Claimed And Marked By Her Stepbrother Mates - Chapter 187

Chapter 187: 187-Invitation By The Alpha

Helanie:

I could tell Maximus hadn’t expected me to agree with him. But he eventually smiled and walked away.

It had been two hours, and I was trying my absolute best to shoot at the target. However, despite my efforts, not a single arrow hit the mark—except for the first one, which had been shot by Maximus.

There was a circle crafted into the tree by Lamar that I had been aiming for. I was exhausted at this point, wondering how long it would take before I got better at this. I had been going with the flow all this time, thinking I had plenty of time to prepare for revenge. But now, one of them was already at the academy—and even staying in the hostel.

“Hey, Helanie! If you’re done, should we go eat lunch?” Jenny called out from behind, surprising me with her sudden arrival. I had been avoiding her all morning, deliberately going to places where I thought the seniors wouldn’t be.

I was doing my best to avoid her, but now she was here again. If I kept refusing her over and over, she might feel hurt—perhaps even think I was still holding her responsible for the strained relationship between Gavin and Lucy.

“Umm, you see, I’m so bad at this,” I said, avoiding her gaze but trying hard to sound casual as I gestured toward the target.

“Yeah, but you can always continue tomorrow. It’s not like Professor Maximus is going to test us right away,” she replied, clearly noticing my awkwardness.

“Yeah, but… I’m not even hitting the tree. Why don’t you all go ahead and have lunch while I stay here and practice a bit more?” I suggested with an awkward smile as I watched my friends gather around me.

“You guys go on ahead. I’d like to have a word with her,” Gavin said, urging the others to leave. I noticed Lamar frowning, clearly reluctant, but a quick glance from me convinced him to lead the others away. The rest of the group started packing up and leaving as well.

“Are you upset because of what I said yesterday?” Gavin asked, stepping into my line of sight so I couldn’t avoid looking at him.

“No! That’s not it at all. What you said wasn’t wrong. We should have been more thoughtful and considerate of your feelings,” I replied quickly, wanting to ease any worries he might have.

“Then why are you avoiding sitting with us?” he pressed, walking over to the large table and setting his dagger down.

“I’m just really tired these days,” I lied, unable to come up with a better excuse.

“Listen,” Gavin said, turning to face me directly, “if you think I’d ever leave you, you’re mistaken. You are my forever best friend, and I have so much respect for you. No matter what happens between Lucy and me, it won’t affect our friendship. You’re incredibly important to me,” he finished, giving me a reassuring smile.

I noticed someone else wandering around the table to put his weapon down. Penn was pacing around me like a firefly, sneakily trying to overhear our conversation. On my right was Maximus, watching us from afar.

“Gavin! Nothing will ever happen to our friendship, trust me. I’m just not into the hostel’s food right now,” I said, using the excuse to cover up my real thoughts. “Since I’ve lived like a rogue, I can’t eat the same kind of food for too long.” I wasn’t planning to join them for lunch either.

I knew I was being childish, and I couldn’t avoid facing him forever, but I wanted to drag it out for as long as I could. The day he recognizes me is one I dread deeply. I hope that day never comes.

“Okay then, that’s such a relief,” Gavin said, placing a hand on his chest and sighing with relief.

“Hey, why don’t you come with me to Benita’s Café?” Penn smoothly interrupted, using the opportunity to ask me out in the subtlest way possible.

“I’m heading to the café anyway,” he added with a sly smile, glancing at Gavin. “You go on and join the others. I’ll take care of Helanie.”

Gavin hesitated for a moment but eventually left. Now, Maximus stood nearby with his hands on his hips, looking grim.

“Shall we?” Penn asked, and I reluctantly said yes. I just wanted an excuse to stay out until it was late, so I could avoid confronting my biggest nightmare.

I followed Penn in silence as we walked to his car. He opened the door for me, and I sat in the passenger seat. As he started the car, he cleared his throat, probably trying to start a conversation.

“In a few weeks, we’ll get some holidays. Where do you plan to stay during that time?” he asked, reminding me of my impending homelessness.

“It’s only a few days. I’ll manage something,” I replied, clasping my hands in my lap.

“Ahem! I was thinking…” He hesitated briefly. “Since the holidays are for the Warrior War in my pack, why don’t you come and watch? I’d really like to show you my pack.” His offer was kind and sincere. I would have loved to accept it, but Jenny’s mate would be there too.

I hadn’t told them about him, nor had I tried to learn anything about that bastard alpha so far. Being in the same pack as him would be unbearable.

“Oh, I wish I could join,” I said, turning my head toward the window.

“Why not? Everyone else is coming too,” he said, pausing briefly before adding, “except for the seniors. They’ll have exams, so don’t worry—those top seniors won’t be there.”

My heart lifted slightly at the thought. If all the seniors had exams, then that Alpha wouldn’t be there either.

“So, will the hostel stay open?” I asked.

He shook his head. “Remember our trip organized by professor Kaye? The seniors will be away for a test trip this time, so the hostel will be closed.”

I nodded to myself. If I didn’t have a place to stay as the hostel would be closed, and the seniors wouldn’t be at Penn’s pack, then maybe I could go with him.

“Cool,” Penn said, smiling as he stopped the car outside Benita’s Café.

I sighed quietly, unsure if this was the best choice but feeling like I had no other option.