?

"Blair, just accommodate him for at least a month until we get everything settled." Robert said, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I stared at him, wondering what to say. Could I say no? What would be my reason? 

My mother would be unhappy and it would look like I didn't want them together.

But then, there was Kade. This was a hard decision to make.

One month.

That's all it would take.

But could I do it?

Could I really live with my stepbrother, the guy I'd slept with, the guy I found so utterly irresistible?