His new stepsister His biggest threat (Claire and Elijah) novel Chapter 6

**TITLE: Betrayal Births by Joseph King**

**Chapter 6**

**Claire’s POV**

As soon as Elijah stormed out, I slammed the door with such force that the entire house seemed to tremble in response.

Who does he think he is, anyway? Just because his father married my mother, he believes he holds some sort of power over us, as if the universe is meant to revolve around his whims.

But the truth, as much as I hated to admit it, was that Elijah terrified me.

What kind of schemes was he concocting to make my mother and me suffer? I was far too drained for any more of this twisted drama.

Why does life always seem to throw its cruelest punches at me? Why can’t I just experience a semblance of normalcy like everyone else?

I fell onto my bed, burying my face deep into my pillow, the softness offering little comfort. Everything about moving here felt like a colossal mistake.

Back home, I was bullied; sure, people laughed at my heart condition and whispered behind my back, but at least I had Lily and June by my side.

But here? I felt utterly alone. Just me and a stepbrother who loathed me, convinced that my mother and I were here to usurp his place. And my mom? She seemed more focused on winning over Alpha Ethan than on shielding her own daughter from this nightmare.

I longed for my dad with a depth that was almost unbearable. He never made me feel like I was less than worthy or like I didn’t belong.

When my classmates were cruel, he would hold me close and reassure me that their jealousy stemmed from my kind heart.

He made me feel special, cherished—not like a burden that weighed down those around me.

Then my phone buzzed, breaking through my spiraling thoughts. I glanced at the screen and saw a message from Lily and June lighting up our group chat.

Lily: Girl! How’s the new pack life? Living in luxury yet?

June: Yeah! Send pics of the mansion…is it as fancy as we imagined?

I hastily wiped away my tears and typed a response, trying to mask my turmoil.

Me: It’s complicated…my stepdad is actually really nice and yeah, we live in a huge mansion.

Lily: OMG! Your mom moved on FAST…What’s he like? He is like 70 years old?

Me: Alpha Ethan is great…but I have a stepbrother. He’s the hockey captain at school and he literally makes my life hell.

June: Wait…WHAT? You have a hot hockey stepbrother and you’re complaining?

Lily: JUNE! Let her finish! You talk too much!

Me: He is not hot…he is a nightmare. He basically called me and my mom gold diggers and threatened me.

June: Okay…now, I’m curious, show us a pic! I need to see this monster…

“I need safety! Do you have any idea how cruel this world can be to single mothers? If I had rejected the council’s offer, they might have banished us from the pack. I could barely afford your school fees, let alone your father’s debts…” Her voice trailed off as she rubbed her temples, the weight of her words hanging heavily in the air. “I can’t manage it all alone…and with your heart condition, the medical bills…”

“Stop!” I screamed, hot tears streaming down my cheeks.

I shouldn’t be putting myself through this…I shouldn’t be stressing my heart out like this. The doctors had warned me that even small things could send my heart rate spiraling. Yet, I felt like I was the root of every misfortune that had befallen my family.

In an instant, my mother rushed to me, wrapping her arms around me tightly.

“Claire, baby…you shouldn’t be stressing yourself, please…”

I swallowed hard, the ache in my chest intensifying. “Isn’t it better if I just die and leave you to enjoy your beautiful life alone? If I weren’t cursed by the moon goddess, you wouldn’t have to marry some stranger for his money.”

Her eyes widened in horror. “No! Don’t you dare say that!” She grasped my hands, holding them tightly. “You’re not a curse, Claire! Never say that again!”

Tears continued to burn my eyes; maybe it would be best if I stopped taking my meds…maybe then I would just fade away, and my mom wouldn’t have to worry about me anymore.

She would finally have the perfect life she had always dreamed of, perhaps even a new child—someone who wouldn’t bring her pain and misery like I had.

I wrenched my hands free from her grip. “Don’t try to make me feel better, Mom. It only makes me feel worse. Just…have a good time on your date.”

“Claire…”

Before she could utter another word, I rushed to the bathroom and slammed the door shut behind me, the sound echoing in the silence that followed.