Chapter Five

Nicole POV

I had just climbed into bed when I heard the front door open. My parents and sister were home. 

My sister is two years older than me. We were close when we were little, but she has turned into a nasty bitch the older she gets. She has a sneaky, ugly personality and causes arguments between my mother and me. My mother usually ignores me because of the lies Maree constantly whispers in her ear. Maree has always wanted to be my parents' favorite, and now she is. My father is a strong fighter, but he bows down to my mother, doing whatever she wants regardless of who gets hurt.

I close my eyes as my door opens. My sister's head peeks around the door. She growls when she thinks I am asleep, shutting the door again. I have no desire to speak to her. She only wants to brag about her mate.

I smile to myself. I can't help thinking about Michael. He is so handsome. His dark brown hair shines in the moonlight, and he has dark chocolate brown eyes with thick black eyelashes. He is at least 6 foot 4. I could see his broad, muscular shoulders under his shirt. He was extremely fit, his stomach muscles rippled when he spoke to me, and his muscular thighs strained against the jeans he was wearing. I desperately wanted to go with him, but the fear of my parents coming home and me not being here stopped me.

I roll over, feeling frustrated with myself. I need to sleep. I have to get up early in the morning to do Maree’s chores so she can get ready to leave with her mate. I sit up as I hear the floorboards creak. I open my bedroom slightly. I suck my breath in, trying not to laugh. My perfect sister is sneaking out. Maybe I should tell mommy, dear. I bet she wouldn't be happy. I giggle, hoping she gets caught when she tries to sneak back in.

My mother wakes me up early. I stumble into the kitchen, smelling coffee. As I pour myself a cup, my father walks in. I hand him mine and get another one.

“Morning, dad” 

“Good morning Nicole. Are you happy for your sister?” I smile.

“Yes, I am, dad. I hope she is happy.” 

I can't tell him I will be glad to get rid of her. My smile turns sour as my mother rushes into the kitchen.

“Hurry up, Nicole, we haven't got all day” I walk back upstairs to shower.

I choose black tight skinny legs jeans and a dark blue cami. The jeans hug my ass tightly, leaving nothing to the imagination, and the cami presses my breasts together, giving me fantastic cleavage. I slip a pair of flat shoes on my feet, I am 5-foot 8 inches tall, and I don't think I need heels. I brush my hair until it shines. I put on a little black mascara making my green eyes sparkle. I finished off with some clear lip gloss. I can't stop thinking about Michael, that's why I chose the outfit I am wearing. I know I look great in it. I hope I run into him today. If he asks me to go anywhere with him, I won't hesitate to say yes.

Maree walks into the kitchen, and she looks tired. I chuckle when  I remember her sneaking out last night.

“What are you laughing about, Nicole” she snaps, and I smile sweetly.

“What's wrong, Maree? Didn't you sleep well last night” she snarls

“ I thought you were asleep.” I roll my eyes at her when she adds, “don't you dare tell mum and dad, Nicole.”

I turn away, laughing louder as I walk away.

“Nicole, where are you?” my mother yells.

“Coming, mum, where do you want me to start?”

“Help your sister finish packing, then come to the kitchen. We need to start cooking.”

I keep reminding myself it's worth the pain of Maree’s company if she leaves. I plaster a fake smile on my face and say,

“What would you like help with first, Maree” she snickers at me.

“Mum is making you help me, isn't she, Nicole?” 

“Yep, she certainly is Maree.”  

Maree is agonizingly slow to get moving. She throws out most of her clothes, claiming they aren't good enough to take with her. My lips start to curl as I watch her. She is so fucking spoilt, and mum gives her everything; finally, she claims she is finished. I sigh as I go to help mum cook the food we have to take. Every family from the pack is bringing something.  We still have to take everything to the meeting hall and set it up. Dad sends a few of the omega’s in to help us. It's close to lunchtime when we have finished.

I smile as I see that Sandra and her parents are already there. I cross the hall to stand with them when her mother asks, 

“Shouldn't you be with your parents and sister Nicole?”

Sandra laughs. “Not a chance, mum. Maree doesn't want Nicole taking the limelight away from her,” 

I chuckle as her mother slaps her arm. Everyone stops talking as Alpha Leon and Luna Kyra enter the meeting hall. The Red river pack members follow behind their  Alpha. I gasp, grabbing Sandra’s hand to get her attention. Michael and Grayson walk beside him. What the fuck is going on? My stomach plummets as I recall Maree saying her chosen mate's name was Michael. I lower my eyes hoping no one notices my tears.

Sandra whisper’s to me, “Nicole, he is coming this way.” 

I raise my head, standing straighter. It's one afternoon I can get through this shit.

Michael looks even better in daylight. My mouth waters. He is so handsome he takes my breath away. He looks at me, smiling confidently as he swaggers to my side. My stomach flutters, and I can't speak. Nobody has ever looked at me like he is. The hall falls silent, and my father growls. Michael turns to him, stating clearly so no one could mistake his intentions,

“I will have Nicole as my chosen mate.”

I am dumbfounded. I don't utter a sound. My mother and sister walk toward me, and my mother slaps me across my face.

“You should be ashamed of yourself for taking your sister’s mate.”

Maree is beside her, crying hysterically. Michael steps closer to me.

“Get the fuck away from my mate,” he growls.  

The hate I see in my mother's eyes shocks me. She turns her back on me, holding Maree’s hand she walks away. My father goes to follow her, when Alpha Leon growls at him, stopping him immediately. His voice booms across the hall. 

“Nicole, do you accept Michael as your mate?” I nod yes, too shocked to speak.

I don't care about anyone else, but I loved my parents, and their low opinion hurt me. There was no way to fix this. Michael startles me as he says,

“Do you need to pack anything to take with you, Nicole?” Michael asks.

“No, not really. I don't want to go back home.” 

Michael pulls me close to him,

“I can replace anything you need.” He raises his head at Grayson.

“I need to speak to Grayson. If you like, we can leave this afternoon.”

I watch Grayson and Michael leave the meeting room. Sandra is beside me, giggling. 

‘Omg, did you see Maree’s face? It was priceless,” I laugh.

“You are so lucky, Nicole. Can I come with you?”. Her mother glares at her.

“Behave Sandra, or I will ground your ass until your birthday,” 

Sandra smirks. We both know she won't do it. My heart lifts as I see Michael enter the hall.

“Are you happy to leave straight after lunch?” he asks.

There's no need for us to stay here tonight. I smile at him as my excitement grows. I am more than ready to leave with him.