4: Mr. photographer is my step Brother?

Celeste's POV

Climbing down the car, a few maids were already gathered at the entrance.

They carried my baggage while the grumpy man had already marched into the house.

My lips twitched at the sight of the mansion that screamed wealth. I didn’t want to linger on the details. After all, I never admired such things.

Riches never guaranteed joy. Just as I stepped into the living room, my mother rushed forward and wrapped me in a hug.

“Oh, my sweet daughter, I thought you would remain stubborn about not coming.”

My mouth fell open in shock as I stared at her.

“Are you out of—”

“Meet my husband, your stepfather. Honey, meet my daughter, Celeste.” She cut me off as she introduced me with a radiant smile.

I blinked hard as my stepfather’s voice grabbed my attention.

“Nice to meet you, Celeste,” he said with a smile that made my stomach churn.

To be fair, he was also good-looking—which made it even harder to understand why on earth he would choose my mother!"

Then he added, “You must be exhausted from the ride. I hope Arden didn’t trouble you.”

I stared at him blankly.

Was the man who picked me up Arden? If he was, then I pitied this man for failing to raise him.

Yet he smiled warmly, and I didn’t want to appear rude, so I nodded with a faint smile.

“It was quite a ride here,” I murmured.

He chuckled softly. “I should have introduced you to them, but then—”

A sudden voice cut him short.

“Holy cow, why are there so many people here?”

I turned to see someone already walking away as though fleeing the scene.

“I already saw you, Zane. Come and greet your new sister.” Mr. Ravenchi called.

Zane...

That name sounded familiar, and the silhouette staring back at me made my eyes narrow.

As soon as he turned to face me, my breath caught in my throat

I blinked, then shook my head slightly. Maybe I was imagining things.

What on earth was the photographer doing here?

hold on... that means, the guy I had shown him my boobs to in that god forsaken sheer shoot was....

Was fate mocking me?

He smiled faintly. His eyes lingered on mine as he drew closer with a look that carried no surprise.

And here I was, my insides boiling with endless Why me?

“Hi, sis... nice to meet you.” He stretched out his hand for a handshake.

His ability to act as though he was just seeing me baffled me.

My heartbeat raced as I shook his hand. The same electrifying feeling surged through me again, and his fingers brushed against mine before he withdrew his hand.

“She is beautiful, Dad. If I had known she was my… sister, I wouldn’t have tried to sneak away.”

His words made my cheeks burn.

His father cleared his throat. “Behave yourself, Zane. She is your sister.” His tone carried a warning that I was off-limits.

Yet the spark dancing in Zane's eyes told me he wasn’t one to heed warnings.

The realization made me press my lips tightly together.

“I guess I’ll be seeing you often then.” He winked at me, just like before, and walked away.

Damn...

“Don’t mind his attitude. That’s just how he behaves. Have you eaten, or would you—” I shook my head before he finished his words.

“You don’t have to worry. I ate before coming.” My mum cast me a strange look, but I ignored her.

He smiled again. “Alright then, feel at home. We still have a long journey ahead... Maya!” he called suddenly.

I wanted to ask what he meant by long journey, but the maid had already appeared.

“Take Miss to her room,” he instructed.

My feet ached, and I wanted to leave anyway. With one last bow, I followed the maid to my room.

We passed several confusing corridors. I feared I would get lost. I mean, how was I supposed to know my way around so easily?

Finally, she stopped at a door and pushed it open.

“The room has been specially prepared for you, Miss. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call me.”

With that, she bowed and left.

Pressing my lips together, I noticed a strange smell the moment I stepped inside.

It crawled across my skin like a shadow. In the blink of an eye, the feeling vanished.

My brow knitted together as I hugged myself. Everything was neatly arranged. Nothing looked unusual.

Maybe it was just the scent of a new place.

Shaking the thought away, my gaze landed on the queen-size bed.

I didn’t think twice before I sank into the soft mattress.

“Uhmmm.” I moaned as I clutched the pillow.

I knew I was supposed to call my best friend and update her, but fatigue weighed me down. I would talk to her when I woke up.

I was sure she would lose her mind when she found out Zane was my stepbrother.

I shivered at the thought. I had to stay away from him. Screw me. I needed to end whatever shit I had in mind.

But would I be able to do that?

Within minutes, sleep claimed me quickly...

Suddenly, I found myself chained to a chair.

A figure, blocked by sunlight, stood tall before me, his height looming like a mountain.

This place didn’t look like home, my room, or anywhere familiar.

“Wh... who are you?” My voice cracked as I squinted to see.

“Celeste.” He called softly.

My eyes widened as I blinked rapidly. He knew my name?

I stepped backward. “Who are you?” I asked again.

“You’re not who you think you are,” he said, his voice deep and gravelly.

“What do you mean?” I furrowed my brow, my eyes squinting hard to catch his face.

In the speed of light, he surged forward and placed his hand on my forehead.

A piercing pain shot from my head, trailing down my whole body.

“Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!” A loud scream tore through my throat.

My hand gripped his, trying to pull his large hand off my head.

But the moment my hand met his, I saw it.

My fingers thickened. In the speed of light, they morphed into claws.

As if that wasn’t enough, I watched fur replace flesh on my arm. The fur spread from my wrist to my arm, across my body.

“No! No! No! No!!!!!!”

My body jerked awake. Panting heavily, I realized it was a dream.

A dream.

Just a dream.

Wiping sweat from my brow, I steadied my breath.

What the hell was that? God forbid such nonsense!

Where did that kind of dream come from?

Fuck! My hand pressed against my chest, which now beat so loudly.

Breathe... breathe... breathe... I coaxed myself.

After calming down, I rose to my feet. My throat felt parched, and hunger gnawed at me.

As I stepped out, I realized I was trapped in a maze. How was I supposed to find my way?

And not a single soul appeared in sight.

Just perfect.

Dragging my hand through my hair, I walked down the corridor.

The more I moved, the more the place twisted like a labyrinth.

“What kind of house is this?!” I lamented. All I wanted was water, yet I couldn’t even find my way.

Frustrated, I turned back when I heard a muffled voice.

I paused, glancing around. Only one door stood close by. Maybe I could ask the person for help.

The closer I drew, the clearer the sound became.

Undoubtedly, it was a moan. And though the door stood ajar, I didn’t want to peek.

But my reckless legs betrayed me. Before I knew it, I was inside. The room was empty.

The voice rang clear... “Ouuu fuckkk yesssss!”

Shit! I knew I should leave.

But maybe I should just glance and then slip away quietly.

As I neared the balcony, my eyes landed on him.

A fully naked man!

At the same time, he turned toward me. My eyes widened as my gaze scanned his body.

Covering my face with my hand, “I’m... s... sorry, I didn’t mean to...” I cursed myself.

What had I done?

When silence followed, I peeked through my fingers. He stared right back.

My heart skipped. He had a striking resemblance with the two men I met earlier.

Could he be one of them?

“If you’re that sorry, you should be leaving my room!” His voice thundered, shaking me.

I blinked. “Oh... Yes... I’m leaving.” I tried to flee the scene when his voice nailed me to the spot.

“Hold on. Stop right there!”

Damn, what could be the issue again? My face burned crimson as I turned slowly.

with one of his hand still on his cock,

He gestured with his other hand. “Come here.”