My Step-Brothers' Forbidden Addiction

Delilah's POV

"After graduation, you're mine. Publicly. No more hiding."

Jaxon's lips brushed against my neck as he whispered the promise. We were tucked behind the library in our usual spot where no one could see us. His hands wandered over me in ways that made thinking impossible, and I let him. I always let him.

"You promise?" I breathed out. "After three years of this, you'll really claim me in front of everyone?"

"I swear it." His ice blue eyes locked onto mine. "Three more days until graduation. Then I become Alpha and no one will ever hurt you again. You'll be my Luna and they'll have to respect you."

I wanted to believe him so badly it hurt. For three years at Riverbend University, I endured hell. Male wolves grabbed me inappropriately in hallways and called me easy. Female wolves spread rumors that I slept with professors for grades. They called me wh*r*'s daughter every single day because Mom dared to date again five years after Dad died.

But Jaxon made it bearable. My fated mate, the future Alpha who loved me in secret and promised salvation was coming.

He pulled me closer and pressed his mouth to my temple. "Three more days," he murmured against my hair. "Just three more days and I'll make you mine in front of everyone."

I closed my eyes and let myself believe him. Let myself feel safe, just for a moment.

"I have to get to class," I whispered when I finally pulled back.

He kissed me softly. "Tonight. Meet me here tonight."

I nodded and slipped away from him, straightening my clothes as I headed back toward the main campus. My heart felt light for the first time in weeks. Three more days. Just three more days until everything changed.

The lightness died the moment I walked into my healing arts lecture.

"Look who finally decided to show up." Sarah's voice rang out across the classroom. "Probably late because she was on her knees somewhere earning her grade."

The class erupted in laughter. I kept my head down and moved toward my usual seat in the back.

"I heard Professor Davis failed her last exam," another girl added loudly. "Guess she'll have to work extra hard to convince him to pass her. On her back, probably."

More laughter. I sank into my seat and pulled out my notebook, ignoring the whispers and pointed looks. This was normal. This was every single day of my life at Riverbend University.

A male wolf named Kyle walked past my desk and deliberately knocked my books to the floor. "Oops. Maybe if you weren't such a clumsy wh*r* like your mother, you'd be able to hold onto things."

I bent down to pick up my books, biting my tongue to keep from responding. Fighting back only made it worse. I learned that lesson in my first year.

The lecture dragged on forever. Professor Davis called on me twice just to watch me stumble through