Claimed by My Brother's Best Friend

.ELRISTEYA. "Elris!" My mother's voice rang out from the kitchen and I blew out a deep breath. I rose from the chair and went to meet her in the kitchen. The smell of her sweet-scented honey cookies wafted into my nostrils and a smile curled at the edges of my lips. "Mom," I called, taking a seat as I reached out for the tray of cookies. She used the spatula to hit my hand and I reared back with a wince, gripping my hand as I scrunched my face. "Mom, that hurts." I cried and she uttered a scoff. "These cookies are not for you. Someone moved in next door.

Welcome him with the cookies." My brows furrowed. Me? I welcome someone? Wait, my mother never even welcomes people. She was always- "Are you going to go now or are you just going to sit there and stare at me?" Her voice cut through my thoughts and I picked up the tray. "If I don't come back in the next three seconds, file a missing person report," I said over my shoulders as I used my feet to hold the door and stepped out. I tried to tamp out the temptation to take a cookie but my mind drifted to the house right before me. When did someone move in? I let out a sigh and held the tray in my left hand as I lifted my right to know. First knock. No response. Second knock. No response. My brows creased together as I glanced around the place. I thought Mom said someone was home. Third knock again. I heard a shuffling, then the door knob twisted and I came in contact with a male's bare feet. My eyes slowly slid up to the pair of slightly hairy legs and the black shorts he was wearing, then an almost naked, sorry cancel that, there was a singlet on it but I could still make out his brown nipples, so technically, yeah, he was naked. Finally, I looked up to his face and locked eyes with his eyes. I almost stumbled at how electrifying and alluring they were for a human. Who was he? Or wait.... What was he? He was handsome and unlike the guys I have seen around. He was different. He looked like an Adonis with insanely can-never-be-found-on-earth beauty. I knew it in my bones. Did he make a deal with the devil to look sinfully handsome? What price did he pay? Suddenly, I remembered what I had come to do here. He didn't even say anything about me ogling him. He must be sweet or maybe... Clearing my throat, I mustered a smile and stretched out the tray of cookies. "Hi, welcome to the neighborhood. My mother told me to..." A slam! I flinched with a gasp. Wait, what happened? What was slammed? I glanced around and... Oh, wait. It was the door. The adonis-like... oh shut up! The asshole actually shut the door to my face. What the heck? He must certainly be joking. I knocked again and did not get any response. I let out an annoyed hiss. I glared daggers at the door like the daggers could go through it and stab him in those eyes. Okay, that was too cruel and unlike me. So much for wanting to welcome someone. I left the comfort of my home to welcome him with my hands full of cookies only for him to slam the door in my face. I think I am too accommodating or maybe it was my mom. I marched angrily back to our house, pushed the door open and stepped inside. I walked to the kitchen where I knew my mother and brother were talking because I could hear Joe's deep voice. They stopped talking as soon as they felt my presence and turned to me. Their eyes scanned me over and I let out an annoyed hiss. "Whose cookies are these?" Joe asked, reaching out for the tray and taking a piece. He took a bite and I blew the hair that had fallen on my nose away. "What happened? No one was at home?" My mother took the initiative to ask. I made some annoyed noise in my throat and sat on the stool. "Someone was at home. In fact, an asshole was the one that was at home and guess what, mom?" I huffed. She looked out of the corner of her eye and dropped the handkerchief in her hands. "The person must have treated you nicely." She said with emphasis on the 'nicely' and I clicked my tongue before letting a scoff out. "Yes, he was, mom. He fucking slammed the doin my face. If that is what being treated nicely means. Yeah." "Language, Elris." She warned and I was too mad to even noticed I had just cussed before her. Joe tried to stifle laughter and I snapped my eyes to him and pointed a finger at him. "Don't you dare laugh there or I will tell Zoey that you cheated on her with Sam?" I threatened him and he raised his hands in a surrender gesture. "I won't laugh. I won't, I promise." He said, trying to prevent the laughter from spilling. I pulled my face away from him and picked a cookie before devouring it like it was the one that had angered me. "But who is this guy that got you on your toes, I would say it has been long since someone got you this mad." He said, this time his face morphing into a serious expression and he chucked the last piece of cookie into his mouth before dusting his hands. "It is the asshole that moved in next door," I replied, feeling my anger evaporate slowly. He was not worth the anger. "His name?" He asked and I glared at him again. "How do you expect me to know his name when the first thing he did when he saw me was slamming the door in my face? He didnot even speak." I snapped. Oh, I am even tired of talking. I have said these over and over again. "Maybe you did something bad. Or maybe he just does not like being disturbed. Or maybe you met him at the wrong time and he decided to take it out on you." My mother said from the place she was wiping the plate. Of course, she was always understanding. I shook my head and poured myself a glass of juice. I bit into my cookie and downed the juice. "I don't even care. For as long as he stays out of my hair, I will be good." I said and exited the kitchen. Making my way to my room, I picked out my favorite novel, When The Girl He Fell For Dies. It was a soul-wrenching piece of sheets. I got myself lost in the world, forgetting about the asshole and all that had happened but his eyes kept flashing in my vision. I could not help but close the book and forced my eyes close. When I could not get some sleep, I scrambled up and walked towards the window. Looking outside, my eyes traced every scene and sight and I let out a deep breath. I was not going to let my new neighbor get to me, especially this asshole. I noticed the window to a room was left open and a thought twinkled in my head. Haha, nice idea. I moved steadily across the room and picked a pen and paper. I wrote ASSHOLE in big capital letters and folded it. Aiming for the window, I rolled the paper into a rough ball and raised my hand then I threw it into the window. A grin spread across my face as my face gleamed with satisfaction. Good for you, asshole. I stood waiting for maybe a shout or a vulgar gesture or anything. But nothing came. Disappointment rippled through me and I let out a silent snort before slumping on my bed and putting the bed sheet over me. I woke up to my parent's loud laughter and Joe's groaning downstairs and I sat up. It was night already and I had slept that long? Woah. I got down and wore my pair of slippers before heading out of the room. My face contorted into confusion as I found Joe with his butt on the floor and my father shaking his head while my mother had her hands over her mouth as if she did not want the laughter to slip out. I scoffed and treaded carefully down the stairs. "What happened?" I asked. "Your brother -" "Nobody tell her!" He cut my mother off before she could complete what she wanted to say. I arched my left brow at him and snorted a laugh. He knew I would not let him hear the end of it. "You fell on your butt, that's it," I said and went to sit. "How did you fall?" I asked, sniffing in the air and knowing that dinner was ready. Thank foodness. "Shut up!" He hissed and rose up to his feet. "It is all mother's fault." He groaned again and I heard my mother choke on a laugh behind me and my lips curled into my own smile too. "Stop being a kid, you are grown dude." I clicked my tongue and pulled the plate closer to me. "Are you going to eat or are you going to sulk?" I asked over my shoulder and he let out a scoff before coming to join us on the dining table. He looked up to my dad. "Dad, you are also laughing!" He whined. This time I look at my dad and he could not keep the laughter at bay anymore so he and my mother burst out laughing and I joined them too. Joe slumped his shoulders and a ghost of smile was on his face. "Okay, okay. Dinner everybody." My mother said as she served the dishes. After we were done with dinner, Joe was the first to leave because he had some girl he had to speak to at night. Duh. While I was here with my father and my mother massaging his feet. "Dan told me someone already moved into this house." He said, his eyes almost rolling to the back of his head. Oh, please I would rather swallow a bunch of bananas than watch him do that expression again. "Yes." My mother answered. Ohh, not discussing this guy again please. "Did you find out about him?" He asked again. My mother sliced a glance across to me and I looked away. "I did but it did not end well." Was all I muttered before standing up and leaving them. This new asshole was not someone I would like to discuss. At least not to my dad. That night I found myself looking out of my window and checking if he was there but a dim perhaps a candle light was there with no shadow of human.

Elristeya's POV "Elris, if you do not get your ass out here, I might as well leave you." Joe's voice chimed from outside and I rolled my eyes before picking my bag and rushing out. I waved at my mother who stretched out a flask filled with fruits. My dad left early this morning so he could not drop me. You must be thinking that I might be a small kid for collecting that. Dude, who would not want a mother's show of love? Well, not me. I cherish my parents and I love fruits. That is how she does it.

"Bye, mom." I waved at her and proceeded outside to meet my brother who was standing beside his truck with his eyes on his phone. He must be telling one of his numerous girlfriends that he is on the way to school. I let out a snort. "Can we leave now?" I asked him and he looked up from his phone as a hiss pierced through his lips before he stepped into the car and ignited the engine. I relaxed against the seat and brought out my phone, scrolling through the girl's group that I was in. It was the second week of school and I had made sure to complete my assignment, that is if I was not disturbed by a certain somebody. Just as if on instinct, the door to the house opened and he stepped out. I could not see his face but I saw his back. He was carrying a bag and he dumped it into his car before heading back to lock the door. I watched every move of his, just as he was about to face my direction as if he knew I was watching him, Joe took that time to turn on the music and steered the wheel. Ahrggh... I looked through the mirror but the guy had already gotten into the car and the red light shone. I silenced a groan as I fell further into the seat, secretly annoyed at Joe and visibly annoyed at the guy. We soon got to school and I was the first to hop out as I made my way to the gate and a grin spread across my lips as I saw my friend, Lestian. Just as if on cue, she turned around too and her face glowed with joy. We both ran and met halfway. "Bishhh..." She shrieked as she pulled me into a tight hug. "I miss you." I croaked out and she tightened the hug. Okay, I think she is going to kill me now. I tapped her back, letting her know I can't breathe and she slowly let go. She checked me out again. "I miss you, Elris. You don't know, I have been thinking of ways I will hug you and speak to you. And make you realize how much I missed you." She said with excitement and I grinned at her. Okay, she is actually exaggerating it. We spoke last night. Lestian had not resumed in the week before. She said her father and mother were having some issues, that is not my story to tell so... But she is here now. "Common, I miss you a lot. Some new faces joined us and I was so bored." I said with a tiny pout and we both held each other's hand as we walked towards the class block. Students streamed through the corridor as we stepped inside. "Seems like you are forgetting your glasses." Joe called from behind and I stopped to turn around. I shook my head with pursed lips to collect it from him. He waved at Lestian who I know must have blushed because he had his signature cute guy smile on his lips. I sneered at him and he snorted with a shrug. I collected it and went back to my best friend. "I told you to be careful of my brother." I bit out and she also shrugged. "Your brother is hot and I won't lie." She said it like it was nothing. Like telling me that my brother is hot to my face was nothing. I grimaced. "Keep that fantasy to your head." I pointed at her and she chuckled. I shook my head and we both stepped into the class. We greeted the people we knew before going to our respective seats and started chatting about things obviously unrelated to academics. The teacher soon came and did an introduction since not all students resumed the first week. While he began teaching, a wave of someone's presence slightly brushed my skin and I lifted my eyes up instantly, glancing around the class. Was I the only one that felt like that? Because everyone was busy and focused on the board. Then just right there, the guy who had slammed the door to my face stood, appearing with his hands in his pockets and his eyes strangely and particularly on me. Surprise coated my face and my brows itched together. Mrs Wellston was sort of introducing him to the teacher but I could hardly hear anything. Nothing of the word they were saying did I hear. I was focused on him. I don't know why but I could not take my eyes off him, I tried to. But it felt magnetic. Felt like a pull. A pull towards him. I felt my fist clench into a ball. And I still could not break it. It was just like an attraction with a thread. Like the thread that had been tugged towards him ... I felt a jab at my side and the connection broke. I wanted to look up again but they both left the class, not with his lingering gaze on me before the teacher turned to the class. Wait, what was that? Was he not in my class? Well, I was glad that he was not in my class because I didn'tknow how I will deal with that. The second period for class came and we started it. Throughout, I could not help the emotion gnawing at my gut. What was he doing here? Like... The teacher asked some questions and the students who were delighted in being the star stood up and answered. The time for break approached and I was likely the first to pack my things and stand up. "Hey," Lestian called out and I cast a glance at her. My eyes and mind seemed far away and hazy. "Is everything alright?" She questioned as she scrutinized my face. I gulped slightly as I got rid of the haze on my face and mind. "Did you see the guy that was introduced earlier on?" I asked her and she looked around as if he was there. "Yes?" "You did not notice something about him?" She pursed her lips before saying. "Well," a wry smile slowly formed at the edge of her lips and I knew it had nothing to do with whatever I was thinking. "except that he looks hot, I noticed nothing." She completed it and I shook my head. Maybe I am overthinking it. "Want to grab some lunch?" I questioned her and she nodded her head. We soon made our way to the cafe. The chattering and clanging of things in the cafe made Lestian cover her ears. I don't know but she said she has some issues with tingling sounds and that's all on her. Lestain has too many problems that only she can solve. We waited in line to get our orders and went to sit as we chatted while eating. Gasps filled the entire place all of a sudden, the food that was in Lestian's tray hung free as she stared at someone behind me. Okay, I think I know who might be responsible for this reaction. It is none other than the guy who lives next door. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for his magnetic eyes to be on me. I turned around and saw him, just standing casually at the entrance and his eyes scanning through the place as if looking for a seat. Or someone. Maybe I should be a good Samaritan and offer him a seat here since it seemed like the others were filled up. I stood up and Lestian followed suit. I felt his gaze following my every move, biting into my skin that even the hairs on my neck stood. I walked over to him and his eyes trailed every step I took. Like a wolf sizing his prey. I peered up at him and in his eyes, I caught something like color changing through them. Like a brief alter. A swift spark. Maybe I was hallucinating. But why was I always hallucinating when it came to him? He raised his brow, one gesture that made me know that he was not a rock and was still human. "You can have the seat. I am done with my lunch." I said simply and he gave me a look over that says – I don't know what it says because this guy looks mysterious and unpredictable. I arched my left brow at him, half expecting him to flip me off and half expecting to speak but instead he slid past me in a swift motion and walked over to the seat. I let out a deep breath of relief. At least he did not disgrace me in front of the people. And that was progress. At least to me.

.ALECANDER. Coming here was hectic. And did I say coming? I meant running away. I thought I was finally going to have some peace and quietness but this... This is even more stressful than applying in the werewolf academy. First, it was the never ending eyes that turned to me as soon as I stepped into the compound of the school and then the endless introduction to teachers but now, it was this young girl that offered me her seat. This young girl whom I found her name to be Elristeya and my... I shook my head as I took my gaze away from her. The only young girl I had vowed to keep off.

She was not meant for me. She wasn't meant for a broken person like me. And she was doing things to me and to add to it, she does not even know. I shifted in my seat. Think of what to say, Alec. My throat bobbed as I tried to open to speak but nothing came out. Speak dummy. "You could order what you want to eat." She said with a small smile tugging at her lips as if she was happy that I finally listened to her words. That brought back the memory of the day she had come to welcome me. I had literally slammed the door to her face. The fact that I had moved in three days prior to the day she came made me think no one would bother me but she came with that smile that made my heart skip and a tray of good looking if not really tasty cookies which I would say I regretted not eating that day. I knew she was mad at me because I saw the paper she threw into my room but I have decided not to pay her any attention. She had called me asshole to made me know she was mad at me. It was my wolf instincts that had pushed me to accept her offer but anyway... "I guess you remember me, right?" She asked, looking at me closely. I tilted my head to the side and she seemed to withdraw. Wasn't she mad at me anymore? You will never understand humans. The girl beside her cleared her throat and she straightened up. I glanced between them and my eyes zeroed on the girl. She was... "Elristeya, why don't you just leave him to help himself? Obviously, he is the type that does not like being disturbed." She said almost immediately as if she knew I could find something wrong with her if she had not interrupted. I turned back to Elris who cut her a glare. Was she already attracted to me? I don't blame her. That is how the bond works. "Okay, if that is the case. Break will soon be over. You should eat." She said. Did she care about me? I noticed her jaw tightened and then they stood up. They both scurried out of the cafe and the breath I did not know I was holding escaped my nostrils. Gosh. Her scent was overwhelming. I scrambled up and went to the counter to order for my food. After I was done, the break was even yet to be over when I settled in the class and brought out a novel and got engrossed in it. "Hi," I heard a feminine voice say but I ignored it. I continued reading. She walked before me and pulled the book from me. Anger bubbled through my veins at the utter disrespect. Calm down, Alpha man. I raised my eyes that was almost hard with a glare at her but do you know she did? She smiled and my eyes narrowed at her. "Hey, you just resumed today and you hardly even spoke to any of us." She said. I knew what she meant. After I was introduced to the teacher that was in Elris's class, I had walked into the class without even acknowledging the teacher that was even teaching. Eyes had turned to me and could not stop as I took my seat at the back of the class. I looked at her fully and took in her features. She looked just like how humans do. "I am Samantha Morris." she extended her hand and I gazed at it without collecting it. She let out a scoff as she slowly withdrew it. "You really have to come out of your shell if you want to survive in RavenHigh." She said and I let out a deep breath. I picked up my pen and wrote on one of my books. "Can you just leave me the hell alone?" She picked it and read it. I was expecting her to hiss and leave but instead she laughed and her eyes gleamed with amusement. "So you hear what I was saying. I actually thought you were deaf and was beginning to wonder when RavenHigh began to allow disabled students into the school." She said as more laughter bubbled in her throat. "Anyways, I will leave you. See you around," She looked at my name on the book and back up at me with a smile. "Alec." Then she stood up and went to meet her group of friends. My ears twitched as I heard the gibberish they were saying. The bell rang and they all settled properly in their seats. Two teachers came in and taught one after the other but my mind was hardly in what they were saying. The last teacher that came in was the one who I knew I would hate for as long as I am in RavenHigh. She looked around and pointed stand up which I did. "You are new, right?" She questioned and I nodded. "Can you come forward to introduce yourself?" She moved a bit from her position and I tried as much as not to shake my head as I walked to the board and faced the class. Eyes stared at me expectantly and I cleared my throat. "I am Alecander Blackford." I introduced. Some girls smiled while some winked at me. The guys on the other hand snickered and some of them remained unaffected. "You can go back to your seat, Alex." The teacher said but I turned to her this time and said more loudly. "Alec." I corrected and she seemed confused for some time but she came around and gave a soft nod which propelled me to go back to my seat. The day was soon over and we were all dismissed to go to our various houses. But I had to wait behind because I was to see the principal before leaving. As I walked through the corridors that led to his office, I came across Elris who seemed surprise to meet me. He er eyes sort of brightened up and her lips formed a tight smile. I guess no one knew that we are neighbors and it has to stay that way, for now. I refused to acknowledge her as I passed by her without giving her a second glance. I got to the secretary place and she did not even bother to look from the file she was going through. "How may I help you?" She asked. I guess my cologne must have gave me away. "Alec Blackford. Here to see the principal based on appointment." This time she looked up and eyed my appearance. With a brow raised slightly, she ushered me that enter with small move of her head. I gave her curt bow before proceeds s ing into his office. ELRISTEYA Seems like he was truly dumb. Lestian had said it and I sort of argued with her that he could speak but after what happened during the break and now, I don't think I can argue more on a topic relating to him at all. He had literally seen me and when I thought he was going to acknowledge me or something, he brushed by me and went straight to the principal's office. I guess he was going to speak there, wasn't he?. Even during the break, I thought letting him sit with me will make us call whatever is between us a truce and he would like a gentleman that he is obviously not tender his apology for slamming a freaking door to my face but no, he gave me even more reason to be mad. I was not going to be mad. I am was a good person and maybe he had his reasons. I shook my head as I picked my bag and turned to Lestian who had her brows furrowed at her phone. "Anything the issue?" I asked. She shifted her gaze up instantly as if she was expecting me to see her. She quickly smiled and turned off her phone. "Nothing." I arched my left brow and she chuckled and lightly. "It is nothing, I promise you." She said and I let it go. Lestian was passing through enough and I did not want to bug her to tell me. I am her best friend and I know she would tell me when she deem it comfortable. With concern visible in my face, I reached for her hands. "Know that you can always stay with me at my house if your house is getting noisy." She knew what I meant by the term 'noisy'. She placed her hand over mine as her lips formed a grateful smile. "Thank you. At least I will get a chance to your hot brother in his pajamas." This time I snickered and snatched my hand from hers. "You are not welcome any longer." I huffed and she laughed. My eyes soon returned to their dullness when I noticed just how forced the laughter. She did not notice as she picked her bag and we both left the class. I pulled out my phone and dialed my brother's number. It rang for a few minutes before he picked it. "Hi," "Where are you? Are you not leaving now?" I asked him. I heard him chuckle. "Elris, I am not going now. I am with my new best friend. But you can come over to the park." He said and my brows knitted together. New best friend. When has he ever had a best friend? "Okay." I disconnected the call and turned to Lestian who was also making a call. Maybe to her rich father. Lestian was from a wealthy family and RavenHigh would have been a ridiculous school to find people with the same class as her but as the years went by, RavenHigh proved its worth so here we are with students always trying to get in even though it is no easy feat at all. She finished the call and as if on cue, a car drove toward us and she faced me with a smile. "Get in, I will drop you off at home." She said but I shook my head. "Joe said I should meet him at the car park so you don't need to worry. Get going." I said. She seemed to think about it for some seconds before giving up. "Okay, see you tomorrow then. I'll give you a call tonight." She added and I waved at her. Once her car drove out of sight, I began my journey to meet my brother and his new best friend. I scanned through the park and Joe's awful laughter rang out from behind me. Who was he laughing with? I turned around and saw his dark brown hair. He was standing before someone and I approached him. As soon as I got to his place, my first glance at the person who stood with his hands in his pockets made me halt to a stop and stare blankly at them for a second. Joe noticed me, he motioned for me to come over with a bright smile. I finally came out of my sudden trance and walked over to them. "Elris, meet Alec, my new best friend." He introduced me like he was a better person and my eyes narrowed into slits. So his name was Alec. Alec what? "Alec, meet Elristeya, my younger sister." He added and none of us made an attempt to exchange pleasantries as I was too shocked to even think of what to say. When did they become best friends? Hadn't they just met today? "Well, Elris. I just wanted to tell you that you will be going home with Alec." And it was as if I was hit with a bell. What!