Chapter eight

Chapter eight


Chapter eight

Astrid

Fuck. My. Life.

Those were the first words that came rushing into my head as I stared at the man that was supposedly my new stepbrother.

My lips parted but no words came out. What was I going to say anyway?

‘I’m sorry I punched your dick but if you hadn't been such an asshole, I wouldn't have to. So can we leave it in the past and start over?’

Even I wasn't convinced by those words. And there was no way I was going to apologize to him. He had pissed me off first. People don't just piss me off and get away with it.

“Hello, sister.” He said, spitting out the last word with so much hatred that I physically recoiled.

Yup, I'm deader than the dead.

His hands were curled into a fist at his side and his dark gaze was fixed on me. My eyes darted everywhere, trying to avoid that intense gaze that threaten to consume me whole.

Mum was saying something but I couldn't hear it. I tried to focus my attention on her but I couldn't. Neither she nor Leon seem to notice the deathly glare Caleb was sending my way.

Damn, was that his name? Caden? Clyde? Cornelius?

Pretty sure it started with a ‘C’. I might be very smart – yeah, I said it – and a wonderful thief, but I was terrible when it comes to remembering people's names. Especially, grade A assholes.

It was probably best I don't mention that I forgot his name. Not when he looked as bloodthirsty as a starved vampire who was only hungry for my blood. I will just call him Cornelius and hope I don't forget the next time someone says his name.

Yeah, he does look like a Cornelius.

I just hope our interactions in the future are few. Who was I kidding? He was my stepbrother and he lived in the same house as me. Of course, we would run into each other.

At least, there's Leon. He seem like the nice brother. The two of them were the exact opposite of each other.

While Leon was the exact definition of prince charming with his dirty blonde hair and emerald green eyes and just overall attractive personality, Cornelius, no, Caleb's, beauty was more darker than his brother's.

His hair was of the deepest brown just like his bronze skin. His gray eyes, though inviting, were cold and empty, a perfect depiction of a dark knight. The aura surrounding him screamed danger and promises torure.

Unsurprisingly, I found myself drawing towards the brother with the repulsive personality. I blamed my upbringing for my attraction to the darkness. I've always had a thing for bad guys, I had a feeling this one was the baddest of all.

But his darkness didn't scare me away. Instead they called to me. I found myself taking a small step closer. It was a quite undetectable movement but I was sure he'd seen it, if the scowl on his face was any indication.

His scowl deepened, probably an attempt to scare me away again, but I wouldn't let myself be intimidated by this sorry piece of shit, no matter how scary and absolutely gorgeous he was. I wasn't going to look away first.

“Astrid?” Mum called and placed a small hand on my shoulder.

I cursed inwardly as I was forced to tear my gaze away from my horrible stepbrother. Mum's expression was tight which made me certain she had indeed seen the interaction between Cornelius and me.

She probably expected me to get along with her new stepsons so she doesn't have to throw me out later. I felt a sharp pain as the thought crossed my mind, but I quickly discarded it.

I slapped on a fake ass smile and stared at her. The wrinkle on her face didn't smoothen and I was certain she knew my smile was fake. But God knows I was making quite an effort here. At least I hadn't screamed my opposition to this wedding and storm out angrily. Yet.

That idea was still very much in progress, I might have to result to it if Cornelius didn't stop glaring at me like he was plotting my death.

“Mum.” I said, my cheeks hurting with how wide I was smiling.

She opened her mouth to say something but seem to convince herself not to as she shook her head slightly. She pressed her lips together tightly. I had a feeling I wasn't going to like whatever came out of her mouth next. But I still didn't let my smile falter.

“Why don't you spend some time with your new brothers while I go talk to some guests?”

And there it was. She was trying to force a connection between me and her new sons. They were her children too now and I had to get along with them, or I would be on my way out of here fast.

“Sure, no problem.” I said and forced down the bile that rose at the back of my throat.

She gave me one last look that I interpreted as ‘you better get along with them or you're out of here' before she walked away, leaving me with them. It felt like I was caught in a trap, and I've never felt so alone.

I forced down the self loathing thoughts before they could consume me and lifted my gaze to my new brothers. But I didn't find them looking at me.

Infact it seems like they were trying to avoid each other's gaze. As if being in each other's company was as torturous for them as it was for me. They didn't even seem to remember I was standing with them.

Despite that this room was filled with people, the tension between us was so thick that a knife could cut through it.

Leon's jaws flexed as if he was trying to say something but couldn't find the words. His fingers raked through his dirty blonde hair, making a few strands fall on his face and giving an edge to his prince charming looks.

“I'll leave you two to…talk.” Cornelius finally said, breaking the awkward silence. His eyes softened for the fraction of a second as he stared at his brother then hardened when they landed on me.

He glared at me for what felt like ages but was only just few seconds before he turned and walk away.

“Well, that was awkward.” I said as I released a breath I hadn't even realized I had been holding.

Leon muttered his agreement.
“Wanna go grab a drink?” He asked, motioning towards the mini bar.

“Yes, please. Preferably, a very strong one.” I breathed.

It was probably a bad idea to get drunk after I promised myself to behave just minutes ago, but that was before I got to this place and saw the wedding in full swing. I was happy for my mum but It was impossible to not feel shitty about being left alone.

“Wait…are you old enough to drink?” Leon asked as we got to the mini bar, arching an eyebrow.

“Seriously, dude? Please don't tell me you're some kind of goody two shoes who doesn't break rules. I was starting to like you.” I cried, looking seriously wounded.

Leon tipped his head back and laughed, the sound rich and inviting, just like everything about him.

“I was just trying to be a good big brother. Although I can tell I'm not very good at it since I'm still offering you the drink anyway.” He shrugged and passed me a bottle of vodka while he held on to two cups.

I wanted to tell him to not call himself my brother because I wasn't a part of this family yet, but I found all my restraint and anger melting away at the sight of that cocky grin on his face. I decided to let it pass. He was the only person that was nice to me in this place. I didn't feel inclined to send him running for the hills. Yet.

We strode out of the hall and settled on the stairs somewhere. The chatters of the guests wasn't very loud here and it was empty, save for the two of us.

Leon poured us shots and handed me one. The alcohol burned as it slid down my throat but I relished it. I wanted to have something to focus on other than everything going on around me.

And what better way to do that than get drunk with a brother I got to know just minutes ago?

“I didn't want this.” I said in a whisper. The alcohol certainly loosening my tongue. I didn't specify more, hoping Leon doesn't catch on what I just said. He couldn't have known I was talking about the wedding. Right?

“Me too.” Leon replied.

I had a feeling he understood exactly what I meant. Surprisingly, I didn't feel the need to shield my feelings away. Maybe what Hattie had told me about opening up to strangers was true after all.

Besides, I hadn't told him much but that single sentence. Still I felt a huge burden lifted off my shoulders.

We sat there in silent understanding, neither of us doing anything except taking shots.

“Should we head back?” I asked suddenly, though the words felt heavy on my tongue.

“Do you want to?” Leon asked.

I didn't. But as I opened my mouth to tell him, the sound of an explosive pierced th air.