Marked By My Stepbrother: His Secret Obsession

Arya POV 

The day went by in a blur, then night flooded in.

What Evelyn said still played in my head.

I have never heard of the plague, and why would I be the first to die?

I know I am a bum, no wolf, and officially an outcast. Is that a reason I should die?

I couldn't sleep that night. Fear of being taken away by the plague kept me up.

I got up to get myself a glass of water.

Just as I was passing Levi's room, I heard Evelyn say.

“It's what is needed for the RedRiver pack. The festival is in two days, you know.” 

I leaned further and saw her standing with her arms crossed, facing Levi.

Although I couldn't see his face.

“I just want to get it over with,” she said, turning to an empty seat.

Their relationship looked forced; neither of them wanted to be in this.

Just as I was lost in my thoughts, Levi turned to me.

I dashed out, heading for the kitchen.

After gulping the last water, I closed the fridge and jumped when I saw Levi leaning against the wall.

“You scared me,” I whispered, holding my chest.

“Why aren't you asleep? ” He asked, pushing himself off the wall.

“I couldn't sleep," I said briefly.

He stared at me, more like he analyzed me.

His eyes flickered from my face to my nightgown.

I fidgeted with my hands. My chest throbbed instantly, and I averted my gaze.

“I noticed you didn't finish your meal,” he began, taking a seat by the counter.

“Oh, I was full. I am not a big eater.” 

“Nonsense. From today, you finish every meal I give you,” he demanded.

"Um... yes,” I said quietly.

“Look at me,” he said, and I lifted my eyes.

His deep-ocean eyes gleamed in the moonlight.

“Don't think too much of what Evelyn said, okay? ”He softened, “No matter what happens, I'll always be there.”

I couldn't understand why Levi was so caring to me, but mean to others.

I understand that he hated how I was bullied for being different, but sometimes I think it has nothing to do with the bullying.

I nodded, however. Being locked up in this big world was starting to feel like a dread.

I couldn't stand the vast emptiness of each room and the idea of nothingness.

“Um…rules?” I spoke quietly.

“Rules? ” he repeated.

“I don't like being idle all day.”

Old habits?

"Sure, I'll give you rules." Levi straightened his back. “Your first rule is to finish your meal.”

It was a simple command and a difficult task.

I have a small stomach; I can't stuff all the food Levi cooks.

“I'll try.”

“Great. Now go back to bed. And stop wandering late at night.” He said, walking back to his room 

I turned on my heels to the direction I came.

Trying to focus on the first rule he gave me.

I got to my room only to find Evelyn, her legs crossed on my bed. She held a book.

She acknowledged my presence and dropped the book. 

“Do you need anything? ” I asked as politely as I could.

She gestured to me to come in and sit beside her. 

I did.

“What is with you and Levi?” She asked.

My stomach plummeted, and heat flushed my face.

“He is my brother.” I replied.

She stared at me, skeptical. “It doesn't look like it to me.”

“Why would we have anything going on? ”I managed to say.

She shrugged her shoulders, “The way he is overprotective of you. Plus, he talks about you all day.”

My cheeks burned, and I stared at my lap so she wouldn't notice.

“Like come on.” She groaned, "Then I thought to myself that I would see you one day.” She smiled, genuinely.

My face was still flushed.

Levi talks about me?

“The Mating Festival is in two days, and I want you there.” She said, getting up.

“Why?”

She shrugged. "To find a mate, duh? ” she stated. “Everyone should experience love at least once in their life.”

I remained silent.

“And I'm sure you'll find one. A very handsome one.” She smiled at me.

“Evelyn?” I called out. “About the plague.”

Evelyn stopped midway, then turned on her heels to me. The smile faded and was masked with something darker.

“You shouldn't worry about that," she began; “it doesn't just come unless it's been triggered by a force.”

I gulped.

“You mentioned it'll kill…”

“It does kill. The last time the plague spread, it killed 95% of a pack's population. Leaving only the strongest ones.”

I bit my lips hard, imagining what this plague might be.

Cruel, dark, and dangerous.

My mind reeled up in ways it could kill me.

“Like I said, you don't need to worry about it. As long as Levi is with you, everything will be fine.” 

With that, she left.

Time seemed to move slowly, and the moment I shot up, eyes, a dark gloomy figure tormented me.

However, I managed to get some shut-eye. 

I woke up to the sweet smell of bacon and pancakes.

Jolted up and hurried to the kitchen.

“You're up early," Lilith said with a bright smile.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, my gaze still wavering.

“I was assigned to Alpha Levi. To be his cook." She said, stirring the pancake.

“If you asked me, it is better than working for Laura.”

I sighed.

“I'll handle it.”

“And get me fired?” She scoffed, "No way.”

The house was quiet, a kind I wasn't used to.

Then the front door opened, and Levi stepped into the living room with his gray pants and bare chest.

Sweat dropping from his head down to his abdomen.

My cheeks flared. 

His abs toned and glinted with sweat.

I stared.

Ever since he returned from the academy, a gnawing feeling has been pulling me to him.

I always steal a glance at him.

I wanted to touch his chest, his face, and everything that makes him, him.

And now, I still couldn't stop myself from gawking. 

What would he think of me? A pervert.

“Did you have a good night?” He asked, his eyes on me.

My breath hitched as he towed over me.

I nodded once, trying not to stare at his chest.

His brows raised, “Don't lie to me.” His tone came like a whip. “Look like shit, almost as if you haven't been sleeping.”

I pressed my lips. "It's nothing. I had a nightmare.”

“You still get those nightmares? ” he asked, his gym bag slipped from his shoulders.

He remembered my nightmares.

“Want me to sleep with you tonight?”