Claimed And Marked By Her Stepbrother Mates - Chapter 430

Chapter 430: 430-The Brothers Vs Me
Helanie:

“So, what exactly were you two doing outside at that time?” Norman asked in a much hushed tone, his hands on his waist. The night had passed with great difficulty.

The initial loud screams had woken up the entire academy, and everyone gathered inside, ready to fight back if anything came at them. I then found out how hard it was for others to hold my friends down once they realized I wasn’t in the academy. I’m so glad they didn’t leave to look for me and were instead chained in the basement. Staying inside was a much safer option for them.

However, after I arrived, they were let go, and everyone had one question in their eyes: ‘What was I doing with Emmet at that hour of the night?’

“I sensed something in the air and remembered how Helanie had told me the same thing, so I asked Argona to bring her to me. It was an urgent matter, it couldn’t wait until morning. And guess what? I was right,” Emmet shrugged, casually lying. But the way Norman squeezed his eyes shut was enough to tell me he didn’t believe a single word that came out of his brother’s mouth.

The others, however, wouldn’t question it. Since they all knew I was his stepsister, they got over it as easily as they had gotten excited about it.

Norman gestured for us to move to the side so we could talk about more serious matters without alarming the students.

Morning had arrived, but the snow hadn’t gone away. It was like winter had returned.

The students had been asked to return to their rooms, but they refused a few times. They wanted answers.

“Okay, everyone, here’s the deal: We will meet again in the dining hall, where a special treat will be waiting for you. Also, no more classes for now, and you can enjoy a few days off until further notice,” Maximus took it upon himself to scatter them off.

Some of the students were relieved to hear about the great feast they would get, while others began whispering about wanting to go home until then.

“We will make a decision and let you know how long before you return for classes. Which means–yes! If it’s too many days, you can go back home,” Kaye added, helping Maximus out.

The students seemed somewhat relieved and decided to leave for their dorm rooms.

“Again?” I asked, not realizing the brothers had turned to me in disapproval.

“What? I’m serious. It’s like every time something happens, you send the students away so that the ugly truth of how dangerous the rogue land is stays a secret.” I shook my head, not realizing they weren’t used to hearing me voice my opinion so directly.

But after some encouragement from Emmet, I began to realize I could speak up too.

“A word outside, ma’am?” Norman taunted, gesturing for me to follow the brothers outside.

Well, at least they were including me in their discussion.

I followed them out and sighed at the snow.

“Now, tell us everything without skipping any details. What happened last night?” Norman asked sternly.

Kaye and Maximus stepped closer, forming a circle around me, but something was different that day. Emmet didn’t let them close the circle, and instead of standing with them, he stood beside me, shoulder to shoulder–if only I were a little taller.

Emmet began explaining the events while I waited for my turn.

“And then, when he tossed me on his shoulder, I got to see the scene behind his back. They were coming at us with the big one–” I shut up instantly when I saw them exchanging glances, as if they had something interesting to share.

“What? Do you know what it means? Or what that monster and its little minions are?” I asked, hope filling my eyes.

“He tossed you on his shoulder?” Maximus–who had told me he had moved on–suddenly turned red. But his attention to that specific detail made me roll my eyes.

“He was protecting me,” I stated, folding my arms over my chest as if daring them to say another word.

“That’s right, tell them,” Emmet shrugged, causing Kaye and Maximus to exchange another glance before facing him.

“Since when did you develop hero syndrome? It wasn’t in you when your brothers needed you,” Kaye scoffed.

“Hey, he does everything for you guys. And I hate to admit it, but Helanie is right–the important issue is that there’s a new monster unlocked, and we haven’t even leveled up yet,” Norman sighed, staring into the distance.

“Can you guys tell me what’s going on?” I questioned.

The way Maximus and Kaye squared up, I had a feeling they were about to say ‘no.’ But Emmet was their brother, and he was quick to respond before they could.

“The monsters of the rogue land are connected to the evil organization.”

I was stunned, watching his face and then shifting my gaze to his brothers, who were glaring at him for spilling their secrets.

“And why do they look so constipated? Are they secretly part of those things too?” As soon as I said that, Kaye turned to face me.

“That’s enough sass. I don’t know who’s making you lose your manners, but I’d suggest you stop being an asshole,” he pointed a finger at me, causing me to feel secretly intimidated–but I refused to show it.

“That would be her own strength,” Emmet stepped between us, casually pushing his brother’s finger down with the weight of his own, “and don’t ever tell her to shut up. She finally found her voice–let her speak.”

It meant the world to me. But of course, his brothers didn’t take it well.

Especially Norman.

While the others looked hurt, Norman continued to direct his anger toward me.

“I suggest you let the students who want to help with the monster stay behind,” I finally decided. I wasn’t going back to anyone’s home for these holidays.