My Alpha Brother is my Mate

Chapter 1

Alphas Duncan Preston POV

"Come with me into the shower," she said, wrapping her small fingers tightly around my wrist and tugging gently.

She stuck out her lower lip in that classic pout she'd used since she was little, looking up at me with big, pleading eyes like a kid begging for one more cookie before bed.

I shook my head firmly and pulled my arm back just enough to break her grip. "I'm sorry, but I can't do that," I told her, keeping my voice steady even though my pulse was already starting to race.

Her brows scrunched together in confusion, and a flash of hurt crossed her face. "Why not?" she asked, sounding genuinely puzzled, almost offended.

I cleared my throat and deliberately looked away from her, staring at the tiled wall instead of her face. "Because you're not a little girl anymore," I said quietly, the words tasting heavy on my tongue.

She crossed her arms over her chest, pushing her shoulders back a little. "But I've seen you in the shower with that girl before!" she shot back, her voice cracking with a mix of jealousy and confusion.

"She was a total stranger to you, some random woman, and you didn't have any problem with her. But I'm your sister. Please?" She tilted her head and gave me those wide, puppy-dog eyes that used to work every time she wanted something when we were kids.

I felt my resolve crack almost instantly. I couldn't stand seeing her look so disappointed, so hurt. After a long second of internal battle, I let out a defeated breath. "Alright," I muttered. "Fine."

The second we stepped into the steamy shower room, she didn't hesitate.

In one quick, fluid motion, she peeled off every single piece of clothing she had on-shirt, shorts, underwear-and dropped them in a careless pile on the wet floor. I froze.

My mouth went completely dry. The body standing in front of me wasn't the skinny little kid I still pictured in my head. This was the body of a grown woman, curves in places that hadn't been there before, smooth skin glowing under the warm spray, full breasts, rounded hips, long legs. I swallowed hard, trying to force my eyes anywhere else, but they kept dragging back.

My tongue betrayed me before I could stop it. "Oh my God," I breathed out without thinking. "I thought your body was still... " You know... like a young girl's, but-" I cut myself off, taking a deep, shaky breath to try to pull myself together. My heart was hammering against my ribs.

She spun around to face me fully, water already running in little rivers down her skin. "What do you mean?" she asked innocently, tilting her head. Then, without any embarrassment at all, she pointed to her chest. "My breasts are growing now-see?" She cupped them lightly for emphasis, like she was showing me a science project.

Before I could respond, she turned sideways and arched her back a little, pushing her hips out. "And my hips are wider too... they've changed a lot lately." Her voice was casual, almost proud, like she was just sharing an interesting fact.

Then she faced me again, her expression turning a little shy for the first time. She placed one hand between her legs, covering herself modestly but still pointing with the other. "There's some hair down here now," she said softly, almost whispering. "Do you think I should shave it? Is that what grown women do?"

I felt a jolt run through my entire body-hot, electric, wrong. My hands clenched into fists at my sides. I was trembling, cold sweat breaking out on my forehead and down my back.

This was so far beyond inappropriate. She was my little sister-adopted, yes, but still my sister. I'd helped raise her. I'd protected her. And now my mind and body were betraying me in the worst possible way.

"Enough!" I snapped, louder than I meant to. She jumped a little, startled. "Stop looking at me like that. Stop... doing all of this. You're still my sister, no matter how old you are."

I wasn't even sure if I was yelling at her or at myself. Maybe both. Maybe I was trying to hammer the reminder into my own skull.

She blinked at me, surprised by the sharpness in my tone. Then, as if nothing had happened, she shrugged lightly. "Okay... but take off your clothes now."

I frowned hard, my brows pulling together. "What?!"

She gave a small, innocent shrug. "Otherwise, you'll get all soaked. Have you forgotten how showers work?" She looked genuinely confused by my reaction, like I was the one acting strange.

I could feel heat crawling up my neck. She had no idea what was happening inside me-how my body was responding in ways it absolutely shouldn't. I just wanted to get out of there as fast as humanly possible.

"No, I'm good," I said quickly, trying to sound calm. "Just turn around. I'll stay dressed."

But she wasn't having it. She clasped her hands together and bounced a little on her toes. "Please, please, please? It's just us. Like when we were kids."

I rubbed a hand over my face, exhausted by the internal war. "Fine," I muttered. "But don't look. Seriously. Don't."

I showered as fast as I could-scrubbed, rinsed, barely breathing-then bolted out of there, dripping wet and fully clothed, my mind spinning with shame and confusion.

I woke up gasping, lungs burning like I'd been underwater too long. I sat straight up in bed, rubbing my eyes hard, sweat soaking my T-shirt. "What the hell!" I hissed under my breath, cursing quietly into the dark room. "The same damn dream again. What is wrong with me?"

Mindy, my younger adopted sister, was twenty-one years old now. Not a child. Not even close. She didn't know she was adopted; she had no memory of the time before my parents brought her home. They told me she was just a baby when they got her, tiny, scared, alone. They never explained the full story, never told me where she really came from. And then they died, taking whatever secrets they had to the grave.

I flopped back against the pillows, staring at the ceiling, heart still racing. The dream felt so real every time-her voice, her body, the steam, the guilt. I hated myself for it. She was my sister. My family. The only real family I had left.

But she wasn't a little girl anymore. And no matter how many times I told myself that, the line between protector and something darker kept blurring in my sleep. I dragged a hand through my damp hair and let out a long, shaky breath.

I needed to get a grip. I needed to keep my distance. I needed to remember who we were to each other.

Mindy

"Baby, I've been missing you," Derek said, wrapping me in a big bear hug.

Ugh, I hated this cocky jerk. He was the son of the Dusk pack's Alpha, next in line himself, but I knew he was only after me to get to my brother. Whatever. No one ever won my heart-it belonged to Duncan, my big brother and secret mate.

"But I didn't miss you," I teased with a smirk, kissing his cheek.

He pouted like a kid. "You always make me feel bad."

God, so dramatic. Not a real man at all. But he'd do for tonight's party before I dumped him.

"You're coming with me," I said, faking a smile. "Party at my house. You're invited."

We walked arm-in-arm off campus like a perfect couple. "We?" he asked, eyes narrowing in surprise. I laughed.

"Yeah, it's Duncan's business party. He won't mind. You wanted to meet him, right?"

His face lit up, and he bounced with excitement. Of course-he'd begged for weeks. Duncan was Alpha of the Silver Warriors pack, the youngest, richest, most powerful businessman at thirty-one. His face was on billboards, Forbes, everywhere. Every pack respected him.

To me, he was everything. Our parents died when I was twelve; he raised me, handled school, training, all of it. He taught me to fight, held me through my first shift at eighteen. That's when I knew: my mate bond was with him. My nose scented only him, my heart raced near him.

It crushed me. My love went beyond family-strong, unbreakable. But I hid it, terrified. I dated a new guy weekly, acting like a wild party girl who hooked up. Truth? I was a virgin. No one touched me.

"Derek!" I snapped, snapping out of it as I climbed into my red Porsche.

"Yes, darling?" He leaned on the door.

"Don't be late. Wear a tux. I want Duncan to like you." I winked and sped off. He'd show; my plans always worked.

For Duncan's big parties, I arrived in a sexy dress with a fake boyfriend. He'd rage and kick the guy out. Our new "palace" house was perfect for his empire events, but tonight felt off. That's why I went all out-booked the whole salon.

I wanted Duncan's blue eyes on me, seeing me as a woman, a hot she-wolf, not his little sister. I was twenty-one now, guys everywhere drooled, but he just got possessive and angry. Was it brotherly, or more? I craved his touch as a lover, his claim as mate. Every woman near him was a threat-they wanted his power, not him like I did.

I loved him completely.

At the salon, it was nearly five; party at ten. "Good afternoon, sweetheart," Jack greeted, my gay best friend and secret-keeper.

"Hey, baby," I said, kissing his cheeks, sounding low.

He frowned. "What's wrong?"

I pulled him to his office. "Duncan's throwing this huge party out of nowhere. Told me to be early. He usually keeps me away."

Jack thought, rubbing his chin. "Weird. We'll crash it like always. Invited your boyfriend?"

"Yeah, Derek-Dusk pack heir. Duncan'll hate him. But I'm nervous."

"Forget it," Jack said. "I'll go with you."

My face lit up. "Yes!"

He grinned. "Show me your dress."

"White sleeveless mini, low-cut, shows half my boobs, barely covers my thighs."

"Perfect. Let's make you a goddess."

Jack was an omega but the best stylist-bold, creative. Tonight, I'd make Duncan see me as his woman. If the mate bond hit him too... great. Or I'd hurt again. But I was done hiding.

In the mirror, I squealed. "Wow, Jack! I look amazing. Love you!"

He whistled. "Like a princess. Duncan's eyes won't leave you."

"You think?" I pouted. "He never sees me that way-just chases other girls. I want him to want me as a she-wolf."

He hugged me. "Alphas struggle with that. Maybe he's fighting the bond too, hiding his feelings."

It hurt, but made sense. Werewolf history had sibling mates-even kings. Modern pack rules sucked, but I trusted the Moon Goddess. If she paired us, why hide? I'd never quit; I was too in love, too stubborn. He was my addiction, my everything. Losing him would break me.

His jealousy gave hope-the anger at my dates, the stares, the protection. More than brotherly? Or wishful thinking?

"Snap out!" Jack said. "Time to dress."

In the white mini and heels, legs endless, I spun. "What do you think?"

He whistled. "You'll slay. Hope Derek looks half as good."

I rolled my eyes. "He's hot, but no Duncan."

His eyes widened. "Falling for him? Ditch the plan?"

"No," I said, hand on heart. "Duncan forever."

"Then tonight he sees it." He called Derek: "Don't be late. Tux. No excuses."

I stared in the mirror. This wasn't a party-it was war for my mate. I wouldn't give up.

I called Derek. "Where are you?"

"On my way to your house. Meet and drive you?"

"No. Wait outside the gate. No entering without me. Surprise for Duncan."

"Okay, sweetie. Love you."

I rolled my eyes-clingy weirdo. Liked my meanness, even. Total opposite of Duncan, who'd snap back sharp but never hurt me. When you love someone, you forgive all.

I wanted to flip his party, make him jealous and furious seeing me with Derek. Hilarious-and a bit scary what he'd do.

Bad feeling something big loomed. *Please, Goddess, stay with me.*

I hung up without goodbye.

Jack eyed me. "Go alone tonight. Gut feeling-you need to handle this solo with Derek."

I stepped out, hands on his shoulders. "Why? I need you. Nervous."

"Trust me. You're a knockout; every Alpha there will lose it."

I trusted his instincts. "Okay. Luck?"

He shoved me playfully. "Win with some tequila."

I drove off, heart pounding-nervous, excited, terrified.

We lived together, but I missed him daily. He was busy, but called ten times a day, checking in. Even away, he slept home, saying, "Guards everywhere-I can't let harm touch my heart." He called me his heart, loved me more than anything.

But he didn't know my depth.

I screeched to the gate. No Derek. Called-he was across the street. I waved him to follow.

Deep breath.

Tonight was everything.

I was ready.

Mindy

I rolled down my window and leaned out toward the guard at the gate. "Open the gates right now," I ordered in a sharp voice. "And the car right behind me is with me. Let him through-no questions."

The guard bent down to peek at Derek's car, then looked back at me with a nervous expression. He leaned in closer and spoke in a low, shaky whisper. "Miss Mindy... Alpha Duncan gave very strict instructions. No strangers are allowed into this party without a personal invitation from him. He was really clear about it."

Of course he was. My brother had the build and aura of a complete monster-tall, muscular, powerful, the perfect mix of sexy Alpha and ruthless businessman. Everyone feared him. That was honestly the nicest way anyone ever described Duncan.

But to me? He was my whole world. He never made me feel small or worthless. He never left me crying alone in my room. He always tried his hardest to make me feel safe, loved, and protected-no matter what.

I tilted my head and stared the guard down. "He's my invited guest. Duncan will know exactly who he is."

The guard swallowed hard, looking even more uncomfortable. "Miss Mindy, please forgive me, but... could you maybe call Alpha Duncan first? Just let him tell me himself? You know how strict he gets about security. He made it very clear-"

My patience snapped. "I said he's my guest. Can't you hear me?" I raised my voice, almost yelling. "If you don't open these gates right now and let him in, I swear I'll make sure my brother kicks you out of the pack-and out of the whole damn country while he's at it."

I knew I was worse than Duncan sometimes. Way worse. If I asked Duncan not to punish someone, he'd listen to me. He'd back off. But if I told him to get rid of someone-even if they hadn't done anything wrong-he'd do it in a heartbeat. No hesitation. No second thoughts.

Yes, I broke rules constantly. And Duncan always let me get away with it. Always gave me what I wanted.

Right now, all I wanted was one thing: Duncan. All to myself. Forever.

The guard nodded fast, bowing his head. "Yes, of course, Miss Mindy. Just... please don't let Alpha Duncan use me as a punching bag. I'm only doing my job."

I laughed a little and nodded to reassure him. "He won't. Thank you."

I waved Derek forward. He followed me through the now-open gates. We parked side by side in the huge driveway. Inside, the place was packed with luxury cars and limos-rows and rows of them. Ministers from different packs, Alphas, the richest businessmen in the country. Typical Duncan party crowd.

Derek stepped out and stared up at the house with his mouth open. "Wow! What can I even say? This place is massive. Unreal."

I slammed my car door shut and smirked at him. "Yeah, thanks for noticing." He didn't say a single word about my dress, my hair, my makeup-nothing. Not one compliment. All he cared about was getting inside and meeting my brother.

Everyone was the same. Every single guy I dated, every person who got close to me-they all wanted Duncan. They wanted his power. His connections. His fame. His money. His influence. Duncan was too big, too important. He'd turned our pack into something close to paradise. And every man who ever showed interest in me only wanted to use me as a stepping stone to reach him. I hated it more than anything in the world.

All I wanted was Duncan. Just him. All mine.

I'd asked him a million times if he planned to get mated soon. He always gave the same answer: he was living for me. Only me. No one else.

But I worried. Deep down, I knew he couldn't stay single forever. Alphas needed Lunas. Needed heirs to carry on the line. One day he'd have to choose someone. And when that day came... I didn't know if I could survive it.

"Stop staring at the house like you've never seen one before," I snapped, linking my arm through Derek's. I was pouting, huffing, annoyed.

"It's not a house," he said, still gawking. "This is a full-on palace! I'm so jealous you live like this."

I sighed dramatically. "Jealous of me being rich? Please. You're just as loaded as I am."

"No, I mean jealous of this insane place... and having such a powerful, rich brother!" He pulled me closer to his chest and gave me an awkward smile.

I narrowed my eyes at him. "What's wrong with you? Do you have a crush on my brother Duncan or something? Are you gay and trying to get to him through me?"

He burst out laughing so hard he almost tripped. "Of course not! I'm not like that. I just want to meet him, get to know him, maybe do some business with him after college. You know my dad's an Alpha and a businessman, but I want my own path. I don't want to ride on his name forever."

I didn't believe a single word. Not even a little.

So tonight would be his last night pretending to be my boyfriend. I'd get rid of him for good after this. I hated people who used me-especially anyone who tried to use me to get close to Duncan.

"Shut up and stop wasting time," I said with a fake, overly sweet smile. "Let's go inside and introduce you to my brother."

I walked into the party with confidence, swaying my hips side to side, letting the short white dress do its job. Derek didn't seem bothered at all by how rude I'd been. He just kept smiling like I'd said something cute.

The pool area lights flared on as we stepped in. Music pumped. Laughter filled the air. Guests everywhere-Alphas, ministers, businessmen, beautiful she-wolves in expensive gowns.

Then my heart dropped straight into my stomach.

Duncan was standing near the center, holding hands with a stunning she-wolf. Right in front of everyone.

She was gorgeous-perfect hair, perfect body, perfect smile. Everything I wasn't.

And it wasn't just her. The whole place was packed with powerful people. Alphas from other packs. High-ranking officials. Everyone who mattered.

Okay... what the actual fuck is going on here?

My plan-my whole stupid, jealous plan-was already falling apart.

I forced a smile anyway. Gripped Derek's arm tighter.

But inside? I was panicking.

This wasn't going to be funny anymore.

This was war.

And I had no idea if I was ready to fight it.