MOTHER'S WARNING AND SISTER'S POISON 

CHAPTER 3

Natalie POV

My room was quiet as I stared at the ceiling, trying to figure out the who the wolves I saw in the woods were until Tasha stormed into my room, her brows furrowed and a first-aid kit at hand.

“Let me see,” she grunted. The mattress dipped under her weight as she sat on the bed, setting the kit down with a dull thud. 

“I can do it myself, I only asked where the first aid kit is.” 

“Just let me do it! Unlike you, I care about someone other than myself plus I have to do it properly so it doesn't leave a scar and embarrass us.” 

I knew my sister, things wouldn't progress either way. I let her do what she wants and get over with the interaction. 

Her hands were moving fast and rough as she cleaned my chin, I flinched every time her fingers brushed my skin with the pungent smell coming out of the antiseptic which received another grunt. 

“Tasha, what are you using?" I pinched my nose. Tasha glared at me from underneath her lashes, “don't you dare complain, you wouldn't be in this situation if you had just been careful!" 

No, if the three wolves I saw in the woods hadn't given me such a scare then I wouldn't be injured. 

I could have told her that but she wouldn't care and might fault me even more for strolling in the woods. 

“Why are you so clumsy?” she hissed. “You've always been a clutz.”

She paused, pressing the bandage tighter than necessary, “I hope you don't embarrass us tomorrow. You have to be careful. A lot of people will be watching us.”

“It was just an accident," I said dismissively, “I don't have much of a role in the wedding so what harm could I possibly do?"

Tasha sighed then straightened the bandage, “Please don’t embarrass us again,”

The door burst open, breaking the hushed tone in the room.

“NATALIE!” mother screamed my name, Tasha and I both looked to the door and found mother huffing, nose flaring and her eyes were narrowed, glaring intensely at me.

“Why did the moon goddess curse me with a child like you? Ever since you left, I've known peace but now you're back proving to still be incompetent as ever.”

I clenched my jaw.

“Tomorrow is the wedding,” Mother's face turned red, “I’m sure Tasha has already told you! How could you get injured knowing that? You better pray to the moon goddess that it heals before tomorrow morning.”

She marched to me, her arms crossed, “This wedding is crucial to our family’s status! You can't show up with a scar, looking ugly you'll ruin our reputation even more.” Her words were sharp and cold.

“This wedding will pull us out of the mud you dragged us into four years ago, and you want to jinx it again? Will you only be satisfied after you've ruined my life?”

“I just tripped, I did not kill anyone.”

“You were supposed to be eating dinner with your family, the dinner I worked hard to prepare for you but instead you wandered off and ruined your face!” 

I just nodded, trying to block out her words. I already knew the truth, it doesn't matter what I say, all she'll hear is whatever she wants to and act however she wants.

I sighed, “Alright, alright. Now let me sleep. I had a long flight.” I turned to lay on my bed. 

My arm was grabbed and I was forcefully turned back around, before I could process what was going on, I felt a sharp sting on my cheek.

My eyes widened, I looked up to my mother.

“Ouch!” I shouted. I caressed my cheek as it still stung.

“Don't you dare give me that attitude, you imprudent brat, I've spoiled you too much.” 

“How have you spoiled me?” I raised a brow, “You actually have to love the person first to be able to do that, and ever since four years ago, it's been abundantly clear to me that you don't!” 

Tears picked at my eyes; I couldn't hold her gaze.

“I knew it! This is why you're rebelling!” 

“What? Who's… how am I rebelling?” My stomach clenched. Is she even listening to herself?

“Maybe she's still in love with them, mother,” Tasha interjected, her face contorted in disgust. 

“Listen,” my mother grabbed my chin and pressed on it, “I am getting married to Alpha Black! Alpha Black’s sons will be your stepbrothers.” 

I winced and tried to free my chin from her grip. 

“They will be your stepbrothers.” she repeated.

“Cassian will be the next alpha. Kade will be his beta. Karl will be adopted as the third son. You will treat them with respect and as a sibling.”

Her voice dropped. “If you do anything to ruin my wedding or embarrass me—in front of them, or in front of the pack—I will make you regret coming back here.”

With that final warning, my mother turned and stormed out.

Tasha got up from the bed and walked over to my vanity table and sat. 

I thought she was leaving as well, and frowned when she sat down. 

Tasha saw my reaction and scoffed. “I'm the one who should be annoyed,” she looked to the mirror and admired her face, making a kissy face at herself. 

“My face is so precious and literally perfect, and I made sure it stays that way. I don't know how you can be so careless as to give yours a mark.” 

“Sometimes I wonder if you're my twin with how dumb you are. I never get scolded by mom, not ever! But you…” she chuckles, “every day you make mom wish she gave you up for adoption!” She was full-on laughing at this point.

I grind my teeth, “Are you boasting? Happy that our mother hates me?” 

“You're the one who doesn't know how to behave and makes everyone the villain. You should reflect on yourself more.” 

Tasha got up and walked to the door. “I've known about this marriage for months now, and I've spent time with the three of them… they honestly matured with great physiques… somehow they g

ot hotter than before…” she giggled, her cheeks turning red. 

“My point is, you should grow up, too.”