CHAPTER 5

Giselle's POV

The sting of my palm against Zarkhan's cheek echoed through the gym like a gunshot. His eyes widened in shock, hand flying to his reddened face as I stumbled backward, my heart hammering against my ribs.

"You... you bastard!" I gasped, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. "How dare you!"

Zarkhan's expression shifted from surprise to something cold and cruel. A slow, mocking smile spread across his lips as he straightened, towering over me.

"That's it?" he drawled, his voice dripping with disdain. "One little kiss and you fall apart? I thought you'd at least put up more of a fight."

My face burned with humiliation. How could I have let him kiss me? How could my body have responded like that?

"You're disgusting," I spat, backing toward the door. "Stay away from me!"

His laughter followed me as I fled, the sound cutting through me like broken glass. "Run along then, little omega. Wouldn't want to keep you from whatever it is weak wolves do."

Omega. The word hit me like a physical blow. How did he know? I'd hidden my wolf status for years, especially after the incident with Alpha Blake. Being an omega made me vulnerable, a target. And now he knew.

I ran through the hallways, tears blurring my vision, until I reached my room. I slammed the door and locked it, sliding down against the wood until I was sitting on the floor, knees pulled to my chest.

This was a mistake. Coming here was a huge mistake.

The rest of the day passed in a haze of avoidance. Every time I heard footsteps in the hallway, I held my breath, praying it wasn't one of the triplets. When hunger finally drove me from my room that evening, I crept downstairs like a thief in my own mother's house.

But my luck ran out in the kitchen. Hakkan was there, leaning against the counter with a knowing smirk.

"Well, well," he purred, moving closer. "If it isn't our little runaway."

I ignored him, opening the refrigerator to grab a bottle of water. His presence made my skin crawl, especially after what had happened with Zarkhan.

"You know," Hakkan continued, his voice dropping to a whisper as he stepped behind me, "word travels fast in this house. Zarkhan told us about your... encounter."

I spun around, glaring at him. "There was no encounter."

"No?" He leaned down, his breath tickling my ear. "Then why do you smell like arousal and shame?"

"Get away from me," I hissed, trying to push past him.

But Khuraan appeared in the doorway, blocking my escape route. "Going somewhere, stepsister?"

I was trapped between them, my omega instincts screaming at me to submit, to make myself small. But I'd learned long ago that submission only invited more abuse.

"Let me pass," I demanded, proud that my voice didn't shake.

"Or what?" Khuraan moved closer, his eyes glowing with predatory amusement. "You'll slap us too?"

They know. They all know what happened in the gym.

"You're both pathetic," I snapped. "Ganging up on one person. Very alpha-like behavior."

Hakkan chuckled, his fingers trailing along my arm. "Oh, but you're not just anyone, are you? You're family now."

The way he said 'family' made my stomach turn. There was nothing brotherly about the heat in his eyes.

"Dinner!" my mother's voice called from the dining room, and I'd never been so grateful for an interruption.

The triplets stepped aside, but not before Khuraan whispered, "This isn't over."

Dinner was torture. I sat between my mother and Richard, trying to ignore the weight of three predatory gazes from across the table. Every time I reached for my water glass or picked up my fork, one of them would lean forward, their whispered comments making my cheeks burn.

"You missed a spot," Hakkan murmured when I dabbed at my lips with a napkin.

"Need help cutting your meat?" Khuraan added with false concern.

"I can manage," I replied tersely, keeping my eyes on my plate.

Zarkhan remained silent, but I could feel his stare boring into me. When I finally risked a glance up, his dark eyes were fixed on my mouth, and I knew he was remembering our kiss. The intensity of his gaze made my stomach flutter traitorously.

Stop it, I told myself. He's a predator. They all are.

Richard cleared his throat, and the table fell silent. "I have an announcement to make," he said, his alpha authority filling the room. "As you all know, Giselle is now part of our family. I expect everyone to make her feel welcome."

The triplets exchanged glances, identical smirks playing on their lips.

"Of course, Father," Khuraan replied smoothly. "We've been very... welcoming."

My mother squeezed my hand under the table. "Isn't that wonderful, dear? You'll have three big brothers to look after you."

If only she knew how they wanted to 'look after' me.

"I also have another announcement," Richard continued, his expression growing serious. "Khuraan, your engagement to Jessica Morrison has been finalized. The ceremony will take place in three weeks."

I choked on my water. "Engagement?"

Khuraan's jaw tightened, but he nodded. "Yes, Father."

"Jessica is from a prominent pack family," Richard explained to me. "The union will strengthen our alliances."

Of course it's a political marriage. These people treat relationships like business transactions.

"Congratulations," I managed, not sure why the news bothered me so much.

"There's more," Richard added. "Jessica is expecting. The child will be the first of the next generation."

The blood drained from my face. He got another woman pregnant? The thought shouldn't have affected me, but something twisted painfully in my chest.

"How wonderful," my mother gushed. "A grandchild!"

I stared at Khuraan, seeing him in a new light. Not just an arrogant alpha, but someone who used women and discarded them. Someone dangerous in ways I was only beginning to understand.

The Black Mafia of the East Side. The rumors I'd heard whispered in Omaha came flooding back. Khuraan wasn't just a werewolf alpha—he was connected to some of the most dangerous criminal organizations on the coast.

"I need some air," I mumbled, starting to rise from my chair.

But Khuraan's voice stopped me cold. "Actually, I have an announcement of my own."

The table fell silent, all eyes turning to him. He stood slowly, his gaze locked on mine with predatory intensity.

"Giselle and I are dating," he declared, his voice carrying the weight of absolute authority. "She's my mate."

The words hit me like a physical blow. My mother gasped, Richard's eyebrows shot up, and I felt the world tilt on its axis.

"What?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Khuraan moved around the table with fluid grace, stopping behind my chair. His hands settled on my shoulders, possessive and warm.

"That's right," he continued, his fingers tightening their grip. "My beautiful stepsister has agreed to be mine. Isn't that right, sweetheart?"