The Next Step Season 8 Novels & Stories

Joseph POV. Fresh early morning wind greeted me in Italy when I step down from my jet. Stephen was standing near the car, waiting for me. “Hey Josh” He came to take me his hug. “How's Steph,” I asked, broking our hug. “Good as always” He smirked. “That I can see, have decided your wedding date,” I asked looking at his fingers. “Ohhh, I forgot to remove it. I have broken up” He chuckled weakly removed the ring from his finger and put it down in his pocket.

It wasn't just a change of wardrobe; it was a rebranding. "Step forward, Elara," Julian’s voice came from behind me, a low, smooth rumble that vibrated through my spine. I didn't move. I stared at the white marble floor, so polished I could see my own terrified reflection. "There are people in there, Julian. Dozens of them. What are you going to tell them? That you bought me like a piece of furniture?"

he said. She hesitated then lifted the phone to her ear, her hand still firmly in his. “Yes?” she said. Catalina’s voice purred through the speaker. “Good evening, Stephanie,” she said. “I hope you’re sitting down.” Stephanie’s fingers tightened around Peter’s. Peter leaned closer, eyes dark. Catalina went on, “Because the next move… is your children.” Stephanie’s breath caught.

And distance was something I didn’t know how to fight. --- That night, another message buzzed on my phone. “You’ve taken the first step. Now comes the real trial. Soon.” I stared at the words until my vision blurred. My hands shook. Real trial. If everything so far had only been preparation, then what was coming next? I thought of Ian, of the space between us, of the truth that had burned to ash before either of us could see it. And for the first time, I wondered if I was strong enough—not just to face his stepbrother, but to face the truth of what Ian and I really were.

"Eight thousand dollars is what you will send for making me go through all the trouble." Tears laced my eyes heavenly; from my side view, I could see the maid peeking at me pitifully. With shaky breaths, I took my phone and sent it to the account provided. It's of no use trying to fight it. I will either do it with my bones still intact or destroyed. Stephanie delivers very painful blows that I doubt I want to experience again. Patting my cheeks painfully, Stephanie held a crooked smile. "Now, that's my girl. Expect to see me soon. Bye, honey." She taunted, both mother and daughter laughing evilly on their way out.

As I hairdry my hair to dry off all the water, a message popped on my phone and it was Xavier. He was complaining that he got paired with some psycho from the next class, while Bryan luckily got paired with his girlfriend, and they were having the best time ever. 'How could I ever say that I was paired with the same girl that I got into a scandal with, and was also my step sister?' [Who is your own partner? It'll be hell if it is Madison or Vivian.] He texted. I read the message over and over again wondering if I should reply, and I just replied with anything crazy that came to mind.

And I'm currently Face timing with Dad. "Now Katherine, I wouldn't like you to be on bad terms with your step siblings whom you're supposed to be getting along with. While I'm away with your step mum, Max being the eldest is assigned to be in charge of the-" "Fuck, what?" I scream at the screen of my system, interrupting him from going further, giving him my "You gotta be shitting me look" with my swollen eyes and messed up hair. Dad face palms, then sighs.

“It’s either you go back alone or he goes with you there.” *** “Alright guys, is everything settled now?” Chandler continued to pace back and forth on the stage ever since they got there. “The lights, the music, the fireworks…” He enumerated everything on his list, while the other guys just said ‘YES!’ in monotone. “When are we going to eat?” Theo muttered beside Stephen, who was busy with his phone. “What are you even doing there? You’ve been texting since we got here.” “It’s just Nix,” Stephen answered.

You can start seeing me as your father, if that is okay with you. I blinked my eyes. It took too long for me to realise it. "Nice to meet you, ma'am. I'm Axcel. Welcome to the family," he said, which startled me. His voice was low and so manly, which sent goosebumps on my body. It was almost emotionless, it was as stoic as his face. "Hello, dear. Thank you," my mom said. Then, she looked at me. "Aren't you going to say hello to your step-brother, Aurora?" She widened her eyes and faked a smile towards my direction, silently warning me.

**** THE NEXT WEEK As Hailee stepped into the pack assembly, she felt a mix of anticipation and nervousness. The whole pack had gathered for an important meeting, and she couldn't help but worry about the outcome. The beta approached her, his expression calm and assured, assuring her that everything was ready. She exchanged a glance with him, grateful for his support, before making her way to the room where Sebastian was pacing back and forth.