Rejected by the Alpha, Claimed by his Brother

Mateo shrugged at my question. He had just said he wanted me to see things clearly.

"That you and Rosa... aren’t so different."

W-what the heck? I and Rosa aren’t so different? He’s got to be kidding me. We were different in every way possible.

"I would never...""

"You would," he interrupted, stepping closer. "You already have. Lied. Endured. Played the long game. Don’t tell me you’re not like her when you even slept beside me last night and pretending not to know I’m a stranger."

I slapped him.

I don’t even remember moving, but the crack of my hand against his cheek echoed through the cottage like a thunderclap. His face snapped sideways. A second of stunned silence bloomed between us.

And then he laughed, but it wasn’t like any normal man. Not even like someone amused. He laughed like I’d just kissed him. Like he’d been waiting for it.

"There she is," he whispered, dark eyes gleaming. "I knew you were in there."

I backed away, breathing shallowly. "You’re insane."

"No," he said, rubbing his jaw. "Just honest."