My Sister's Fiance, My Fated Mate

**Elena**

"How dare you try to seduce your sister's husband?!". She said as her palm landed hard on my cheeks. My face snapped to the side. I didn't flinch. I'd learned not to.

"I'm... sorry" I managed to say. 'I was only trying to look out for Helena". I continued.

"Oh, spare me that nonsense. You're nothing but a substitute, Elena, and you better get that straight into your head." She fired back at me.

This wasn't the first time I was hearing those words from my stepmother's lips. I had to pay the price for being bad luck and not protecting my sister enough that she had to run away.

"I promise, I'll not go near his room again"..I said, trying to hold back the tears.

For peace to reign and for my father's sake I had to put on this mask and hide the fact that I was in love with Xavier, my sister's betrothed husband and the father of my unborn pup.

"Now get dressed and spray this on your body, it has your sister's scent all over. And the Alpha wouldn't be able to tell the difference." She said her voice stern and cold.

"Yes, Mother".I responded..

I am Elena Downs, the most unlucky Omega and illegitimate daughter of our Pack's Beta.

One thing that kept me going was the striking resemblance to Helena Downs, My father's legitimate daughter- Or should I say, I was able to imitate every single expression, irritation as well as any body movement of hers.

Besides, it was the only way I could get my mother's attention which I'd always wanted.

Unfortunately, it only made the comparison even worse. I wore contact lenses to match Helena's brown eyes. Mine were hazel, Something my father once said made me prettier. But it got my stepmother even more angry.

And I don't know if that compliment made me feel good or not. But deep down I needed that assurance that I was still noticeable.

For some reason, I didn't mind being the side piece in the family as long as Xavier looked at me in ways that drove me crazy.

I'd never thought I'd want the very thing that was meant for Helena, but he loved me. He chose me over her and it fucking hurt me every single time they talked about the arranged marriage.

And thinking about it. I'm glad Helena vanished and I don't mind hiding behind this mask to be closer to him.

"What the hell is wrong with you?!".. Mother screamed as she watched the glass bottle shatter.

"I'm sorry, Mother,." I said almost immediately, going on my knees to pick up the pieces.

"Liar". I whispered to myself trying to hide the smile that brimmed across my face

I had done it on purpose. I wasn't going to spray this goddamn lotion tonight; I want the whole room to be filled with my scent.

I wanted Xavier to breathe me in. Only me.

"You good for nothing, imbecile. Can't you ever get anything right?. You always look for ways to piss me off. She yelled, yanking my hair.

"Argh.." I winced. "I'm sorry, Mother, please, it hurts."

"You better shut the fuck up and not attract any attention". She grabbed a piece and made its direction to my neck.

"Don't you dare try to act smart with me, Elena; if not, you'll wish you were dead instead." She said, staring intently at me.

I could see the hatred in her eyes, but why she hated me so much was something that bothered me.

"Yes.. Yes, ma". I responded. "Please, can you let me go now? It's hurting".

"Now, use this carefully. You better not mess it up-it's the last bottle I have. Don't ruin it! I'll have someone prepare more for next week," she said as she pressed the bottle into my arms.

I kept my head low, hiding the smirk behind my lips. Tonight would be different. Tonight, he'd notice me."

A few minutes later, I stood at the gallery entrance, adjusting the designer purple slit dress, and pressed the mask against my face to keep my identity hidden as I made my way to the gallery for the ceremony.

Today was the day Alpha Xavier would declare me his Luna in front of the entire pack, specifically the council. Afterward, we would have the midnight mate mark ceremony.

He had disappeared for three months after our wedding day, only returning now to conclude the remaining rites.

"Oh, how much we've missed him, Elena," Lira said.

"Quiet down," I mumbled to my wolf, trying to hide my blush as I stared at him.

Xavier didn't even bother to look up at me as I walked in.

"Does he not even notice us? Go sit next to him," Lira whispered again.

"Nope. I'm not going to do that. The last warning I got was enough for me."

"Erm... You look stunning in that dress," he said from behind me.

I knew exactly who it was and I had been trying my best to avoid any conversation with him.

"Thank you," I managed to reply.

Helena... you've been avoiding me," Nick said, his voice low as he brushed against my arm. "I've texted. Called. Nothing. Is this really how it ends?"

"What are you doing, Nick?" I asked, surprised.

His brows furrowed. "You're not acting like yourself, Helena. Your voice... your eyes..."

My stomach twisted. Did he notice the lens? No..he couldn't.

"You've changed," he said, stepping closer.

Nick was a problem I had to deal with-my sister's lover and my best friend, who was now all over me. Well, I can't blame him; he's been deceived, too.

"We agreed we would talk to your mom, babe. Why go through with it if you're just going to hide your face? For crying out loud, Helena, why did you choose him over me?" he said as he pulled me into a corner.

"Nick, I'm sorry, but there was nothing I could do..or we could do. And you, of all people, know that. Please forget whatever we had. It was just a stupid fling and it's all in the past," I said as I tried to leave.

"A stupid fling?" he repeated, pulling me back.

"Yes," I responded. "And now can you please stop this? I'm married now."

"I'm sorry, Nick, but I have to behave this way to get you off my back," I mumbled to myself.

I yanked his arms away and made my way back.

Everyone's attention seemed to be focused on the podium, and I tilted my head to search for his face. My height wasn't helping much.

"Thank you all for coming," Xavier began, diving straight into business. It seemed he couldn't wait to get started..

"As we all know, we're here for the Luna coronation-my Luna coronation. I really don't want to stall anything." He said.

As he continued his speech, I made my way to stand on the podium as well, camera lights flickering around us.

My stepmother gestured for me to move even closer to him, and I felt my heart racing.

Alpha Xavier then turned his gaze towards my direction for the first time in a while.

"I do not accept this mate bond or the coronation," he said, glaring at me.

**Elena**

The silent whispers from the crowd was enough to humiliate me. I stared intently at Xavier, searching for something..anything, that would indicate it was all a joke.

"It's no secret that my wife, Helena, hides her face behind a mask, and I want it to stay that way".

Why did he have to mention the mask again?. I could feel sweat dripping down my temple.

"There are certain things I do not wish to discuss in my marriage, so I made this choice". He continued speaking, his voice echoing through the crowd.

I wanted to speak up, to remove the mask and run into his arms, to tell him I was his Elena and that his words were hurting me.

But I couldn't. A lot was at stake at that moment.

"As I mentioned earlier, I do not yet accept my wife Helena as my mate, so she is not my Luna. But that doesn't mean she isn't my wife."

What did he even mean by that? It's either I'm your Luna, your mate, and your wife. Why is he separating them? Was this his plan all along? He had disappeared to avoid the ceremony just so he could achieve this.

I knew Xavier had doubted everything from the beginning, but why humiliate me?

"I'm your Luna, Alpha Xavier. You can't just say I'm 'just a wife.' Why are you trying to embarrass us in public?" I said as I stepped closer to him.

He scoffed. "If I needed a suggestion or any input from you, Helena, I would have discussed it privately. Do not try to cross me and act defiant."

He turned his gaze back to the crowd. "As the Alpha, I have the authority to make decisions that affect my relationship, as well as the future of this pack."

"The coronation will be held another time. For now, I do not accept her as my Luna."

"And please, there is no room for questioning my decisions. You all may now continue with the celebrations and enjoy yourselves."

And with that, he was out of sight. The flickering lights and sounds from the cameras seemed to mock me even more.

I felt something forming at the back of my throat. I guessed my pup didn't like the way his father treated me.

I sensed Nick's palm on my shoulder as he tried to guide me past the crowd. But instead, my stepmother pulled me from his embrace and led me into my room.

I knew this act of kindness was merely an attempt to scold me.

"What did you do, Elena?" she asked in the calmest tone. I stared at her, wondering if she was just pretending to be nice because of the people gathered at the door.

She turned to the crowd. "Please, my daughter needs rest. Thank you for your concern, but please leave." One by one, they filed out.

"Did you use the scent?" she said, trying to sniff me as if she could actually perceive her daughter's scent.

"Can you stop?" I said, yanking her arms away from my body. "I told you before that deceiving Xavier won't work, and now he's gone as far as to embarrass me."

"It's your fault you couldn't charm him, Elena. I warned you. If anything goes wrong, it's all on you. I don't understand why you keep acting so foolishly and can't do anything right."

"Oh, so now it's my fault? Xavier isn't dumb. I suppose it's also my fault Helena ran away."

"You know what? I think it's better if I go out there and tell him the whole truth. Maybe he'll forgive me. I can't keep playing along with your lies, Mortina," I shot back.

"I've always known you were foolish. And the audacity you have to talk back to me! Do whatever you want. Just know that you and your father will regret it, and I'll kill you before you drag me out." She said, slamming the door behind her.

I covered my mouth, trying to hold back whatever was coming as I sat in the restroom.

"How long do I have to keep this up?" I whispered to myself while rubbing my belly.

It seems my growing belly would reveal everything soon enough before I could get Xavier to be intimate with me.

Unfortunately, getting close to him has become more difficult than I thought, as he just rejected me and wants nothing to do with me.

But I can't just sit here and do nothing. I have no other option but to tell Xavier everything. I'll plead with him, and he'll have no other choice than to hear me out.

I made my way to the third floor of the mansion where his room was located. Something twisted inside me, maybe fear, maybe desperation,but I couldn't turn back now.

Xavier had clearly warned me to stay away from his room, but I couldn't ignore the ache in my chest anymore.

"Our mate's in there!" Lira pleaded again, her voice echoing in my mind.

I pushed the door open.

His scent hit me first-warm, masculine, painfully familiar. The golden paint on the walls glowed faintly in the dim light.

I had chosen that color, hoping we would be in here together after he chose me instead. But things don't go the way we plan.

Maybe I just missed him too much.

But my thoughts scattered when I heard his voice.

"What are you doing here?" Stern. Cold. No softness left.

I froze.. He switched on the light and I was able to see his face, but his expression was unreadable.

"I'm not going to repeat myself." His voice stern. "What are you doing in here?".

**Elena**

"Xavier.. Please don't chase me out. I beg of you," I said, as tears streamed down my face.

I could hear my heart pounding in my chest. What would he do to me?.

"I asked you a question, Helena, and I expect an answer," he said sternly, though his voice sounded tipsy.

I moved closer, and I could smell the alcohol on him.

"Are you drunk, Xavier?" I asked as I approached him. He was never himself after drinking too much. But... this felt different.

There was pain in his eyes, something deeper than the burn of whiskey. Had I really hurt him that much?

"Since you have nothing to say, I'll just leave," he staggered.

"Please stay," I pleaded, wrapping my arms around him from behind. My boobs pressed against his firm back, and the fear of rejection made my heart ache.

I felt his grip on my arms as he turned my face to meet his. He removed the mask and looked at me with an unreadable expression.

I couldn't tell if he was surprised, pleased, or even disgusted.

After a few seconds of silence, I found myself on my knees, pleading for his forgiveness.

"Xavier, I didn't mean for any of this to happen. I deceived you; I didn't know things would go out of control. You were betrothed to Helena from the start, and I didn't have the courage to tell you because I didn't want to lose you.

"She just disappeared without a word..and I had to wear this mask to hide my face".

"Can you ever forgive me, Xavier ? . I didn't know what to do. The way you acted towards me broke my heart even more'.

"And about the pregnancy report..You never mentioned it. I had waited till the evening of the wedding, but you didn't come. I was terrified you would abandon me."

His breath caught. Low and husky. "...Elena?"

I took a shaky step forward. "I sent you the pregnancy report. Did you even read it?"

He staggered to his feet. "What report?".

Wait. He didn't even get the report.

"You can't be serious, Xavier..." I murmured, tears trying so hard not to come out.

"I swear, all I got was your letter... ending things." His voice cracked.

Tears blurred my vision. "I thought you neglected me. That you'd hate me."

A ragged laugh escaped from his throat. "Hate you? I searched for you every night. Do you know what it did to me, thinking you'd abandoned us?"

I flinched. Helena's Jasmine Scent had overshadowed my Wild lavender scent and it had confused Xavier.

And If he never saw the report, then who took it?

He closed the distance between us, caressing my face. "I should hate you.. Why can't I?".

His thumb traced my cheekbone, soft and warm. "You're a fool, Elena. I'd have burned the world to keep you."

Then his lips crashed onto mine-not gentle, not kind. A collision of teeth and desperation, his hands tangled in my hair like he feared I'd disappear.

He shouldn't kiss me. Not after everything. But the way he looked at me. I wanted to resist, to stop this, but all I could do was fall into him.

I clung to his shirt, tasting whiskey and salt. His or mine, I didn't know.

His hands dug into my hips, it hurt but felt like home.

He broke away first, forehead pressed to mine. "Don't you dare hide from me again."

"I'm sorry," I apologized.

Things were a mess, and what did he mean he hadn't received the pregnancy report?

I tried to recall what had happened that day-three months ago, the day of the wedding, a day after I found out I was pregnant.

I had given a maid the reports, I was sure I saw her put it in his room. But how could I have been so sure..

A few minutes later, I was standing next to him as his bride, but I smelled different, as if my stepmother had known what would happen. I wore the perfect wedding dress, infused with Helena's scent.

I didn't know if luck was on my side or if the Moon Goddess was granting me my wish, but I wanted to be with Xavier.

I had carefully thought out how I would make Xavier have sex with me to validate the pregnancy or even its existence, but now, staring at him, I didn't have the heart to deceive him.

I hated myself for even thinking about it. He deserved the truth, not seduction.

"Elena," he whispered, gesturing for me to come to him. The alcohol was clearly affecting him.

Should I just take advantage of this moment and make him mine?

As Xavier continued to gesture to me to come to him, I felt my feet trapped to the floor. Guilt was killing me.

But Xavier wouldn't take no for an answer, he stood up and pulled me to himself. I could feel his need pressing hard against my stomach.

"You don't listen, do you?". He asked, pinning me to the wall.

He roamed his arms around my body as though he was seeing it for the first time.

"I miss you Elena".. He said softly as he bit my left ear. The tingling sensation I always get from that was something I couldn't explain.

He went on to tease my lips with his fingers making me crave for more. "Why are you doing this?"...He asked.

I couldn't answer. How could I say it's because of the secret. Something that would tear us apart.

I... I..." I stammered, but the only answer I could give was a kiss.

He responded even more roughly. And as if that wasn't enough. He moved his fingers around my neck as though searching for a good spot.

And he bit down, hard.

I gasped.

It wasn't just a hickey.

Xavier had marked me.