Claimed And Marked By Her Stepbrother Mates - Chapter 431

Chapter 431: 431-Back Off
Helanie:

“We will think about it,” Norman scoffed, obviously not going to agree with my decision.

I could tell even Emmet wasn’t sure about it.

“I understand you want to give the impression that the rogue land is a safe community and that a border isn’t needed for a werewolf to survive. But let’s be honest, that’s not the case. The rogue laws only apply to academy members and the mansion residents. Other than that, the rogues are pretty much homeless creatures. And these pack members, when they go back to their packs after taking a day or two off out of nowhere, they gossip. The more rumors spread, the more dangerous it will be for the academy’s reputation. I think being transparent would be much more helpful,” I continued, trying to change their minds.

“Let me do my research and see if we need the help of our top students,” Norman finally gave in, agreeing with me. He was like a brick wall, so if he was slowly melting, that meant I had a chance.

However, of course, Kaye had something to add.

“But that wouldn’t benefit Helanie. I mean, she’s a top student by accident. She’s not a very strong one,” he almost said it just so Emmet would defend me and he could argue with him.

So I gently elbowed Emmet, and somehow he understood that I wanted him to stay quiet.

“I think if the others stay, Helanie should too. We’ll need someone level-headed to keep the peace and make sure things run smoothly in the hostel,” Norman said before visibly biting his tongue and hissing at himself. Was it that hard for him to praise me?

“Okay, go inside, take care of everything, and rest while we decide what needs to be done, okay?” Emmet turned to me, avoiding his brothers’ watchful eyes.

The way he spoke so sweetly to me made me nod like a timid kitten, while his brothers visibly rolled their eyes, scoffing at our interaction at the same time. Leaving them behind, I rushed back inside to check on my friends. They had been worried about what had happened.

Once I entered the hostel, my phone beeped with a text from Gavin.

Gavin: I’ve been thinking about everything, and I’ve come to a decision. I will no longer let Lucy manipulate me. I regret what I did to her, but I won’t date her. I will choose my second-chance mate so that my life is on the right track, and I want to help you with> your mission.

That meant the world to me, but I also didn’t want them to stop living their lives just to help me. They didn’t deserve to lose such important years of their lives for my sake. However, Gavin finally realizing how toxic the game Lucy was playing made me feel so relieved.

“Smiling at a text? Who could it possibly be?” I heard Lucy comment from behind me, making me turn around and give her a look.

“What is your problem now?” I asked her, shoving my phone into my pocket.

“Why don’t you tell me what’s wrong with you? I’m pretty sure Gavin breaking up with me was your decision. You convinced him to leave me, didn’t you?” She came at me, pushing me back until I stopped and squared up, standing my ground. She quickly stopped when she realized I wasn’t backing down.

“I think he realized how toxic it was. You don’t need to put him through so much just to earn your forgiveness,” I hissed at her, remembering how she had also cheated on him and wasn’t even that apologetic—until she found out he cheated first, and the whole game changed. Their situation was messy, but the path she wanted to take now was even messier.

“It’s always this way with her, Lucy. She only thinks about herself. She makes her friends run around for her like errand boys,” Sydney added, fueling the fire.

But I stood my ground, arms crossed over my chest.

“You’re the one describing my character now?” I said, recalling how she had cheated on her mate. My mind instantly went to Altan.

He picked someone who was supposed to be perfect for him. I would love to watch their world crumble together.

“What do you mean by that?” she grimaced, stepping toward me quickly.

That’s when I put my hand around her neck and pushed her back, causing her head to hit the wall. Her eyes widened in shock.

Even I didn’t know I had it in me. The pressure I put on her neck was unmatched. I knew that because the moment she tried to free herself, she started gasping in disbelief.

“Let her go!” Lucy rushed to my side, but before she could put her hands on me, she stepped back.

“That’s right. What were you saying? That I make my friends dance around me? How about that little dance you were doing in the kitchen while you had a mate back home?” I leaned in, whispering in her ear and hearing her let out a yelp. That was enough satisfaction for me. I knew I had messed with her mind with that little statement. Knowing her, she probably took it as a threat.

“Now, be a good little girl and f*** off,” I yelled so loud that I bet a few spits landed on her face. I then let her go, and while walking past Lucy, I shot her a deadly glare too.

Once I was in my dorm room, I saw my friends sitting and talking. Jenny had been in her pack on sick leave, and I had been sick with worry for her. The others— and Salem—were waiting for me.

“What’s going on? What did you see out there?” Penn was the first to ask, while Gavin and Lamar quickly checked me over to make sure I was okay.

“Who among you knows about the evil organization?” I asked, arms crossed.

The way Salem looked around and then slowly raised her hand in the air was so creepy.