Rejected by the Alpha, Claimed by his Brother
Chapter 23: _ Oh, Father

Chapter 23: _ Oh, Father

However, Camilla simply smirked at my words and before she could let out whatever she was cooking in her mouth, "I already told you, María José didn’t get in trouble."

Mr. Prince Charming came to the rescue!

My jaw nearly dropped when my sister treated his words with no regard and pointed at me with one hand.

She gave me a once-over with an expression of complete disdain. "From the looks of things," she said, dragging her gaze from my messy hair to my clothes, "it certainly looks like trouble. You look awful, María José." She sneered. "Really, you need to look in the mirror. I can’t believe people used to call you beautiful."

Before I could respond, the sound of the gates opening to let someone in interrupted the conversation. Manuel had arrived, looking as if he were carrying the heaviest load of the season—or at least, a mountain of meat. His brow was drenched in sweat, and he looked completely drained.

I had never been so relieved to see anyone in my life.

"Ah, there he is," Axel said, nodding toward Manuel. "Let’s wrap this up."

"Where should I deliver these?" Manuel grumbled, his voice filled with irritation as he shifted the load.

Before I could respond, Camilla threw herself forward, acting like she was a very hard-working lassie.

"Follow me," she commanded, tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, and tilted her chin toward Axel. "I know exactly where everything should go. I’m a very resourceful lady of this home."

I blinked at her, stunned. She had no clue where the kitchen storage was—she never went near it. But it was obvious she wasn’t about to let a lack of knowledge stop her from showing off.

Manuel sighed but followed her, muttering something under his breath that sounded like "spoiled brats." I didn’t blame him.

Once they disappeared into the house, Axel turned to me with warmth in his silvery eyes. "Well, María José, it seems my work here is done."

My palms watered, suddenly realizing he was about to leave. The thought filled me with both relief and panic. "Oh... thank you, Beta Axel. For everything. I don’t know how to repay your kindness."

He waved my words away. "No need. Just... stay out of trouble, alright?"

I nodded furiously, feeling like an overeager puppy. "I will. Thank you again."

He chuckled lightly, and oh, what did the sound of his laugh do to me? It made me stiffen as though it had hands to tickle me.

With a slight incline of his head, Axel turned and walked toward his car. As he climbed in, I couldn’t help but stare after him with gratitude swirling in my chest.

With a quiet hum, the car drove out of the driveway, leaving me alone with my thoughts—and the nervousness of stepping back inside.

___

The moment I entered the house, I almost collided with Manuel, who was storming out of the kitchen. His face was red, his brow glistening with sweat, and his eyes blazing with anger.

"Do you have any idea what I’ve been through today because of you, Omega?!" he spat, his voice rising along with his chest. "Carrying all that meat, sweating like a pig in front of everyone—"

"I’m sorry—" I started but couldn’t finish.

"Sorry?" he barked. "Sorry doesn’t cut it! Next time, carry your own damn meat!"

Before I could respond, he shoved past me, muttering curses under his breath. I stood there for a moment, stunned and guilt-ridden, but there was no time to dwell on it.

Father must be awaiting me inside. I already took so much time all thanks to Luis Miguel and his goons!

Taking a deep breath, I squared my shoulders and stepped into the house. The sight that greeted me made my heart sink.

My father stood in the center of the room, with Camilla and Rosa by his side. His face could rival a goddamn hurricane, his jaw set tight, and his eyes blazing with sheer anger.

Camilla stood with a smile curling her lips, while Rosa looked as blank and indifferent as always.

I swallowed hard and lowered my gaze, stepping forward cautiously. "Good evening, Father."

Before anyone could even tell me, the air already smelled so much like trouble.

María Jośe, you’re in trouble, okay.

His reaction was fast and brutal. He strode toward me, his hand swinging before I could even realize what was happening. The slap landed hard across my face, the sharp sting radiating through my cheek and leaving my ears ringing.

"What is good about the evening, hija?! How dare you stay away for so long! Do you think this house runs on your convenience? The kitchen has been waiting for you to return! The staff are ready to make dinner, but they couldn’t because of your absence! You had just one simple task and you still couldn’t carry it out. You just had to prove how much of a failure you are!"

"I—I’m sorry," I stammered, clutching my stinging cheek. "I didn’t mean to—"

"Didn’t mean to? You think that excuses your behavior? You’ve been gallivanting around with no regard for your duties, embarrassing this family!" He growled, throwing his hands left and right.

Tears welled up in my eyes, but I bit my lips, trying hard to refuse to to let them fall. "I... I got into a bit of trouble with members of the pack," I admitted quietly, hoping to placate him.

"Trouble? And you think that’s an excuse? You think your petty problems are more important than this household?" He fired back.

My petty problems?

Father, Rotten Luis Miguel forcefully kissed me. The pack humiliated your beloved daughter. The tomato vendor exploited her. She now has to work in the butcher every morning before everyone awakens to clear the bills. Father, your child is slowly dying.

Can’t you see? The inner child in me wailed, my cloudy eyes rising to meet his. But father will never see that. Maybe one day, he would?

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