Page 4 of Rejected By My Stepbrother Alpha
What’s wrong with me?
Why couldn’t I stop thinking about him? Why couldn’t I stop picturing the way he looked right after his shower? Or the flecks of gold in his hazel eyes. Why did I keep fantasizing about him whenever my mind wandered?
Even though we didn’t spend our childhoods together, it still felt wrong to obsess over Asher.
“I’m glad that Russell is doing better. As the Alpha of the pack, I’m sure he’s strong and resilient. Isn’t this night to honor him?” Maeve asked.
She stepped away from me to look at her work so far.
“Yeah, more so for his business achievements. My mom described it as a, ‘high-profile corporate gala event to honor Russell’s business achievements in the technology industry’ or something along those lines,” I said.
“So, you basically have to rub elbows all night with a bunch of rich people?”
“Yeah, pretty much. If I’m being honest, I’m, um, kind of nervous for tonight. You know how shy I can get around big groups of people, and my mom said I needed to represent the family or I was going to embarrass Russell, and…” I trailed off.
I couldn’t tell Maeve about how nervous I was to see Asher tonight. He would be wearing a suit and would be looking devastatingly handsome. Deep down, I was terrified that the sight of him in a suit would make me forget myself and run up to him and confess that I couldn’t stop thinking about him. What would all of Russell’s important business associates think of me then? They would probably think I was some freak who was in love with her stepbrother. The worst part was…they wouldn’t be wrong to assume that.
But how could I love Asher? I’d hardly spoken to him. Why did I feel this soul-deep connection to someone I barely knew?
Maeve rolled her eyes at the mention of my mom saying I needed to represent the family tonight. She and my mother hadnever gotten along. Honestly, my mom had never gotten along with anyone from our old pack. Our old pack wasn't affluent enough for my mother's taste. My whole life, she'd taught me how to be the “proper shifter woman” as if there were such a thing. The taboo fantasies I had about Asher were as close to rebellious as I'd ever been in my life.
“I tried to get you a ticket for tonight,” I said. “But my mom told me that there weren't enough tickets. I really appreciate you driving here just to do my makeup. My mom said her makeup artist could do it, but I only trust you.”
“It’s just so good to see you. And don’t worry about impressing anyone. From what you told me about your stepdad, I’m sure Russell only wants you to have fun tonight. Your only job tonight is to have fun,” my friend said and smiled. “Now, let’s get you in that dress!”
Maeve helped me zip up my dress, and after I slipped on my shoes, she spun me around to face the floor-length mirror.
“Oh my…” I trailed off as I took myself in.
My mother’s stylist had picked out this dress for me, and I thought it was too fancy—it looked too similar to a wedding dress to me. However, the braided crown and Maeve’s makeup skills pulled the look together. The dress complemented my slim figure in a way that most clothes didn’t. The tight bodice showcased my slight curves, and the flowy skirt made me look taller than I was. The silver high heels I was wearing helped with that, too. Maeve had mixed white and silver eyeshadow to create a gorgeous color that accentuated my blue eyes.
My look was completed with the simple silver necklace that I always wore. I only took it off when I showered. At the end of the chain was the letter “I”. The necklace had been a gift from my grandmother. Her name was Isabelle, and she had passed away when I was thirteen. My mother and I had lived with my grandma for all of my life. I’d never known who my father was. Growing up, it seemed like my grandma was the only one who understood me. It had been she who raised me while my mom chased after rich and successful men. I’d never felt close to my mother.
Secretly, I was afraid that my mom hadn’t married Russell for the right reasons, but I didn’t know how to tell my stepfather that. Especially after he had just had a big health scare. I didn’t want to be apawn in my mother’s games, though. But how did I get out of a game I never wanted to play?
I shook my head, trying to stop my racing thoughts. I gave myself another once-over and grinned.
“I look…beautiful,” I breathed out and continued to study myself in the mirror.
“You look stunning!” Maeve said.
“I can't thank you enough.” I turned and hugged my oldest friend.
She squeezed me tight, but when she pulled back, her expression was concerned.
“Oh, Ivy, you're shaking. Are you really that nervous for tonight?”
“Yeah, I just don't want to do anything stupid…” I trailed off, Asher's handsome face coming to mind for the millionth time today.
“Why don't you order some champagne from room service?” Maeve suggested and started to put her makeup back into her bag. “A drink might be good for the nerves.”
I paused, unsure if that was a good idea or not. What would I say around Asher if I had alcohol in my system? But one drink couldn't hurt, right? Like Maeve said, it would help with my nerves for tonight.
Maeve and I had the best time over the next half hour. I ordered a chilled bottle of champagne to my room and sparkling grape juice for Maeve since she had to drive home. We put on music and talked about Maeve's dream of one day owning her own makeup line.
Our fun was interrupted by a sharp knock on the door.
“It's my mom,” I said, and drained my second glass of champagne. I hadn't wanted the bottle to go to waste.
