Mindy
"Baby, I've been missing you," Derek said, wrapping me in a big bear hug.
Ugh, I hated this cocky jerk. He was the son of the Dusk pack's Alpha, next in line himself, but I knew he was only after me to get to my brother. Whatever. No one ever won my heart-it belonged to Duncan, my big brother and secret mate.
"But I didn't miss you," I teased with a smirk, kissing his cheek.
He pouted like a kid. "You always make me feel bad."
God, so dramatic. Not a real man at all. But he'd do for tonight's party before I dumped him.
"You're coming with me," I said, faking a smile. "Party at my house. You're invited."
We walked arm-in-arm off campus like a perfect couple. "We?" he asked, eyes narrowing in surprise. I laughed.
"Yeah, it's Duncan's business party. He won't mind. You wanted to meet him, right?"
His face lit up, and he bounced with excitement. Of course-he'd begged for weeks. Duncan was Alpha of the Silver Warriors pack, the youngest, richest, most powerful businessman at thirty-one. His face was on billboards, Forbes, everywhere. Every pack respected him.
To me, he was everything. Our parents died when I was twelve; he raised me, handled school, training, all of it. He taught me to fight, held me through my first shift at eighteen. That's when I knew: my mate bond was with him. My nose scented only him, my heart raced near him.
It crushed me. My love went beyond family-strong, unbreakable. But I hid it, terrified. I dated a new guy weekly, acting like a wild party girl who hooked up. Truth? I was a virgin. No one touched me.
"Derek!" I snapped, snapping out of it as I climbed into my red Porsche.
"Yes, darling?" He leaned on the door.
"Don't be late. Wear a tux. I want Duncan to like you." I winked and sped off. He'd show; my plans always worked.
For Duncan's big parties, I arrived in a sexy dress with a fake boyfriend. He'd rage and kick the guy out. Our new "palace" house was perfect for his empire events, but tonight felt off. That's why I went all out-booked the whole salon.
I wanted Duncan's blue eyes on me, seeing me as a woman, a hot she-wolf, not his little sister. I was twenty-one now, guys everywhere drooled, but he just got possessive and angry. Was it brotherly, or more? I craved his touch as a lover, his claim as mate. Every woman near him was a threat-they wanted his power, not him like I did.
I loved him completely.
At the salon, it was nearly five; party at ten. "Good afternoon, sweetheart," Jack greeted, my gay best friend and secret-keeper.
"Hey, baby," I said, kissing his cheeks, sounding low.
He frowned. "What's wrong?"
I pulled him to his office. "Duncan's throwing this huge party out of nowhere. Told me to be early. He usually keeps me away."
Jack thought, rubbing his chin. "Weird. We'll crash it like always. Invited your boyfriend?"
"Yeah, Derek-Dusk pack heir. Duncan'll hate him. But I'm nervous."
"Forget it," Jack said. "I'll go with you."
My face lit up. "Yes!"
He grinned. "Show me your dress."
"White sleeveless mini, low-cut, shows half my boobs, barely covers my thighs."
"Perfect. Let's make you a goddess."
Jack was an omega but the best stylist-bold, creative. Tonight, I'd make Duncan see me as his woman. If the mate bond hit him too... great. Or I'd hurt again. But I was done hiding.
In the mirror, I squealed. "Wow, Jack! I look amazing. Love you!"
He whistled. "Like a princess. Duncan's eyes won't leave you."
"You think?" I pouted. "He never sees me that way-just chases other girls. I want him to want me as a she-wolf."
He hugged me. "Alphas struggle with that. Maybe he's fighting the bond too, hiding his feelings."
It hurt, but made sense. Werewolf history had sibling mates-even kings. Modern pack rules sucked, but I trusted the Moon Goddess. If she paired us, why hide? I'd never quit; I was too in love, too stubborn. He was my addiction, my everything. Losing him would break me.
His jealousy gave hope-the anger at my dates, the stares, the protection. More than brotherly? Or wishful thinking?
"Snap out!" Jack said. "Time to dress."
In the white mini and heels, legs endless, I spun. "What do you think?"
He whistled. "You'll slay. Hope Derek looks half as good."
I rolled my eyes. "He's hot, but no Duncan."
His eyes widened. "Falling for him? Ditch the plan?"
"No," I said, hand on heart. "Duncan forever."
"Then tonight he sees it." He called Derek: "Don't be late. Tux. No excuses."
I stared in the mirror. This wasn't a party-it was war for my mate. I wouldn't give up.
I called Derek. "Where are you?"
"On my way to your house. Meet and drive you?"
"No. Wait outside the gate. No entering without me. Surprise for Duncan."
"Okay, sweetie. Love you."
I rolled my eyes-clingy weirdo. Liked my meanness, even. Total opposite of Duncan, who'd snap back sharp but never hurt me. When you love someone, you forgive all.
I wanted to flip his party, make him jealous and furious seeing me with Derek. Hilarious-and a bit scary what he'd do.
Bad feeling something big loomed. *Please, Goddess, stay with me.*
I hung up without goodbye.
Jack eyed me. "Go alone tonight. Gut feeling-you need to handle this solo with Derek."
I stepped out, hands on his shoulders. "Why? I need you. Nervous."
"Trust me. You're a knockout; every Alpha there will lose it."
I trusted his instincts. "Okay. Luck?"
He shoved me playfully. "Win with some tequila."
I drove off, heart pounding-nervous, excited, terrified.
We lived together, but I missed him daily. He was busy, but called ten times a day, checking in. Even away, he slept home, saying, "Guards everywhere-I can't let harm touch my heart." He called me his heart, loved me more than anything.
But he didn't know my depth.
I screeched to the gate. No Derek. Called-he was across the street. I waved him to follow.
Deep breath.
Tonight was everything.
I was ready.
