**Elena**
"How dare you try to seduce your sister's husband?!". She said as her palm landed hard on my cheeks. My face snapped to the side. I didn't flinch. I'd learned not to.
"I'm... sorry" I managed to say. 'I was only trying to look out for Helena". I continued.
"Oh, spare me that nonsense. You're nothing but a substitute, Elena, and you better get that straight into your head." She fired back at me.
This wasn't the first time I was hearing those words from my stepmother's lips. I had to pay the price for being bad luck and not protecting my sister enough that she had to run away.
"I promise, I'll not go near his room again"..I said, trying to hold back the tears.
For peace to reign and for my father's sake I had to put on this mask and hide the fact that I was in love with Xavier, my sister's betrothed husband and the father of my unborn pup.
"Now get dressed and spray this on your body, it has your sister's scent all over. And the Alpha wouldn't be able to tell the difference." She said her voice stern and cold.
"Yes, Mother".I responded..
I am Elena Downs, the most unlucky Omega and illegitimate daughter of our Pack's Beta.
One thing that kept me going was the striking resemblance to Helena Downs, My father's legitimate daughter- Or should I say, I was able to imitate every single expression, irritation as well as any body movement of hers.
Besides, it was the only way I could get my mother's attention which I'd always wanted.
Unfortunately, it only made the comparison even worse. I wore contact lenses to match Helena's brown eyes. Mine were hazel, Something my father once said made me prettier. But it got my stepmother even more angry.
And I don't know if that compliment made me feel good or not. But deep down I needed that assurance that I was still noticeable.
For some reason, I didn't mind being the side piece in the family as long as Xavier looked at me in ways that drove me crazy.
I'd never thought I'd want the very thing that was meant for Helena, but he loved me. He chose me over her and it fucking hurt me every single time they talked about the arranged marriage.
And thinking about it. I'm glad Helena vanished and I don't mind hiding behind this mask to be closer to him.
"What the hell is wrong with you?!".. Mother screamed as she watched the glass bottle shatter.
"I'm sorry, Mother,." I said almost immediately, going on my knees to pick up the pieces.
"Liar". I whispered to myself trying to hide the smile that brimmed across my face
I had done it on purpose. I wasn't going to spray this goddamn lotion tonight; I want the whole room to be filled with my scent.
I wanted Xavier to breathe me in. Only me.
"You good for nothing, imbecile. Can't you ever get anything right?. You always look for ways to piss me off. She yelled, yanking my hair.
"Argh.." I winced. "I'm sorry, Mother, please, it hurts."
"You better shut the fuck up and not attract any attention". She grabbed a piece and made its direction to my neck.
"Don't you dare try to act smart with me, Elena; if not, you'll wish you were dead instead." She said, staring intently at me.
I could see the hatred in her eyes, but why she hated me so much was something that bothered me.
"Yes.. Yes, ma". I responded. "Please, can you let me go now? It's hurting".
"Now, use this carefully. You better not mess it up-it's the last bottle I have. Don't ruin it! I'll have someone prepare more for next week," she said as she pressed the bottle into my arms.
I kept my head low, hiding the smirk behind my lips. Tonight would be different. Tonight, he'd notice me."