Chapter 15 Rowan
Rowan
It was bad enough that she was living with us. I had to be her date too?
Furious was an understatement if I wanted to describe how I felt. That bitch. And she had the nerve to say she didn’t want to go with me. Even I didn’t dare question my father, but she thought she could.
And for some trash who got lucky, she sure was very mouthy. I still don’t understand what makes her think she has a say in this house. Every time I saw her, something inside me twisted, an ugly mix of irritation and something I couldn’t name. Maybe it was the way she looked at me, like I was nothing but a reminder of what she’d lost.
I downed the remaining whiskey in the cup and got up. I couldn’t get drunk before the ball. I needed a clear head, because it was an important one for the pack. The liquid burned down my throat, a sharp reminder that I couldn’t afford to let my emotions run wild. I had responsibilities, expectations, and unlike her, I couldn’t hide behind anyone’s pity.
Not only was it a charity ball, but it was important for alliances and business deals. Other packs will be there, and looking good, presentable and agreeable wasn’t in question. It was mandatory. I had to be perfect, every hair in place, every smile calculated. I was the Alpha’s son, after all.
I threw on a t-shirt and made my way downstairs to the kitchen. I needed some water. And then, I’d call Alicia. I probably needed some sex too. Anything to get rid of this damn irritation crawling under my skin.
As I rounded the corner to the kitchen, I heard Alicia’s voice. Perfect.
The thought of fucking her in the kitchen filled my mind. That’s one of the places we hadn’t done it in yet. Blood rushed to my member as images of her long beautiful legs wrapped around my torso, and my dick in her as she moaned my name over and over filled my mind.
Fuck. I definitely needed to fuck her. It’d get my mind off the annoying trash of a date my father decided to tie to me for the charity ball. Maybe I’d even imagine it was her beneath me just so I could remind myself how much I despised her weakness.
“Alicia,” I called out, but her name died in my mouth. The sight before me should’ve made me pleased, or at the very least, I shouldn’t have cared.
But I felt the pain of loss jab my heart as my heart skipped a couple beats in fear. I didn’t understand it. Why did I care if Alicia was putting her head into dirty soap water? She was worthless anyway.
My body moved before my mind could register what I was doing. All I knew was that I needed to save her.
“Are you crazy?” I yelled as I ran towards them and yanked Alicia off her. My heart constricted painfully as I watched her gasp desperately for air. She was coughing intensely that I had to hand her a cup of water. Her shoulders shook, her hair clinging wetly to her face. The sight unsettled me more than I wanted to admit.
Alicia looked at me like I had grown two heads.
“Why were you shoving her head in the sink?” I asked, surprised at the fury in my tone. I must be very frustrated, because even I was shocked by my behavior and reaction.
“Why do you give a fuck?” She shot back. Her arms were folded across her chest, and she still had that look on her face. I clenched my jaw as I searched for the answer to her question in my head, but… nothing.
I had no idea why I cared. Maybe it was guilt. Maybe it was pity. Or maybe, deep down, some twisted part of me didn’t like seeing her broken, because it reminded me too much of myself.
“Rowan!” She whined when I didn’t give her an answer. “Don’t tell me you’re developing feelings for this rat.”
“No, No baby.” I replied and immediately left Lira’s side and moved to Alicia. “I only care about you, and even in this case. You’re the only one I’m thinking about.” I added as I wrapped my arms around. The lie came out too easily, too practiced.
Lira rolled her eyes and wiped the water on her face. My heart flared with anger and confusion at the same time. She looked so sad, thrashy and plain, but at the same time, she was… pretty.
Her lips were like cupid’s bow, and they had a plump to them. I hated that I noticed. I hated that I was noticing. I should’ve turned away, but my eyes lingered just a second too long.
“How are you thinking of me when you literally saved her?” Alicia’s voice brought me out of whatever that was.
“I didn’t save her. I saved you. Because she’s not worth being the reason for you receiving punishment from my father. You know she’s family now.” I hated to admit it, because it made me feel some type of way.
She turned to me and pouted her lips as she looked at me. Alicia had a hot and cute way of looking whenever she did that. “But baby, she said she would rather drink dirty soap water than go to the ball with you. I was just making sure she was telling the truth.”
I glanced at her. Lira was glaring at the both of us.
“Oh really?” I asked, feeling anger boil the blood in my veins.
She didn’t respond. I caught the slight tremble of her lips and something broke in me. But I refused to give in to whatever was happening.
“I don’t want to go to the ball either.”
“Then tell your father.” Her tone was filled with anger and hate. Oh, damn.
“You see, the difference between the both of us is that I’m not stupid. Questioning my father is the worst thing you could do. You think I wouldn’t have if I could.”
“Or maybe it’s cause you’re a coward.”
I narrowed my eyes at her. “Repeat that. I dare you.”
Lira sighed, exhaustion taking over her features. She looked ugly like this. The frustration from earlier returned in full force. Every other pack heir would have bombshells and hot ladies with them as their dates, and I’m stuck with the bum of the pack.
A fucking omega who can’t shift. What was my father really thinking??
I released Alicia from my hold and went closer to Lira. A part of me wanted to be a bit closer to her, while the bigger part just wanted to intimidate and see her cower from fear. The air between us thickened, and for a second, her scent, wildflowers and rain, hit me. I swallowed hard. No. I wasn’t going there.
“You’re so ugly. And I hate that you’re my date to the charity ball. But there’s nothing you can do about it. The least you can do is look presentable for the ball.” I paused and gave her a once over. “I don’t know why father is hellbent on disgracing me at the ball, but I’m just going to have to accept his judgement.”
She looked like she wanted to say something but thought against it. Her silence was louder than words, and for some reason, it got under my skin.
“Come on babe. Let’s go have some fun.” Alicia cooed, running her fingers on my back. I turned away from her and started to go, but then I stopped in my tracks and turned back to her.
“And yeah, since I’d rather have a bombshell beside me.” I shot Alicia a hot glance, and turned back to her. “We can go to the party together, and then we’d switch dates. I can’t give my attention to you, even if it’s for one night because you’re not worth it at all.”