Rhea’s POV

I walked out before I threw the whole damn table at him. Because either Kieran was the world’s best liar…

Or I was the world’s biggest fool. It had to be one if either.

I stormed up the stairs like my heels were on fire, my fists were clenched at my sides. The moment I stepped into my room, I shut the door and leaned back against it. I needed to breathe.

What the actual hell just happened?

I angrily took off my dress, letting it fall into a puddle on the floor. The straps had been digging into my skin since dinner started, and now I stood in the middle of this overly perfect room in just my bra and panties, glaring at nothing.

That was him. It was really him. My head was spinning. The guy who kissed me like he knew every inch of me.

Now he was my freaking stepbrother. My hands were still on my hips when I heard a knock.

I blinked and spun toward the door. Before I could even speak, it opened.

And there he was.

Kieran.

Again!

His eyes widened slightly as they swept over me. He stopped, blinked once. Then looked behind him like maybe someone else had walked into the wrong room.

Then back at me. I didn’t move. I couldn’t. I just stood there looking at him like a dummy.

The tension in the air was thick. He stepped inside and shut the door behind him.

He took about three steps in, almost as if he was counting it.

I was still frozen. My heart pounded so loud I was sure he could hear it. His gaze dropped to the floor for half a second before meeting mine again.

I finally found my voice. “What in the bloody hell is this?”

He didn’t flinch. “You left dinner fast. Thought I’d check on you.”

“You don’t knock and walk in on people. Especially when they’re—” I gestured wildly at my near-naked self. “Like this.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Wasn’t expecting a lingerie welcome party.”

“You—are you serious right now?” I stuttered, trying so hard not to scream.

Kieran’s lips twitched, just barely.

“I didn’t know this was your room.”

“It’s the only door at the end of the hall.”

“Fair point.”

I grabbed the nearest throw pillow and hugged it across my chest. Not that it helped much, but I needed something between us. I wanted to feel a little comfortable.

“Why are you even here?” I asked.

His eyes met mine again—this time, darker. “I figured you had questions.”

“Oh, you think?”

“I thought maybe we should talk.”

I let out a sharp laugh. “Now you want to talk? After pretending like we didn’t nearly screw behind a party house last week?”

His jaw tightened slightly. Just for a second. “Wasn’t the time or place.”

“And this is?”

He shrugged. “You’re half-naked. Seems honest enough.”

I stared at him, heat rising to my face for all the wrong reasons.

“Get out,” I muttered.

He nodded, turned around. But before leaving, he paused at the door.

“I’m not sorry about that night, Rhea. And we should never talk about it after tonight.”

Then he walked out. And I stood there, dumped founded as ever.

I hated him.

I didn’t let myself think about what just happened. Not about the way Kieran looked at me. Not about the way he walked in and walked out like I hadn’t been half-naked and stunned. Not even about his voice saying, “I’m not sorry.”

I locked it up somewhere in the back of my mind and tossed the key.

Instead, I yanked the blanket over my head and forced myself to sleep.

By morning, my eyes flew open before the sun even properly lit up the room. I hate this place. I groaned, rolled onto my back, and grabbed my phone from the nightstand.

A dozen messages blinked back at me.

Gracie: “Girl where tf did you go after the party?? ”

Mel: “Tell me it’s not true. Tell me the rumors aren’t true.”

Gracie: >“Is it true you left town? With your mom???”

Mel: “Jay said something about another Alpha claiming your mom???”

I didn’t respond. It was too much.

I didn’t want to tell them anything yet. Not because I didn’t trust them… but because I didn’t even know what to say. They probably already heard fifty different versions from the rumor mill back there.

I tossed my phone aside, grabbed a towel, and headed into the bathroom. After a hot shower and a few deep breaths, I pulled on a soft lilac shirt and a pair of faded denim shorts.

Something comfortable. Something that didn’t make me feel like I was on display in a mansion full of strangers. To be honest, I really cared less about what Darius thinks.

I made my way downstairs, the smell of cinnamon and brewed coffee filled the hallway. When I entered the dining room, the same long table from last night was already set.

Mom was seated near the end, sipping tea. Darius sat across from her, reading something on his tablet.

And Kieran… was at the far end, leaning back in his chair, dark hair still wet like he just got out of the shower, just like last night. And something about that look kinda aroused me. He didn’t look at me though. Not even a glance.

But there was someone new. A girl I don't know. She looked maybe a year older than me. Probably the same age with me. Golden skin. Long, straight black hair. She wore a silky cream dress, the kind that screamed elegance and wealth. She had this grace to her, like she already belonged here.

I sat down slowly and forced a casual smile. “Good morning.”

They all replied. Even Kieran. Still not looking up.

Breakfast was awkwardly quiet. Forks clinking, plates shifting, no one saying anything beyond polite coughs and sips.

Until Darius cleared his throat.

“Rhea,” he said. “I believe you haven’t met Talia yet.”

I looked up. The strange girl gave me a gentle smile and a nod. “Hi.”

Darius continued, “Talia is Kieran’s mate. They’ll be bound at their mating ceremony very soon.”

My fork slipped from my fingers and clattered against the plate. I blinked instantly.

The room spun for a second. Not visibly, but inside my head, something short-circuited. My ears rang so loud. The kind that goes off before something breaks.

I didn’t understand it. Didn’t know why I felt like someone had just punched me in the chest.

Everything inside me shrank. I pushed my chair back quietly. “Can I be excused?”