Hated by my Alpha Stepbrother

SLOANENothing says ruined graduation night like your mother calling to announce she got married instead of showing up for you.I was halfway through my second glass of wine when she said it. She sounded casual. Cheerful. Like she wasn’t dropping the most inconvenient news of my life.Elara knew how much I loved my dad. She knew how badly I hated the thought of him being replaced.Still, she said it like it was nothing. “Forgive me, Sloane. The marriage had to happen today but trust me, once you return and meet him, you’ll love him,” she added. “He is already asking about you. The best part is that he has a son, though he’s a few years older than you, a bit cold too but nothing you can’t handle. I believe the two of you will get along well.”I laughed into my glass. It came out sharp and ugly. “Of course, Mom.”“I know you don’t like this but just trust me,” she said, her tone turning firm. “Return tomorrow and meet our new family, for my sake please.”I stayed silent and her voice c

THEOI stood there for a while, my hands clenched into fists at my sides as I watched Luciano walk out. Everything in this house was built on blood and legacy. My mother had protected that legacy her whole life. My father was tearing it apart.To see it reduced to him prioritizing another woman and dishonouring the royal bed he once shared with my mother, felt like betrayal and a sin.I turned toward the hallway, not sparing Sloane a glance. “Follow me and try to keep your mouth shut.”I started walking, my strides long and purposeful. I didn't care if she could keep up, I just wanted this over with. “Whatever you say, grumpy asshole.”My spine stiffened as I stopped in my tracks, slowly turning to her with narrowed eyes. “What did you call me?”She crossed her arms. “You heard me. Grumpy asshole. Or would you prefer ‘Alpha of Insults? Honestly, the brooding-dark-lord act is a bit much.”I took a step toward her, my wolf snarling at the disrespect. “Don’t you dare talk to me like we