Mated to my sister's ugly mate

Shadow sat in front of the vanity mirror, her reflection showing no sign of life, her mind empty of thought.

Suddenly, the door swung open and her mother, Lisa, rushed in. She took in Shadow's disheveled hair and the grayness that seemed to consume her face, and her anger flared instantly.

"The Lances are here. Why haven't you changed your clothes?"

Shadow pushed up her black-rimmed glasses and stared at her mother, bewildered. "Mom, do you honestly expect me to mate with my sister's fiancé?"

Lisa's anxiety grew, her face paling with worry. The Lances were waiting outside, and a single misstep could bring ruin upon their entire family.

Kneeling down before Shadow, her voice filled with desperation, she pleaded, "Shadow, I beg of you. Your sister deserves better. Why won't you help her?"

Shadow's eyes, once filled with hopelessness, turned cold. While Lisa may have been her biological mother, she had always favored the children from her father's deceased ex-wife. Lisa knew that Shadow's sister's fiancé was repulsive and impotent, yet she still wanted Shadow to mate with him.

The pleas of the servant echoed from beyond the door. "Madam, the Lances are upstairs."

Shadow made no move to assist Lisa and replied with indifference, "Get up. I'll go."

In that moment, she had truly lost all hope in this family.

As she opened the door, a group of unfamiliar bodyguards stood waiting outside.

These were the people sent by the Lances to escort her.

Today, she would be mated to someone without a proper ceremony or a groom.

"Let's go," she stated, leading the way downstairs without hesitation.

The Lances were the wealthiest family in the Moonlight Pack, their only heir, Alpha Kilian, disfigured and impotent after a kidnapping that occurred over a decade ago.

Rumors circulated about his brutal and unattractive nature, with no woman sent into his home ever emerging alive.

There was no greater betrayal than that which came from one's own family.

Even if he were a devil, it mattered not. Her mother had abandoned her to this monster.

Shadow was entirely alone in this world.

...

Upon reaching Alpha Kilian's Castle, the bodyguards guided her into a room before departing.

It was not until darkness filled the sky outside the window that the door creaked open once more.

Shadow turned her head, her gaze meeting that of a tall and imposing man stepping into the room.

He closed the door and flicked on the lights, temporarily blinding her. As she shielded her eyes, she raised her head to take in the sight before her.

In an instant, she froze.

It wasn't due to the man's grotesque and terrifying appearance, but rather because he was astonishingly handsome.

A dark suit hugged his muscular frame, and with confident strides, he moved toward her.

His facial features were striking and flawlessly chiseled, like a work of art.

Alpha Kilian scrutinized Shadow for a few moments, his eyebrows slightly furrowing. "Quite hideous."

His tone remained calm, no trace of emotion creeping into his voice.

Shadow looked back at him in shock, his comment about her appearance barely registering. Her only focus was on defending herself as she asked, "And who might you be?"

His ink-colored eyes glimmered with intensity, his voice deep. "Do you not know who you will be mated to?"

As he drew nearer, his chilling breath sent shivers down Shadow's spine.

Though his powerful aura momentarily stifled her, she maintained her composure and straightened her posture. "Of course, I know. The person I am to mate with is known as Alpha Kilian."

Alpha Kilian heard her words, the sharpness in his eyes gradually subsiding as a flicker of clarity replaced it. Another woman who believed the rumors, destined to mate with an 'ugly and impotent' man.

Yet, unlike the others, she appeared strangely calm. This piqued Alpha Kilian's interest.

Smiling with an air of confidence, he said, "So you are my sister-in-law? I am Alpha Dominic, cousin to Alpha Kilian. I suppose no one wants to be with such a worthless man, not even you, on the night of the mating ceremony!"

..

He deliberately emphasized the word 'worthless Alpha ' deeply, with a hint of provocation. The man approached her intentionally, the piercingly cold aura of him got even thicker and stronger.

Shadow shifted uncomfortably, and after a moment of disbelief, she believed his words 'He was from the family for sure. After all, Alpha Kilian 's Castle was not accessible to peasants or mere commoners.'

"He is your cousin. Please don't talk about him like this."

Presumably, Alpha Kilian had also had difficulties in his family. Shadow felt sympathy. Even if the Lances were top-tier socially, she sympathized with Alpha Kilian 's situation. He must have had hard times in recent years.

Alpha Kilian 's brown eyes quickly flashed in surprise. He didn't expect this ugly woman to say such words.

He couldn't help looking at her once more. The messy hair, the black-framed glasses, tattered, long cotton clothes, and the bangs on her forehead almost thick enough to cover her eyes. There were even a few small spots on her haggard face. It was repulsive to even look at.

He had heard how his betrothed would be as beautiful as a blooming rose. There was no way that this hideous woman was his rumored bride.

But the Lances did not care whether the woman who wed him was ugly or beautiful. As long as she was capable of bearing an heir. They would not care even if they had to select another.

Besides, it wasn't as if Alpha Kilian had any intentions of treating her as his wife, Luna. All he needed was a simple and quick fuck.

He wanted to fuck her, impregnate her, she give him a hier that's it. So,she'll be more like a breeding toy.

A dark glint flashed in his eyes, Alpha Kilian extended his hand and pushed Shadow onto the bed. There was undisguised contempt and malice in his tone. "There is no one else. You don't need to pretend. With your looks, you are probably still a virgin. I might treat you far better than that cripple!"

After he finished speaking, he reached for her directly. He was about to touch her waist. Almost.

Slap!

"Get off!" Shadow used all her strength to slap him across the face. "Don't assume everyone is as filthy as ye. Ye're fortunate that yer cousin hasn't arrived yet. Leave immediately, or would ye prefer another slap?"

Although she tried her best to stay composed, her trembling hands betrayed her. She clutched the sheets beneath her, and let out a ragged breath. What in the name of the spirits did she just witness?

She had imagined how repugnant Alpha Kilian would be on the way over, how scarred and how malformed he truly was. But she never expected to encounter such a thing as this.

Her jaw clenched, and she forced herself to look up at him. 'You can do this, Shadow .' She encouraged herself. 'You got this.'

Alpha Kilian wore a sullen expression and exuded a bitter chill. "No woman has ever dared to slap me."

"Consider this yer first." Shadow shuddered.

Because of the struggle, her glasses had fallen off, revealing a pair of unexpectedly clear and precise eyes. Her trembling eyelashes showed their owner's tension and fear. "D-don't come any closer!"

Seeing that, suddenly Alpha Kilian paused, and for a moment he began to feel a bit soft-hearted.

He straightened his shirt and glanced coldly at her. "You can continue to wait for that 'worthless Alpha' here."

Bang!

It wasn't until the door was closing that Shadow 's tense nerves relaxed slightly.

Outside the door.

When the bodyguard was about to reach the Master bedroom, he saw the red mark on Alpha Kilian 's face. With his pale complexion, the mark was incredibly visible. Even a partially blind person would be able to spot it a mile away. He froze for a moment before saying, "Alpha... Your face..."

Alpha Kilian touched his face and said bluntly, "Ran into the door."

Doors had five fingerprints on them?

Even though his story seemed doubtful, the bodyguard did not dare to ask any further.

Instead, he respectfully handed a folder, "This is Young Madam's personal information."

Alpha Kilian opened the folder and saw the name on it, Shadow Eden .

Interesting. That hideous woman's name was Shadow meaning noble. How ironic!

Her birth mother was even more interesting. Treating her stepson and stepdaughter like precious gems while being cruel to her biological daughter. Despicable.

Continuing through the document, he frowned and asked the bodyguard, "Is she really this daft?"

The bodyguard nodded.

"Check again."

When Shadow spoke, she was clear and organized. Besides, Alpha Kilian had never seen a fool who could rise up so fiercely and fight back against a man in that situation.

Thinking of this, he lost his composure and thrust the file he was holding into the bodyguard's hands. "If you can't give me accurate information then don't bother coming back to me!"

The sun cast a haunting glow over the room, barely illuminating the thin frame of Shadow wrapped in a blanket.

The events of the previous night felt like a twisted dream or perhaps a twisted nightmare, until her hands brushed against the silky sheets that surrounded her.

It wasn't a dream, but a cruel, twisted reality she had awakened to.

As her eyes opened, they searched for the figure that should have been beside her in the bed.

Alpha Kilian hadn't returned.

A small part of her felt a sense of relief, but an uneasiness crept beneath her skin. It felt as though a razor-sharp blade dangled above her head, refusing to disappear.

A part of her yearned to face the consequences, to confront him head-on, but another part of her desired to leave things as they were. She might feel a shred of pity for the scarred man, but she wasn't ready for the entanglement of a relationship.

Descending the stairs, a bodyguard guided her towards the dining hall.

It was an open secret that the Lances family reveled in their opulence. Each corner of their home adorned with glistening chandeliers and antique vases, easily mesmerizing any visitor. Shadow was not one to be swayed by material possessions, but the ostentation was overwhelming.

The dining room sat adjacent to the kitchen. Stepping inside, her eyes fell upon a tall, straight figure emerging from the culinary domain with a tray of breakfast.

It was none other than Alpha Dominic, the man who had attempted to steal a kiss from her the previous night!

Immediately, she turned on her heel, her instinct urging her to flee. But the man's voice boomed, "Sister-in-law, good morning."

His voice was magnetic, a seductive timbre that unsettled her. She took a step back, observing his warm presence. Did the daylight make him shine even brighter?

What in the world was happening? Why was he here?

The nearby bodyguard shook his head, perplexed by the young master's actions. Was he engaging in some sort of roleplay with the young lady?

Deciding not to question further, the bodyguard continued his duties.

Shadow's disgust towards him was evident. Didn't he have a home of his own? She couldn't fathom what he gained by constantly lingering at his cousin's residence.

"G-good morning," she stuttered, adjusting her glasses, then turning her gaze towards the bodyguard behind her. "Is Your Young Master not present?"

The bodyguard cautiously glanced at Alpha Kilian, who betrayed no emotion on his face.

He had no choice but to play along with this charade. "The young master has fallen ill and is currently in the hospital."

Shadow appeared like a foolish girl, but she was not easily deceived. Lisa had always suppressed her, ensuring she remained hidden in the shadows, never stealing the spotlight from her siblings. That's why Shadow played her part, concealing her true strength out of self-preservation.

The feeble lies of the bodyguard failed to fool her.

However, Shadow chose not to press the matter further. Instead, she simply nodded and replied, "Oh, may I visit him?"

"Now is not the opportune time," the bodyguard replied through gritted teeth, clearly concealing the truth.

It seemed Alpha Kilian didn't harbor any affection towards her, not even willing to see her.

Alpha Kilian placed the breakfast on the dining table and casually suggested, "Let's eat breakfast."

Shadow had noticed upon her arrival yesterday that there was no chef within the Castle. She blinked, eyeing the plate of food placed before her. Did he prepare breakfast himself?

Although it looked delectable, she couldn't help but feel cautious. After all, she knew nothing about this man.

"Why? Are you afraid I've poisoned it?" Alpha Kilian leaned closer, his eyes brimming with relentless darkness that sent shivers down her spine.

Involuntarily, Shadow stepped back, repulsed. "Thank you for the breakfast, but I'm not hungry."

She had no desire to engage in any further conversation. The last thing she needed was more interactions with that madman!

As she exited the room, she encountered the bodyguard who had escorted her from Eden Family Castle the previous day. "Um, could you do me a favor?" She hesitated, offering a hesitant smile. "I need to return to Eden's house to retrieve something. Could you please drive me there?"

Upon arriving yesterday, she hadn't brought any belongings, necessitating a trip back to collect clothes and other items. She had observed on her way here that the Castle was nestled on the mountain. Walking would be an option, but it would be a lengthy journey.

The bodyguard was about to respond when his gaze fixated on the figure lurking behind her. Instantly, he clamped his mouth shut.

As she turned around, she noticed "Alpha Dominic" had stepped out of the room as well.

He nonchalantly slipped his hands into the pockets of his suit trousers, making his way towards her without a care. "So my cousin's wife wishes to return home for a visit? It would be illogical to have someone else drive you when I am here to assist you."

His words hung in the air as his arm encircled her shoulder.

Disgusted, Shadow quickly shrugged off his touch. "No, thank you."

She couldn't comprehend his actions. Yesterday, he had called her ugly, yet today he persisted in intruding upon her. Was he deranged?

"Young Madam, why not allow our Young Master to escort you?" the bodyguard interjected swiftly. "I have other obligations to attend to and may not be able to accommodate your request."

Shadow sighed. It seemed she had no other choice. "Fine."

"There you have it," Alpha Kilian spoke with a self-satisfied smile.

She cast a frigid glare his way and began her trek towards the parking lot, refusing to look back.

During the drive, he leaned in, whispering in her ear, "Your body feels exquisite when I touch it."

Fearful of his sinister intent, she had no option but to remain in the car, motionless.

In the silence, Shadow tightened her seatbelt, determinedly staring ahead without a flinch. She refused to spare a glance towards "Alpha Dominic," denying him the satisfaction of witnessing her irritation. After all, she was married to his cousin - wasn't it inappropriate?

Observing her behavior, Alpha Kilian's interest in this woman grew.

Though his new wife may be considered unattractive, she must possess some redeeming qualities.

Initially, he had only intended to playfully tease her. However, her reactions revealed a side of her that intrigued him, urging him to prolong the façade to learn more.

"Let the game begin," he thought with a wicked smirk.

The dark car halted in front of Eden's Castle, its engine growling to a stop. Alpha Kilian, a captivating and mysterious figure, leaned over towards Shadow. With nimble fingers, he effortlessly unbuckled her seat belt, causing her heart to race. As their eyes met, Shadow's mind became tranquil, like a calm lake. She couldn't help but blush at his alluring face, yet confusion clouded her glassy eyes.

There was no denying Kilian's attractiveness; he had the ability to ensnare any woman he desired. Regardless of age, they would all succumb to his enchantment. However, these thoughts vanished from Shadow's mind as she remembered his actions from the previous day. Kilian was nothing more than a spoiled rich kid who coveted his sister-in-law, a selfish child craving what he couldn't have.

Straightening her posture and adjusting her glasses, Shadow's face displayed little emotion as she declared, "I'm getting out."

Kilian's eyes narrowed, anger simmering within them. He reached out and caught her hand just as she was about to open the car door. It felt as though he was enclosing her in an embrace. Through her glasses, he stared deep into her clear eyes and deliberately stated, "I took you home. Don't I deserve a 'thank you'?"

Shadow's head drooped slightly, her voice a mere whisper. "Thank you," she reluctantly responded. She hoped that Alpha Dominic and the rest of the Eden family would leave her be. After all, she was supposed to be engaged to Kilian, not his cousin. She needed to give her husband-to-be some respect, whether she liked it or not. As for Alpha Dominic, he could go find trouble elsewhere because he clearly lacked proper manners.

Kilian examined her partially concealed pink lips, his expression darkening. Softly, he murmured, "Seems your gratitude is insincere. I suppose I'll have to take that 'thanks' for myself."

Despite her blotchy complexion, there was something about Shadow's lips that captivated him. With that thought in mind, he leaned in and kissed her. Why should he hide his desire for his legitimate wife?

Shadow couldn't comprehend what was happening. Just moments ago, she wanted nothing more than to berate him, and now an icy sensation pressed against her lips. She gazed at his magnified face in confusion, attempting to push him away. However, her hands remained firmly clasped in his grip.

Kilian was pleased with her reaction, reaching out to remove her glasses and reveal her bright eyes. Without her glasses, she appeared even more enchanting. Her face heated up from anger, her hands clenched at her sides. She couldn't believe this man had the audacity to treat her this way right outside her family's home. Didn't he feel any shame? Did he not care about his cousin's feelings?

As the kiss ended, Kilian yearned for more. He thought to himself, "That was delightful. I'll have to try it again when the opportunity arises." Coming back to his senses, he commanded, "Don't wear glasses anymore. Otherwise, I'll kiss you every time I see you." He purposely lowered his voice, scanning her entire body without reservation. He resembled a beast marking its territory and sizing up its prey.

Before Shadow could voice her frustration, a female voice pierced the quiet of the car.

"Shadow?"

Startled, Shadow turned her head and peered out of the half-open car window. Her eyes widened in shock as she noticed Lisa. Her mother's gaze held a mix of surprise and anger. "What are you doing here?" she demanded.

Shadow's hands clasped tightly together, anxiety flickered in her eyes. Of all people to catch her in this situation, it had to be her mother! On the first day of her mating bond, she found herself in a precarious position with a stranger right in front of their house. It would be hard to defend herself.

Maintaining her composure, Lisa gestured for Shadow to come closer. Knowing she had no other choice, Shadow stepped out of the car. While her face remained impassive, her swollen lips reminded her of their recent encounter. Her cheeks stayed flushed with embarrassment.

As Shadow exited the car, Lisa wasted no time in pulling her into the safety of the Castle. Unexpectedly, Kilian leaned out of the car window and wickedly rubbed his lips, nonchalantly announcing, "My sister-in-law, I'll be waiting for your return."

...

As soon as Lisa heard the word "sister-in-law," her face turned dark and she gave Shadow a stern and cold look.

If looks could kill, Shadow would already be buried six feet under with no way out. Not even the richest man in the Pack could help her out of the mess "Alpha Dominic" had created.

Was this man trying to get her killed?

Lisa took Shadow's hand and pulled her into the hall of the Castle, then let go with a cold expression.

She looked at Shadow icily, "Did the man just call you 'sister-in-law'? Is he Alpha Kilian's cousin?"

"Yes," Shadow replied truthfully.

Slap!

Lisa slapped Shadow in the face with all her strength.

Shadow's face swung to the side and her ears began to buzz. If she hadn't balanced herself, she would've collapsed to the ground from the force.

"You have no shame, do you? What were you thinking, getting involved with your husband's cousin on the first day of your mating bond!" Lisa clenched her jaw. "If you want to die, just go and kill yourself! But don't you dare take us with you!"

When Lisa turned away, Shadow reached out to touch her throbbing cheek. She looked up at Lisa coldly and said, "Really? Do you think I was the one who kissed him first? You can't even ask what happened?"

This was always the case. Every time something went wrong, Shadow was the first to be blamed, no matter what actually happened or who was at fault. Her mother never bothered to ask for an explanation; instead, she resorted to insults and physical violence.

'Worthless,' 'good-for-nothing,' 'wretch' - all of these words had already escaped her mother's lips countless times. If Shadow had received a dime for each time her mother had said them, she would be a billionaire by now.

"One is an impotent and disfigured piece of garbage, the other is a normal and healthy man. I have eyes and you have eyes. It would be clear to everyone who to choose. You haven't already spent the night with this 'cousin', have you?"

A soft and malicious voice came from the stairway.

Seeing Jessica descend, Lisa rushed over to greet her. "Jessica, do you feel better? Do you need me to fetch you a cup of tea? Or would you like me to adjust the AC?"

Lisa addressed her daughter so carefully, as if she were a delicate porcelain cup just picked up from an auction.

"Thanks, Mom. I feel much better," Jessica smiled innocently, but there was a glint of malice in her eyes.

She turned to Shadow and said, "Shadow, I can understand how you feel. But you should think about our family and show some restraint. Do it for us."

Jessica had seen Shadow and a man kissing in a car from an upstairs window. It didn't surprise her that Shadow was kissing a man who couldn't have been her husband, but the fact that her ugly sister was kissing someone!

Jessica then looked at Lisa and asked innocently, "Mom, am I right?"

Lisa smiled and replied, "Of course, my Jessica, you are right."

Shadow clenched her hands tightly and pursed her lips, choosing not to say a word.

It was hard to remember which girl was Lisa's biological daughter. After all, who would treat their own blood like trash?

Over the years, Lisa had always tried to gain a foothold in Eden's house, doing everything she could to please everyone. But her daughter was simply a burden to her, someone she would put last even if it meant sacrificing her own blood.

A soft and malicious voice came from the stairway.

Upon seeing Shadow, Lisa's smile vanished and she looked at her with a stern face. "Shadow, since you've married into the Lances family, you must fulfill your duty. Don't bring shame to our family. We're only doing this because we care about you."

Care about her? Had she ever?

Shadow lowered her eyes, hiding her disdain. She still appeared as docile as a doormat. With a calm voice, she replied, "You've reminded me that if you do something to piss me off, I might do something stupid in front of the Lances. I'm not sure if that would provoke them to harm our family, but I wouldn't test me. Got it?"

Jessica didn't expect Shadow, who had always been silly and rebellious, to speak up like this. She frowned and asked, "What do you mean by that?"

"Just what you heard," Shadow looked up, her eyes slightly closed, as dull as usual.

Did they really think she would still allow herself to be insulted like a servant?

That used to be the case. Shadow had pretended to act humble in order to please and gain favor with Lisa. After all, wasn't blood supposed to be thicker than anything else? However, after Lisa forced Shadow to marry into the Lances family on her sister's behalf, the fear of displeasing her mother disappeared.

"What?" Jessica gritted her teeth. She was used to bossing Shadow around, but this was the first time she saw that woman fight back.

She was so angry that she glared at Shadow before turning to Lisa. "Mom, how could she say that?"

Of course, Lisa could sense the threat in Shadow's words. But assuming that Shadow would always compromise with her like in the past, she maintained a motherly air and sternly said, "Shadow, apologize to your sister!"