Tabitha's POV

"It's a hot day. They're probably cooling down at the pool. Come with me."

And we do. The sun glints off the water as we follow Emery to the back patio. I hear music playing softly from a speaker somewhere and some voices bouncing off the water and stone.

I try to steady my breath. My palms feel clammy. My heart is going at it like it's ready to run a marathon. But I keep walking. I keep my chin up. I tell myself it's fine. I'm not that girl anymore. Not the one who hid in bathroom stalls during lunch. Not the one who cried behind the bleachers. Not the one who tripped and fell and got laughed at by the whole school because I'm not as strong as them.

I've changed. And they will see that too.

So I pull my shoulders back and follow Emery past the sliding doors, bracing myself for what's on the other side.

As soon as my gaze lands on the pool, I immediately catch the familiar figures of four men.

Here they are.

Jace is sitting at the edge of the pool with his feet in the water. Reed is standing waist-deep tossing a ball up and catching it like he's bored. Luca is stretched out on a lounge chair with his sunglasses on. And Evren's under the umbrella with a book in his hand.

And here I thought I was the only one who has changed for the past five years. They have changed too. They are no longer boys... these are men. Their arms are lean and defined. Their chests are broad and toned from years of training. Even the way they move feels heavier now, like they've grown into their strength.

I'm not sure if I should be amazed or terrified.

Emery walks up and stops near the pool. The brothers keep doing whatever they're doing until he clears his throat.

"Boys," he says. "I want you to meet someone."

That gets their attention. One by one they glance over.

"This is Tabitha. She's Isla's daughter."

Silence ensues. Their faces twist with recognition, like they're trying to place a name to a ghost. I don't look away. For a moment, it's like we're frozen in some weird staring contest, no one willing to speak first. The shift in their eyes tells me everything. They know exactly who I am.

"No fucking way," Reed gasps. He lifts a finger and shamelessly points at me. "You're telling me that's Chubby Tabby?"

My cheeks burn in utter embarrassment. I can't believe he just said that out loud. That stupid nickname. That humiliating reminder of everything I tried to leave behind.

Jace squints like he's trying to make sure I'm real. "Wait... Tabitha Huxley? From Silver Hill High?" His eyes scan me slowly from head to toe. "The chubby girl who cried behind the bleachers?"

"She doesn't look so fat now. In fact... she's cleaned up pretty well," Reed comments, boldly sweeping me up from head to toe.

"This is... unexpected." Luca pushes his sunglasses down his nose. "I almost didn't recognize her."

Yeah, I've slimmed down considerably for the past five years. Either from being sick often or because of my more active lifestyle. But I'm definitely far from the fat loser they used to know. And yet, I wished they had just forgotten about me. Not this. Now, I feel like they will only have more reasons to pick on me.

Evren doesn't say a word. He closes his book, sets it down, and looks at me with that same unreadable expression. His eyes drop to my knee, just briefly that I almost miss it. Then they come back to my face.

"I'm marrying Isla. So, you better get used to seeing them around," Emery declares.

"Hi, boys. It's so good to finally meet you." Mom beams and waves her hand enthusiastically.

"You've gotta be kidding me," Reed grumbles.

Evren's gaze shifts from Mom back to Emery. His jaw clenches in apparent irritation. "What is the meaning of this?"

"I already informed you that I plan to remarry. Isla will be my new wife and that makes Tabitha your new stepsister. They will be moving here in the estate from now on."

"You've gotta be kidding me..." Reed spits in clear frustration.

Yeah, I'm not happy about this too, jerk.

Evren hops out of the pool and angrily marches towards his father. I can almost hear his teeth grinding in fury as he stares his father down.

"You're bringing a human into this house? Into our bloodline?" he snarls.

"Watch your tone, boy. I may be your father but I am still your Alpha." Emery's jaw tightens with barely-restrained anger.

"This is stupid and you know that!" Evren bellows.

My mom jumps in fear. I clutch her arm as we scoot a few inches away from the Aldairs, but it's not enough to escape the terrifying pressure that radiates off them. The air grows thick and almost suffocating. Their eyes shift in molten gold, glowing with fury and power. Those are the eyes of an Alpha-the superior bloodline of werewolves that the Aldairs have long been celebrated for.

"You don't question my decision, Evren. You follow it," Emery growls, voice sharp enough to cut through steel. "This isn't up for debate. Isla will be my wife, and Tabitha will live under this roof. That makes her part of this family."

Jace lets out a sharp sarcastic laugh at the pool. "This must be a joke. You're telling me Chubby Tabby is going to be our new stepsister?"

Before I can react, he scoops a handful of water and flings it straight at me.

"Ahh!" I yelp, stumbling back as the cold water drench me full.

"Enough!" Emery's voice booms across the patio.

Emery's voice cracks like thunder, louder than anything I've ever heard. It slams into your chest and rattles your bones. That's the Alpha in him, the raw command buried in every word. The kind that makes wolves drop to their knees without thinking.

His sons lightly bow their heads, but the hint of anger still simmers beneath their forced submission.

Emery's eyes sweep over his sons like a blade. "You don't have to like it. But you will respect it.

Disrespect either of them again, and you'll answer to me."

Emery leads us back to the mansion. I glance over my shoulder and see the way they're staring. Their expressions aren't just hateful. There's confusion in their eyes, something unreadable that lingers a moment too long.

My heart pounds as I follow Mom and Emery inside. The house is massive on the outside but the interior is on another level of grandeur. The ceilings stretch high above, and everything smells like wood polish and money. Emery stops at a door and informs me that it will be my room from now on.

I step in. The room is huge, almost double the size of our old apartment. The queen-sized bed also looks untouched. There's a chandelier above and a walk-in closet off to the side. Shit, I don't think I'll ever get used to this kind of luxury.

But then, this place is everything that my mom has ever dreamed of. The life she and Dad had wanted to provide for me.

Maybe Mom was right. Maybe this is our chance to turn things around. The Aldairs are powerful and rich. Life here could be easier. No more worrying about rent or skipping meals, or thinking how we would repay our debts.

But when I remember the way the quadruplets looked at me, I wonder if anything will be easy here at all.

**

That night, we're thrown into probably the most awkward dinner of my life.

The five brothers are already at the table when Mom and I walk in. Emery sits at the head. Mom takes the seat to his right. I sit beside her. Across from us, the brothers sit together on the other side-but not one of them looks our way. If anything, they look forced to sit with me and my mom.

If only I can tell them that I feel the same way.

The plates are already set. The food smells amazing. It's roast lamb, garlic potatoes, buttered greens but I can barely touch it.

Mom, trying to fill the silence, smiles as she slices into her lamb. "This is delicious. Did the estate always have a private chef?"

"He's been with the family for years. Trained in Milan." Emery nods.

"I would've enjoyed it if someone warned us we'd be hosting strangers for dinner," Reed fires, not even bothering to look up from his plate.

"Reed!" Emery warns, his hand gripping the knife a little too hard.

"I wouldn't get used to it. Not everyone can last here, anyway." Jace sips on his drink and throws me a knowing look. "Some break faster than others."

"Watch your mouths! I won't tolerate insolence in my house," Emery growls and slams his fist on the table.

Reed lets out a scoff and tosses his napkin onto the table.

"I'm done." He shoves back his chair and walks off without looking at anyone.

Jace leans back in his seat, picks up his wine glass, and lazily swirls what's left. "Well, there goes my appetite." He sets the glass down and pushes his plate away. He rises with a sigh and strolls off, not even pretending to be sorry.

I glance at the remaining brothers at the table-Evren and Luca-fully expecting them to walk out as well. But they don't. They just eat in silence, unbothered by the shameless rude behavior of their siblings. They don't look at me or at Mom. It's like we don't exist.

It grates on my nerves how they are not even trying to hide their distaste about us. Picking on me is one thing, but disrespecting my mom is another. It's something I cannot tolerate.

Surprisingly, the two manage to finish their meal before quietly leaving the table after a curt nod at their father, completely ignoring me and my mom.

Assholes.

Mom looks evidently defeated at this, even as she forces a smile and picks at her food. He doesn't say anything about their behavior, but I can tell it weighs on her.

I stare down at my plate, appetite gone. The food is perfect, but I can't bring myself to enjoy any of it. Not when the room still lingers with the air of silent judgment. It's like sitting at a table full of ghosts-except the ghosts are alive and still capable of cruelty.

I hate them.

Maybe Mom was wrong. Maybe they haven't changed at all. They're still the same bullies from five years ago. Only meaner. Older. Stronger. And now, I'm trapped in their house.

***

That night, I find myself unable to sleep, even while lying on the softest bed I've ever been in. The sheets are warm. The room is quiet. But my mind won't shut off. I keep replaying the dinner in my head. I'm afraid Reed was right. I don't think we're going to last here.

I try to squirm on the bed to find a more comfortable position in my last-ditch effort to sleep. But no matter how much I try, my mind just won't let me rest. Eventually, I sigh and sit up, staring at the shadows crawling along the ceiling.

Screw it.

I slip out of bed, throw on a hoodie, and quietly step into the hall.

The hallways are quiet as I pad through them. I figure everyone's asleep by now, which makes this the perfect time to explore without running into anyone. Hopefully.

The mansion is bigger than I thought. Honestly, I'm not used to this much space in a house. Every corridor seems to twist into another. The walls are lined with dark wood and old family photos, but what catches my eye are the framed awards near the stairs-naval plaques, commendations, medals. All of them bear the name Captain Emery Aldair, Commanding Officer of Kaelara Naval Station. Of course he's decorated. Figures.

He is a freaking legend in the island and in the werewolf world. What a scary man. I can't believe he's engaged to my mom.

I keep walking until the hallway curves, leading me to a large alcove at the end. I notice a lone portrait hanging on the far wall. I walk closer to get a better look.

It's a photograph of an elegant-looking woman. She looks so regal with her long blonde hair cascading down her shoulders. Her eyes are a striking pair of Caribbean blue that remind me of Evren and Reed.

This must be the quadruplets' mother, Corinne Aldair. The late wife of Emery Aldair and the former Luna of the Crystal Ridge pack.

She's breathtaking.

I glance around and realize there's no other portrait of her anywhere else. Just this old one. A single memory preserved in canvas.

"What are you doing here?"

Shit.

I turn around to see Evren behind me, shirtless, and glaring at me.

Tabitha's POV

The hallway is cold this late at night, but Evren's voice is colder.

"You shouldn't be here."

I face him fully. He stands a few feet away with water still dripping from the ends of his damp hair. His eyes are unreadable, but I feel the weight in them. There is something in the way he looks at me that is almost accusing.

I take a deep breath and boldly raise my chin up as I equal his piercing gaze. "I couldn't sleep, so I thought I'd have a little stroll around here."

His eyes flick once toward the portrait behind me, then back to my face. "This isn't a place for wandering."

"It's a hallway. Not a crime scene."

Evren steps closer. His presence is sharp and almost suffocating, it's like the air itself folds around him.

"That's not just a hallway. That's where she is." I can almost freeze to death by the way he is looking at me.

I glance back at the portrait on our side. Corinne Aldair looks so regal. And the glacier look in her eyes definitely resembles the man in front of me.

"I just thought the painting looked fascinating. I didn't mean to pry," I say carefully. My eyes trail at every exquisite brush strokes, "Your mother was beautiful."

Something flicker in his eyes. And it's not amusement. If anything, he looks almost angry. His jaw tightens as if the compliment wounds him instead of honors her. He steps forward slowly and I instinctively back away. Goodness, this man is intimidating.

"You..." He grits his teeth like the words themselves taste foul. "You don't belong in this hallway. You don't belong in this house."

Okay, that's harsh. But what do I expect from him? He's always been the type to hurl ruthless words to others without batting an eye.

"Don't you think it's too late for that? Your father-Alpha Emery already made it clear that me and my mother are here to stay... whether you like it or not." I don't mean to sound entitled but before we came back to this island, I promised myself that I would stand up for myself and my mom... something that I didn't get to do in the past.

Evren's eyes narrow. His jaw clenches so tightly I think he might break a tooth. But I hold my ground. If he thinks I'll cower like I used to, he's wrong. I'm not that girl anymore.

"You think a bed in this house makes you one of us?" he bites out. "You think a ring on your mother's finger makes her Luna?"

I frown. "She never said she wanted that.

"Then why is she pretending? Sitting at that table. Smiling like she earned a seat there. Like she belongs," he snaps. He thrusts a hand toward the portrait behind me, rage burning in his eyes. "And you-you stand there staring at my mother like you have any right, while yours plays house and tries to take her place?"

"My mom isn't pretending anything. She's just trying to survive, same as me. She didn't ask for your approval. And she definitely doesn't need it to smile at a dinner table."

Evren's expression hardens, but I keep going.

"She's kind. She's patient. And she's done nothing but try to be respectful in a house that clearly doesn't want her. If you think that's a crime, then maybe the problem isn't with her. Don't hate a woman who didn't do anything wrong just because you can't stand your father's choices."

His eyes darken, but he doesn't speak. There's a muscle twitching in his jaw like he's biting back something sharp, something angry. I'm sure his mask of indifference will shatter and I'll get a proper lecture. But it doesn't. He just stares at me for a long second. Then, without a word, he turns and walks away.

As soon as he disappears down the hallway, I finally exhale. My legs feel unsteady beneath me, like the floor has shifted somehow. I steady myself against the wall and press a hand to my chest.

Shit, I should've kept my mouth shut... Or maybe not. Screw him and his brothers! I should be proud of holding my ground. For not flinching.

I glance at Corinne Aldair's portrait once again and heaves a frustrated sigh.

Your sons are a pain in the ass, Luna.

**

The days crawl by like a bad dream I can't wake up from. I try to avoid the Aldair brothers as much as I can, not that they make it hard. They've made a sport out of ignoring me and Mom. Meals are quiet when they do bother to show up at all. Most days, they vanish before breakfast and don't return until long after dinner. I don't really mind their absence. In fact, I prefer it. But I worry about my Mom. She tries not to look hurt, but I see it. In the way her smile falters when she sets the table. In the silence that lingers when she asks about them and gets no reply. She's having a hard time and it's all because of my assholes soon-to-be stepbrothers.

This morning, it's no different.

"Tabi, Could you go fetch the boys from the range? I thought maybe if we all sat together for lunch today..."

Her voice trails off, as if she already knows it's a lost cause. I bite the inside of my cheek. I hate the idea. But I hate seeing her disappointed even more.

"Alright. I'll get them," I mutter.

I already know it's a bad idea before I march out of the mansion. But I convinced myself to at least try for my mom.

The shooting range is tucked deep within the estate's massive grounds. I follow the gravel path until the trees thin and the air fills with sharp gunfire. I spot them immediately. The four brothers, guns in hand, lined up like they're preparing for war. Beside them are Wyatt, Rye, Ian, and Wilson-friends of the Aldair brothers and fellow members of the Crystal Ridge pack. They were my schoolmates too, back in high school. Not as cruel as the quadruplets, but far from saints. And by the looks of them now, they've grown into men who train like killers.

The brothers look like they were carved from the same stone as they aimed their guns at the targets in front of them. Their eyes flash molten gold as they fire in perfect sync.

Alpha bloods. The kind born into legacy and trained by blood.

I step closer, arms crossed.

"Lunch is ready."

None of them respond. Reed reloads calmly. Jace doesn't even glance at me. Evren lifts his gun and fires another shot. Luca adjusts his stance like I never spoke at all.

I let out a breath. "Seriously? You're going to keep playing soldier just to avoid eating with us?"

Reed scoffs without looking at me. "I'd lose my appetite sitting next to your mother."

Anger spikes in my chest. I step forward.

"What, you're man enough to shoot those guns but not man enough to share a table with the woman your father wants to marry?"

That gets their attention. Four pairs of eyes snap toward me and they look pissed.

But I don't stop.

"Maybe, you're not as tough as you all look. Maybe you're just a bunch of cowardly kids who hide in the shadows of their father and his guns," I fire off.

Reed's nostrils flare. He grabs a gun off the rack and points it straight at me. My lips part in horror as my body goes rigid. Holy shit. Is he going to shoot me for running my mouth?

"Reed," Wilson warns. "Put it down."

Reed doesn't flinch.

"Tell you what," he says in a mockingly sweet voice. "You stand there and let me shoot an apple off your head. Then I'll consider joining your precious lunch."

"You're insane!" I bluster.

"You wanted to prove something, didn't you?"

"Don't be ridiculous, Reed. That's stupid," Jace says, shaking his head.

Thank you! I almost blurt. Finally, someone's being sane. Reed is a psychopath-

"It's boring. So let's make it more interesting. All four of us should get to shoot. Me, you, Evren, and Luca," Jace continues, grinning from ear to ear.

WHAT?!

"I think that's going too far, Jace," Ian says from the side, stepping forward but Jace completely ignores him.

"Each one of us gets to shoot one apple. If we hit them clean, we show up for your precious lunch," Jace explains enthusiastically as if my life isn't on the line. "But if we miss... then I guess you won't be making it to lunch either. What do you think, guys?"

"Yeah, sounds good. I'm getting tired of these practice dummies, anyway," Luca drawls while reloading his gun.

Evren doesn't speak, but he checks the chamber, clicks off the safety, and raises his gun without hesitation.

They're insane!

Ian shakes his head. "Guys, this is nuts."

Good! I'm not the only one thinking that these brothers have lost their minds!

"Calm your tits, Ian. We're being generous here." Jace throws his friend a warning look which makes the latter back away. Then, Jace turns to me with a glint of dare in his eyes. "I'm giving you the chance to convince us to sit with your mom, Tabby. Show us you've got the guts to stand still while four loaded guns aim at your pretty little head. That should be enough to earn our attention, don't you think?" He tilts his head slightly as his lips stretch into a devious grin. "Prove you want us there so badly. Put your money where your mouth is. Unless, you're just all talk and no guts, our sweet stepsister."

Reed crosses his arms over his chest, waiting for my reaction. Evren and Luca also stare at me as if I am a piece of show they paid to watch in the carnival. I glare at Jace, then at each of them. They are really serious about this! They want to use me as a target dummy to satisfy their sadistic hobbies. Unbelievable.

Reed cocks a brow while playing with his gun-mocking me, as if urging me to be scared, to run away crying like I used to do back in high school.

But not today.

My fingers tremble slightly, but I march across the range. I grab four apples from the basket near the table, and position them as they said. One on my head. One on each shoulder. One balanced in my palm. The four brothers look taken aback by my unexpected bravery-or stupidity. It's too early to tell. They look at me as if I've just grown two heads.

"Oh, look at that spunk. Where have you been hiding that during high school?" Jace taunts. His tone is meant to be derisive but I can detect a hint of shock in the way he's looking at me. As if he doesn't expect me to take his challenge seriously.

Well, joke's on them. If I'm going to be a fool in their eyes regardless of what I do, I'd rather be a brazen fool. At least I'd die with my dignity intact.

Wilson, Wyatt, Ian, and Rye are clearly uncomfortable. But no one stops them. The Aldair brothers exchange meaningful glances as I stand alongside the target dummies.

"What are you waiting for, stepbros? Shoot. Unless you're still waiting for your daddy's instructions on how to use his big boy toys?" I narrow my eyes at them, My legs are a breath away from shaking but I steel my resolve. I refuse to show them any sign of weakness or fear. "Or maybe you're worried you'll actually miss. That would be embarrassing, wouldn't it? Future alphas with perfect aim... too scared to take a shot at a girl holding fruit."

Tabitha's POV

"You've got a death wish, don't you?" Reed mutters as he flips the gun in his hand before cocking it and leveling the barrel right at me.

"Leaving Kaelara five years ago must have toughen you up, stepsis," Jace snips. "Fine. Let's see if that bravado still holds when the bullets fly."

My heart pounds like a war drum inside my chest. It's so loud I'm half convinced they can hear it too. Every inch of my body screams to tremble but I lock my muscles in place. I stare straight ahead. I force a calm expression onto my face and pray it doesn't crack.

Shit.

This is insane. No, this is suicide. But if I back down now, I lose more than a challenge. I lose every inch of ground I've fought to claim since stepping foot back in this house... this island.

The brothers spread out across the range, each taking a position with one target in mind. They have one shot each to hit the four apples-one balanced on my head, two resting on my shoulders, and one lying in the center of my open palm.

I've never been the religious type, but I think this is the perfect time to pray. Holy shit.

Jace lifts his gun first. He gives me a lopsided grin like this is all some joke to him. His finger hovers over the trigger, then he pulls it. The shot rings out so sharply my shoulders twitch from the sound. The apple on my right shoulder bursts into pulp, spraying juice and sticky fragments across my cheek. The bullet whistles past just inches from my head but I force myself not to flinch, not even blink, even as my pulse drums so loud I can barely hear anything else.

Oh crap. Oh crap. Oh crap!

I have barely recovered from that when Reed moves next. He shifts slightly to adjust his stance, then fires. The apple on my left shoulder splits in two. I clench my jaw as seeds scatter like confetti around my feet. He smirks like he just won a game.

You're enjoying this, asshole?

My eyes drift to the remaining brothers who are yet to take their shot. Luca lifts his weapon and doesn't waste anymore time before shooting the damn thing. The bullet rips straight through the apple perched on my head. For one horrifying moment I swear I feel my hair lift from the wind of the shot. I have to swallow a gasp and pretend that I did not almost pee in my pants.

My weary eyes drift to the last remaining brother. Evren. He stares at me blankly while pointing the gun at the remaining apple that I'm holding. I have no idea what he's thinking and honestly, I don't think I'll ever figure out what kind of thoughts run in this man's head.

Not that I have to worry about that because I am too busy tracking his movement as he tugs on the trigger, shooting the bullet clean through the center of the apple in my palm. The apple in my palm jerks but it stays there, perfectly upright within my ironclad grip. I glance at it and see a single bullet hole sitting cleanly through the center. Damn.

It's over.

The breath rushes into my lungs like I've been drowning this whole time. I don't know how I'm still standing. Evren dismantles his gun, lowers it, then tosses it aside without a word. He walks away as if none of this happened. I let out a shaky exhale as I watch him walk inside the mansion, exactly right where I want them to be. My knees feel weak but I hold myself up.

I did it. And I survived it!

Luca watches me with narrowed eyes. Like he's trying to place a puzzle piece that doesn't quite fit while unloading his gun.

"It's almost hard to believe that you're the same girl we knew five years ago," he says.

I meet his gaze. "Then, I guess you never really knew me."

He smirks.

"I wouldn't mind getting to know you again. And by the looks of it, we've got plenty of time to do that, my dear stepsister." He winks at me before turning around and following Evren inside the mansion.

Jace whistles and shakes his head. "Weren't you scared?"

I give him a shrug. "You're the navy commander's sons. I was rooting that you'd have at least the decent skills to hit your target. Good thing you didn't disappoint."

"You're bold. Reckless. Maybe you fit in more than I'd like to admit." He smirks.

Reed scoffs. "I doubt that. It takes more than guns and bullets to last here, stepsister. I wonder how long you'll last before you go running again like you used to."

He slithers toward me and snatches the apple from my palm, the one with the bullet hole. Then, he bites into it and tosses the rest aside like it's nothing. His eyes flick over me with that same old smugness, the one that used to shrink me down to nothing in high school. He leans in just close enough for me to feel the heat of his breath. "Let's see how long that spine of yours holds up, Tabby."

Then he turns around and heads back to the mansion.

I watch his back as he leaves. I don't say anything. I don't need to. I already won.

To Alpha Emery and my mother's shock, the brothers actually show up for lunch. Emery raises a brow but says nothing. Mom tries not to look too surprised but she throws me an appreciative look as she squeezes my hand under the table. She looks happy with their presence and it's enough for me. I did what I had to do.

The Aldair brothers take their seats and their friends too.

"Well," Emery says while scanning each of his sons as they take their seats, "either the world's ending... or my sons decided to join a family lunch willingly."

Jace shrugs. "Let's just say your fiancée's daughter has a... persuasive way with words."

My cheeks heat up in embarrassment when I catch Alpha Emery throwing me a curious look. I try to focus on my meal and pretend that I don't notice.

Fortunately, the topic quickly shifts when my mom pops some updates regarding the upcoming wedding.

"We've finalized the details for the engagement celebration," Mom says brightly.

"It'll be held here at the estate two days from now," Alpha Emery adds.

"Two days?" Jace raises a brow. "That's a bit sudden, don't you think?"

"I've had it planned for weeks," Emery says firmly. "There's no reason to delay."

"I had a dress specially made for you, Tabby," Mom says excitedly.

"Thanks, Mom. I'm sure it's beautiful," I say quietly.

"We're expecting important guests for the celebration. Leaders from the Stormblood and Deathclaw packs will be there, along with a few council members." He pauses and turns to Jace. "And I heard Yennifer will be attending too. Isn't that good news? You should catch up with her."

I stiffen at the familiar name. Yennifer? Yennifer Wix. Of course, she'll be there.

My blood runs cold. The sound of her name alone is enough to pull old ghosts from the shadows. Yennifer Wix was basically the queen of Silver Hills High and one of the worst bullies I had the misfortune of crossing paths with-aside from the Aldair brothers. Unlike Reed, Jace, Luca, and Evren who mainly mess with me when they're bored, Yennifer made bullying look like a sport. She and her minions would hunt me down in the corridors of the school and throw mean pranks at me. They once poured juice inside my locker. Another time, they stuck gum on my seat so I'd walk around all day with it stuck to my skirt. I couldn't walk the halls without hearing their laughs and snide comments.

No one dared to stop her and devious streak because she's the Crystal Ridge packs' beta's niece and everyone knows that she's also close with the Aldair brothers who are practically royalties in the island and especially at the Silver Hills High.

I glance at Jace. He's gripping his fork a little too hard.

If I remember it right, Yennifer is one of Jace's many girlfriends which made her practically untouchable during high school.

"Yennifer and I are done. Why should I care if she's there?" Jace says and stabs his roasted chicken.

They broke up?

Emery shakes his head, looking disappointed. "That's exactly your problem. You treat relationships like toys. You chase the next thing that amuses you, then throw it away once you're bored. Yennifer is strong. Well-connected. She would make a good wife."

Jace's jaw ticks. "So now you're arranging my love life too? Funny how you can play matchmaker for me but no one's allowed to question yours."

A heavy silence falls over the table. Emery sets his wine glass down slowly and looks at his son. My mom shifts on her seat. She looks uncomfortable but doesn't dare say a word. Hell, it would be suicide to go against Emery Aldair while he looks this pissed. Clearly, Jace has a death wish because he's glaring at his father right now and that seems to enrage Emery more.

"I am the Alpha of this house. Commanding officer of Kaelara's naval station. I lead this family and the pack that serves it. You are a son with a last name and nothing else. If you want to be more than that, then earn it," Emery growls and I swear I can feel his anger vibrating in the air.

Shit. Angry Alphas are something else. Especially an Alpha as strong as Emery Aldair. He's one scary man.

Jace doesn't say anything. He just clenches his jaw and stares at his plate like he's one second away from flipping it. Luca, Evren, and Reed also remain quiet but the look in their eyes is enough for me to know that they are not happy with the whole thing.

They're angry at their father but even that isn't enough to go against the most powerful Alpha in this whole island.

I glance at Emery Aldair. There's a frown on his forehead as he slices into his chicken. He may always smile at my mother, but he definitely is harsh towards his son. And for the first time, I'm confused if I should feel pity for the four brothers.