Claimed And Marked By Her Stepbrother Mates - Chapter 188

Chapter 188: 188-And The Devil Follows

Helanie:

This café is always full of drama—or perhaps I should say, whenever I step into it, I witness a drama unfold.

We entered, and everyone bowed to us because of the wristbands, especially since Penn was an Alpha. Penn was ever the gentleman, pulling out a chair for me, helping me sit, and then taking the liberty of ordering for us.

Benita herself walked out of the kitchen with a menu card in hand. She always made it a point to personally bring the menu whenever someone special arrived. Her eyes narrowed as they landed on me, followed by a subtle shake of her head. She made sure not to let Penn see her reaction, though. He had no idea I had once come here seeking a job, only to be rejected because Benita thought I was a prostitute. Of course, the academy wouldn’t allow any scandalous jobs, so I wasn’t sure what she had been thinking.

“Alpha Penn, how are you?” she asked in a cheerful tone.

“I’m perfect. How are you, Benita?” he replied, his charm evident in every word. As he began speaking, heads turned to him—it was impossible not to notice his presence.

“I’m not well. Oh! Your parents must be so proud to have a son like you. Mine barely want to lift a finger,” she said, smoothly transitioning from a simple greeting to venting about her family woes.

“Wait, what did he do now? I thought he’d changed after getting admitted to Fellmoon Academy,” Penn asked, leaning in with genuine interest, as if he already knew the person in question.

“Penn! You’d think he’d care about his old mother, but no. He’s a complete mess. I thought this academy would teach him responsibility, maybe even give him some courage to stand up for himself and his family. But all he does is drink whenever he’s home on holidays. I’m so worried about him,” she said, her face reflecting the deep concern of a worried mother.

“Maybe it’s just the stress of the upcoming Alpha War next year?” Penn suggested. “He’s fighting to become the Alpha of this pack, isn’t he? How’s that going? Has the current Alpha said anything? He can’t be happy knowing your son is competing with him.”

I turned my head to look out the window, only half-listening to their conversation.

“The Alpha is enraged, but he’s maintaining his composure for now. Still, I’ve noticed he seems more relaxed lately. My son doesn’t seem to value the blue jacket anymore, and they can tell he’s not going to make it. And the Alpha’s son—he’s in the academy too. I’m sure he’s making my son’s life miserable over there,” she said, pouring her worries out to Penn.

At this point, she was practically trauma-dumping, but Penn didn’t seem to mind. He handled the conversation with such poise and maturity that it was impressive.

“I was hoping you could meet him once?” she asked, her voice laced with desperation. “I just want to know if he’s okay, that the Alpha’s son isn’t causing him too much trouble.”

Her worried expression told me that this Alpha’s son must be a troublemaker, likely bullying her son. The Alpha Wars were notoriously tricky, and the pressure they brought could break even the strongest of spirits.

The two of them continued to talk before Benita took our order and left. During that time, I learned that she was the granddaughter of the Alpha of this pack—well, the former Alpha of The Dark Eclipse Pack. Her grandfather had once been the Alpha, but when the current Alpha joined the academy, he called for an Alpha War with her father, and her father lost.

Now, she wanted to reclaim the pack, as the Alpha crown had been passed down to them for generations before it was taken away by the current Alpha. Her best option was for her son to battle the current Alpha’s son.

Once she left, I straightened up as Penn’s attention returned to me.

“I was kind of expecting you to speak up and help her out. You always have the best advice,” he said, though I wasn’t sure why Penn thought I had such wisdom.

“I’m an Omega, Penn. I don’t know shit about shit,” I replied. As soon as I said that, he started chuckling.

“I like when you speak without any filters. Anyway, I’m taking you to my pack with me. Jenny will be so happy to have you, which brings me to my next topic,” he continued confidently, tapping his fingers on the desk in front of him. “Are you angry with Jenny over that cage incident? I’ve noticed you haven’t been talking to her like you used to.”

“It’s not that. You know the physical exercises are starting, and I’m stressing over trying to do my best. I’m not hanging out with anyone these days,” I replied, my head lowering as my phone beeped in my lap.

Seeing Maximus’ name pop up on the screen was strange.

“Anyway, you can always count on me for help with physical strength,” Penn said, grinning. “I can make time for you in my busy schedule.”

I rolled my eyes at him before gesturing for him to excuse me as I read the message.

My head was down, my eyes focused on the text.

Professor Maximus: How about you stop wasting your time and come to the garage for more practice?

Professor Maximus: I mean, only if my class truly means anything to you.

I narrowed my eyes in confusion, wondering why he was being so aggressive in the texts. Was he jealous that I left with Penn?

As I sighed and was about to text him back, I briefly raised my head, and what I saw froze me in place. A cold shiver ran up my spine when I saw that Alpha walk through the café door with Jenny.

“Oh! Rayden, Jenny! Come here,” Penn called, and my heart sank in my chest. It all felt like it was happening in slow motion. I didn’t want to confront this man or risk him recognizing me.

Suddenly, everything felt suffocating.