Rejected by My Alpha Mate; Nyra's Awakening

Chapter 18: Chapter 18: A New Friend

"There’s someone I want you to meet," Julian says in a mischievous voice.

"Who?" she asks, letting Julian drag her into the Ashford mansion.

The interior is just as beautiful as the exterior. There are like three different living rooms--the biggest one has a view of the garden outside.

There’s a library, a gaming room, and even a mini bar close to the kitchen.

It’s the most beautiful place she’s ever seen.

"Wow..." Nyra mutters, shooting Julian a look. "You said you weren’t rich."

"I said I wasn’t crazy rich!" Julian corrects, laughing.

Nyra pinches his ribs. "You know what it means!" fгeewёbnoѵel.cσm

Julian is still shaking with laughter, but before he can respond, someone clearing her throat interrupts them.

Nyra turns to find a very beautiful young woman watching them from the top of the stairs.

She looks far too much like Julian--only an older, female version.Nyra also notices the engagement band on her hand.

Who is this?

Julian takes the cue to introduce them. He’s still smiling as he drags Nyra toward the end of the staircase.

"Nyra, meet my older sister, Elena." He seems so happy that his world is finally meeting her. "Elena, meet my best friend, Nyra."

"So you’re Nyra..."

Elena starts down the stairs, and Nyra freezes.

She assumes whatever Elena is about to say has to do with Adrian and the whole fated mates nonsense.

But Elena steps forward and pulls Nyra into a gentle hug.

"It’s so good to finally meet you, Nyra. Julian hasn’t shut up about you since he transferred."

Oh.

Oh.

Nyra blushes, side-eyeing Julian, who looks away with a shy laugh.

"Really? It’s nice to meet you too."

Elena nods and pulls back, turning to her brother.

"So this is the girl you’ve been talking about all the time? The one who has you distracted during every family call?"

"W-what?"

Julian’s face is beet red.

"Stop it!" he mumbles, refusing to meet Nyra’s gaze.

She just laughs and turns back to Elena.

"He wasn’t exaggerating, though. You’re even prettier than Julian described. And those eyes... no wonder he keeps talking about you."

Nyra blushes harder.

"Thank you. But what exactly has he been saying about me?"

Julian and Elena exchange quick, knowing looks before Elena waves a hand playfully.

"Oh, nothing too revealing. Just that you’re smart, kind, and way too good for the drama swirling around campus. Sibling secrets," Elena adds with a wink, dodging the question smoothly.

Before Nyra can press further, Elena claps her hands, leading them toward one of the smaller living rooms.

"Now Julian says he’s hosting a party. Let’s see what you two bought!"

They open the shopping bags.

Tops and dresses Julian had forced Nyra to buy, shoes, perfumes, two black bags, homewears--things Nyra had only dreamed of having.

Then the bikini bag.

The moment they pull out the contents, Elena beams happily when she sees the red set.

"These are perfect. You’re going to look sooo beautiful in them."

Before Julian can even say a word, Elena grabs Nyra’s hand and drags her into one of the guest rooms.

"Let’s get you dressed up properly for the party."

"Okay..." Nyra giggles, letting Elena sit her in front of a huge mirror.

She helps her change while gossiping about Julian in elementary school.

She helps her tie the bikini straps behind her back, then adjusts the shorts so the curve of her hips is visible.

"Wow..." she mumbles. "You’re so beautiful..." ƒгeewebnovёl.com

Nyra smiles shyly.

No girl has ever complimented her like this before.Even her own sister always called her ugly.

"Thank you..." she whispers, feeling genuinely pretty for the first time.

Then Elena catches the faint marks of the hickeys peeking through Nyra’s concealer near her collarbone and neck.

Nyra tenses, waiting for the inevitable judgment or awkward silence. Instead, Elena smiles, doesn’t ask questions, and simply reaches for a professional makeup kit.

"Hold still, love," she says gently, adding more layers of color-correcting primer and high-coverage concealer, blending everything perfectly. "There. Good as new. These tricks work wonders for sensitive skin like ours."

Nyra relaxes, smiling brightly.

"Thank you. I’m so jealous of Julian, having a big sister like you."

Elena smiles softly. "We omegas need fo stick together. Besides, so I can be your sister too."

Nyra blinks back her tears, turning her face away to Elena doesn’t see her tears.

No one has ever offered to be family to her before.

Elena smiles and then helps her with her hair, straightening the brown strands but curling the ends. Then she packs it in a half-up, half-down style.

Nyra watches herself in the mirror, the red bikini hugging her figure perfectly. The hickeys are now invisible.

She nods in approval, swirling happily. For the first time in days, she is really happy.

The door opens, and Julian walks in without warning. He looks like he’s about to whine about being left out, but he stops short when he sees her. "Wow..." he whispers under his breath.

"Well?" Nyra smiles, twirling again. "What do you think?"

"You look so incredible, Nyra. That bikini is going to cause a riot." Then his face turns playful. "Or should I wear a matching one to support you?"

Elena rolls her eyes and throws a pillow at him. "Out! This is girl time. No Alphas allowed."

He dodges it and throws it back onto the bed. "But I was going to suggest we add purple lipstick--"

"Out, Julian!" Elena laughs, shoving him toward the door. He finally leaves, but with a deep pout. "Fine, but hurry up! And set up the pool lights. Guests will start coming in an hour!"

The siblings’ playful banter makes Nyra giggle. Elena shakes her head. "Don’t ever get a brother. They’re so annoying."

Nyra giggles again. "But what are we doing for food?"

"Oh, I ordered in," Elena explains. "Our parents aren’t home, so I’m in charge."

"Okay..."

They continue for a while longer. Elena takes several pictures together. Elena promises to post the pictures on her Instagram, and Nyra feels lighter than she has in years.

After several minutes of looking at pictures, Julian knocks and pokes his head in again.

"The food and booze are all here. The party is about to start. Some juniors from the academy are already here. Are you ready?"

"I need to get dressed too," Elena replies. "When I’m finished, we’ll come down together."

Julian nods. "Okay... Nyra, you ready?"

She smiles and nods. "Yeah, I am."

He smiles. "You better. Because you’re about to cause a riot tonight."