He's my Stepbrother

California, Eight-forty-five AM.

A little misunderstanding was echoed through the house. Hazel erupted in frustration as she shouted, expressing her dismay at their impending move, drenched in sweat and her voice cracking.

She walked out of her room and into the living room. “Mom, I can't believe Dad did this to us. How could he?” she lamented angrily.

“Hazel, we don't have a choice. The driver is already outside waiting. If we don't respond peacefully, they'll force us,” Mrs. Anderson, Hazel's mother, called out from inside the house.

“So we’re some kind of collateral or what? Mom, I can’t go,” Hazel said, her eyes welling up with tears.

“You don't even have a choice,” Mrs. Anderson replied, walking into the living room. “Hazel. I know this is hard. It’s hard for me too. Your dad used us as a bet collateral, and we can't change that,” she added, her own eyes glistening with tears.

“So will I have to leave Nicholas and Ava, and start a new life somewhere else, because of Dad's stupid gambling attitude? No, mom, I can't,” she disagreed, crying heavily and bitterly.

“You're not leaving them, Hazel. You are just moving away. Nick loves you, so I am sure your relationship will still work. Ava is your best friend, you’ll still talk,” her mother said gently, trying to reassure her.

Hazel hugged her mum tightly, whispering. “But mum, how do you cope with this sudden change?” She asked.

“Your dad wasn't the best husband, but this isn't surprising. He uses everything to bet,” Mrs. Anderson replied, pulling away from the hug. “Am sure, we’ll work things through, baby.” She added before walking away.

“Go get your things ready. The driver is waiting,” she said before her voice faded out, entering the room.

Hazel sat back in the living room, crying heavily. The thoughts of losing her boyfriend Nicholas and her best friend Ava were overwhelming. She didn't want to relocate to Los Angeles.

After a while, Hazel walked to her mum. “Who is this person we're moving in with?”

“I don't know much about him, but on the agreement paper, I saw that your dad made, his name is Alexander West.” her mom replied.

“But why would Dad use us as a bet? Why was he so selfish?” she cried. “I can't believe my whole life is about to change.”

“Hazel, I know it’s hard for you, but we can't do anything about it. Your Dad made the deal, and we can't change that,” Hazel's mom said gently. “Are your things packed now?” Hazel's mum asked, as Hazel was walking out.

“No, but I’ll get them ready now.” Hazel replied.

“Be fast, Hazel. We don't have much time before they force us out. We have a long journey ahead,” her mom said.

*******

After hours of traveling, they finally arrived at a big mansion. The whole journey to Los Angeles was quiet, with Hazel crying and on her phone. As they drove in, Hazel looked at the different buildings, cars, gardens, pools in the compound. She marveled at how beautiful her new home was.

Mrs. Anderson broke the silence on their drive in. “Maybe you will like it here baby.” Hazel didn't give a response to her mother. She rolled her eyes and shifted her gaze back to her phone.

“Get their bags,” the driver instructed the guards standing at the entrance of the main Mansion.

“It's fine, I can get mine myself,” Hazel insisted.

“No ma'am, we’ll get it for you,” the guard answered strictly.

The driver led them into the mansion. “Welcome to Mr. Alexander West's humble abode,” he said as they walked in.

There were so many guards, maids, and workers moving around, some stopping to stare. Hazel felt uncomfortable. “Mr. Alexander must be a billionaire,” she murmured to herself, trying to ignore the attention.

“Take them to their rooms,” the driver instructed, handing them over to an older maid.

“Sure, come with me,” she gestured for Hazel and her mom to follow.

After settling down in her new room, which was already furnished and stocked with clothes in her wardrobe. Hazel took a hot shower and was getting into nightwear. When the door suddenly opened.

“Hey you,” someone said. Hazel quickly wrapped her robe around her body.

“Hey,” Hazel replied shyly, turning to see who spoke.

Her eyes met with a tall handsome young man with broad shoulders, moderately long hair, and dark blue eyes that were beautiful. He was perfect.

“You must be my new stepsister,” he said, entering the room.

“You could have knocked, I was dressing,” Hazel replied sternly.

“What’s the name?” he asked. Ignoring her complaint.

Hazel gave him a confused look like he didn't hear what she had just said about him knocking.

“I was dressing and you just barged in. You’re not even saying anything,” she said, opening her eyes.

“Yeah, so what?” he said, walking closer to her. “You’re just my little sister, don't flatter yourself,” staring directly into her eyes.

“Okay, big brother,” she said sarcastically, doing the finger movement. “May you leave? I want to dress,” pointing at the door for him to leave.

“I'll leave when you’re done dressing,” he replied, wrapping his hands around her waist.

“So I'm supposed to dress in front of you?” Hazel asked furiously.

“Yes, little sister,” he said, letting go of her waist and balancing on her bed.

“You must be joking,” she blurted out, dragging him off her bed and pushing him out.

“Easy, sis. Fine I’ll leave,” he said. Hazel was about to shut the door when she muttered. “So what's the name, Big Brother?” Big emphasis on the big brother and making a sarcastic finger movement.

“It's Lucian,” he said, winking before walking away. Then she shut the door and turned the knob. She rested on the door and gasped heavily, before walking back to her dress table.

Hazel got dressed and sat on her bed, calling Nicholas to say goodnight, but suddenly her phone buzzed with a text and a picture from an unknown number.

She opened the text and as soon as she looked at the picture, her jaws dropped in shock.

“Oh my, what the hell!!”

The night was cold, and the rain fell heavily. Hazel cuddled herself in her blanket, shaking and frightened of any form of damage. She had cried all night after seeing the pictures and was now just scared.

“Hazel! Hazel!” The knock on the door made her jump, before it revealed her mom in front.

“Mum, you scared me,” Hazel muttered.

“ Nothing to be scared of baby, it’s just me. Did you have nightmares again?” her mum asked, sitting on the bed.

Hazel usually had nightmares and easily got scared, due to all her late dad’s abusive behavior whenever he was drunk or lost a gambling game. He beats up his mum and sometimes her too.

“No, I haven’t even slept all night,” Hazel said to her mum.

“Why, baby? Did something happen?” Mrs. Anderson asked worriedly.

“No, I’m fine, Mum, I was just cold, it’s not to worry about,” she said, faking a smile.

“Hazel, I'm your mother, don't lie to me,” Mrs. Anderson said.

“I'm fine, Mom,” she said, making another smile.

“Okay, then get ready. Come down, I’ll make you some hot tea,” her mom said, about to walk out. “And, uh, before I forget, have you spoken with Nick and Ava? And how do you like this place?” Mrs. Anderson asked.

“Yes, we have spoken, and it’s not so bad a place,” Hazel lied. She didn't like the place, it was big and nice, but she didn’t want to stay in Los Angeles.

“Okay, I'll be downstairs,” her mom said, closing the door.

**********

Hazel and her mum had breakfast together. Lucian came to get his food but didn’t stay to eat.

After breakfast, Hazel suddenly asked, “So where is Mr. Alexander himself,” referring to one of the chefs close by.

“He frequently goes on business trips, so probably his on a trip,” the chef replied.

After a few hours of doing nothing, Hazel picked up her phone to call Nick.

“Hey Nick,” she said as he answered.

“Hey babe, how are you doing?” Nick asked.

“Nick, how could you? Why?” She said, her eyes tearing up.

“What do you mean, babe?” Nick asked.

“I got a picture of you having locked lips with another girl. I just left California, and you have already moved on?” Hazel shouted.

“No, babe, it’s not what you think. It was a silky game,” he said defensively. “You have to believe me, babe. You know I love you, Hazel. I wouldn't do anything to hurt you.”

“I don’t believe you,” Hazel said sadly. “And it didn’t seem like it was a game, Nick,” she yelled.

“I’m sorry, Hazel. Forgive me.. I love you,” he said, trying to ease her anger.

Nick was very good at manipulating Hazel because she was always soft, and he always ended every argument by telling her he loved her.

“Okay, I forgive you. But promise you won’t do it again,” Hazel mumbled.

“Promise. Thanks, babe. You know I miss you so much already. Why don't you send me some sexy pictures?” he asked.

“Uh, okay, I will think about it,” Hazel contemplated.

“You know I don't usually ask for such things, but it’s because I miss you. Just do it?” he said, commanding.

“Okay, fine, I will,” she replied.

After he dropped the call, she was seated in the living room on the first floor. Hazel adjusted her gown to show her cleavage and raised her clothes to just beneath her lower back. She was just about to take the picture when a voice interrupted.

“What are you doing,” Lucian asked.

Hazel quickly adjusted her clothes before the picture snapped.

“What the hell!” Hazel said unconsciously, turning to Lucian. “You. Nothing,” she stammered.

Lucian walked towards her phone and checked if there were any other pictures before the one he disrupted. “You were about to take a naughty picture, weren't you?”

“And who are you to question me,” Hazel said, trying to stand her ground.

“Okay, fine, do whatever you want,” he said, throwing her phone at her. Hazel caught the phone, shaking a bit because of the encounter.

Lucian was walking away when he turned back. “Any guy who forces you to send pictures like this, isn't worth it and doesn't truly love you.”

“Thank you,” she whispered shyly, realizing he had a point.

“Now cover up,” Lucian said, pointing at her fully exposed upper chest.

She quickly adjusted her clothes before she replied, “Oh, I didn't notice. Thanks.”

“You're welcome, little sis,” Lucian replied.

Hazel was about to go back to her room when a girl interrupted.

“Hey babe,” she said, walking to Lucian and giving him a short, intense kiss. Lucian reciprocated, his hands roaming around her butt.

Hazel wasn't disturbed by their intense kiss, but more by what the girl was putting on. She was literally half naked and that is what Lucian had just complained about.

“Does he not take her seriously?” she wondered.

“Want some?” the girl asked, offering a little cigarette.

“Not now,” Lucian refused.

Hazel was about to ignore it and head up to her room when two other rugged young men, covered in tattoos over their bodies, walked in.

“Why are they all barging in?” Hazel wondered, confused.

“Hey, Lucian, you have to show up tonight,” one of the guys yelled.

“I will put it into consideration,” Lucian responded, his face stern.

“Sasha, come over her,” the guy said, pulling the girl with Lucian towards him. “Sasha, you better warn him. He has to show up,” he threatened.

“I said I will consider. Now, all of you, get the hell out of my house,” Lucian said, his anger evident.

“Lucian, be warned,” the guy retorted.

“Gregg leave,” Lucian shouted, his eyes darkened.

The pressure was overwhelming, and Hazel felt scared and frightened. “What's happening tonight? What does Lucian have to show up for? What is this all about?” She wondered. She wanted to disappear from the whole scene, so she quietly started to walk out.

“Hey, you, stop!” Gregg shouted, pointing a gun at Hazel. She froze on the spot. When Hazel turned she saw that Gregg was pointing a gun at her.

“Gregg, drop the fucking gun! Fine, I’ll be there,” Lucian quickly agreed.

Gregg hesitated, lowering the gun slightly. Then a gunshot rang out…