I was not sure why, but I was eager to get back to school on this final day of vacation. I had felt stronger and relieved since meeting that guy, and I had completely forgotten about Mason.

I gathered my things as soon as I got out of the taxi and made my way to my mom's modest home, which was located on one of the busiest streets in Riverdale pack.

My eyebrows furrowed as I witnessed my mother kiss a man before he drove off in his elegant Camry.

Since I was feeling better, I decided to express my happiness for my mom's decision to get married.

She was about to walk in but stopped as soon as she sighted me.

"I guess I arrived late," I muttered with a smile as I took slow steps towards my mom.

Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she pondered why I was treating her so nicely, but I held her cheeks and spoke to her tenderly.

"I'm sorry for getting mad at you the other time. I guess I was only thinking about myself."

She held my cheek softly and pulled me closer to give me a hug.

"I agree with your decision mom. I'm willing to have a step dad. I'm not used to it but I'll do my best to adjust. If that's what makes you happy then I will do it."

"Thanks Isabel," My mom muttered as she squeezed me and fondled me lovingly in her hug. It brought memories of how close we were during my childhood times. I was ready to mend our broken relationship and I believe with our new step dad, we'll have a lovely and complete family.

"I heard he has a son," I said as I released myself from the hug, my face etched with concern and curiosity.

"Yes dear,"

"You'll have a step sibling. He's probably the same age as you or even older. I hope you two will get along well." My mom revealed as she cupped my cheeks lovingly.

"Oh! Wow. I can't wait to see him. We'll be attending the same school right?"

"I don't know for now. I guess so though."

"But when will you guys be getting married?"

"In two months time dear. Your step dad has plans of renovating our house. After then, he'll move in here with his son,"

"I'm aware that you've previously seen your step dad. He's only visiting tomorrow so you may meet and perhaps get to know his son."

"Cool, can't wait to see them," I said lastly before dragging my bags with me, taking quick steps to my room.

***

'Ding dong!' When the doorbell rang, my mother and I both turned to look. We had already started preparing breakfast for our two visitors.

"I'll go get it. Go change into something else," My mom suggested as she turned to face me.

I was in denim shorts that showed off my extremely attractive thighs and a red crop top that exposed my arms. I loved wearing it at home, but I had to change into something proper and covert because we were hosting guests, or perhaps new family members who happened to be men.

I spent a considerable amount of time in my room, looking for the perfect clothes to wear.

Finally, I wore a vibrant pink top with long blue trousers. I then undid the bow in my hair and allowed it to fall freely behind my nape.

Observing myself in the mirror, I grinned. I looked quite lovely.

At last, I hurriedly exited the room, eager to meet my new family. Curiosity shot through me and I couldn't help but blush in excitement.

My mother's soft giggles could be heard as I descended the stairs to the sitting room.

It's been a long time since she smiled or laughed like that. I remembered my dad and how perfect the family was before he died. My dad was a famous warrior to the Alpha king but he died during a battle.

Ever since then, life has become miserable for me and my mom. My late dad's relatives who never liked my mom decided to take all of my dad's properties from her.

Our dad's status, which had made us famous, disappeared with him when he died, and since then we were labeled as omegas.

"Isabel," My mom called gently, wondering why I was taking so long to appear.

"Coming," I replied as I raced down the stairs gently.

When I finally reached the sitting room, the first person I saw was Mr Walton. His deep blue eyes pierced into mine and held me in their grasp. He flashed me a warm smile, just the way my father does. He had brown spiky hair, ocean blue eyes like me and nice beards on his chin

"Good morning Mr Walton," I greeted nervously as I studied his friendly features.

Even though he was much older, he still had this youthful appearance.

"Morning Isabel. You're such a sweet little girl. I've heard a lot about you from your mom. I'm sure your mom must be blessed to have a loving and beautiful daughter like you," Mr Walton said, his sweet words melting my heart and causing me to blush.

"Thanks,"

"Urmm.. I guess I should introduce you to my son here." Mr Walton said cutting across my thoughts and I turned to face him.

"Meet Derek, Isabel. He's my only son and I'm sure you two will get along well." Mr Walton said with a smile as he introduced his son to me.

That name sounds somewhat familiar. My eyes grew wide, and my lips moved slowly apart as I turned to face Derek.

F**k! Is this really happening?

Derek, the guy I had a one night stand with is actually Mr Walton's son? They don't even have any similar features so it was difficult to tell they were related.

How on earth is this possible?

"Nice to meet you Isabel." Derek said as he approached me to give me a shake.

Numerous thoughts raced through my head as my heart pounded wildly against my chest.

Is this really Derek standing in front of me?

He pretended as though nothing had ever transpired between us in the past as he wore a nice smile. His smile covered up the small expression of shock he had when he first spotted me, giving the impression that he wasn't that surprised to see me.

My one night stand turned out to be my stepbrother-to-be.

This must be crazy!.

I was so confused and embarrassed that I quickly ran upstairs to my room and ignored his handshake. Although I wasn't sure why, I was unable to accept it.

My one-night stand turned out to be my stepbrother, which put me in an unpleasant predicament just as I was beginning to accept my new family.

My mom's face held confusion, shock and disappointment when she saw me leave after sighting Mr Walton's son. She didn't expect me to act that way and I also didn't expect things to go this way either.

.

When I went back to school on Monday, I was relieved to be over my feelings for Mason, but I was also disappointed to learn that Derek would become my stepbrother.

My mom had questioned why I acted strange in front of Derek but I lied to her by telling her nothing was wrong and that I was just not used to having a brother as a sibling.

I've been an only child and my mom totally understands. She comforted me and told me she had hopes that I would get along with Derek.

If only she knows of my intimate encounter with him during the holidays.

"No way, so you're telling me your one night stand is going to be your step brother?" Bonnie asked with wide eyes as we strolled the corridor.

"Yes Bonnie. The thing is I didn't mean to sleep with him that day. I was only trying hard to forget about Mason but…"

"I know," Bonnie cut in, giving me a look close to sympathy.

"I understand your pain but I want you to know that it wasn't your fault. Having a one-night stand is normal; you were unaware that he was the son of the man your mother would likely marry in a few months."

I let out a big sigh and buried my fingers in my golden blonde hair.

Bonnie caressed my cheek and said, "I think I can help you solve this issue.Speak with Derek and let him know that your reunion was just coincidental. I believe you both can put whatever happened in the past behind you."

"It's easier said than done, Bonnie." I said with a sad smile as I clutched my book tightly to my chest, biting my lips nervously.

"It'll only be better if we aren't living under a roof. But now that he's moved in with us, it's way difficult than you think,"

Bonnie sighed and held both my shoulders. She elevated my chin with her fingers so we could have eye contact.

"Can you try speaking to him? And also, how has he been acting towards you? I doubt if he's interested in you even after what happened between you two. You just had s*x and you both aren't even mates so he should understand and try to accept you as his stepsister,"

I caressed my temple, trying to subdue the pain I was feeling from a slight headache.

"I can't even speak to him, Bonnie. It's not as easy as you think. Our parents think we can get along but they have no idea what we did. Besides, I find it hard to maintain eye contact with him, let alone converse with him. I feel goosebumps when I'm around him and I don't seem to get myself," I explained to Bonnie as I bit my lips sadly.

She drew me close to her and held my cheeks softly, her brown eyes fixed on me.

"Why do you feel weird around him? Is it because of the fact that you both had a one night stand or you're seeing him differently,"

"Eeew! What do you mean seeing him differently? Having a crush on my own stepbrother?" I exclaimed as I dropped Bonnie's hand from my cheek.

"It's possible, Isabel. Maybe the intimate moments you had with him have fueled your interest in him which in turn makes you act weird around him."

Gosh! Bonnie was right. She knows exactly how I feel and I wouldn't be surprised if she chose to be a psychologist when she grows older.

"Well, I'm eighteen years old today. My mom will be celebrating my birthday at home with my stepfather and step brother. I can't wait to have my wolf and get my real mate. Maybe when I find my mate, my feelings for Derek will subside."

Bonnie flashed me a warm smile and said, "Tell me how it goes. I also can't wait to see who your mate will turn out to be,"

Just as we were discussing, a loud deafening scream erupted in the hallway, grabbing our whole attention. Various girls squealed like kids as they scurried to have a look at some people outside.

Confusion and shock spread across my face as I wondered what the ruckus was all about.

Different girls dashed out of the hall with phones in their hands, and they were so elated like they had just won a lottery.

"What the heck is going on?" I asked as I turned to face Bonnie, my brows shooting upwards in confusion.

"The girls around here act in this manner when they see a cute guy. They're hilarious and incredibly infatuated. I'm curious about the attractive man they seem to be smitten with." Bonnie remarked, laughing in between.

"What do you feel? I feel curious, why don't we go see who it is." I suggested as I gave Bonnie a wink and a little smile tugged across my lips.

"I guess it's the Alpha's son. Who else could it be?"

Bonnie said in a monotone, straightforward voice. She wasn't the kind to follow attractive guys around or get smitten by them.

.

The Alpha's son, Enzo, was one prominent student in the school. Not only was he blessed with good looks but he was well-off and well-known. He was a playboy and was quite picky and selective when it comes to dating girls. He is known to be icy, proud and outspoken and all teachers fear him because of his status. The majority of girls adore him and strive to get him because he is athletically gifted and muscular.

"Enzo and a new handsome pupil has arrived! Let's go see them. I heard the new pupil is hot too." Charlotte, a plump dark girl squealed as she conversed with her friend in the hall.

I watched as they dashed out of the hall In anxiety which prompted my desire to see the new kid.

As Bonnie and I made our way outside, we caught a glimpse of Mason and Patricia being intimate as they tongue kissed. Patricia moaned as Mason fondled parts of her body, careless of the fact that they were in public.

"Idiots!" Bonnie took hold of my arm and cussed. She urged us to go right away because she saw that their act was starting to distract me.

As we stepped outdoors, we noticed a horde of students gathered around two adorable guys. One I knew to be Enzo, while the other, despite being new, appeared to be rather familiar.

I squinted and narrowed my eyes as I gave the new pupil an intense gaze, trying to study his facial features from a mile.

"Derek! He said his name is Derek! He's so handsome!" Maria, a red haired girl exclaimed as she alerted the other girls who flashed Derek a warm smile.

My eyes widened at the mention of his name. Why is he so revolved around me? Why is he attending the same school with me? It will only make things worse.

"Oh moon goddess! Please let Derek and I be destined mates," Another girl said loudly as she trooped around him with her squad.

"No, he can't be yours. He'll be mine," Chloe, another girl with tinted hair, fired back as she clutched onto Derek's arm.

I saw Derek smiled, trying to be friendly with the girls around him but they were taking advantage of his friendliness by touching and flirting with him.

A part of me felt jealous and I just didn't know why.

Gosh! What's wrong with me? Why am I feeling this way?

When Derek's eye finally met mine, I froze at a spot, my eyes widened as my heart sank heavily into my tummy.

He smiled at me and I could feel my heart beating faster than normal.

"What's wrong Isabel? You look lost. Is something up with the new boy?"

I turned to face Bonnie as I bit my shaky lips. She turned to face me, confusion imprinted on her features..

"What is it Isabel?"

"It's — it's the new boy. He's Derek and he's no other than my step brother," I finally confessed to Bonnie and I could see her widening her eyes in shock.

Her brows shoot upwards with her jaw dropping.

She grabbed my cheek and cupped it, looking straight into my eyes.

"Tell me you're joking please,"

"I'm not joking, Bonnie. I'm serious, He's the one I slept with. I'm so sad he turned out to be my stepbrother. My nightmares just happened today, Bonnie. He's attending the same school with me," I exclaimed, my face etched with worry and my eyes pricked from tears.

Bonnie was so distracted as her eyes were still on Derek.

"Bonnie, you aren't even listening to me,"

She turned to face me and said, "F**k! This dude is so hot!"

When the bell jingled for closing hours, my heart skipped as I wasn't happy with the idea of going home together with Derek. No one knew we'd soon be step siblings except for Bonnie.

I did my best to avoid Derek throughout classes today. I didn't have the boldness to look at him let alone speak to him. I don't want people to know that we're going to be related soon.

It would feel so awkward especially if they found out that we already slept with each other.

He had such a nice c**k but damn it, even though I try to forget that moment, I just couldn't.

At least, I'm happy to finally turn eighteen today. I kept my birthday hidden from my classmates. I'm not someone special so there's no point announcing my birthday to them, let alone celebrating it with them.

I can't wait to have my mate so I can finally get over Derek. He seems to be quite different and I feel a magnetic push whenever I'm around him.

"Isabel," Bonnie called, snatching me out of my reverie.

She knew I had been in deep thoughts lately and she was so sad that she couldn't help me with my case.

"I'm so sorry that I can't help. Derek is too hot. No girl in her right mind will try to ignore him, not even after they slept with him. Tell me, he did ride you well that night, didn't he?"

"Gosh! Bonnie. You're making things worse for me. I'm trying hard to forget everything but you're ruining it by making me remember,"

"I'm so sorry, Isabel. I've always ignored cute guys but this particular one is not just cute but extraordinary." Bonnie said, making me feel more sad.

The situation is quite tense and awkward and the only thing that can make it better is me finding my real mate.

"When you finally have your wolf, you'll be able to smell your mate. When you eventually discover your true mate, please don't hesitate to move on from Derek completely."

"Yes I will. I can't wait to find out who my mate is too. That way, I'll be able to forget all about Derek." I concurred with Bonnie's statement and we both embraced each other before parting ways.

I saw Derek surrounded by multiple girls and I walked past him, trying to ignore his gaze on me.

I wouldn't be surprised that I was jealous seeing multiple girls around him but I felt it's best for him to be attracted to one of them and not me.

I clutched my bag tightly before exiting the school.

I reached for a taxi and when it stopped, I opened the door and sat inside. Before the car could move, I saw the door open at the other side and a young guy sat in it.

I tucked some of my hair behind my ear and when I saw that it was Derek, my eyes widened.

"You..you.."

"You left before me. I called you but you didn't hear me which was why I had to stop the taxi."

I bit my lips and looked away, not having the courage to look into his eyes.

My eyes widened and I gently turned to face him as I felt his palms on my hand that was resting on my lap.

"You've been avoiding me ever since you saw me. Why?"

"Because I didn't expect to see you after that fling we had during the holiday. What makes it crazy is the fact that you're the son of the man my mom will be getting married to. Isn't that weird?" I finally mustered the courage to speak to him but my eyes were fixed on the window screen, watching as the cab drove past across buildings.

"I also didn't know I'd see you here. I guess my prayers were answered by the moon goddess." He admitted with a faint smile which revealed his cute dimples.

"What prayers?" I asked as I locked eyes with him, my face etched with curiosity.

"Prayers to see my mate. You're my mate, Isabel." Derek revealed to me, his words smooth like red wine. If only he knew those words he uttered struck my heart like a double edged sword, he wouldn't have said it.

I have been praying to the moon goddess to give me a mate so I can overcome my feelings for him and now, he's praying to find me because he feels I'm his mate.

What nonsense!

"What do you mean by Mate, Derek? Because we had a fling doesn't mean we're mates.. listen, I only did what I did back then so I could forget about Mason, okay. Let's just forget the fact that we even slept with each other. I'm trying hard to see you as my stepbrother. I believe we can try our best to get along, right?"

Derek's lips parted slightly. I find it hard to comprehend his facial expression.

Oh Moon goddess, Let him be able to put everything that ever happened with us behind.

Just then, my phone chimed and I picked it, feeling happy to finally discuss with someone else and not him.

My mom informed me of her outing with Mr Walter. They had both gone on a shopping spree, probably to get me presents for my birthday.

It was a sweet thing to see my mom doing this again. It was something she did with my dad when I was still little.

My heart skipped a beat when I realized I would be home alone with Derek.

I can't be able to stay alone with him. What if he tries to touch me? Oh no..

I hope my mom arrives on time so she'd be able to be there for me when I shift into my wolf form

I heard it's always painful and I really need her to be there for me.

When the taxi pulled up at our home, I alighted with Derek and I strolled in without saying a word to him..

I busied myself with the chores while he watched some series on the television. I didn't want to speak to him as I felt that something might go wrong.

While I washed the dishes in the kitchen, I felt his presence and my heart sank once again in my tummy.

"Let me join you," He said, his deep voice soothing my spirit.

I turned to face him with a smile and said, "Don't worry. I can wash them myself. You can probably do something else."

Just then a heavy wind howled and the thunder rumbled, spreading darkness and clotted clouds in the sky.

My heart began thudding against my chest as I often felt scared whenever it rained. It reminds me of when my father died. He died on a rainy day and I couldn't pull myself together after hearing the news of his death.

I shook where I stood, hoping the rain would stop. Derek noticed how scared I was and he walked up to me and held my shoulders.

"Why don't you get some rest? I'll wash the dishes,"

I shook my head when I saw his hands on my shoulders. I got scared as I felt I might give in to his touches. I regretted sleeping with him that night because I felt I should have kept my body for my mate.

"Don't touch me, please," I said to him and he removed his hands from my shoulder, not wanting to make me feel uncomfortable.

"I understand," He muttered as he bit his lips and I noticed that his adorable dimples were starting to emerge again on his cheek, giving him an even more charming and attractive appearance.

Oh gosh! I can't resist his looks. It turns me on and on again.

Oh! Moon goddess, please bless me with a cute mate like him so I can forget about him.

A loud rumbling sound striked once again and the rain poured down heavily and aggressively. I clutched onto Derek, feeling a little scared.

He pulled me closer to himself to comfort me. When I felt the urge to give in to his touches, I battled with my feelings and sprang away from his grasp.

"I'm — I'm sorry. It's something I do whenever I'm scared of the rain." I said to him as I shoved some locks of hair behind my ears.

"I'll go and close the windows so the room won't get wet from the rain,"

***

The time ticked by quickly and time for my first shift was fast approaching. My parents weren't back as they were trapped In the heavy rain. Their car got damaged too so there was no way they could arrive home on time.

"Arrrrgh!" I growled as I ran my fingers into my hair, feeling angry that my birthday was ruined by the rain.

Suddenly I felt uncomfortable within me and I guessed it was time for me to shift.

Tears pricked my eyes as I thought of the pain I'd go through.

When Derek tried to help, I rejected his offer.

I ran out of the house and stayed under a shed in the garden, feeling the pain surge through my body.

After some minutes, I felt my spine crack. I arched my back on the cold ground, feeling the prickling touches of the grasses. My bones broke loudly causing me to scream even louder, unable to keep myself quiet.

I could see the look of concern in Derek's eyes as he watched me groan.

The rest of my bones followed in unison as they broke and fur began to layer my skin. I screamed once more, the pain was so intense. My eyes changed color from emerald green to the softest lilac purple.

Within a few moments, I was standing on four paws as I stared at myself in the reflection of a glass window. I couldn't run around freely due to the rain. Derek approached me and patted me gently on the back, giving me a warm smile.

When I shifted back into my human form, he gave me a towel so I could wrap it around my naked body.. "You're so strong and brave," He muttered as he stroked my hair gently, his emerald eyes holding mine in their grasp.

Suddenly, I smelled a wooden musky vanilla scent. It filled my nostrils, taking all over my system.

"Mate! Mate!" My wolf exclaimed in my head, purring around excitingly.

"Wh– where?" I asked naively like a kid.

"He's right beside you dear. Derek is our mate. He's ours!".

"What! No! No way!" I exclaimed in my mind link as I caught sight of Derek smiling as he stroked my hair.

I shook my head and he gave me a puzzled look. I removed his hand from my hair and ran inside my room.

I sat on my bed and cried. I couldn't believe Derek would turn out to be my mate.

Why would someone like Derek who will soon be my step brother turn out to be my fated mate? The moon goddess must have made a mistake.

While I cried, I felt a weird feeling within me. I felt hot within me and I craved for someone's touch.

"What— what is going on?" I asked my wolf, my face etched with worry and perplexity.

"There's nothing to worry about Isabel. You're going through the heat period,that's just it,"

"What? Heat period? What does that even mean?"

"It means you'll desire to mate with your fated mate. It'll even be worse once he marks you dear. You have to make love with your mate so as to complete the mating process, Isabel. You have to do it so he can mark you," My wolf, Amy, explained while I shook my head, not wanting to comply with her words.

"I don't want him, Amy. I don't want Derek as my mate. Things will only get worse."

"You can't change your fate, Isabel. The moon goddess has destined you two together for a purpose."

"No! He's my stepbrother!"

As soon as I yelled, my door flung open and Derek entered my room.

He held my cheeks and smoothened my hair, his eyes staying on mine for a moment.

"You left all of a sudden mate. Why are you avoiding me? I am your mate, Isabel. I know you can feel it," .

"No Derek. No! You're nothing but my stepbrother,"

"Please don't call me that Isabel,"

"Why shouldn't I ? Our parents are getting married in a few months. Doesn't that make us step siblings?"

"But I am your mate regardless of who we are," Derek said as he leaned forward and held my cheek.

My eyes trailed all over his body, I couldn't resist the heat within me. I want to mate with him but I can't. I still find it weird that He's my mate.

I slipped his hands off my cheek and said, "Then it's best I reject you, Derek. It's the only way we can……"

Before I could finish my statement, I found myself being grabbed closer to Derek. He claimed my lips and kissed me deeply and passionately. His hands stroke my body softly, causing me to moan in response.

I did want to push him off me but my body was starting to betray me.

I unbuttoned his shirt quickly, while he unsnapped my brassiere. I could feel his c**k poking my thighs already.

He pushed me down the bed and removed his shirt quickly. As he reached for my undies, I held his hands.

"No Derek. We– we can't do this,"

Derek ignored me and bent over to lick my earlobes. I moaned as his body pressed against mine, taking me to a different realm entirely.

While I was still trying to resist him, I felt two of his fingers in my core and I moaned loudly as I gave in freely to his dominance.