His new stepsister His biggest threat (Claire and Elijah) novel Chapter 15

**Chapter 15**

**Claire’s POV**

A sharp intake of breath escaped my lips, my hand instinctively flying to my chest as if to steady the whirlwind of emotions swirling within me.

“I’m truly sorry for everything you’ve had to endure, Naomi. It must have been so incredibly hard for your mom…” I murmured, my heart aching for her.

I reached out, grasping Naomi’s hand tightly, as if my grip could somehow transfer strength to her.

“Don’t worry. There’s always a glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel… We will get through this. Together… at least for however much time I have left.”

“Don’t say that!” Naomi’s voice cut through the air, sharp and edged with a hint of anger.

“You’re not going anywhere. Who do you think you’ll leave me for? I swear, nothing bad is going to happen to you. You will overcome this too.”

She quickly wiped her tears with the back of her hand, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“Enough of this sad talk… So, what brings you to the Alpha’s mansion? Are you related to him in some way?”

My stomach twisted into knots at the question. “The Alpha is my mom’s husband.”

Naomi’s eyes widened in surprise, her expression shifting from concern to astonishment.

“Oh my God! The Alpha actually remarried? I haven’t had the chance to meet your mom yet. Where is she? Let me go say hi! I bet she’s stunning because the Alpha has a knack for beautiful women. You should have seen the late Luna… she was breathtaking. A perfect reflection of Elijah.”

Her face lit up, a dreamy expression washing over her as she spoke about him, as if he were a character from a fairy tale.

“Why didn’t you tell me earlier that you live with Elijah? What’s it like? Is he just as incredible at home as he is at school?”

My heart sank at the thought. “He’s rude to me, Naomi. He made it abundantly clear that I’m not welcome here.”

“Oh, he’s just been so withdrawn since his mom passed away,” Naomi said, dismissing my concerns with a wave of her hand.

“Trust me… beneath that tough exterior, Elijah is genuinely nice. You’ll see… he’ll come around eventually.”

“I honestly don’t care if he ever comes around,” I replied flatly, my resolve firm. “I’ll just avoid him.”

At that moment, Maria knocked softly before entering with the snacks I had requested—cupcakes, cookies, drinks, and chocolates, all arranged beautifully on silver trays that sparkled in the light.

“This looks absolutely amazing,” Naomi said, her eyes lighting up as she reached for a chocolate cupcake. But just as she was about to take a bite, her phone rang, the sound slicing through the moment.

“Yes? Yes, I’m coming. Thank you!”

She ended the call abruptly, her expression shifting to one of worry. “I have an emergency. The nurse looking after my mom needs me right now.”

“Is it serious?” I asked, my concern for her welling up.

“No, no, it’s just routine stuff. But before I go…” She hesitated, her brow furrowing in thought.

“Could you give me some of your heart medication? Just in case you have an episode while I’m around. That way, I’ll always be prepared for you…”

“Naomi… I don’t want to stress you out… I promise, I’ll be fine…”

“I can see you have a sharp tongue,” he said, stepping closer, invading my personal space. “I told you I’d frustrate you until you pack your bags and leave this house… maybe today is the day.”

“Are you obsessed or something? You tell me to stay away, yet you bring your madness to me every time. The chocolate is on the table… if you want it, take it. If not, throw it away.”

I was trying so hard to maintain my composure, but there was something electric about having him so close—something that sent tingles across my skin in ways I couldn’t comprehend.

“I’m giving you one hour,” he continued, his voice barely above a whisper, a menacing edge creeping in. “Go to the supermarket and replace what you ‘stole.’ Get me that same brand of Belgian chocolate, or else…”

My chest tightened with a surge of anger, my fists clenching at my sides as I snapped back,

“I am not a thief! Stop calling me that! Please, stop acting stupid over a mere chocolate!” Elijah smirked, tilting his head as if he had just won a battle.

“Why are you so upset then? Did I lie? Isn’t that what all poor people do? Always looking for ways to leech… just like you and your mom.”

“I won’t let you get to me, Elijah. If you keep bothering me like this, you’ll regret it. Just so you know, the fact that you were born privileged doesn’t mean everyone else should be viewed as less…”

“Save the motivational speech, poor girl… you better get me that chocolate or else…”

“Or else what?” I challenged, surprising myself with my newfound boldness. “What are you going to do that you haven’t already done? You keep sounding like a broken record… Elijah, please grow up. You can’t be a star at school and a nuisance at home…”

For a moment, he stood there, stunned into silence.

“You don’t want to find out,” he finally said, his eyes narrowing, a glint of menace in his gaze. “The battle line has been drawn!”

With that, he turned on his heel and stormed out, slamming my door behind him with such force that the pictures on my walls rattled, leaving me breathless and alone with my thoughts.