Claimed And Marked By Her Stepbrother Mates - Chapter 144

Chapter 144: 144-Bowing To My Mother

Kaye:

“How was it?” I asked my mother after she had used the flower. She had taken a long nap and emerged now, around 6 PM. I guess she took even more time than expected.

“It was so good. I cannot believe I’ve been sleeping on something like this all my life. If only I had known about it years ago–” she trailed off, lowering her hand and sighing, her hands clasped together.

“I’ve done you wrong, my son,” she said. I didn’t expect her to bring up our dynamic so soon.

But it was a good start. She had no clue what it meant for me to spend the day with her. She was so refreshed today, here in the woods. Everything I said had her full attention. The way she told me she cared about me and wanted me to be happy gave me an idea.

If I could mend our relationship, I could tell her about Helanie.

“I was in a tough spot back then, and I blamed you for the wrong reasons,” she began. “I had lost my mate in such a humiliating way– and then you– you were just not doing what I wanted you to do. I wanted you to be with me all the time, but then you’d go back to the mansion and be happy there. It was disturbing because you were always in so much pain when you came to my place,” she said, caressing my cheek. Her words were shaky, as though she’d cry if she spoke another word.

I remembered that time. I was little back then, but the issue was that she expected all of this from me on the full moon. Every time Ursula sent me to my mother’s place, it was a full moon.

“But still–you always remained my favorite son.” It was like my mother had shaken the world from under my feet with one statement.

“You were, and you still are. I just know you’re the only person who looks for my validation, who cares about me, and who wants to make me happy. You work so hard to earn my admiration and approval. So, I guess it’s fair to say that you turned me into a brat,” she said with a laugh before a tear rolled down her cheek.

“Mom, I didn’t know,” I said, instantly holding her hand and rubbing it between mine.

“Of course, you didn’t. I never told you and let you spoil me,” she chuckled at her own foolishness, but in my eyes, it was sweet.

“You’ve actually earned my heart and respect, and I guess you’ve achieved more than your other brothers,” she said, her comments filling my heart with warmth.

I had longed for this day. I wanted to do better and to be better. I didn’t hate my brothers–I loved them. But since I was a kid, I’d been told I wasn’t good enough. So, I worked hard to become the best, and today, hearing her say that I was the best meant everything to me.

“Hence, I’ve decided to ask you to take my favorite human on a date. I want you and Kesha together,” she said.

With just one wish, she ruined everything.

I stared at her face, and before I could express my discomfort, Kesha walked out of the side room wearing a black dress.

She came and sat beside my mother, shyly avoiding my gaze.

Kesha was adored by my mother far more than Jessica had ever been. Kesha always obeyed my mother, no matter what, and that made her special in my mother’s eyes.

The sad part was that, during my teenage years, I had considered dating Kesha many times. Not because I was attracted to her, but because I knew she was regarded as the best she-wolf. Dating her would have meant that I was good enough for someone of her caliber.

I tried a few times to talk to my mother about Kesha, but she would always tell me that she had already thought of Maximus for her. I used to get so jealous.

But I grew out of that phase when my interactions with Kesha dwindled. I hadn’t seen her for two years now, and I realized I had never truly liked her. I just wanted to prove myself worthy in my mother’s eyes by being with someone special.

And today, my mother was asking me to date her. Kesha seemed to be on board, but I was not happy at all.

I didn’t want Kesha.

She was nothing compared to Helanie. And even if Helanie was nothing, I would still want her. For the first time in my life, I didn’t want to do something for someone else. I wanted something for myself–something my heart had chosen.

“What happened, Kaye? I’ve requested something of you,” my mother said, smiling widely. “You know, I told Kesha my son would never humiliate me. That’s why I had the confidence to ask you this question in front of her. And then I also told her how you wanted to date her for so long–” she added, smiling innocently, completely unaware of the storm brewing inside me.

“Umm, but I will need to speak to you privately about this date,” I said. Even though I had wanted to say no immediately, I just couldn’t.

I started beating around the bush, but even then, my mother’s smile faded so quickly that I wanted to dig a hole and hide in it.

“Oh!” Kesha stood up abruptly, stepping away from the couch.

“I’m not denying–” I began, feeling immense pressure as both women stared at me expectantly.

“It’s okay. I’ll go get ready for a dine in with your family,” Kesha said, as if she hadn’t already come out dressed to perfection. She gave us one last smile before walking back into the room.

Now it was just me and my mother, and I knew I had to tell her that I couldn’t date Kesha.

“What happened? Why don’t you look happy? Weren’t you the one who had asked me to talk to her for you? I hope you’re not going to make me feel small by suddenly changing your mind,” my mother rattled off, not giving me a second to explain my side.