Fated To My Lycan Stepbrothers
Chapter 63

Naya

Cod

My cheeks burned with embarrassment as I recalled the intimate details I had shared with Elder Rosalie. It wasn't every day that someone learned about their dormant abilities and potential while discussing such personal matters. Realizing how open I was to her made me cringe mentally. It was as if my most private thoughts had been laid bare for the world to see.

Could I even trust the elder, who said she knew everything? Besides, the last thing I remember was closing my eyes. I was sure she whispered some crazy things into my ears. Saying gibberish about family and all that nonsense. I had yet to wrap my head around her words. I must say that she has a way with them, and that was what terrified me.

The question I had for myself was how I managed to open my eyes, walk back to my room, and not get drenched. I should be down with a cold or something because I was pretty sure no one carried me. "Could it get any more mortifying?" I muttered, my self- consciousness making my movements slightly awkward. I glanced around the room, swinging my legs over the side. Something was wrong. First thing. This wasn't my room. Secondly, I was dressed in clean clothes.

It did not take long for me to figure out whose room this was. Zeke's room. I would never forget about his clean, musky scent of pine and rain or those blinding white duvets. Did I mention he was a clean freak? Yes, I did it almost a million times. For a moment, I wondered if Zeke had been privy to my conversation with Elder Rosalie, and the thought only deepened my blush. Did she bring me here, or did he carry me from there? Either way? I knew I was screwed. Zeke didn't look very happy with me this morning. I haven't asked him the reason why since I slipped out of his room, like sleeping with him was a dirty secret I wanted to keep.

He should be the one pursuing me. He should be the one chasing after me. Or maybe not. Perhaps the guilt of sleeping with me a few weeks before his birthday and replaceing his mate kind of made him a jerk.

It made me a fool too, because not only did I not confirm the stupid name I was given, I truly did just that. A slut in case you have forgotten. I rubbed my twitching nose. I did catch a cold.

f**k, Elder Freya and her mood swings. f**k, Elder Rosalie, for watching me get a cold and not doing anything about it. The cold floor seemed soft under my feet. Since I was here for stupid reasons, I didn't feel the need to look around his bedroom. From the looks of it, it was empty, and a tray of food was by the side. I gently opened the silver platter. It should be served to a queen or his mate, not me. Yet I couldn't resist the urge to open the plate and look inside.

Soup. Specifically yellow venison soup. Perfect for the cold night. Did he cook this? Despite my inner turmoil, I couldn't help but appreciate the considerate touch Zeke had shown by leaving me a tray of food. It was simple, but this act actually warmed my heart and eased some of her embarrassment. I folded my arms across my chest, wondering if I should go ahead and taste it or not.

"Oh, f**k it." I threw caution to the wind, proceeding to drink it all. I knew we weren't speaking that much, but I'd gladly eat whatever he gave me. Just like I nearly sucked his c**k dry last night,

At the thought of that, my throat refused to take any more in. It was better that I sipped water and forgot such rubbish. I better act like a proper adult instead of turning red. Somehow the soup revived some parts of me that I thought were dead. It slowly infused energy and composure. As I stood up and stretched, a determination that had been kindled within me seemed to overshadow my lingering embarrassment. Nah, scratch that. I was on the cusp of a new chapter in my life with greater challenges. I mean, Elder Rosalie did say I was part of her now. I should probably test that theory for myself. Maybe ask Brooke to stop talking down on me since I am technically stronger than her.

Now where the hell is Zeke? Frankly, I never want to see the cold Zeke that ignored me this morning. I would say it was my fault. But I think he has a right to know what Elder Rosalie told me this afternoon. I felt it was right to tell him. We weren't close enough, but it would not be nice if he suddenly heard that I was an elder. The new stock! My steps guided me out of the room with eagerness. An eagerness to speak to Zeke about the revelations that are about to turn my world a bit better

I was moving blindly. Navigating the hallways, I felt like this was my home. It was never my home. My confidence has returned, and the weight of embarrassment is beginning to lift. No matter what, Zeke was one of the few people who might actually understand me. It was weird doting on him like this, but I needed him right now. It wasn't long before I found him in the common area. It was by the fireplace. A place I had seen the former Alpha and his son before. Zeke sat by the fireplace. His eyes were cold as he stared into the dancing flames. I didn't have to announce my presence before he turned, our eyes meeting. Just like that, my confidence went out the window. What I did feel was nervousness, vulnerability, and the warmth of our bonding.

I smiled gently, which threw him off a bit by the looks of it. He raised perfectly curved eyebrows. Without hesitating, I walked over to him.

"Hey!" I said softly. I was sure my voice carried a blend of emotions that mirrored my journey from embarrassment to determination, then embarrassment again. "Mind if I join you?" For some reason, my cheeks burned. I couldn't look at him without remembering last night. It was hard not to. The conversation I also had with Elder Rosalie-the things I told her. Jeez, I am such a fool. They seem to linger in my mind, spreading faster than an infectious disease. I cleared my throat to compose myself.

I refused to meet his eyes. I mean, we slept with each other, and he didn't say anything but looked at me coldly. He made a lot of promises that night, but the morning came and they vanished. "I... uh, wanted to talk to you about something." My fingers twisted together as I forced myself to meet his cold gaze. He hasn't stopped looking at me since I came. It made me yearn for him. I was technically asking him to f**k me without saying the words.

His head tilted slightly, and his frown deepened. "What is it?"

Wow, he was really going to act like a jerk, wasn't he? I took a deep breath, attempting to gather my thoughts. "It's just... I had this conversation with Elder Rosalie, and she... well, she told me some things." I could feel her face turning even redder, and I had to look down at the floor for a moment before meeting Zeke's eyes again. It was bad, I know.

Zeke's brows furrowed as he leaned forward. I could see if he was concerned for me or not. "What did she tell you?"

I needed to get a grip on myself before I threw up out of nervousness. I was trying so hard to have an interactive conversation with his monotonous replies. I didn't like it. "She said, I'm a born elder, and there are these latent abilities I have... because of my hair." I gestured to my crimson locks, my cheeks feeling like they were on fire. "And she mentioned our connection... and... well, she basically knew about everything that happened between us." My voice trailed off, and I bit her lip, waiting for Zeke's reaction. That was the part I was getting to all this time. She knew about us. It wasn't good.

Zeke didn't seem alarmed, but then a faint smile played at the corner of his lips. "She told you all of that?" His tone was gentle, and he reached out to brush his fingers against my cheek. "You are red."

I nodded at the obvious.

He dropped his hands with a sigh. "You don't have to be embarrassed. You don't have to hide anything from me. I'm just glad you're okay."

My embarrassment began to ebb away as I looked into those cold eyes that were beginning to get warm. A heavy sigh escaped me along with relief. "I know, Zeke. It's just a lot to take in. And to think she knew about us-it's like she sees right through me. Everyone acts weird around me too. You too, Kyle."