My Sister's Alpha

NAIDIRA POV

"Cheers!" Someone hollered, the sound of clinking wine glasses echoing through the bustling night air as people made merry and danced.

I stood off to the side, fiddling with the hem of my silk gown, my throat feeling dry.

"Stop looking so dead before your parents start to give you a lecture again," Malia muttered under her breath, stopping when she got to me and handed me a wine glass. "Here you go, you look so pale."

I shot her a glare, wrapping my slender fingers around the cold glass. "Tell me about it. I would rather be studying in my dorm right now," I muttered bitterly under my breath as I took a sip of the liquid and almost spat it out.

Malia barely reacted to that. "Didn't you hate studying?"

My brows crinkled as I looked into the glass. "What is this? Is this..." I shot her a disgusted look. "I said I didn't want ale, Malia. This thing is disgusting. And for the recordㅡ I'd take college over this. It never changes."

It never did.

Every single year, I came home to the same thing. My parents barely paying any attention to me. My twin sister being attended to every second of the day while I trailed behind as though I wasn't a part of the family.

If I had my way, I wouldn't be here. I would be in college, wallowing in self pity as always. But mum had made it clearㅡ I was to be present at the bonfire ceremony. It would be inappropriate for the Alpha's daughter to skip the most important night of the pack.

Right, I had that title only when it was convenient.

"Seriously," she deadpanned, turning to me with a small smile on her face. "You're clearly nervous. We should be dancing with the rest of the packs. You can't just stand here and expect your mate to find you."

"Oh yeah?" I took another sip of the disgusting liquid, wincing when it burned its way down my throat. "Watch me."

Of course I was nervous.

The bonfire night wasn't just a celebrationㅡ it was fate made public. It was the night when the Moon goddess decided who belonged to whom. Some wolves had waited years for this. Some never found their mate.

And then, there was me.

Born into royalty, trained as an Alpha, expected to marry well, form alliances and never ㅡ everㅡ cause trouble.

I'd done everything right.

Which meant tonight terrified me.

The idea of not finding a good mate. Or one at all. Disappointing my parents and proving that I was nothing compared to my sisterㅡ Calanthe.

She could shift. She had her Alpha powers manifested already. And me? I couldn't do a thing.

Bile rushed up my throat and my vision swam. "I need to go meet my dad at the high table. I'll be back soon."

Before Malia could protest, I was moving away, pushing through the throng of people as I made my way past the huge flames licking up into the sky.

"Sorryㅡ" I tried to wiggle through a couple happily staring up at the large bonfire that stretched tall.

Thenㅡ

Someone must have shoved me in an attempt to move, but I stumbled, legs tripping over the other as I fell right at the foot of the fire, palms landing on a few hot coal.

I yelped, immediately scrambling to my feet as tears stung my eyes. "Shit!' I cursed, staring down at my trembling fingers with visible burns now.

That hurt like hell. And due to the fact that I hadn't manifested my powers yet, I was going to heal at a human pace. Just great.

People around looked at me, unsure if they should approach.

Something bitter in me told me that if Calanthe had been the one injured, they would be racing to help her.

Bunch ofㅡ

I didn't wait for their pity, I stalked off to the side, away from the massive crowd as I collapsed on a log, uncaring of the way the hem of my gown brushed against the damp earth, stained with dirt.

Trying to calm myself down, I blew softly on my palms, trying to ease the pain. Thenㅡ

"You okay?" A voice suddenly echoed and I looked up quickly, my heart flipping when I saw a massive figure towering over me.

"You scared me..." I forced a smile to the stranger.

Who was this?

I tried to look at his features fully in the dim light of the moonlight that veiled the grounds.

He had dark hair, hazel eyes and high cheekbones, lips pursed as he stared down at me. "Apologies. That doesn't look that goodㅡ" He nodded to the burns on my palms.

Subconsciously, I shut my palms, letting out a nervous chuckle. "It's fine. You should go enjoy the bonfire night."

It was weird. A total stranger who actually...cared. Not Malia. A total stranger. There was a tug in the air between us. Sharp and compelling. What was that?

"Wait here..." He muttered under his breath, disappearing for barely a minute before he came back with a small first aid box.

I folded into myself, breath hitching as he crouched low, strands of his hair falling into his face as he pulled out a few materials. "You don't have toㅡ"

He was already dabbing at the burns, his rough calloused hands holding onto mine tightly, the contact making me shudder. "Don't mention it. This isn't a big deal."

My heart was thrumming faster than louder in my chest, pulse fluttering under my skin. "Who are you?"

He looked up at me, my heart skipping a beat as his dark eyes locked on to mine. "Orion. Alpha Orion."

My throat dried and I couldn't tear my gaze away. What was happening? He was an Alpha? And not just any Alpha. Alpha Orion? From Moonfire pack?!

"I'm...Naidira..." I stuttered, my heart doing a stupid little flip in my chest when he smiled slightly and stood up.

"Well, Naidira... it was lovely meeting you," He muttered, voice barely heard over the soft gust of wind as he stretched out a hand to me.

Slowly, I reached out, wrapping my fingers around his much larger ones.

Something in me jolted at the contact. Like something had locked into place.

Was he...my mate?

*************

"Mum? Dad?!" I called out, happily skipping into the house later that night.

The bonfire was over. People had dispersed for the night after having fun but I had spent the rest of the night thinking about Alpha Orion. Had the moon goddess really blessed someone like me with a mate as powerful and kind as he was?

It all felt too surreal.

Mother was at the table, a small scowl on her face as she saw me saunter into the dimly lit room. "Do not raise your voice, Naidira. It is unbecoming of a lady."

My heart deflated slightly at her words, gaze falling on Calanthe who was seated next to her at the table, gently cutting into a slab of steak.

Father reached for a glass across, pulling it to himself. "You're late? You were with Malia?" Before I could answer, he was already adding, "you should be like Calanthe, Naidira. She was home immediately when the bonfire ended and she didn't stray away from the family during it."

My heart clenched painfully and I gripped the edge of my gown. "Apologies, I had a... slight inconvenience."

No need telling them I had an injury.

Calanthe didn't even look up from her food. Her blonde hair was pulled up high in a messy bun, skin pale and gleaming as she basked under the light. It felt like everything answered to her.

Swallowing back the bitter tang of jealousy, I forced a smile. "I met someone. I think he's my mate." I announced.

The room went still and mother's fork clattered to the plate. Father almost choked on his water and even Calanthe paused, raising her brow at me.

"Are you sure?" My father sounded stern. Hopeful.

I nodded happily. At least, it seemed that this pleased them.

"Yes! His name is Alpha Orion andㅡ"

My mother let out a heavy sigh, shaking her head slightly in disappointment while my father looked back at his plate.

"What?" I asked, looking between them. "What's wrong?"

Calanthe scoffed something under her breath, focusing back on her food.

My mother stood up. Slow. Purposeful. "Naidira..." She started, her voice low.

Unease prickled under my skin. That couldn't be good.

"What?" I whispered, not daring to hope.

She gestured to Calanthe. "Alpha Orion... He's been engaged to Calanthe long before the bonfire. He's not your mate. He's to be married to your sister."

It felt like someone had smacked me across the face.

No. Not this one too.

"Excuse me?"

NAIDIRA'S POV

It felt like the world had been tilted on its axis and my heart was pounding systematically in my chest. Each loud thud felt like a death knell.

"What do you mean?" I rasped, my throat suddenly running dry.

She looked at my father and sat back down, pulling a glass of water to herself.

Why was no one saying anything?

Calanthe stood up, muttering something under her breath before she walked to her room, but not before casting me a small smirk with a slight twitch of her lips.

"You know how it is, Naidira. Sit." My father gestured to the chair where Calanthe had sat a while ago.

My legs wobbled as I collapsed heavily on the seat. "Explain."

One word.

But the weight it carried was evident.

My father had this blank on his face. Like I was supposed to just get it. That the man who could be my mateㅡ the one I had waited for for such a long timeㅡ was betrothed to my sister.

Why couldn't I have something to myself for once?

"Don't you get it?" He started. "You're not good enough for Alpha Orion."

The words hit me smack in the face and I gripped the edge of the table, my knuckles turning white due to how hard I held on to it. "What do you mean? I'm also your daughter, are you saying I don't deserve happiness?" My voice cracked on the last statement.

My mother spoke up before my father could. "No one is saying that. Just not with Alpha Orion. Do you know how powerful he is? He's the next big thing. He's so powerful that Alphas bow to him, Naidira. Be a realist. Do you know who he needs as a mate?"

My heart chipped at the edges. "A powerful Luna..." I whispered.

My mother clicked her fingers. "Exactly. And let's face it, you're not up to that. You can't even shift. We're doing this for your own sakeㅡwe just want to protect you. It's gonna be too much of a power imbalance and you wouldn't be able to keep up, no one would accept a weak woman for a Luna."

Her words cut deep and pain seared through me. Hot. Blinding. I swallowed hard, my eyes stinging with tears.

So, this was it?

Once more, I had lost another thing.

Because I wasn't enough.

And I would never be.

And as much as it hurt me, they were rightㅡ I wasn't fit to rule.

Calanthe was.

***************

TWO WEEKS LATER

Accepting my fate didn't make it any easier. I saw him more often, he came around the house, giving me small smiles what my heart ached with the knowledge of what I lost.

I should be happy. Rejoice with Calanthe and squeal when she presented the wedding dress to me last night.

But I couldn't bring myself to feel joy for someone else when it had evaded me.

That's why I spent longer than necessary, staring at the mirror in my room. Was it visible? What I thought about this marriage? It was all sudden.

There was a short rap on the door and I jerked, swallowing hard. "Uhㅡ Yeah, I'll be out in a minute," I croaked.

My mother's voice filtered in, merry and sweet. "Hurry, dear. The ceremony is about to start."

Of course she was happy. Her daughter was getting married into a family that she could only dream about. The connections. Power. Alliances. That was all that mattered to her.

I took a deep breath, looking at my reflection in the mirror again. The pale dress clung to my curves, barely bringing any form of attention to myself. Of course this was what mum picked out. It didn't matter if I was the bride's sister, I shouldn't hold a candle to the beauty of her gown.

Everything seemed tailored to make me fade off into the background.

As always.

Less than 30 minutes, I forced myself to keep a frozen smile on my face as I watched the priest say the vows to Alpha Orion and Calanthe who was beaming.

My fingers gripped the hem of my gown in habit.

Everyone was so happy.

The pack grounds was bustling with energy and from where I sat, wedged between my mum and my dad, I had an unobstructed view of the whole event.

Yay, lucky me, I guess.

The murmurs behind us didn't do anything to help too. In fact, it only added to the anger thrumming in my veins.

"I can't believe she's getting married to Alpha Orion."

Yeah, me neither.

Another hushed voice behind whispered. "That's so cool and impressive. I can only imagine how proud the family must be having a daughter who brings nothing but good things to them."

Something ugly stirred in my stomach at that but I swallowed it back.

Thenㅡ

"The other one didn't find her mate. She's probably cursed. Can't even shift. The moon goddess couldn't even give her anything. She probably doesn't deserve it too. She's pretty useless to such a powerful family."

That made me pause, my cheeks flushing as I adjusted uncomfortably in my seat, the silk suddenly feeling too tight around my skin.

Useless?

Something told me they knew I heard. They could see the way my shoulders tensed in front of them. And they only snickered.

Tears burned in my eyes. I was undeserving of Alpha Orion? Calanthe also didn't deserve him. I knew her first hand.

My gaze burned with fury and I clenched my fists in anger. Fuck them all.

There was still time. To object to the wedding and stop this madness.

Everyone was clapping silently, focused on the vows being exchanged.

My feet moved before I could stop them and I sprang to my feet.

Calanthe whipped her neck to look at me, panic flashing in her eyes when she saw the defiance in mine. She knew I wanted to object to it. Stop her dream marriage.

"Iㅡ" I started, my voice loud enough for everyone pause and look at me confused.

Before I could utter another word, Calanthe beat me to it. "My sister, Naidira and I would like to inform everyone of something important."

Alpha Orion looked confused. Just like everyone else. "What's going on?"

I raised a brow, chest heaving silently. What did she want to say?

Her fingers dropped to her stomach and her next words were soft. "I'm with child for the Alpha."

My blood ran dry as gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd.

Calanthe was...pregnant?

For Alpha Orion?

NAIDIRA POV

ONE YEAR LATER

Life had been hell on earth. It felt like I could not go one day without being belittled by Calanthe subtly.

She had given birth a month ago and of course, I was expected to take care of the baby while she 'healed', which was just a frontier for lazing around.

My fingers worked fast, stroking the little boy's head while trying to shush him. "It's okay... your aunt is here..." I whispered, stroking him with a reverence that I rarely used.

I shouldn't feel jealous. Why should I? It wasn't her fault that I hadn't gotten my mate. But she never missed a second to remind me about my plight.

My feet ached as I straightened up, leaning to the side as I stretched.

Fuck.

The baby was softly cooing in his cot, his small hands clenched into tight fists as he warbled.

Of course Calanthe wasn't here. She was never here with her kid. It was my jobㅡ always mine.

Satisfied with his current state, I walked out of the room, feet softly padding across the plush floor, making my way back to my room.

And thenㅡ hushed voices.

I paused, sure I had heard wrong. No one was usually at the abandoned wing of the building.

But there it was again. Another voice. This time unmistakable. Calanthe.

"Can you get it or not?!" She hissed, sounding pissed at whoever was on the receiving end.

I shuddered, not wanting to make my presence known yet as I lurked around the corner, listening in on the conversation.

Maybe it was wrong to listen in on her. But I couldn't help myself. Whatever they were discussing was urgent.

"ㅡI'm not sure. Baby scent blockers are hard to get." The other person sounded unsure.

Calanthe groaned, the sound low and harsh. "How hard can it be to get a scent blocker?!"

My ears perked up. A scent blocker for the baby? Why would she want to block the scent of the baby?

I gripped the edge of the wall, nails digging across the surface of it.

"I'll do it. But you know it'll cost a lot."

Calanthe spoke again. "As long as it can stop anyone from guessing that the child isn't his, I'm ready for it. Get it for me by noon tomorrow. I'll get the money ready."

My stomach lurched, mind working fast to make sense of what I just heard. The child wasn't his? Wasn't for Alpha Orion?

Something ugly stirred in my stomach.

Anger. Disgust. Shock. I didn't know what to feel.

My feet moved before I could stop it and I stepped into the open space, fury written on my face. "Calanthe."

They both spun to look at me. Panic flashed across Calanthe's face and the maid went pale with fear.

My gaze darted between the two, finally resting on the maid. "Leave..."

She didn't wait. She scrambled away, muttering apologies under her breath.

Slowly, I turned to Calanthe. "What the hell were you trying to get?" I asked, stepping closer.

Her face was pale, devoid of color as I approached her. "Why were you listening on me?" She screeched instead.

Fucking pathetic.

"That isn't the fucking question, Calanthe. The baby... who is the father of that baby?" I asked, preparing myself for the worst.

Her lips parted but no words made it out, her lips wobbling instead. "It's Alpha Orion. Are you crazy? What makes you think you can ask me questions like that?"

I let out a low scoff. "Do I look stupid to you? I heard you, you know. I'll ask again." I moved closer. "Who. Is. The. Father?"

This time, she faltered, fingers twiddling with the sleeves of her shirt. "It'sㅡ"

I waited with bated breath. "Who?"

"Cedric!" She snapped.

My eyes widened, shock flashing through my expression for a second. "Cedric?!"

Cedric was Alpha Orion's beta and adopted brother. The baby was...his? And she lied to the whole court?! For a whole year?!

"Oh you littleㅡ" I cursed. "You think this is funny? Lying to everyone? Cheating on the Alpha and then lying to us? I'm gonna tell everyoneㅡ"

Before I could make it a step away, her fingers wrapped around my arm, pulling me back forcefully, causing me to stumble.

Her eyes were wide and she shook her head, a crazed look in her eyes. "No. You can'tㅡ"

A bitter laugh crawled up my throat, the sound rough. "I can't?!" I tried to shrug her grip away but she held tight, nails digging into my skin. "Let go, Calanthe!" I warned.

She shook her head stubbornly. "I would rather die than let you ruin everything I've worked for."

Footsteps faintly echoed through the hallway but I wasn't thinking again, I shoved her. Hard. She stumbled, crashing to the floor and I spun on my heels, ready to expose her for who she really was.

Thenㅡ

I froze, my eyes widening as I saw Alpha Orion and his parents beside him, their gazes wide and flicking from mine to Calanthe's slumped figure as she struggled to sit up, an exaggerated howl of pain escaping her.

"What's going on here?" Alpha Orion stepped forward, eyes wide with concern.

"I can explaㅡ"

"She pushed me! She tried to kill me!" Calanthe wailed, throwing herself into Orion's arms. "I told you this would happen!"

Waitㅡ what?!

I struggled to form words. "Wait, I can explain. She's lying!"

His mum stepped forward, fury written across her face. "Is it not enough? The havoc and the rumors you've spread against your own sister?!" She seethed, voice harsh.

I took a step back, struggling to form words. "Youㅡ That's not what happened, hear me outㅡ she's lying to you all! She cheated on Alpha Orionㅡ"

"Silence!" A voice thundered and Alpha Orion looked at me, his eyes blazing with fury. "Don't say another word."

My heart clenched in my chest and tears stung my eyes. "Iㅡ"

He looked away, pulling Calanthe closer as he checked her for injuries. "Are you okay?" He whispered, brows knitted together in concern.

His father tilted his chin up. "We've given you so many chances to prove yourself, Naidira. But you keep proving that you're a threat to the royal family. I don't think you are fit to stay here. We cannot risk harm to the Luna because of her jealous sister."

Something in me twisted. Jealous? Harm? I didn't even do anything to her. Why didn't they take my word.

His next words sliced through me.

"Naidira, you are hereby banished from this pack. Effective immediately."