The Lycan Princess Rebellion

"You should be happy, Val," says Jack. "Killian is going to officially announce you as his mate when he becomes King of the Alphas, which should be next week if all the agreed upon arrangements go as planned."

I am looking at my reflection in the mirror and even though I am looking forward to that day, I do not feel comfortable at the moment. I sigh. "You can tell, can't you? My unhappiness."

"Yes, I can," says Jack as he puts his hands on the headrest of my chair. He looks at me in the mirror. "And it is perturbing to say the least. What is the problem, dear sister?"

"You know."

"Don't start, Valeria."

"Start?"

"With me second guessing your thoughts," Jack says, and I detect some hint of exasperation in his tone. "I do not read minds, Valeria. This you can clearly tell."

"What do you figure is wrong with me?" I venture, paying no attention to the meaning behind his words.

"Just tell me, Val," Jack urges. "I do not want to make a conjecture."

"What is wrong with making a conjecture?" I ask him.

"Well, when it comes to my sister who should be feeling on top of the world when she isn't, I really do not think guessing what her problem is makes me a concerned brother figure."

I manage a smile and shake my head. "You do know that when you write what you just said and read it in your mind, guessing really makes you a concerned brother figure."

"Valeria."

"Well, it's Killian," I say.

"Hmm. And what about the Romero?"

I turn away from the mirror to look at him. All these years, I have noticed the striking resemblance Jack has with father and mother. I wonder why I look so different. When I was younger, mother used to say that since Jack came out first, he took all their features and left none for me. So I got used to people asking if he's my mate, and telling them off that Jack's my brother. Until Killian's emergence put that discrepancy to its final rest. Instantly, my brother stands straight and looks down at me. "Don't act like you don't know, Jack."

"Know what?"

I scoff, unable to believe my brother's ignorance. "I don't expect this from you, Jack. At least not you."

"Honestly dear sister, I really do not know what you are talking about. I really cannot tell what it has got to do with Killian Romero. Cross my heart."

"Alright then," I reply, deciding to play along to whatever he's doing at the moment. I cross my legs. "Have you noticed the way people look at me when I walk through the cobblestone streets?"

He sighs. Now I know he's gotten the gist. "I do. Verily."

"And do you know why that is so?" I ask.

He shakes his head in response.

"Well, it is because of their Alpha."

"Killian? How?"

I get on my feet and close the distance between us, my head inclined so that I am staring right into his face. "He is the reason why the people go rogue when they see me. Killian doesn't treat me like his mate to be."

"But you are already his mate."

"Not officially," I dispute. "And he will only make it official because he is going to be crowned Alpha King and needs his mate by his side, before the yes of the entire pack and many."

"That is literally the plan, dear sister," Jack says, and holds my arms. "Does he hit you?"

Even the question surprises me because I lean back before I say, "Of course not." I scoff. "If he does, I would see no reason to hide it from you nor mom and dad."

"I know, I know. Exactly what I was thinking."

"I doubt that."

He smiles at me. "Then what?"

"I just feel neglected at times. Like I'm not good enough for him. Like... I am not what he expected in a mate."

"But you are what I expect in a sister."

"It isn't the same thing, Jack. Those are two very different aspects."

"That is true. But if he doesn't see you the way you are, which is excellent, then I don't know what is wrong with him. Are you sure you aren't thinking this up of you own volition, dear sister?"

"Hah. Why would I? Take me serious, will you?"

Jack leaves me and goes to sit in the armchair. He lights his pipe and takes a puff. His face becomes clouded with smoke for a moment. "Have I ever taken your words lightly?"

I say nothing in reply but go to squat at his feet. "I just feel that I am missing something, that's all."

"Do you want me to talk to Killian?"

"No. He's your Alpha. I don't think it would be wise of us to go down that road. And I wouldn't want to involve someone else into over relationship fusses."

"Ouch."

"That hurt? Get used to it, brother."

"Can't blame you for such a decision, Valeria. But I hope you know what you're getting at. By the way, he hasn't complained about you to anyone."

"Anyone you know," I say in manner of correcting my brother.

"So?"

"So why then do the people see me as some sort of lackey? Like I'm occupying someone else's place, you know?"

"You aren't occupying someone else's place, my dear sister. Killian chose you without their consent. And they must learn to accept that without holding any grudge."

"If only it were that easy," I say and get to my feet. "What do you have to do today?"

"As far as I know, nothing."

I turn around to look at him. "Nothing?" I repeat. "Not even for the Alpha?"

"You should learn how to refer to your mate with endearing words, Valeria. Not 'the Alpha'."