Chapter 5

I knocked on Alec’s door and instantly regretted it when Taylor Evans, my brother’s girlfriend, opened it. Her light brown eyes landed on me with distaste as recognition settled into her features.

Let’s just say we didn’t see eye to eye.

“You could at least say hello to me,” I said when she remained silent, looking at me as if I were an insignificant mosquito.

“What do you want, peasant?” She crossed her arms, and I took a deep breath, channeling my inner Zen because it was going to take a whole lot of patience to have a conversation with Taylor Evans.

“I’m not here to talk to you, Taylor. I’m here to see my brother... speaking of, where is he?” I asked, ignoring her insult.

“Alec is busy. He doesn’t have time for you,” she said, attempting to close the door, but I intercepted her with my foot.

“You don’t get to decide that; go get him, or I’m coming in,” I told her, irritation sparking in my chest.

“Listen, little Omega,” she sneered, her voice condescending. “The only reason I’m even bothering to acknowledge you is because you’re Alec’s sister.”

I sighed.

Werewolves easily let their ranks inflate their egos. It was as if the logical part of them didn’t even exist, leaving their animal instincts to run the show. This was exactly why I despised the system so much. Why couldn’t we just treat each other with a little decency?

“Yeah, and this little Omega can get whatever she wants, thanks to her big brother,” I shot back, folding my arms. “You know, I could tell him all about the crap you give me. Who knows? Maybe then he’d finally consider Kayla’s confession.”

The moment I said her name, I knew I’d hit a nerve. Kayla was a girl who’d been trying to win my brother’s attention for the longest time. She had always been a sore spot for Taylor. Their childhood rivalry ran deep, and just the mention of Kayla was enough to send Taylor spiraling into a jealous rage.

Taylor narrowed her eyes. “Michelle, you were born to be at the bottom. You’ll never accomplish anything besides cleaning bathrooms and washing dishes. Isn’t that the reason you left in the first place, because you’re so pathetic?” She laughed as she watched my cheeks go up in flames.

My hand made contact with her cheek before I could think twice. She let out a gasp and looked at me in disbelief. There was no way I was going to tolerate such disrespect.

“Kayla would be a better girlfriend for Alec than you could ever be!” I shot back.

“Shut up!” she snapped, her voice rising as she finally lost it. Before I could react, she grabbed a fistful of my hair, yanking hard.

The nerve of this woman. Gritting my teeth, I grabbed her hair in return and pulled with every ounce of strength I had.

“You pig!” I said between my teeth.

“Peasant,” she fired back.

A loud growl made us freeze.

“Taylor, let her go now!” my brother growled. She immediately let go, and I followed suit.

“Baby–” Taylor began.

“Don’t say a word.” Alec cut her off.

“Michelle, explain yourself.” Alec’s voice was calm, but his eyes said otherwise. It wasn’t just him looking at me; his wolf was in them too.

“Not if she’s around.” I folded my arms and cast my eyes toward Taylor, knowing full well he would take my side on this.

“Taylor, go inside.” The look of hurt in her eyes almost made me feel bad for her, but it soon faded when she flipped me off.

I smirked and waved at her when Alec had his back to me.

When she was gone, I let out a deep breath.

“In my defense, I came in peace... sort of.”

“What happened?” he asked, his voice holding concern and frustration.

“High-ranking wolves thinking they can push me around because I’m an Omega... you know, the usual.”

Alec pursed his lips. “I’ll have a talk with her.” He took a step closer and ruffled my hair.

“If only I had been born an Epsilon or even a Zeta,” I mumbled, more to myself than to him.

“You need to learn to love and accept who you are,” he said, which, for some reason, bothered me—especially coming from someone who didn’t understand what it meant to be an Omega.

“I’ll try,” I said, and a silence ensued.

“By th–”

“I’m sure you’ve heard,” Alec said, interrupting my next words, “but an important pack will arrive in our territory in a few days.” He said, changing the subject.

“Felix needs a few Omegas to set up the tables, food, and drinks. I heard they’re pretty popular. Maybe you’d like a chance to meet them? Get an autograph even?” he inquired, almost as if he was trying to make amends in some weird way for what Taylor had done.

This was perfect; it was the reason I had come anyway.

“Can I bring a friend?” I asked hopefully.

“Sure.”

“Thanks, Alec. I’m heading home now. Need anything?” I asked.

“No, go get some rest,” he said before stepping into his house and disappearing inside.