Page 107 of XOXO

“Am I interrupting something?” Bobby asks, looking between us.

“Yes.” Christopher sits on my couch.

“No.” I make my way to Bobby, wrapping my arm around him. “This is Christopher Stone... my brother. I told you I had two brothers.”

“And a sister that died as a toddler. I remember.” He smiles and nods before turning his attention to Christopher. “It’s just that you look like that millionaire guy. The one who’s married to one of Zane Robert’s daughters… Marco Stone.”

“He’s our older brother. Shayla and I are only months apart.” Christopher smiles.

“Different mothers.” I add.

“You’re related to Marco Stone?” Bobby looks at me with wide eyes.

“Yes.” I sigh. “I only met him eight years ago. He doesn’t like me.”

“Not true.” Christopher corrects.

“Really?” I snap my head to him. “He refers to me as the bastard child. According to him, I’m not good enough to carry the Stone name.” I sharply exhale.

“Shayla, this is family business. Think we can speak alone?” His eyes shift to Bobby.

“No.” I shake my head.

“I wish you could mindlink.” Christopher growls.

“Mind what?” Bobby tilts his head.

“Sorry, seems the only thing I inherited from dear old dad was his sense of smell.” I roll my eyes.

“Marco has been trying to reach you; we both have.” He runs his fingers through his hair.

“Unlike you, I don’t answer to him.” I shake my head.

“I see the family resemblance now.” Bobby looks between us.

“Shayla looks like our grandmother.” Christopher smiles.

After learning about me, Christopher reached out. Excited to have a sister, even though I’m half human. He welcomed me to their territory and gave me a crash course about who I am.

Werewolf.

Marco, who is the Alpha, shunned me. Angry because I resulted from a relationship between our father and my mother. A relationship that ended when she died. Over the years, Christopher and I have remained close, but they have not invited me back to pack lands.

“Why are you here?” I let out an exasperated sigh.

“Time to join the family business.” He blurts.

“Family business?” I scoff. “Marco was very clear.”

“He’s reconsidered… seen the error of his ways.” He rubs his jaw. “A lot has gone on outside this world’s knowledge. He realizes now that family, no matter how they came to be, is very important. His children need their aunt.”

“Wow, pulling at those heartstrings, huh?” I gulp.

“Nigel is not who you think he is. He’s an Alpha of a small pack.” He exhales.

“What?" I ball my fists at my sides.

“Boy, am I lost.” Bobby laughs.

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