Chapter 2

• MIA'S POV
• I took a deep breath and stepped into the stately mansion, the door closing softly behind me. My heart was beating from nervous anticipation. I was finally here, eager to meet my new family. But before I could take in my surroundings, I found myself in a large, artistically cluttered space.
• "Hey, you're here early," a strong voice interrupted me. I turned and froze. There he was, standing in the center of the room—a breathtakingly attractive young guy, perhaps around 20. His chiseled form appeared to be carved from stone, with broad shoulders and abs that would make anyone's knees weak. His dark eyes were keen and penetrating, adding to his frightening presence.
• "Um, I—" I began as my words failed me.
• "Don't worry," he said, giving me a once over. "I asked the agency to send the model in something sexy, but this..." His eyes lingered on my basic white shirt. "We can work with it. "You just need to show a little more." He smirked, a fun yet confident smile spreading across his lips.
• "What?" I blinked, attempting to grasp his words. Did he just say...?
• "The bra," he said, as if this were the most natural topic in the world. "Take it off. It will improve the appearance of your breasts throughout the photo shoot. Trust me."
• "I-I don't think—" I swallowed hard and felt my cheeks flame up. I didn't know what to say. My heart beat in my ears as I searched for an answer, but my thoughts went blank.
• "Here, let me help." Before I could respond, he was standing directly in front of me, his towering presence making me feel tiny. His fingertips stroked against my back, and he quickly unhooked my bra. I let out a gasp as he eased the straps down my arms, his touch delicate yet commanding.
• "I-I'm not..." I attempted to speak, but he was already moving, running his hands up my sides and lowering the hem of my shirt. His fingers touched my exposed skin, sending shivers down my spine. I stood frozen as he slid the garment halfway up, revealing my breasts behind the thin, flimsy material.
• "See? Perfect." His voice was low and hoarse as he moved back, his eyes deepening as he noticed my nipples poking through the white cloth. "You've got an incredible body." He nodded, apparently proud of himself. "I was hesitant at first, but now... I think we can work together."
• My brain was spinning. What was going on? I needed to say something, to let him know I wasn't the model he thought I was. But his intense look and the heat emanating from his body left me tongue-tied.
• "Xavier!" A voice burst from the doorway, shocking both of us. I turned, my heart pounding in my throat. An older man with a big smile entered the room. "So, you've met Mia already!"
• Xavier's expression changed from surprise to disbelief. "What?"
• "Mia, your stepsister." Alpha Diego chuckled, as if everything was a big joke. "I told you she'd be coming today."
• "Stepsister?" Xavier's eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed in rage. "You've got to be kidding me."
• "No joke, son," Alpha Diego replied, still smiling. "Mia is Lillian's daughter."
• The room became silent. My heart was beating so hard that I feared it was going to burst. Xavier's face twisted with wrath, and before I knew it, he grabbed a wine glass and threw it against the wall. The glass shattered, and I leaped, frightened.
• "How dare you!" he said, his voice hoarse with wrath. "You brought that woman's daughter into our house? After what she did and what she caused?"
• "Xavier, calm down!" Alpha Diego raised his hands, attempting to pacify him. "I told Lillian that I would care for Mia. "She has done nothing wrong."
• Xavier scowled at me, his eyes filled with rage and something else I couldn't identify. "And you," he snarled, his voice filled with contempt, "were you enjoying the spectacle earlier? "Are you staring at my abs, chest, and pants?"
• I felt as though I had been slapped. My cheeks flushed with humiliation as I shook my head, unable to form words. I felt as though I was drowning in shame.
• "You're just like her," he spat, his tone harsh. "You're not welcome here."
• "Xavier, enough!" Alpha Diego's voice was firmer now, but Xavier didn't listen.
• "No, it's not enough!" he cried, his gaze fixed on me so intently that I took a step back. "You brought her here and expected us to accept her? "This... mistake?" He pointed at me, his voice full of anger. "She does not belong here. "Neither does her mother's memory."
• I stood there, feeling exposed and vulnerable, tears welling in the corners of my eyes. How did things go so wrong so quickly?
• Alpha Diego sighed and softly rested his hand on my shoulder. "Mia, I apologize. This is not how I intended things to go. "Just give him some time."
• I nodded, but inwardly, I felt like I was breaking down. How was I meant to confront my other stepbrothers after this? Would they also dislike me? How could I ever fit into this household when my own stepbrother despised me?
• As Xavier stormed out of the room, my heart sank. My new life was off to a bad start, and I didn't know how to remedy it.
• Alpha Diego led me up the huge staircase, his steps light yet steady. As we reached the second level, he smiled at me and gestured to the lengthy hallway lined with doors.
• "Mia, your room is right here." He opened a door to discover a huge room with a comfortable bed, gentle lighting, and tasteful décor. It appeared comfy, yet there was an underlying sensation of emptiness.
• "You will be staying adjacent to your brothers' bedroom. If you require anything, do not hesitate to contact them."
• paused, walking inside and glancing around, my fingers anxiously fumbling with the hem of my sweatshirt. "I doubt they'll want to help me, Mr. Atwood... "I mean, Dad," I explained sheepishly. "They already seem to hate me."
• "They're just angry right now," he soothed me, gently placing his hand on my shoulder. "It has been a difficult transition for them. However, once they come to know you, as Alphas, they will protect you. That is their nature."