Mated to the Rogue *DISCONTINUED*

F I V E

I woke up with a groan.

Ugh, I had been awake for 30 seconds and I was already dreading this day. Why? Because it was hangover day.

I rubbed my eyes and sat up, instantly regretting it as I was hit by a dizzy spell. And my head was killing me.

I glanced over at the digital clock on my nightstand. 10:38. I signed and fell back against my bed with a thunk. This was going to be a long day.

~*~

When I finally found the energy to drag myself out of bed and take a shower, I felt much better. Fresher, almost. For some reason, I felt strange. I knew something happened last night, but I couldn't put my finger on what it was.

I got dressed in sweatpants and an oversized shirt and trotted my way downstairs. I needed food. Now.

I was all alone, like usual. I was just reaching for the cabinet to pull out some cereal when I was startled by a voice behind me.

"So... Where were you last night?"

I took a deep breath, pressing my palm to my heart.

"Alex! Don't sneak up on my like that!"

"I'll stop sneaking up when you stop sneaking out. Now, answer the question."

My mind went blank. I knew I was in trouble. I had to think of a genius reply, and fast.

"Uh... What?"

Nice one, Emilia. Way to sound guilty.

"I heard you come back in well past 2 am. So tell me. Where were you?"

"Chill, I was at a party," I said, resisting the urge to roll my eyes. All this talking was starting to make my head ace pick back up.

"A party? Emilia Mathews, you are not old enough to go to a party!"

I looked at him with drawn eyebrows. "Dude. I'm 18."

"Doesn't matter. If you live in this house you have to follow the rules."

"What rules? They don't give a shit about us, and you know that." I scowled, rubbing my temples.

His voice softened. "I know. But I "give a shit". So suck it up and let me do my job."

"Your job isn't to be my parent, Al," I said, moving closer and giving him a hug. No matter how annoying he was, he was still my older brother and I loved him.

"I know, but I can't help it," he sighed, holding me tightly.

"You'll be a great father one day." And I meant it too.

"If I ever have the chance." Alex was 20 already, and he still didn't have a mate. That on top of my father not passing the title along left Alex with almost nothing in terms of the future. Speaking of them...

"Where are Mom and Dad? I haven't seen them come home even to eat."

"They're away, visiting other packs, trying to reform the allegiances that Alpha Ryan broke."