Chapter 2 Assaulted by My Brother

Rachel's POV

I was jolted awake by an urgent tugging at my body. My head spun as I tried to orient myself, confusion clouding my mind.

What was happening? The room was still dark, barely illuminated by moonlight filtering through my thin curtains.

When I finally managed to open my eyes, a scream built in my throat. Daniel was hovering above me, his bare chest gleaming in the dim light, and to my horror, I realized my clothes had been nearly stripped away.

As soon as I opened my mouth to scream, his hand clamped over it, pressing down hard enough to hurt.

"Shhh," he whispered, leaning close to my ear. "Don't play dumb, Rachel. I know you're a bit slow, but we both know you want me..."

I shook my head frantically, desperation surging through me as I tried to signal my absolute refusal. Tears welled up in my eyes as his knee wedged firmly between my thighs, pinning me in place.

His free hand roamed over my body, fingers trailing slowly along my waist, teasing the curve of my skin before sliding upward with deliberate intent, grazing the swell of my breast in a way that sent a shiver through me, charged with an unsettling heat.

"Wow, Rachel, you've developed quite nicely, haven't you?" His voice dripped with an appreciation that made me feel sick.

I struggled against him, using every bit of strength I had left after yesterday's beating from my father.

But Daniel was stronger, heavier, and determined.

Just as his hand moved to the last piece of clothing I had on, the distinct sound of high heels clicking against the hardwood floor echoed from the hallway.

"Daniel?" Isabel's voice called out.

I seized the moment of Daniel's distraction to wrench myself free, scrambling off the bed and grabbing the only clothing I could reach—a thin robe hanging on my bathroom door.

I dashed into the bathroom as Daniel's laughter followed me.

I slammed the door shut, fumbling with the lock until I heard it click. My hands were shaking so badly I could barely manage it. I pressed my back against the door, trying to control my breathing and the tears streaming down my face.

Isabel's voice echoed from the bedroom, sharp with impatience. "What's taking so long?"

"Wait, Mom," Daniel called back, his tone lazy, almost amused.

The door swung open, and Isabel froze in the doorway, her eyes darting between Daniel's discarded clothes on the floor and me, crouched in the bathroom.

Her face twisted with suspicion, then rage. "Daniel?!" she barked, voice trembling with accusation. "What is this?"

I sank to the cold bathroom floor, my body trembling. Isabel's voice roared through the wood.

"You disgusting slut!" she shrieked. "How dare you seduce my son! You're nothing but a worthless whore, preying on him like the filthy leech you are! I should've never let you near this family!"

Daniel's voice slithered in, calm and venomous. "Told you, Mom. She came onto me. Couldn't keep her hands off."

My stomach churned, his lie twisting the knife deeper as Isabel's screams grew louder, each word a blade. "I'll ruin you for this! You'll regret ever crossing us!"

The accusation was so absurd I almost laughed through my tears. How could she possibly think I had seduced her son when he was the one who had sneaked into my room?

I crawled toward the shower, turning it on and letting the hot water wash over me. I scrubbed frantically at my skin, trying to erase Daniel's touch.

This wasn't the first time Daniel had tried this. He'd been attempting to get me alone since I was fourteen, but Isabel had always kept him under watch—not to protect me, but because I was valuable to her. I was their meal ticket, waiting to be sold off to the highest bidder.

And now, it seemed they had found the "perfect buyer"—the Alpha of the Ironjaw Pack, Nathan Blackwood. Even in my remote wolf pack, his reputation for cruelty was legendary.

Isabel's voice rose. "Stop messing around with that bitch, Daniel. Our esteemed guest will be here any minute, and we can't keep him waiting. Honestly, Daniel, I don't know why you're so interested in that thing."

"Mother, why don't you go find something to entertain yourself with and stop worrying about what I do? I'll do whatever I want with her," Daniel shot back.

"Then you can explain to Beta Tyler why you're late!" Isabel threatened.

The mention of the Ironjaw Pack's Beta seemed to silence Daniel immediately. Even my stepbrother wasn't foolish enough to cross such powerful wolves.

When I heard Isabel's heels clicking away, I quickly shut off the water. I had to hurry.

"You got lucky, Rachel," Daniel called through the door. "But your luck will eventually run out."

With trembling hands, I hurriedly dried myself off and reached for the ivory white dress hanging on the hook. This wasn't how I'd imagined wearing it.

My fingers smoothed over the fabric, trying to steady themselves.

When I finally opened the bathroom door, Daniel was waiting, his eyes traveling hungrily over my body in the dress. As I tried to move past him, he grabbed my chin, yanking me close until his lips were just inches from mine.

"When he is done with you, you'll be mine," he whispered. "I'll make you beg me for release, little... sister."

He spun me around to face the mirror. "Look at yourself, Rachel!"

I stared at my reflection, truly seeing the ivory white dress for the first time. The strapless design, the elegant embroidered bodice, the diamonds embedded in the fabric, and the flowing chiffon skirt—it was beautiful. This dress had been my dear mother Marie's gift to me—the only thing I had left of her.

It was supposed to be for my coming-of-age ceremony, for the moment I would meet my mate. When my father had tried to sell it years ago, I had begged and pleaded to keep it, earning the worst beating of my life.

I was an Alpha's daughter. I should have been respected, cherished. I should have been pampered, treated like a princess.

After coming of age, I should have met my mate while wearing this dress. I might have become the Luna—the queen—of another Alpha.

Instead, I was the lowest of the low, not worth caring about. In the mirror, I could see the red marks on my neck, my skin scarred from years of abuse. My deep green eyes were red from crying.

All I saw was a pitiful girl.