Mindy

"Baby, I've been missing you," Derek said, wrapping me in a big bear hug.

Ugh, I hated this cocky jerk. He was the son of the Dusk pack's Alpha, next in line himself, but I knew he was only after me to get to my brother. Whatever. No one ever won my heart-it belonged to Duncan, my big brother and secret mate.

"But I didn't miss you," I teased with a smirk, kissing his cheek.

He pouted like a kid. "You always make me feel bad."

God, so dramatic. Not a real man at all. But he'd do for tonight's party before I dumped him.

"You're coming with me," I said, faking a smile. "Party at my house. You're invited."

We walked arm-in-arm off campus like a perfect couple. "We?" he asked, eyes narrowing in surprise. I laughed.

"Yeah, it's Duncan's business party. He won't mind. You wanted to meet him, right?"

His face lit up, and he bounced with excitement. Of course-he'd begged for weeks. Duncan was Alpha of the Silver Warriors pack, the youngest, richest, most powerful businessman at thirty-one. His face was on billboards, Forbes, everywhere. Every pack respected him.

To me, he was everything. Our parents died when I was twelve; he raised me, handled school, training, all of it. He taught me to fight, held me through my first shift at eighteen. That's when I knew: my mate bond was with him. My nose scented only him, my heart raced near him.

It crushed me. My love went beyond family-strong, unbreakable. But I hid it, terrified. I dated a new guy weekly, acting like a wild party girl who hooked up. Truth? I was a virgin. No one touched me.

"Derek!" I snapped, snapping out of it as I climbed into my red Porsche.

"Yes, darling?" He leaned on the door.

"Don't be late. Wear a tux. I want Duncan to like you." I winked and sped off. He'd show; my plans always worked.

For Duncan's big parties, I arrived in a sexy dress with a fake boyfriend. He'd rage and kick the guy out. Our new "palace" house was perfect for his empire events, but tonight felt off. That's why I went all out-booked the whole salon.

I wanted Duncan's blue eyes on me, seeing me as a woman, a hot she-wolf, not his little sister. I was twenty-one now, guys everywhere drooled, but he just got possessive and angry. Was it brotherly, or more? I craved his touch as a lover, his claim as mate. Every woman near him was a threat-they wanted his power, not him like I did.

I loved him completely.

At the salon, it was nearly five; party at ten. "Good afternoon, sweetheart," Jack greeted, my gay best friend and secret-keeper.

"Hey, baby," I said, kissing his cheeks, sounding low.

He frowned. "What's wrong?"

I pulled him to his office. "Duncan's throwing this huge party out of nowhere. Told me to be early. He usually keeps me away."

Jack thought, rubbing his chin. "Weird. We'll crash it like always. Invited your boyfriend?"

"Yeah, Derek-Dusk pack heir. Duncan'll hate him. But I'm nervous."

"Forget it," Jack said. "I'll go with you."

My face lit up. "Yes!"

He grinned. "Show me your dress."

"White sleeveless mini, low-cut, shows half my boobs, barely covers my thighs."

"Perfect. Let's make you a goddess."

Jack was an omega but the best stylist-bold, creative. Tonight, I'd make Duncan see me as his woman. If the mate bond hit him too... great. Or I'd hurt again. But I was done hiding.

In the mirror, I squealed. "Wow, Jack! I look amazing. Love you!"

He whistled. "Like a princess. Duncan's eyes won't leave you."

"You think?" I pouted. "He never sees me that way-just chases other girls. I want him to want me as a she-wolf."

He hugged me. "Alphas struggle with that. Maybe he's fighting the bond too, hiding his feelings."

It hurt, but made sense. Werewolf history had sibling mates-even kings. Modern pack rules sucked, but I trusted the Moon Goddess. If she paired us, why hide? I'd never quit; I was too in love, too stubborn. He was my addiction, my everything. Losing him would break me.

His jealousy gave hope-the anger at my dates, the stares, the protection. More than brotherly? Or wishful thinking?

"Snap out!" Jack said. "Time to dress."

In the white mini and heels, legs endless, I spun. "What do you think?"

He whistled. "You'll slay. Hope Derek looks half as good."

I rolled my eyes. "He's hot, but no Duncan."

His eyes widened. "Falling for him? Ditch the plan?"

"No," I said, hand on heart. "Duncan forever."

"Then tonight he sees it." He called Derek: "Don't be late. Tux. No excuses."

I stared in the mirror. This wasn't a party-it was war for my mate. I wouldn't give up.

I called Derek. "Where are you?"

"On my way to your house. Meet and drive you?"

"No. Wait outside the gate. No entering without me. Surprise for Duncan."

"Okay, sweetie. Love you."

I rolled my eyes-clingy weirdo. Liked my meanness, even. Total opposite of Duncan, who'd snap back sharp but never hurt me. When you love someone, you forgive all.

I wanted to flip his party, make him jealous and furious seeing me with Derek. Hilarious-and a bit scary what he'd do.

Bad feeling something big loomed. *Please, Goddess, stay with me.*

I hung up without goodbye.

Jack eyed me. "Go alone tonight. Gut feeling-you need to handle this solo with Derek."

I stepped out, hands on his shoulders. "Why? I need you. Nervous."

"Trust me. You're a knockout; every Alpha there will lose it."

I trusted his instincts. "Okay. Luck?"

He shoved me playfully. "Win with some tequila."

I drove off, heart pounding-nervous, excited, terrified.

We lived together, but I missed him daily. He was busy, but called ten times a day, checking in. Even away, he slept home, saying, "Guards everywhere-I can't let harm touch my heart." He called me his heart, loved me more than anything.

But he didn't know my depth.

I screeched to the gate. No Derek. Called-he was across the street. I waved him to follow.

Deep breath.

Tonight was everything.

I was ready.

Mindy

I rolled down my window and leaned out toward the guard at the gate. "Open the gates right now," I ordered in a sharp voice. "And the car right behind me is with me. Let him through-no questions."

The guard bent down to peek at Derek's car, then looked back at me with a nervous expression. He leaned in closer and spoke in a low, shaky whisper. "Miss Mindy... Alpha Duncan gave very strict instructions. No strangers are allowed into this party without a personal invitation from him. He was really clear about it."

Of course he was. My brother had the build and aura of a complete monster-tall, muscular, powerful, the perfect mix of sexy Alpha and ruthless businessman. Everyone feared him. That was honestly the nicest way anyone ever described Duncan.

But to me? He was my whole world. He never made me feel small or worthless. He never left me crying alone in my room. He always tried his hardest to make me feel safe, loved, and protected-no matter what.

I tilted my head and stared the guard down. "He's my invited guest. Duncan will know exactly who he is."

The guard swallowed hard, looking even more uncomfortable. "Miss Mindy, please forgive me, but... could you maybe call Alpha Duncan first? Just let him tell me himself? You know how strict he gets about security. He made it very clear-"

My patience snapped. "I said he's my guest. Can't you hear me?" I raised my voice, almost yelling. "If you don't open these gates right now and let him in, I swear I'll make sure my brother kicks you out of the pack-and out of the whole damn country while he's at it."

I knew I was worse than Duncan sometimes. Way worse. If I asked Duncan not to punish someone, he'd listen to me. He'd back off. But if I told him to get rid of someone-even if they hadn't done anything wrong-he'd do it in a heartbeat. No hesitation. No second thoughts.

Yes, I broke rules constantly. And Duncan always let me get away with it. Always gave me what I wanted.

Right now, all I wanted was one thing: Duncan. All to myself. Forever.

The guard nodded fast, bowing his head. "Yes, of course, Miss Mindy. Just... please don't let Alpha Duncan use me as a punching bag. I'm only doing my job."

I laughed a little and nodded to reassure him. "He won't. Thank you."

I waved Derek forward. He followed me through the now-open gates. We parked side by side in the huge driveway. Inside, the place was packed with luxury cars and limos-rows and rows of them. Ministers from different packs, Alphas, the richest businessmen in the country. Typical Duncan party crowd.

Derek stepped out and stared up at the house with his mouth open. "Wow! What can I even say? This place is massive. Unreal."

I slammed my car door shut and smirked at him. "Yeah, thanks for noticing." He didn't say a single word about my dress, my hair, my makeup-nothing. Not one compliment. All he cared about was getting inside and meeting my brother.

Everyone was the same. Every single guy I dated, every person who got close to me-they all wanted Duncan. They wanted his power. His connections. His fame. His money. His influence. Duncan was too big, too important. He'd turned our pack into something close to paradise. And every man who ever showed interest in me only wanted to use me as a stepping stone to reach him. I hated it more than anything in the world.

All I wanted was Duncan. Just him. All mine.

I'd asked him a million times if he planned to get mated soon. He always gave the same answer: he was living for me. Only me. No one else.

But I worried. Deep down, I knew he couldn't stay single forever. Alphas needed Lunas. Needed heirs to carry on the line. One day he'd have to choose someone. And when that day came... I didn't know if I could survive it.

"Stop staring at the house like you've never seen one before," I snapped, linking my arm through Derek's. I was pouting, huffing, annoyed.

"It's not a house," he said, still gawking. "This is a full-on palace! I'm so jealous you live like this."

I sighed dramatically. "Jealous of me being rich? Please. You're just as loaded as I am."

"No, I mean jealous of this insane place... and having such a powerful, rich brother!" He pulled me closer to his chest and gave me an awkward smile.

I narrowed my eyes at him. "What's wrong with you? Do you have a crush on my brother Duncan or something? Are you gay and trying to get to him through me?"

He burst out laughing so hard he almost tripped. "Of course not! I'm not like that. I just want to meet him, get to know him, maybe do some business with him after college. You know my dad's an Alpha and a businessman, but I want my own path. I don't want to ride on his name forever."

I didn't believe a single word. Not even a little.

So tonight would be his last night pretending to be my boyfriend. I'd get rid of him for good after this. I hated people who used me-especially anyone who tried to use me to get close to Duncan.

"Shut up and stop wasting time," I said with a fake, overly sweet smile. "Let's go inside and introduce you to my brother."

I walked into the party with confidence, swaying my hips side to side, letting the short white dress do its job. Derek didn't seem bothered at all by how rude I'd been. He just kept smiling like I'd said something cute.

The pool area lights flared on as we stepped in. Music pumped. Laughter filled the air. Guests everywhere-Alphas, ministers, businessmen, beautiful she-wolves in expensive gowns.

Then my heart dropped straight into my stomach.

Duncan was standing near the center, holding hands with a stunning she-wolf. Right in front of everyone.

She was gorgeous-perfect hair, perfect body, perfect smile. Everything I wasn't.

And it wasn't just her. The whole place was packed with powerful people. Alphas from other packs. High-ranking officials. Everyone who mattered.

Okay... what the actual fuck is going on here?

My plan-my whole stupid, jealous plan-was already falling apart.

I forced a smile anyway. Gripped Derek's arm tighter.

But inside? I was panicking.

This wasn't going to be funny anymore.

This was war.

And I had no idea if I was ready to fight it.

Alpha Duncan

I called Mindy as soon as her last class let out. She answered on the second ring.

"Hey, little wolf. You finished for the day?"

"Yeah," she said, sounding a little out of breath. "Just got to the parking lot. What's up?"

"I need you home early tonight. No hanging out, no coffee runs. Shower, get dressed nice-something pretty but not too revealing. I'm hosting a big party here. Very important people. Business deals on the table."

There was a pause. Then her voice came softer. "The kind of party I'm never allowed to come to?"

"Exactly that kind," I said, keeping my tone even. "You can stay upstairs, watch a movie, whatever. But you're not coming down."

She let out a small laugh that didn't reach her eyes-I could hear it. "You're so predictable, Duncan. Is it really because you think I'll say something stupid? Or because one of your rich friends might look at me the wrong way?"

I gripped the phone tighter. "It's because I said so. Be home by six. Ready by seven. That's all."

"Fine," she muttered. "But one of these days you're going to have to tell me the real reason you treat me like I'm still a kid who needs babysitting."

I didn't answer. Just ended the call before she could hear the way my breath caught.

She's never known. And I've spent more than half my life convincing myself I didn't know either.

Our parents died when she was twelve. Car accident. One phone call and suddenly I was twenty-one, fresh out of college, guardian to a heartbroken little girl, and suddenly in charge of companies I barely understood. I inherited the businesses, the money, the responsibilities. I dressed her every morning, helped her pick out clothes, sat with her while she cried herself to sleep. I braided her hair before school, checked her homework, taught her how to tie her shoes properly even though she already knew. I watched her grow-every awkward stage, every inch she gained, every curve that appeared. I told myself it was just brotherly love. Protective. Normal.

We weren't poor. Middle-class comfort turned into serious wealth fast because I worked like a machine. Expanded the companies. Took risks. Built an empire. Billions now sit in accounts I barely look at. People call me powerful. Ruthless. Successful.

But no boardroom win, no seven-figure deal, no admiring crowd ever loosened the hold she has on me.

Things changed when she turned fourteen... fifteen... sixteen. Her scent shifted first-sweet, addictive. Then her body followed. Soft hips, full chest, long legs. She started wearing my old hoodies around the house and nothing else sometimes, and I had to leave the room before I did something unforgivable. I told myself it was hormones. Puberty. Temporary.

It wasn't temporary.

By the time she was seventeen I was already drowning. Every smile she gave me felt like sunlight and poison at the same time. I started dating-random beautiful women, she-wolves who wanted my title, my money, my bed. None of them lasted more than a few weeks. I couldn't even get hard for them half the time because all I could think about was her laugh echoing from the kitchen.

Then came her eighteenth birthday.

The full moon.

Her first shift.

I stood outside the private clearing we'd set up behind the estate, heart hammering so hard I thought it would crack ribs. When she emerged-silver-gray fur, eyes the same deep hazel as mine but brighter, wilder-my wolf roared inside me.

*Mate.*

The word slammed into my skull like truth I'd always known but refused to name.

I shifted back fast, pulled on clothes, and walked away before she could see my face. That night I locked myself in my office and drank until the room spun. I told myself it was a mistake. A glitch. Biology playing a cruel joke.

But the bond only grew stronger.

Every day since then has been war.

I catch her scent on the stairs and my body reacts instantly-hard, aching, shameful. I've had to excuse myself from rooms because just watching her stretch in the morning sun made me want to pin her to the nearest wall. I hate myself for it. I lock it down. Every. Single. Day.

One evening a few months ago she came home smelling like another man. Cheap cologne and beer. I was waiting in the foyer.

"You're late," I said.

"Study group ran long." She kicked off her shoes. "Why do you care?"

"You reek of him."

She froze, then turned slowly. "It's called having friends, Duncan. You remember what those are?"

"Don't play games with me."

"I'm not the one playing games." She stepped closer. Too close. "You growl every time a guy even looks at me. Your bodyguards follow me like I'm in witness protection. You won't let me go to your parties. You won't let me date. You won't let me breathe. Just admit it-you're jealous."

My jaw clenched so hard I tasted blood. "Go upstairs."

"No." Her chin lifted. "Say it. Say you don't want anyone else touching me."

The air between us crackled. I could feel the bond pulling, hot and insistent.

"I said go upstairs, Mindy."

Her eyes glistened. "You're such a coward."

She turned and ran up the stairs. I stood there shaking, fists clenched, fighting every instinct screaming at me to chase her, catch her, claim her.

I started looking for a way out.

I needed to break the bond. Or at least bury it so deep it couldn't hurt her anymore.

That's when I chose Emma.

I told Mindy over breakfast three weeks ago. She was eating cereal, hair messy from sleep, wearing one of my old college shirts that barely covered her thighs.

"I'm getting mated," I said, like I was discussing the weather.

Her spoon stopped mid-air. Milk dripped onto the table.

"To who?"

"Emma Sinclair."

She blinked. "The one from the steel company? Royal bloodline?"

"Yeah."

Silence stretched so long I thought she'd stopped breathing.

Then, quietly: "You're really doing this?"

"I have responsibilities, Mindy. To the pack. To the businesses. To the future."

Her voice cracked. "And what about us?"

I forced myself to look at her. "There is no 'us' like that. You're my sister."

Tears welled but didn't fall. "You feel it. I know you do. The pull. The dreams. The way your wolf goes crazy when I'm near. I'm not imagining it."

My throat burned. "You're wrong."

"I'm not." She stood up slowly. "But if you want to lie to yourself and mate someone else... go ahead. Just don't expect me to smile and clap for you."

She walked out of the kitchen.

I didn't stop her.

That night I stood outside her bedroom door for almost an hour. I heard every sob, every shaky breath. Each one carved something out of me.

I thought I was strong enough to win this. To choose duty over desire. To protect her from me.

I was wrong.

The mate bond isn't a feeling you can outrun. It's gravity. It's the tide. It's the moon calling the wolf.

You can fight the wave for a while.

But eventually...

It crashes.

And either you ride it-or it pulls you under forever.