Chapter 2 2

Mindy's POV

"Baby, I've been missing you." Derek, my new boyfriend, came up and wrapped his arms around me in a big bear hug.

Ugh. I hated this guy and his annoying attitude so much. He was nothing but a cocky braggart. I couldn't stand guys like him. Derek was next in line to be Alpha of the Dusk pack-his dad was the current Alpha. I was pretty sure he was only chasing me for some hidden reason. Maybe he thought dating me would help him get closer to my older brother. Whatever it was, I didn't care. He was going to fail anyway. No one ever won my heart. It belonged to only one person: Duncan.

"But I didn't miss you," I said with a smirk, teasing him. I leaned in and kissed his cheek.

He pouted like a kid. "Oh baby, you always make me feel bad about myself."

God, he was so dramatic. Not even close to being a real man. But at least I could use him for tonight's party before dumping him for good.

"Alright, you're coming with me tonight," I said, flashing a fake smile. "We're having a party at my house, and you're invited."

We walked out of the college campus together toward the parking lot. I linked my arm through his like we were the perfect couple.

"We?" he asked, narrowing his eyes. The big surprised look on his face made me laugh out loud.

"Yeah," I said. "It's my brother's business party. Duncan won't mind if I bring you. I thought you wanted to meet him."

His face lit up like a kid on Christmas. He literally jumped a little in place. Pure excitement.

I rolled my eyes. Of course he was thrilled. He'd been begging to meet my brother for weeks. Not because of me-because Duncan was Alpha Duncan. The youngest, richest, most powerful businessman in the country at thirty-one. His face was everywhere-billboards, magazines like Forbes and The Economist, news headlines. He was more famous than most movie stars. And on top of that, he'd been ruling the Silver Warriors pack since he was twenty-one. Every werewolf pack in the world respected him.

But to me? He was everything. My whole world.

Our parents died when I was twelve. Duncan raised me. Took care of me in every way-school, training, everything. He was always there. I loved feeling loved by him.

He taught me how to fight like a warrior. He held me through my first shift when I turned eighteen. And that night... that was the problem. As my bones cracked and reformed, as the pain ripped through me, I realized something. My nose couldn't smell anyone else but him. My heart raced faster because he was right there beside me. That night I understood the truth.

Alpha Duncan-my big brother-was my mate.

It was the hardest thing I'd ever faced. My feelings for him went way beyond brother-sister love. It was the mate bond-strong, unbreakable. But he didn't know. I never told him. I was terrified. So I tried to hide it the only way I knew how: dating a new guy every week, pretending to be the shallow party girl who loved one-night stands.

To everyone else, I was the wild, easy girl. But the truth? I'd never let anyone touch me. I was still a virgin.

"Derek!" I snapped, pulling myself out of my thoughts as I got into my red Porsche.

"Yes, darling?" He leaned close to my car door.

"Don't be late tonight. Wear a tuxedo. I know you can manage that. I want Duncan to like you."

I winked at him, then started the car and drove off without waiting for his reply. I knew he'd show up. My plan always worked.

Every time Duncan had an important party, I showed up in a sexy dress with a new boyfriend on my arm. And every time, Alpha Duncan lost it. He'd get furious and kick the guy out of the house.

Speaking of the house... it was more like a palace now. We'd moved into the new place not long ago. Duncan said we needed more space-for business parties, private meetings, all his empire stuff.

But I had a bad feeling about tonight. Something was off.

That's why I was going all out this time. I called my hairdresser and booked the entire salon for the afternoon. I wanted to look fucking irresistible.

I wanted Duncan's eyes on me. Only me. Roaming over my body. His sharp blue eyes, his perfect features, his tall, muscular frame-they always pulled me in. But I wanted him to see me as a woman. A hot she-wolf. Not his little sister anymore.

Our parents died ten years ago. I was twenty-one now. He was thirty-one. I was a full woman. Every guy in the pack-and the country-drooled over me. But Duncan just got angrier every time he saw me with someone new. I couldn't tell if he hated watching me grow up and attract other Alphas... or if it was something deeper.

He was possessive. Overly protective. Classic big-brother stuff. But I wanted more. I wanted his touch as a lover. His kiss as a mate. I wanted him to claim me so badly it hurt. I wanted him to forget every other woman and only think about me.

He didn't sleep around with whores-at least not that I knew of. But every woman who got near him was a threat in my eyes. They only wanted his money, his fame, his power. None of them could love him like I did.

I was completely in love with him.

I sped to the beauty salon, parked my Porsche, and walked right in. It was almost five in the afternoon. The party started at ten. I didn't have much time.

"Good morning, sweetheart," Jack, my hairdresser, greeted me with a big smile.

"Hey, baby," I said, kissing his cheeks. My voice sounded down.

He frowned. "What's wrong, darling? You look upset."

He always knew when something was off. Jack was gay-very gay-and one of my best friends. He was my secret keeper. The only person who knew how I really felt about Duncan. He helped me plan every move, every party crash, every fake boyfriend. He even helped me scare off a few girls who got too close to Duncan.

I motioned for him to follow me into his private office. He closed the door behind us.

"Okay, spill," he said, putting both hands on my shoulders. "What happened?"

I nodded. Tears filled my eyes. "I think Duncan's planning something tonight. He announced out of nowhere that he's throwing a huge business party at the palace. He was dead serious about it. Even told me to be there early."

Jack rubbed his chin and sat down, thinking. "That's weird. He usually begs you to stay away from his parties. Tells you to lock yourself in your room."

"Exactly!" I dropped into the chair across from him. "Something's up. I can feel it."

He snapped his fingers. "Don't worry, girl. Whatever he's planning, we'll ruin it like always. Have you invited your new boyfriend yet?"

"Yeah. Derek. He's hot-son of the Dusk pack Alpha. Duncan's gonna hate seeing him there. But... I'm still nervous."

"Forget nervous," Jack said. "I'll be right by your side tonight. I'm coming to the party with you."

"Really?" My face lit up. "Yes!"

He grinned. "Let's get started then. Show me what you're wearing."

I stood up, clapping my hands. "I got a white sleeveless short dress-super low-cut, shows half my boobs, and barely covers my legs."

Jack whistled. "Perfect. Let's make you look like a goddess. Duncan won't know what hit him."

We walked out of his office and into the salon. Jack was an omega, but he was the best hairdresser I knew-creative, bold, and always knew exactly what I needed to turn heads.

Tonight, I was going to make Duncan see me. Really see me. Not as his little sister. As a woman. His woman.

And if my plan worked... maybe-just maybe-he'd finally feel the mate bond too.

Or maybe I was just setting myself up to get hurt again.

But I didn't care. I was done hiding.

Tonight, everything changes.