Rafeal_
The stunning, young woman in my hands is Dante's sister. We all grew up together and I practically took her as my own sister. The last time I saw her however was when she went off to college. Now that she is back, all grown and even more beautiful than I can recall, it was surprising. "Sophia, I've warned you severally. We are no longer kids. Don't just rush into any one's arms like that and expect to lifted up like when you were a child," Dante's disapproving voice came from behind. Roberto and Ricardo laughed. "It's no big deal. We are siblings so of course we should carry our sister when she wants except that I don't someone is in a comfortable position to do that," the latter said and scowl appeared on Roberto's face. He knew Ricardo was mocking his disability but that was how they teased each other so I didn't bother about them. I pulled away from Sophia who seemed not to want to let go. Ignoring the little displeased pout that appeared on her face, I asked again, "When did you return? Why did you come here? You could have visited me at home." "I know but I wanted to see you... all. I only just got back last night and couldn't wait." I nodded, "Welcome. We should leave. It's not safe out here." Before I knew it, she ran around the car and got in the second seat. Perplexed, I asked, "Didn't Dante bring his car?" "Rafael, I want to go with with you. Dante's annoying. Wait, why does it seem like you didn't miss me like I missed you all?" "Alright... Alright," I shrugged in approval before she began her tearful game. When we were kids and she got into trouble, she got away without punishment most times by faking a cry. "You can come with me and stay for as much as you want," I assured her as I ignited the car. Others already got into theirs and were making their way ahead of me when I overtook them. "Rafael," Sophia giggled. "Do you guys still play race? That's so childish." "They act childish not me. It doesn't mean I'll let them get home before me," I didn't take my eyes off the road as I spoke. My brothers would make it a joke of the century if they get home before me. * * * I took a long bath as soon as we got home. I could hear their laughter in the sitting room as I descended down the stairs. But I headed to the kitchen instead. A maid was in there and once she saw me, she bowed and quickly walked out. I was getting a cup of water when Sophia came in. "Dante says you are getting married. Is that true?" "Yes," I missed her expression as I drained the cup. "Is she your mate?" "No... Yes, my chosen mate." "What?" Sophia looked strangely upset. "Aren't you going to wait for your fated mate? Even so, if you want to take a chosen mate, why choose her instead? There are other suitable women here in our pack." I shrugged, "She's suitable. Besides, their pack's got a good reputation. It is best for building more connections." "That's it? So you will rather opt for a business marriage than the one for love?" My eyes turned a bit cold. "I don't need love. Sophia, what's wrong with you? Why are you getting so worked up like those dumbasses in the sitting room? Shouldn't you be happy I'm getting married?" She took in a deep breath and walked around the kitchen island. "You are right. I'm sorry," She held my hand. "I should be happy one of my brothers is finally breaking the chain of single hood. Congratulations." She hugged me but I could still sense her anger and sadness. However, I returned the hug and she turned away. 'Why do I feel like Sophia isn't just upset us not getting married for love?' Raf voiced in my head and my brows furrowed but I couldn't think of anything so I just turned around to get another cup of water. _______ Sophia_ As I walked away, I couldn't stop screaming inwardly. 'He is getting married!' I was mad, sad and confused. I go to college for a short while and when I return, the only man I have loved for so many years is getting married. At first, my heart sunk thinking he finally met his mate but it was otherwise. Now I'm upset that even though he resolve to settle for a chosen mate, why couldn't he choose someone from the pack? Someone like me? Heck! If Rafael chooses me, I won't think twice before rejecting my fated mate in future. Can that woman do the same? Why can't he just see me as a woman instead of the younger sister he's known while growing up? No way... I'll have to find a way to stop the marriage. Even if she does get here, I'll make her life a living hell till she quits herself. _______ Rafael_ I was getting bored and about to leave the sitting room when my last brother, Romeo walked into the room. He smiled upon seeing Sophia and waved at her which she responded to with a forced smile. I wonder what's up with her. 'Romeo, where have you been?' I connected our mind link as you see, this brother of mine is a mute. 'Didn't they inform you? I had to deal with some business and oh, I received a call from dad.' I waited for him to continue. Ricardo and Roberto probably already noticed us because they also connected to the mind link and heard his next words. 'Father will be visiting in some days with mother.' 'What? Father is coming! How's mother doing?' Roberto yelled in my head and I twitched, feeling tempted to block him out. 'Isn't she your mother also? Why don't you call her yourself and ask?' Romeo gave him a befitting response. "Pfft!" Ricardo couldn't hold in his laughter. "And that's our cue to leave," Dante stood to his feet. "Alpha, I'll get going now." I nodded and Sophia stood reluctantly. "Sophia, come by sometime. I've got a new cookie recipe that you'll love," Ricardo's words made her smile and nodded. "Great. You'll be seeing more of me often." When they left, we all turned our attention to Ricardo. 'Father said the strenuous journey is wearing mother's already weak body so they'll stop by for a while and also, he said even though his unfilial son didn't inform him, he wouldn't miss the biggest event in his life.' All eyes turned to me and I facepalmed. Father knows I am going to Dark Moon's pack in a few days to get my bride. It isn't meant to be a big ceremony, just the finalization of formal agreement and I bring her home. But with father's presence, I doubt it would be low-key like I had envisioned.Sapphira_ I looked at the beautiful reflection in mirror and all I could see beneath the layers of makeup was my pale face. My fingers held unto the edges of the most gorgeous dress I've ever worn since I came to this pack anxiously. Today is this the day I'm supposed to be given away in a loveless alliance to as a chosen mate to an alpha I've never met before and I dreaded it. Creak! The door opened and aunt Elisa stepped in. She had this kind smile that made me sick. "You look so beautiful. He's here." I swallowed but was worried about someone else. "Aunt, Mateo..." "Shh... He's fine. Natalia is handling him and he'll stay put till the agreement process is over. You can take your little bastard with you." I nodded and sat back quietly. For a minute, I wanted to hold her hand and ask, 'Aunt, when my parents passed away, didn't you promise to take care of me? Why give me away now like I'm worthless?' But I decided against it. Aunt Elisa might have asked the maids to cover u
Sapphira As I approached the black tinted car with a maid by my side carrying my small luggage, I could feel a sharp gaze penetrating into my skin from the car. But the glasses were designed in a way one couldn't see what was happening. I collected my suitcase from a maid who I was unfamiliar with. Although there was this look of envy and disgust on her face, she still had to keep up the smile on her face. I know news has traveled fast about the marriage proposal more like a business proposal and there were many that envied me. They didn't understand I would do anything to get out of this agreement but I had no choice. "Thank you," I told her and opened the car door. She didn't even assist me any longer and as she turned around, I could hear her say, "She is probably feeling mighty and all now but we all know she was sold out and didn't even deserve a proper mating ceremony." She probably thought she whispered that but I could hear her clearly and the words stung. 'She is j
Sapphira My face paled as I watched Rafael slam the door behind him and leave. I was so humiliated and hurt. I've never felt like this and my eyes suddenly sting. In front of everyone, he was treating me this way. What would the pack members think of me? Mateo stirred and babbled something in his sleep again like he was aware I was about to cry. Someone opened the door and I quickly blinked back my tears. I looked up to see one of his brothers. He was smiling down at me and his kind face was so different from Raphael's cold one. I remembered I had seen four of them back at home. Were they all quadruplets because they looked so identical? One wouldn't even be able to tell the difference aside from the fact that Rafael is always wearing a scowl on his face and this one is wearing a pair of glasses. "Welcome home, sister-in-law. I'm Riccardo," He helped me out and even collected my suitcase. His other two brothers were waiting for me. One on a wheelchair and the other one who wa
Sapphira_ I was speechless. Why did he sound like I was acting so irresponsible? If he wasn't giving me the cold attitude, how would I know what I'm supposed to do or not do around him? The only thing I could say was, "Sorry." Jeez, I don't even know why I'm apologizing but it made a scowl appear on his face and I wondered what I did wrong now. But he didn't say anything and just walked out of the room. I rolled my eyes and huffed angrily. He's really got a big attitude. I've been taking care of Mateo all by myself and he just made it seem like I was an irresponsible parent. As I laid Mateo back on the bed, I made a mental note to be more careful around him. It seems like she was walking on eggshells every minute I spent around him. I opened the box and began to bring out the clothes inside angrily. Then I went into the walk-in closet and didn't even admire the numerous expensive clothes I saw there before looking for an empty spot to arrange the ones in my hands. 'Why are you
Sapphira I made way for him to pass and he signaled to some of the maids. I watched as they bowed slightly before rushing forward to the cupboards. "Thankfully, I got them to stock up on a variety of baby foods earlier. I don't know which one he prefers or eats so I asked them to get a bit of everything." My mouth opened slightly in surprise as the doors to the cupboards opened to display a beautiful sight of colorful jars and boxes of baby cereal, pureed fruits and vegetables. There were so many branded foods I couldn't even afford to get Mateo back at home. When did Roberto have time to prepare all these? He really went all out. "My goodness... This is even more than enough. I doubt he will outgrow all these baby foods before consuming them all," I laughed. I looked down at him, my eyes shimmering with gratitude. "Thank you. I don't know how to express my appreciation. This is too much..." Back at home, I just used to do little menial jobs without aunt knowing and whichever
Rafael I watched Sophia's back turn stiff before she turned around to look at me. I didn't need to know how dark my expression was because I could already judge by the look on her face. But I didn't care. Raf was raging inside of me and I was furious. How dare she call Sapphira a maid? "Rafael—" her voice was trembling and she couldn't look into my eyes. "What did you just say? Who are you to question me?" "No, I was... I didn't know she was the one. I thought she was a maid. I—" Her eyes were shimmering with tears when she looked up but that trick wasn't going to work this time. "You had no right to call the baby a bastard whatsoever and she is your Luna. You will respect her. Do I make myself clear?" "Yes," Sophia nodded and bit her lips to show she was having a hard time holding her tears back. I've never raised my voice at her until today but she crossed the line. "Now apologize like Roberto asked. Don't make me repeat myself." "I'm sorry." "I'm not the one you should apo
Sophia I marched right into my room when I got home and didn't even go down for dinner, ignoring my mother's pleas. So that was the thing Rafael settled for. I was so disappointed and hurt. How could he have chosen an ordinary she-wolf like her who already has a child? I was expecting a beautiful, sexy, high-class woman who would have been a formidable rival, not that bitch. "But just now," I sat up on my bed and stroked my hair. "I couldn't feel her rank. Is she a beta? No... There is no way someone like that could be a beta. She might be an ordinary omega or even a delta." Well it doesn't matter. Since she dared to agree to be with my own man, I am going to teach her a lesson. Without even saying a word today, Sapphira thoroughly humiliated me. Neither Roberto or Rafael has ever shouted at me before in my life. Even though Rafael is usually the coldest and emotionless one of them all, he has never been harsh with me until today. This only fueled my hatred towards Sapphira.
Sapphira When I woke up, the other side of the bed was cold and so did my heart turn. I sat up. He didn't spend the night here. My face fell and my insides twisted hurtfully. Was he also avoiding me now? What did I ever do to him? 'Why doesn't he want us?' Saskia was also awake and she was feeling incredibly sad as well. But I didn't know how to respond to her so I blocked off the link. Maybe it's because of the mate bond but I feel worse than I'd imagine. I hated this mate bond between us. Hated the fact that he was my mate yet acting like he wasn't. Well, if this is how he is going to play his game, I'll play along. "Today is a beautiful day. I get to go on a tour around my new pack with his brothers so I shouldn't ruin my mood over his attitude," I reassured myself and replaced the frown with a smile. I looked to the side and saw that Mateo was still asleep. He must have turned during the night as he was now sleeping in a slanted position. There was this cute pout on his ch