Chapter 6

Katie's POV

“Draven,” William said, his tone, colder than I had heard it since I met him, “mind your manners.”

“Indeed brother,” Adrian said, his tone mocking, "there's no need to act up at the dinner table.”

Adrian feigned a saddened expression but I could tell it was clearly fake.

“You know how father is,” he said, like an older brother chastising his younger one, “but there you go again, always losing your temper, and in front of our new family no less.”

I could tell that each of Adrian’s words just kept raising Draven’s anger, like poking a bear who already wanted to rip your throat out.

Having had enough, Draven threw down his napkin, standing to leave.

“Draven,” William said in warning, clenching his hand trying to contain his anger, “sit back down.”

I could see the war brewing between William and Draven, and I had no idea how to stop it.

Luckily mom noticed too, hurrying to deescalate the situation.

“Look everyone, the food is here.” Mom said, trying to ease the mounting tension between the father and son.

“Actually, could I have a rain check for dinner?” I asked, grasping at any chance I can to leave this frustratingly tense situation, coming up with a quick excuse, “I have an important exam tomorrow that I really need to study for.”

“Draven,” William said, his voice cold, leaving no room for argument, “ take your sister home, now." ”

Draven just gives him a look, not saying a word.

“I don’t think that's necessary,”I said politely, desperately wanting to avoid any alone time with Draven, in close quarters, “I can manage to get back fine on my own.” ,

“Well, there is something I would like to talk to you about,” William said, turning to me, his tone softer than before but serious, “it’s very important.”

I nod, staying seated, waiting for him to continue and hoping it’s not something bad.

“Your mother and I already registered and got our marriage certificate,” William said adoration and love showing on his face as he kissed mom.

“But we decided to not make it public, for now,” William continued, looking at the three of us, his gaze landing on me, “we hoped that you would move into the villa with us, and your brothers.”

I don’t know what to say. They’re already registered but aren't telling anyone? Why?

Also on top of that they want us all to live together, as a big happy family.

Me, living with both Draven and Adrian…

I weigh the pros and cons in my head.

Pro, I know mom and I would be taken care of.

Con, my new brothers.

How can I deal with seeing both Draven and Adrian everyday, in the same house?

Lost in thought, I didn’t notice mom had walked over to me.

“Look Katie, Willaim knows that we’ve had hard times living comfortably,” she said softly, holding my hand, “all he wants to do is give us a better life.”

Deep inside I felt terrible for my hesitation. I know mom wants this to work, but can’t help feeling like there's a pit in my stomach.

What would mom and William think of me if they knew that I used to have a relationship with Draven.

Or, learning about my drunken one night stand with Adrian too.

Everything was becoming too much, making my head hurt.

Turning to mom, her eyes shining, a mix of worry and hope filling her face, wanting my answer.

I cave.

“Okay mom, I’ll move in with you guys,”I said, pulling her into a hug.

I could see the happiness and joy radiate from her.

Going forward, I decided that I would put moms happiness first in this family, and wouldn't let whatever relationship I had with my Draven and Adrian ruin it.

“I’m so glad,” William said as mom walks back over to him, kissing her softly, “now if that’s all settled, you can head back early to study, Katie.”

“Draven will take you back while your mother, Adrian and I finish up dinner.” William insisted, not bothering to ask Draven.

Outside the restaurant, sat the black Audi that Draven kept immaculate, it made me feel so out of place.

I took a deep breath, as Draven pulled out of the parking lot.

“I know I said it back in my old room, but you ignored it so,” I start, determined to get this over quickly, Draven, we need to break up.”

Only the soft hum of the engine fills the silence so I go on, hoping Draven will say something.

“We should also never mention that happened between us,” I said, fidgeting with my hands,” We’re brother and sister now, and I refuse to let anything ruin my mom's happiness.”

Once more silence only answered me.

“Let's try to get along, for everyone’s sake.”

Glancing at him, his gaze looked miles away.

“Draven,” I called out hesitantly, “did you hear what I said?”

I lightly put my hand on his arm.

The car jolts to a stop suddenly.

Draven’s POV

I found myself pulled into my memories after Katie said she wanted to end things.

I remember the day that l met Katie.

It was only a few months ago that I first laid eyes on her.

The smell of sweet honey and clover, like spiced Christmas candy drifted in the air ahead of me, it was tantalizing.

I followed, as if bewitched.

Only to find Katie.

An oncoming car headed straight towards her. I didn’t think, I just acted, flashing them to a nearby patch of grass.

I had an overwhelming urge to protect her.

Then our eyes meet. I fell into her pale blue eyes.

My inner wolf, Landon, grew restless, excited.

Landon recognizes the mate bond coming from Katie the moment our eyes met, and her enticing smell.

I fought against my baser instincts, the instinct to claim her as mine.

How could my mate be a human?

How could that be possible? Especially someone of my social status.

Landon was insistent, Katie was his. Pulling more of my wolven instincts out, overwhelmed me with thoughts of doubt.

I refuse to accept this, fighting off Landon's advances to take control.

This isn’t right, the future Alpha can’t have a human mate.

Since that day Landon has kept fighting to over take our body. He was practically going feral with the need to get what he wanted.

However, I refused to give up control. Especially over a mere human.

I tried to appease and subdue Landon. I had to come up with a solution.

Could he really have a human mate?

After constant inner battles I reluctantly agreed to try dating Katie. With one condition. A three month trial period to prove that it would never work.

Landon at least quieted down, even if it was only temporary. Every time they were with Katie, Landon was surprisingly calm.

Deep down I never thought I could love Katie. I couldn’t let it get to that point.

I just needed to take advantage of it.

Use her to subdue Landon until our true wolf mate came into the picture.

Back in the car, Katie's words hit Landon like a dagger.

But I was calm, staying silent.

Suddenly, I felt a tightening in my chest, surprised. I tried to ignore it again. I glanced at Katie finally.

I hardened myself, my eyes cold as I fought to hide my inner turmoil from her.

“Quit acting like a lovesick child,” I said harshly, Landon snapping at me as I spit venomous words out,“there is and never was anything between us.”

From the corner of my eye, I caught her wincing at my hurtful words.

I could see her face visibly pale, but ignored it.

This is what has to happen.

I hear her take a deep breath, trying to calm herself.

“Then we’ll be civil, only brother and sister.” She said to confirm the agreement we were on the same page.

“Let's also keep our distance unless needed,” I added, letting detached, indifference seep into my voice,“never cross the line again.”