Rejected by the Alpha, Claimed by his Brother

I leaned in and wrapped my arms around his shoulders, holding him tightly even as he trembled. My tears soaked into the back of his shirt. He clung to me like a drowning man to driftwood.

"I’m here," I whispered. "I’ll always be here for you, Luis Miguel. As a friend. As your sister. I promise. You’re not alone."

There was a pause. It was a moment suspended in heavy air.

Then he pulled back slowly with his eyes scanning mine. I felt the shift before I even registered what it meant. Luis Miguel’s eyes dropped to my lips, and I realized too late what was happening.

He inclined toward me and I froze. His hand slid up to cradle the side of my face, gentle, shaking, and desperate.

I turned my head away before our lips could meet.

"Luis..." I said softly, placing my hand over his and moving it down. "No."

He blinked, then recoiled as if stung. "I—sorry. I didn’t mean to..."

The attempt sort of brings back the memories of the day they all had me pinned in the alley by the market.

I knew they’d repent and redeem themselves but it didn’t invalidate my trauma.

"It’s okay. I know you’re hurting. I am too. But this isn’t... it’s not the time, okay? We’re grieving. And I meant what I said. I’m here as your friend. As your sister. Let’s hold onto that."