MIA'S POV
Mate. The word echoed in my head like a cruel joke as I sat on my bed, knees pulled to my chest. My entire life, I'd dreamed of finding my mate - someone who would finally want me, choose me, love me for who I was.
Instead, I got Rolex. My stepbrother. A man who saw me as nothing but a burden.
"That's impossible," I whispered, stepping back. "I can't be. I don't even have a wolf yet. And you're my stepbrother-"
"Do you think I wanted this?" His laugh was bitter. "To be mated to Lillian's daughter? To someone so weak she won't even defend herself?"
Each word was like a knife in my chest. Of course. Even as my mate, I was still just a disappointment.
His words on the ride home cut deeper than any physical wound. "Don't get any ideas," he'd said, his voice cold. "You might be my mate, but I don't want a weak omega who can't even defend herself. You're Lillian's daughter - that's all you'll ever be to me."
"Then reject me," I said, my voice surprisingly steady despite the tears now falling freely. "If I'm such a burden, such a weakness, then reject the bond. I'm used to being unwanted."
My fingers dug into my arms as I remembered how he'd continued, each word like poison. "I'm only tolerating you because Dad ordered it. Nothing more."
Tears streamed down my face as I pressed my face into my pillow. Even my mate didn't want me. The one person the Moon Goddess chose specifically for me took one look and decided I wasn't worth it.
My stomach growled, reminding me I hadn't eaten since breakfast. The thought of facing anyone made me want to curl up and disappear, but I needed food. Maybe everyone would be asleep by now.
I crept downstairs, wiping away the last of my tears. The kitchen light was on, but I was too hungry to turn back. I'd just grab something quick and-
I slammed into what felt like a wall of warm muscle. Strong hands steadied me before I could fall, and I looked up into Xavier's dark eyes. He was shirtless, water droplets still clinging to his chest from what must have been a recent shower.
"S-sorry," I stammered, trying to step back, but his hands remained on my waist. "I didn't know anyone was-"
"Have you been crying?" His thumb brushed my cheek, and I realized my eyes must still be red and puffy.
"No, I..." The lie died on my lips as his grip tightened slightly.
"Don't lie to me, kitten." His voice was low, dangerous. "What happened?"
The pet name sent shivers down my spine. I should pull away. After what happened with Rolex, I couldn't handle any more rejection today. But Xavier's touch was like fire on my skin, making it impossible to think straight.
"Nothing happened," I whispered, but my voice cracked on the words. "I'm fine."
My breath caught as I took in Xavier's bare chest. Water droplets traced paths down his defined abs, and I couldn't help following their journey with my eyes. Stop staring, Mia. He's your stepbrother. But my body refused to listen, heat rising to my cheeks as I imagined running my fingers along those muscles.
"See something you like, kitten?" His voice snapped me back to reality.
I tried to step away, but in one fluid motion, he had me caged against the kitchen counter, his arms on either side of me. The heat from his body surrounded me, making it impossible to think straight.
My heart nearly stopped when he leaned in, his nose skimming along my neck. The gentle sniffing sound made my knees weak.
"W-what are you doing?" I managed to whisper.
His chest rumbled with what sounded almost like a purr. "Taking in your scent." His lips brushed my ear. "You smell like mine."
"Yours?" The word came out breathless. "What do you mean?"
He pulled back just enough to look into my eyes, something dark and possessive in his gaze. "You're my mate, little one."
The world tilted for the second time today. "But... Rolex..."
"Is also your mate." His thumb traced my bottom lip. "Just like me, Nathan and Sean."
My mind spun. Four mates? Was that even possible? "I don't understand."
All my stepbrothers are my mates also. How's that even possible?
A cruel smirk curved his lips. "Don't worry that pretty little head about it. You're just going to be my new toy to play with." His fingers gripped my chin. "Nothing serious. Nothing real. Just a bit of fun until I get bored."
The words hit like physical blows. First Rolex's rejection, now this? "Why?" I whispered, tears threatening again. "Why tell me I'm your mate if you don't want me either?"
"Because watching you squirm is entertaining." He leaned closer, his breath fanning across my lips. "The way you blush, the little sounds you make... it's going to be fun breaking you."
I shoved against his chest, surprised when he actually let me go. "You're just like him," I choked out. "You both claim I'm your mate but treat me like I'm nothing."
"All four of us don't want you as mate." His voice was ice cold. "Just Lillian's daughter. A weak little omega whom– we hate."
Four mates. Four rejections.
He walked away, with a nasty smirk. Was he laughing at how weak and helpless life I have?
Was this my punishment for being Lillian's daughter? For being a weak omega? Or was this just another reminder that I would never be good enough for anyone?
I touched my lips where Xavier's thumb had been, hating how my body still responded to him even knowing he saw me as nothing but a toy.