My Future Sister-in-law Wants to Claim My Throne

It had only been a week since I’d returned to Crescent Peak, but it felt like months. Not because of pack duties or the responsibilities I was preparing to take on, but because of Audree. She had wormed her way into every aspect of pack life—and worse, into Wyatt’s life. The more time I spent around her, the more I realized she wasn’t just irritating; she was exhausting.

Today was no different. We were gathered around the long dining table at the packhouse, sharing a casual meal. My parents sat at the head, discussing pack business, while Wyatt and I sat across from each other, Audree nestled closely beside him. She had perfected the art of clinging to him without it looking overtly needy, but it was obvious to anyone paying attention.

“Brooke, you’ve been so quiet lately,” my mother commented, her eyes flicking toward me with mild concern. “Everything okay?”

Before I could answer, Audree’s voice cut in, dripping with false sweetness. “Oh, she’s probably just tired. It must be hard coming home after so long and trying to fit back in.”

I clenched my jaw but forced a smile. “I’m fine, Mom. Just been busy catching up with everyone.”

Wyatt’s eyes darted between us, sensing the tension but choosing to ignore it—like he had every time Audree and I were in the same room. He had to know by now that something wasn’t right, but he was either too blinded by her or too stubborn to admit it.

Audree leaned closer to Wyatt, her fingers brushing against his arm in that way that made my skin crawl. “You know, I was thinking... maybe I could help you with some of the pack work, Brooke. It must be overwhelming for you, with everything going on.”

I bit back a laugh. Help me? The idea of Audree, an omega who barely lifted a finger when she didn’t have to, offering to help with anything was almost comical. “That’s... thoughtful, but I’ve got it covered.”

She tilted her head, giving me that wide-eyed innocent look she used so often around Wyatt. “Are you sure? I don’t want you to feel like you have to do everything by yourself.”

I forced myself to stay calm, even though my wolf was already pacing, agitated by the sheer phoniness dripping off her. “I’m sure, Audree. I’ve been training for this for years. I can handle it.”

She pouted slightly, turning to Wyatt with a sigh. “I’m just trying to help.”

Wyatt, ever the protector, frowned at me. “Brooke, she’s just offering. You don’t have to be so harsh.”

Harsh? I hadn’t even raised my voice. The frustration bubbled up inside me, but I tamped it down. This was her game—play the victim, make me look like the aggressor, and let Wyatt come to her rescue. It was the same pattern, over and over again.

“I’m not being harsh,” I said, keeping my voice measured. “I just don’t need help right now.”

Audree’s lip quivered just enough to be noticeable, her hand gripping Wyatt’s arm as though I’d just struck her. “I was only trying to be nice…”

Here we go again.

Wyatt sighed heavily, glaring at me like I’d crossed some line. “Brooke, you don’t have to be so dismissive. She’s just trying to fit in.”

I stared at him, disbelief rising in my chest. He couldn’t possibly be this blind, could he? “Wyatt, she’s fine. I’m not dismissing her, I’m just telling her I don’t need help.”

But Audree sniffed dramatically, playing up the wounded act. “It’s okay, Wyatt. Really. I don’t want to make Brooke uncomfortable. I’ll just... stay out of the way.”

My mother, sensing the growing tension, cleared her throat. “Audree, dear, Brooke’s been under a lot of pressure since she got back. I’m sure she appreciates the offer, but maybe give her some space.”

Audree gave a small nod, her eyes glistening as if she were holding back tears. “Of course, Luna Brianna. I didn’t mean to overstep.”

Wyatt rubbed a hand over his face, clearly torn between defending Audree and keeping the peace. “Look, can we all just... chill? We’re family. Let’s not turn this into something bigger than it needs to be.”

I gritted my teeth, trying not to snap. He wasn’t seeing what was right in front of him. Audree played him like a puppet, always managing to twist every situation so that she came out looking like the victim. And he fell for it every single time.

“Fine,” I said flatly, pushing back from the table. “I’m not hungry anymore.”

As I stood to leave, I caught the smirk that flickered across Audree’s face before she quickly masked it with a sad, doe-eyed expression. She had gotten exactly what she wanted—Wyatt’s defense and me walking away looking like the bad guy.