CHAPTER 13
**WINTER**
I glanced at the clock for what felt like the hundredth time, my nerves fraying. Every tick of the second hand seemed to push me closer to the edge, and I seriously considered just crawling into bed and calling it a night.
Zion’s reaction to my arrival had been nothing like I’d anticipated. I knew he had some dislike for me, but what I witnessed at breakfast this morning was sheer, unfiltered hatred.
Taking a deep breath, I focused on finishing my makeup, hoping it would give me a sense of control. I slipped into my heels, trying to steady my shaking hands. As I looked at my reflection in the mirror, I tried to convince myself that everything would be fine. But just as I was about to turn away, a loud, jarring knock on the door startled me, making me jump.
“It's eight! Ready or not, I’m leaving!” Zion’s voice thundered through the door, making me flinch.
With a frustrated sigh, I snatched my bag and hurried to the door. I fumbled with the handle, swinging it open to find Zion standing there, his eyes fixed on his phone. When he finally looked up, he stared at me with an emotion I couldn’t quite place. It wasn’t hatred, but it was something else entirely.
“I’m ready,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady despite the whirlwind of anxiety swirling inside me.
**ZION**
As I looked up from my phone, my breath caught in my throat.
Fuck!
Winter stood before me, dressed up and looking ethereal—far beyond my expectations. Without makeup, she was beautiful, but now, with everything perfectly in place, she seemed almost otherworldly. My eyes traced every inch of her, from the way her dress hugged her curves to the seductive allure of her heels.
She wore a sleek, midnight-blue dress that clung to her curves with a soft shimmer, catching the light with every movement. The dress was cut elegantly, with a low neckline that added a touch of sophistication while accentuating her figure.
Her hair fell in soft, cascading waves down her back, gleaming under the light and framing her face perfectly. The overall effect was striking—she looked both ethereal and captivating, a stark contrast to the tension between us.
Suddenly a wave of irritation surged through me as I noticed how incredibly sexy she looked. The thought of other men seeing her like this ignited a fierce anger in me. I could feel my jaw clenching and my fists tightening as I struggled to control my seething emotions. How dare she dress like that and make everyone else notice her?
“What are you wearing?” I snapped, my voice barely containing the rage bubbling inside me.
Winter glanced down at her outfit, her confusion apparent as she replied, "A dress." She said in a duh tone
“I don’t like it,” I said, my voice edged with disgust. “You need to change. You’re looking like a slut.”
Anger flared in Winter's eyes as she shot back, “Your mother bought me this dress, and I’m not changing. I don’t care what you think. I’m ready.”
"Snowflake...."
I was about to unleash my frustration at her defiance when Mom’s voice cut through,
“Oh Winter, you look absolutely beautiful.” She stepped in front of Winter, her admiration genuine as she added,
“I knew this dress would look great on you.”
Winter managed a small smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes.
Mom turned to me with a warm smile. “You look handsome too. Now go and have fun. And Zion, you’ll take care of her at the party, right? I know what boys your age are like—they’ll be falling all over themselves for her. Just keep the drunk, bad boys away. After all, she’s your sister and…”
That fuc*ing word again
“She’s not my sister, and I’m sure as hell, not her babysitter!” I shouted, the words flying out before I could catch them. My frustration boiled over, making my face flush with anger.
"And there’s no way I'm taking her dressed like that. It's like she's begging to be fu*ked!
Winter gasped in shock.
Mom glared at me, clearly angry, before turning her attention back to Winter.
“Just give him a minute, dear. I need to have a word with him.”
She dragged me toward the stairs, her grip tight and commanding. Once we were out of earshot, she rounded on me.
“What is wrong with you?” Mom snapped, visibly upset. “Why are you being so crude? Your behaviour is causing unnecessary tension and making things difficult for Winter. How could you say something like that to her?”
"I don't think I said anything wrong," I replied defensively.
"Really? Because from where I stand, the only one begging for a fuck is you, considering your recent escapades," Mom shot back.
I ran a frustrated hand through my hair, my patience wearing thin.
“Why did you insist she come with me? How am I supposed to enjoy myself if I’m stuck babysitting her all night? You should have consulted me before inviting her to a party where she doesn’t fit in.”
Mom’s eyes narrowed in irritation. “Oh, I’m sure you’ll find the time, just like you did last night and during the family breakfast,” she whispered sharply.
I couldn’t help but roll my eyes in response.
“Don’t roll your eyes at me, young man. Try being responsible for once. You’re acting like a spoiled child who isn’t getting his way. Winter’s part of the family now, and you need to accept that. You’re making her feel unwelcome.”
I tried to defend myself. “Mom, she doesn’t even want to be here, and I didn’t ask for this. I shouldn’t have to spend the whole night looking after her. I want to enjoy myself too.”
“I don’t get it, Zion. You two used to be close friends, inseparable. What changed?”
“Nothing,” I replied tersely. “I grew up and made new friends.” I avoided elaborating, not wanting to dive into why our friendship had ended.
Mom shook her head, her frustration clear.
“Whatever the reason, it doesn’t matter now. You will take Winter to the party and introduce her to your friends. If you can’t handle this maturely, then you need to rethink your priorities. It’s important for her and for everyone involved that you make this work.”
I glanced back at Winter, still standing by the door, fidgeting with her hands. Her eyes were locked on me, full of apprehension and hurt. Seeing her like that only added to my guilt, but I was too overwhelmed to fully process it. I shifted uncomfortably, wanting this conversation to end so I could just get on with the night.
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