Claimed And Marked By Her Stepbrother Mates - Chapter 134

Chapter 134: 134-I Got My Mate’s Back

Helanie:

It was the oddest interaction ever. His mother outright insulted his work, and I could tell from the look on Kaye’s face that he didn’t like it.

However, it didn’t make Darcy take her words back. She seemed almost proud of her snide remarks.

“I’m sure he does take part in the family business,” Kesha’s tone the second time was harsh; her voice was much deeper and raspier. Yet, she would almost chew on her words when talking.

“He does not. He spends most of his time on things that anyone can do,” Darcy shrugged, gesturing for everyone to start eating. A maid was specifically standing by her side to fill up her glass of expensive wine or even refill her plate.

“That is so sad,” Kesha uttered, folding her arms behind her plate and not even taking a bite as she showed interest in the topic.

“I like doing what I do,” Kaye finally opened his mouth, but I felt like there could have been a much better response.

“But do you think that will be enough? Suppose you find a mate tomorrow—what will you do for her? Don’t you think your brother’s mate will feel happier because they are more successful and popular than you? You should think about all these things before choosing a path. It is not only about you but also your mates and your kids,” she finally unfolded her arms from her chest and took a bite of the steak on her plate.

I noticed Sydney watching her with big eyes, almost as if he were admiring the rings and bracelets Kesha wore.

Of course, Kesha talked about Kaye’s achievements as if they were nothing because she was all about material goods.

Even the utensils used for her were made of gold. Darcy knew how to cheer her up by making her feel special. But why?

Which pack was she from, and why was Darcy so fond of her?

“I don’t think my mate will care about all that,” Kaye said determinedly, but a laugh from his mother soured his mood again.

“If you keep going into the woods and spending full moons next to those poisonous trees—Goddess knows doing what—you will never find a mate. Or at least not one good enough to raise your social status and make people envious of you,” Darcy seemed to pass such crude comments.

Kaye’s status? As if he were nothing and needed a rich mate to elevate his confidence and position.

“Actually—” Once Kaye didn’t open his mouth, I felt the urge to defend him.

Everyone suddenly fell silent while Darcy narrowed her eyes at me. It was a clear hint that I needed to shut up and not interfere.

But they were talking in our presence, so I guessed it was fair that we got to comment.

“He doesn’t just spend his time around the poisonous trees. He makes medicines that are now wanted and used in literally every big pack’s hospital and pharmacy. He creates scents and perfumes that all the rich people enjoy. He also produces poison-laced weapons that can be extremely useful during wartime. I understand that he needs to be more active in his family business, but that doesn’t mean he’s doing nothing. He is a business himself, and I can assure you, everyone sitting here knows about his brand that produces medicines, perfumes, and many other useful things.”

The way I spoke with such confidence and knowledge left Darcy and Kesha watching my face in silence. However, Kaye lowered his head and smiled before raising it again to face them confidently.

“That is true. Our pack only uses his medicines,” Jenny spoke up, giving a boost to her trainer and also supporting my words.

“I used to work at a pharmacy, too. We would always showcase Professor Kaye’s medicines in the front row, and they would go out of stock so quickly—whether it was for skincare or deadly injuries,” Lamar added, making me smile to myself.

Just a few weeks ago, I had no one. And now, I have friends who quickly join hands to form a protective circle around me the moment they feel like I need it.

If they hadn’t started talking, Darcy would have shut me down angrily.

“True, I only use his perfumes. They just suit me,” Salem giggled, moving her shoulder up to her ear and blinking her eyes repeatedly.

“And our pack’s alpha only relies on Professor Kaye’s poisons for border security,” Lucy added, and Gavin nodded in agreement with her.

“We are huge fans of his work,” Gavin spoke up loudly.

The way everyone had started cheering for Kaye was such a slap to Darcy’s face. Such a shame for a mother to not recognize and praise her own son’s achievements.

“Okay, thank you everyone for reminding me that I don’t know my son,” she said, making it sound like a joke. “But you should know that I was the one who supported him when he first showed interest in the… herbs.” I bet she wanted to make another taunting comment but changed her mind. Her appearance and fake facade were far more sacred to her than being honest and appreciating her son.

“Anyway, have your food,” she added, giving us all a smile, though her eyes lingered on me a little longer.

Once we finished our meals, I suggested we help the maids with the cleanup. However, Sydney and her followers, along with half of the class, left with her to take a stroll before heading back to rest.

“You are such a kind little girl,” the old maid gently ran her hand through my hair as she praised me for washing the dishes. Everyone else who stayed was doing their best to clean up the kitchen and living areas so that the maids, who had worked hard to prepare such an amazing meal, could get some rest.

After I was done washing the dishes with Jenny, I noticed a text on my phone.

Professor Kaye: Come meet me behind the big tree in the backyard after midnight. I really need my mate to be with me for some time.

I quickly put my phone screen down so nobody saw the text. I felt worried about his request. If I went to meet him, he might think I had accepted being his mate. And if I didn’t go, not only would he be hurt, but I would feel restless too.