Claimed And Marked By Her Stepbrother Mates - Chapter 130

Chapter 130: 130-My Forbidden Mate

Helanie:

“You look so weak. Are you sure you want to take the first class and not a day off?” Lucy stood by my bed as I fixed my shoelaces.

“Let me do that.” She finally unwrapped her arms from around her chest and squatted down to help me with the shoes. I knew she had been upset with me.

I was gone for two days but ended up staying for almost a week. I heard everyone else left for their homes during the holidays. Well, I guess my child sacrificed himself to give me shelter for the holidays.

But Lucy was upset. I arrived late last night, and she only stared at me. I guess she had so many questions but couldn’t ask any at the time, as Lamar kept insisting I rest.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you. I heard about Gavin breaking up with you,” I said softly while she kept her head lowered.

“It’s okay. The only thing that bothers me is that you were sick, and you left with Jenny without even telling me anything. How could you be so unwell that you had to leave class midway? Did you three… plan a trip? Because that was Professor Emmet’s last class for the month,” she finally stood up and spoke, her tone devoid of gestures. She looked so defeated.

“No, we didn’t. I just wasn’t feeling well and had no other option but to leave,” I replied, concealing the real reason I left like that.

“You could have at least asked Jenny to take me to you, but you didn’t.” She was right to complain. She didn’t know the truth, so all of this was, of course, upsetting to her.

I couldn’t expect her to magically believe me when I had given her no good reason to trust me.

“I was already feeling guilty for becoming a burden on her. Anyway, let’s head out. It’s Kaye’s class, and I don’t want him to get upset,” I said, recalling our last interaction.

He didn’t look too pleased.

“Okay, let’s go.” She held her hand out to me, and I took it. I was sure we would be able to fix our broken friendship.

We walked out together while Jenny was with her brother. Ever since she took me in, her brother had been so angry with her. I understood he was worried for his sister. I just hoped he realized her troubles were more about her alpha mate than me or anyone else.

The seniors were still on holiday, so it was just our class. Which also meant her alpha mate would probably arrive next week.

The minute we stood in the third row to wait for Kaye, I noticed him fix his gaze on me. Kaye wore a black shirt and khaki pants, his hands clasped behind his back.

“Welcome back, Helanie. I hope you’re feeling well,” he called out to me in front of everyone, turning all heads in my direction.

I nodded my head in appreciation for the acknowledgment and lowered my gaze.

“I hope you don’t have a fever,” Kaye said as he took long strides toward me. Before I knew it, he had the back of his hand on my forehead.

I raised my head, and our eyes met. “Missed you so much,” he mouthed, making my heart skip a beat.

“Good, you’re feeling well,” he mumbled flirtatiously. It was also his way of letting me know he didn’t misinterpret my leaving with Lamar that day. That was a relief.

Even though I wasn’t considering dating him or expecting to be accepted by him, his words still lingered in my mind.

“There’s something about me that you all should know—I like practical work more,” he began, wandering around with his hands clasped behind his back. “And I also enjoy good challenges, trips, and exciting ways of studying. So, I’ve decided to take you all on a little trip. I hope your families don’t mind me stealing you guys for some time.”

As he mentioned that part, he turned to me and smirked. “Go pack your bags. I’ll be taking you to the Red Crown Pack, my mother’s pack. Let’s find some exciting new herbs!” he announced.

Everyone started cheering. I guess they all really wanted to go on a trip for a while.

“Go!” He clapped his hands, and we all scattered to pack.

Lucy and I hurried to pack our bags, while Lamar, of course, was already packed. He never really unpacked; he would take clothes out as needed and put them right back in his bag.

Before long, we were all seated on a bus. Kaye sat in the passenger seat next to the driver, while I silently took a back seat with Lucy. She had been doing her best to get Gavin to talk to her.

“Do you know we’ll be staying at Lady Darcy’s guesthouse?” Gavin suddenly turned to speak to me excitedly, causing Lucy to smile brightly.

“Really? It’ll be amazing to meet our trainer’s mother!” Lucy exclaimed, bouncing up and down in her seat.

I could tell she wasn’t that excited, just trying to engage with Gavin. Unfortunately, he ignored her completely, turning his head straight again. Lucy’s energy faded.

I held her hand to reassure her, silently eyeing her to give him some time. They hadn’t rejected each other yet, so I figured Gavin needed time to work things out.

As for Lady Darcy, I was a bit skeptical. I wasn’t sure how she’d react to me being in her guesthouse.

Would she hate me, like her sons did?

I hoped not.

I sat as comfortably as I could, though my body ached far too much. That had been happening a lot ever since I lost the baby. I had been seeing wolves in my sleep too—far too often for comfort.

“You know, I’ve been looking up sightings of lycans, and it seems like… we’re not the only ones who’ve encountered one,” Lucy said.

Her mention of the lycan reminded me of the cursed mate bond I had felt with that beast.

“I don’t understand why the academy doesn’t mention the lycan. It’s not just some creature—it’s a cursed someone,” she added, making me turn my head toward her.

She had really been doing her research on the lycan—or, should I say, my forbidden mate.