Fated To My Lycan Stepbrothers
Chapter 66

The warm water cascaded down my body, washing away the tension and confusion that had been swirling within me. As I finished my shower and stepped out, the steam-filled bathroom gradually cleared, revealing the fogged-up mirror. As I reached for the towel, "Alpha, the elders are here, and they're waiting for you and Mr. Kyle downstairs. They also wanted to let you know that breakfast is ready for you all," the message read.

my phone buzzed on the sink. I picked it up and noticed a message from Reid.

Reid was acting too formal. Yesterday he wasn't like this, and today he was like this. I'd like to break his nose to see how he'd react.

Despite myself, I quickly replied with thanks and wrapped the towel around my waist. I glanced at the mirror, where the condensation was starting to recede, revealing a reflection of my body. My thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the bathroom door. I opened it to replace a young maid standing there with a tray of breakfast items. She was the one Marley sent to me sometimes. She knew I wouldn't like her because she wasn't my type. I loved them-scrawny and delicate, like Naya. But now her cheeks were a deep shade of red, and she struggled to maintain eye contact. What is wrong with her?

"Alpha." She said it in a more timid voice, which shocked me.

"Good morning." I greeted her, trying to ease the awkward tension in the air. All these years, and I still don't know her name. That's because they were always reshuffled every month. I'll probably see another type of her by next month's end. Sheesh... "Er..." she mumbled, her gaze fixated on the floor.

I noticed her fidgeting and her inability to meet my eyes. I couldn't understand why she would act this way around me. Then it occurred to me that it was because of my size and presence as an alpha. I knew everything changed the moment the elders pronounced me Alpha. No. It changed when I faced the last challenge. I got bigger and stronger. "Is everything okay? You seem a bit... flustered." Was she ogling my body? I mean.. I just came out of the bathroom. It would be normal for her to act like this. But something told me it wasn't because of my bigger and better body.

Her blush deepened, and she stammered, "I, uh, I just noticed that, well, you're not... um, wearing much, and I'm sorry, I didn't mean to invade your privacy or anything..."

Oh. I guess I was wrong then. "I am sorry." I turned to ask my brother to pass me a shirt, but he was too engrossed in his phone to notice me. I stifled a chuckle, realizing that she was having a hard time keeping her composure due to my semi-naked state. "It's alright, Emily? I appreciate the breakfast."

"It's Dal." She practically shoved the tray into my hands, her face growing even redder. "I'll just, um, leave you to it. Enjoy your meal, Mr. Zeke."

Before I could say anything else, she hurried away, her embarrassed scent in the air. I need to work on my scent because I could also perceive arousal or something else. Jealousy. I was right. They all heard her voice all the way to the maid's quarters last night. I shook my head in amusement and closed the bedroom door. As I began to dress, I heard a rustling sound from the other room, followed by Kyle's groggy voice.

"What's all the fuss about, Zeke?"

I finished buttoning my shirt and walked out to replace Kyle still sitting up in bed, his hair ruffled, and a sleep-induced daze in his eyes. He was feeling sleepy, alright. He dared not sleep in my bed. I have given him enough time to get a grip on himself. He's not the only one who was tired last night.

"Morning, Kyle." I replied sarcastically, as if he had just woken up. "The elders are here downstairs, waiting for us with breakfast," I informed him. "Get out of my room."

He rubbed his eyes and yawned. "Damn, already? Alright, let's go and face the consequences of your actions." He was talking about me being the Alpha.

I made our way through the halls with Kyle following lazily behind me when I saw Naya staring at me from the corner of her eyes. She was putting on a hoodie to cover herself. Her breasts weren't as visible as before, and a dusting of blush settled on her cheeks. Wow.

I raised an eyebrow at Kyle, who pretended he hadn't seen Naya. "Do all the girls you sleep with act all shy in the morning?"

"Not all, but the decent ones actually do. Is it Naya? Give her time." He said nonchalantly, We didn't screw her last night. I could hear the voices of the elders already. I couldn't bear to look at her face. Not after she left me in bed alone. That's when I did it. Brushed past her like she was insignificant and climbed downstairs, where the elders were already seated.

Elder Freya was already seething because I was the youngest Alpha and she was under me. I hid my sneer. Elder Rosalie, whom I found a bit warm, shook my hands before she blessed the food in the name of our goddess. We were having meat for breakfast. After exchanging pleasantries, we began eating the breakfast that had been prepared for us. The room was filled with an air of formality, and it was clear that the elders had something important to discuss. Except for Elder Freya's bickering here and there, it was okay. I narrowed my eyes at the banister since Naya didn't come down with me. Neither did Kyle. Something was going on upstairs.

I didn't know anything else until Elder Rosalie asked me to take a wet little wolf inside. She asked me not to ask why she called me instead of Reid.

I thought after Naya was gone, I was going to have some peace and quiet by the fireplace. It wasn't.

"Alpha? Your tea." The maid from earlier bowed slightly as I collected the tea. She didn't get to leave because Kyle stopped her.

I nearly choked on my tea when Kyle, who was always one to break the ice, leaned towards Emily. and grinned mischievously. "Emily, you seem a bit flustered this morning. Did you catch a glimpse of what Zeke and I were up to last night?"

My eyes widened at Kyle's audacity, while Emily's face turned a shade of red that matched a tomato. "I, uh, no, sir! I-I mean, I didn't... I wouldn't.

Kyle burst into laughter, thoroughly enjoying Emily's discomfort. "Relax, Emily. We're just teasing. No need to be so serious."

As Emily excused herself, visibly flustered, I shot a glare at Kyle. "Do you have to tease her like that? And what? You don't care about Naya's feelings? I'm sure you heard her. She is hurt, Kyle."

Kyle chuckled, his eyes dancing with amusement. "Come on, Zeke, lighten up. We can't always be so serious." He sat down where Naya was earlier. "I feel bad for her."

I sighed, shaking my head. "Sometimes you have no filter, you know that?"

He winked playfully. "That's what makes life interesting."

Kyle's lightheartedness was a stark contrast to the weight of the situation we were facing. The Elders made me their Alpha, but they also made it clear to me not to make mistakes. I couldn't help but feel a pang of anger at him for putting Emily in such an awkward position. She was part of the staff. I was angry, not because of Emily, but because Naya left here hurt.

Eventually, the mansion seemed to regain its quiet atmosphere. I turned to Kyle, my frustration evident in my gaze. "You know, your teasing could have consequences. Naya's already dealing with enough, and we don't need to make things more difficult for her." Kyle's expression softened, his playfulness disappearing. "You are upset."

I nodded, appreciating his understanding. "Good. I'm going for a walk to clear my head."

He nodded in return. "Alright. I'll stay here for a bit and then join you."

I left the mansion, my footsteps heavy with the weight of my emotions. I shouldn't have spoken to Kyle like that. Jeez, the pack duties were getting to me. Especially the stack of papers piled in my father's office, which is now my office. I couldn't shake off the frustration that had settled within me, and I needed some time alone to process everything. I couldn't help but wonder how I was going to unravel this silly web of challenges while protecting Beta Brooke and Naya and keeping our own secrets hidden. I didn't get to go far before movements by the side of the fence caught my eye. It was fast. Like the monsters at school. They were back, but this time inside the manor.

"I know that smell." Flame said. He was in defensive mode. My senses went into high alert as I turned my attention toward the fence. This would be my first test as an Alpha. I was right; they had been watching me.

I should handle this on my own. I approached the fence cautiously, my eyes scanning the surrounding area for any signs of movement again.

"Zeke!" Kyle's voice startled me, and I turned to see him jogging toward me. His expression was one of curiosity. "What's going on?"

I pointed toward the fence, my voice low and serious. "They're back, Kyle. The creatures from the school. I saw movement over there."

Kyle's jaw clenched, his gaze hardening. "Damn it. We can't catch a break, can we? They came on your first day. Maybe it's time to have a chat with the leader."

I shook my head, my grip on my emotions growing tighter. "We are not ready. I am not ready."

"Let's split up. I'll go around the other side to see if there are more of them. You stay here and keep an eye on this area."

"Sure." There was no need to alert the others. Especially not Naya, who was probably mopping somewhere in shame and regret. I tiptoed to the other side, leaning against the walls. If there was movement, I'd hear it now. Just as I was about to reach out to Kyle to check on his progress, a rustling noise came from the bushes to my left. I tensed.

But instead of the monster, Naya stepped out. "Zeke? What's going on?"

I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding, relief washing over me. "Why the f**k, Naya? Get out of here!" I yelled.

She glanced around, her eyes narrowing as she tried to make sense of the situation. "I heard you and Kyle talking about monsters... Are those the same ones from the school?"

Great. She has been eavesdropping on our conversation. I sighed, my gaze never leaving the perimeter. "Yes, they're back. I'm trying to figure out what they want and how to keep the pack safe."

Naya stepped closer. "I want to help. Maybe test my powers a little."

My protective instincts kicked in, and I turned to face her. It was then that I got a whiff of her scent. It was mixed with alcohol. She has been drinking! "Naya, you are drunk. Get back inside." She did not seem to understand me. "You don't own me."

Before I could respond, Kyle's voice caught my attention. "Zeke, you need to see this."

We both turned to see Kyle emerging from the trees, his expression grim. As he approached, he spoke in a hushed tone. "Here." He handed me an envelope. It seemed like an invitation. Interesting.

I exchanged a glance with Naya, my heart pounding.

On it was written, The Blood Moon Pack.