Claimed And Marked By Her Stepbrother Mates - Chapter 469

Chapter 469: 469-And There He Was–The Leader
Helanie:

“You could do better,” I joked, and he rolled his eyes.

“How do I look?” I asked and noticed him instantly looking away.

“I wasn’t staring,” he rolled his eyes.

“Never said you did,” I grunted, confused why he thought that is what I was insinuating.

“So, how are you, mated to all my brothers?” He rolled his eyes like a sassy guy when he mentioned the fact that I was mated to all his brothers.

“I’m happy as long as I’m not mated to all of the brothers,” I commented, making him narrow his eyes at me.

“Oh come on, I don’t ever want that either. I’m already watching my brothers suffer—that’s enough,” he scoffed, looking like a spoiled brat.

“Are you going to spend your evening arguing with me? It’s your night. Stay positive,” I shrugged, watching him nod his head.

“Anyway, I’m happy you came,” he changed his tone and sounded serious now that he was talking about something more important.

“I couldn’t skip it. And I’m glad Romeo isn’t here tonight,” I replied.

“Of course, Helanie. He’s never going to be around us again. I don’t care how closely he’s related—even if my own brother had done it—I would’ve kicked him out of my life,” his words felt heavy but also refreshing.

The fact that he wouldn’t even spare his own brothers for that crime and sin made me see him in a new light. A light of respect.

“You’re still not my favorite stepbrother,” I joked, not wanting to make the night about myself.

He let out a deep breath and then muttered, “Nothing can be done about a mischievous one like you.”

However, our conversation ended when a hand was placed on his shoulder. He turned, revealing his mother to me. Even though she wanted her son’s attention, she was staring straight at me.

“Son, when a groom arrives, he’s supposed to meet his mother first. But sadly, others have been keeping you busy,” she said with a bitter tone, clearly upset that he had been talking to me for too long.

“Hello, Mother. How are you? Had a few too many drinks already?” Norman sighed and replied in a much more sarcastic tone.

“No, I’m sober,” she replied. “The kids are fine. Davon is doing better now, but I don’t know how long it’ll last before he gets sick again.”

It was odd how she randomly brought that up, then hugged her son and started crying on his chest.

I wanted to look for Kesha and tell her, ‘The only dramatic person here is Darcy.’

I gave Norman a nod and walked away from the two of them. I didn’t want to be around his mother—or any toxic person—for too long. As soon as I was outside the living room, I came face-to-face with Kaye again.

“You okay?” slipped out of my mouth before I could even catch my breath.

“I’m fine, thanks for caring and standing up for me earlier.” I didn’t expect him to actually thank me.

“That was nothing,” I told him.

“It was everything to me,” he used a gentle tone, making me smile at him.

“Just let us know how you’re feeling, Kaye. Sometimes, powerful creatures have a hard time adjusting to their powers. Needing guidance and support doesn’t make them weak. Sometimes, a little help is all it takes to put a leash on a powerful beast,” I ended with a playful touch, and I could tell he liked what he heard.

“You think I’m powerful?” he asked with a smile. I had learned to move on from my past and stay calm, no matter what had happened between us.

“And I called you a beast—did you miss that part?” I kept the joke going, and somehow, his face brightened again. He looked relaxed, and the shine in his eyes had come back too.

“You’re amazing. I don’t know how you do it—but you’re just a wonder,” he tilted his head, his eyes focused on my face, and complimented me in the nicest way.

But if my life were really that simple—where I could just be praised and that would be the end of it—I would’ve never had to worry. But that’s not how my life works.

As soon as my eyes shifted behind him, I saw Jessica walk in. Even though she looked beautiful in her pastel dress and light makeup, I couldn’t shake off the uneasy feeling. Kaye followed my gaze, then excused himself, rushing over to greet her. She had her father with her and a bunch of wealthy alphas and council members.

She looked happy and confident, but for some reason, her smile made me uncomfortable.

I didn’t understand it. I wasn’t jealous of her—not at all. In fact, I was happy for her and Norman. But then why was my heart racing? I could hear waves in my ears, and it wasn’t a good feeling.

I looked down to take a deep breath, then looked up again. This time, I saw all the brothers rushing in to greet the bride. Emmet and Maximus were full of smiles. Their mother had come out with Norman, but it was someone else slipping through the crowd that caught my eye.

A brown-haired guy with hazel eyes and a body covered in tattoos stayed locked in my sight. Then, my ears went silent—only to hear the words he had once said to me as he towered next to me.

“If we had met under different circumstances, I might have courted you. But I have to kill you, or else you’ll go around ruining my reputation.”

“Ahhh!” I gasped, stepping back and covering my mouth as I recognized him—the leader of the group from that night.

It was the most disgusting feeling, watching him smile and then stand right next to Jessica. Then I noticed how much they looked alike.

I saw Norman walk forward and hug ‘my rapist’, and then Jessica smiled at him and stared up at him. They all adored him—or at least respected him.

“Brother, tell them about your training,” Jessica said, helping me realize what their relationship was.

He was Jessica’s baby brother.